Welcome Messages

Dr. Paul M. O’Byrne, MB, FRCP(C), FRSC
Dean and Vice-President,
Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine
McMaster University

Message from the Dean and Vice-President
Faculty of Health Sciences

Welcome to the Norman Education Research Day 2020, hosted virtually by the Health Science Education Program and the McMaster Education Research, Innovation and Theory Program known as MERIT. While this day was intended to take place at the Peter George Centre for Living and Learning, I am confident that this virtual opportunity will, as always, showcase the outstanding, diverse and high quality activities of McMaster, national and international experts, along with trainees of the Health Science Education Program.

This past year, McMaster University’s Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine celebrated 50 years of exceptional innovations in education, research and care, while fostering outstanding doctors, specialists and researchers. Over the past five decades, there have been many changes within our Faculty of Health Sciences, but perhaps one of the greatest challenges we have faced has been the unprecedented situation of the COVID-19. However, it is no wonder that our Faculty has been able to quickly adapt to the ongoing challenges presented by the pandemic. Our rich history of academic achievements and vital contributions to developing health education, as led by Professor Emeritus Geoff Norman, positioned us to maintain our outstanding research and educational endeavours even during difficult times like these.

I hope that you will enjoy this special day that is dedicated to celebrating the history and future of health professions education scholarship across McMaster University’s Faculty of Health Sciences. I wish you a wonderful and thought-provoking day filled with learning and discovery.

Dr. Alan J. Neville
Vice-Dean, Health Professional Education
Faculty of Health Sciences
McMaster University

Message from the Vice-Dean, Health Professional Education, FHS.

On behalf of the Faculty of Health Sciences, I would like to welcome you to the very first, but hopefully last “virtual” Norman Education Research Day. Celebrating the excellent and wide-ranging education research that flows from our faculty and learners is best done together in person. Just as importantly, I’m sure you all would have been delighted to personally congratulate our Education Research Day namesake, Dr Geoff Norman, on his recovery from a very serious illness earlier this year.

                The Pandemic has forced us to communicate just about everything on-line and research is no exception. However, as you will all find out today, there is plenty of high quality education research to present and I anticipate that you will find much to interest and even inspire you in today’s presentations.

Dr. Alan J. Neville

Vice-Dean, Health Professional Education

Faculty of Health Sciences

McMaster University