Annual Report 2022-2023: Adult Psychiatry and Health Systems Division

Submitted by Dr. Paul Kurdyak, Director, Division of Adult Psychiatry and Health Systems

The Adult Psychiatry and Health Systems Division is the largest academic division within the Department of Psychiatry. The faculty associated with this division participate in foundational training for medical students, psychiatry residents, and interprofessional trainees.

This past year, Dr. Sonu Gaind was the successful candidate for the position of Psychiatrist-in-Chief at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; this opportunity meant that Dr. Gaind resigned his position at Co-Director of the division after 8 years of successful leadership. Dr. Andrea Waddell assumed the position of the Associate Director, Quality and Innovation, within the Division of Adult Psychiatry and Health Systems.

This past year saw significant developments for the Quality Improvement and Patient Safety initiative within the division. Led by Drs. Waddell and Tara Burra, the QI initiative achieved several milestones. As a result of Dr. Waddell and Burra’s leadership, there is now a QI area of focus within the Canadian Psychiatric Association. The department of psychiatry has also agreed to launch a funding initiative to support faculty members to develop QI-focused academic work. Finally, a number of faculty members who are developing academically-oriented careers in QI have received Academic Scholar Awards. Taken together, this past year has seen tremendous growth in QI, which is a key pillar in the Department of Psychiatry’s strategic plan.