DWED Marks 15 Years of Innovation in Psychiatric Education
A feature on the milestone anniversary of Donald Wasylenki Education Day.
The Department of Psychiatry celebrated a milestone moment as the 15th Annual Donald Wasylenki Education Day (DWED) brought together faculty, learners, and staff for a vibrant day of learning, connection, and scholarly exchange. Held at the University of Toronto’s Chestnut Conference Centre, this year’s gathering, under the leadership of Dr. Shaheen Darani, Director of Faculty Development and Mentorship, astutely captured the spirit of growth and collaboration that has shaped DWED since its early beginnings in 2011.
A Dynamic Day Focused on the Future of Learning
This year’s theme—AI in medical education—offered a timely and energizing look at how emerging technologies are reshaping clinical teaching and practice. The day opened with a few words from Dr. Sanjeev Sockalingam, Vice Chair, Education on the history of DWED Day and its namesake, Dr. Don Wasylenki. Dr. Simone Vigod, Labatt Family Chair of the Department of Psychiatry, followed with an introduction to the Fotheringham Memorial Lecture delivered by Dr. Adam Rodman, Director of AI Programs at Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Rodman delivered a lively and informative keynote address aimed at reviewing the literature on the impact of artificial intelligence on healthcare and education and what it means for the future of medical education.
It’s no surprise that his talk sparked a wave of thoughtful questions—from AI hallucinations and variability in learner and patient assessments to automation bias and how medical errors by humans versus AI might be perceived. While not every issue has a definitive answer yet, one message that resonated strongly with attendees was his insight that psychiatry remains a “highly protected” field, where human interaction is central to patient care. Many aspects of context, nuance, and interpersonal connection simply cannot be captured by AI. In his words, it would be “almost impossible to replace psychiatrists,” a quip that drew enthusiastic applause.
Learning, Sharing, and Growing Across the Department
Following the keynote, participants congregated amongst the 40 posters in this year’s showcase, featuring a wide range of education scholarship across Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum Innovation; Faculty and Professional Development; EDIIA; and Service User and Community Engagement.
The learning continued over the career development lunch, another highlight that gave faculty and trainees a safe space to receive mentorship from senior departmental and education leaders on topics of AI in medical education, academic promotion, education research methods, and strategies for building strong educational portfolios.
Two interactive workshops concluded the day where Dr. Rodman continued to share his expertise on GenAI for the Medical Educator, while Victoria Sheldon and Jordan Holmes provided a practical workshop on Adapting Assessments with Generative AI in Mind.
Poster Showcase, Career Development Lunch and Workshop Photos
Poster presentations.
Poster presentations.
Poster presentations
Poster presentations.
Poster presentations.
Poster presentations.
Poster presentations.
Poster presentations.
Career Development Lunch
Attendees at an AI Workshop with facilitators Victoria Sheldon and Jordan Holmes.
Attendees at an AI Workshop with facilitators Victoria Sheldon and Jordan Holmes.
Attendees at an AI Workshop with facilitator, Dr. Adam Rodman.
DWED continues to provide a space for faculty and trainees to come together as a community, to connect, commiserate, and celebrate teaching and education in our Department and beyond.
This year’s participants captured that spirit beautifully:
“It’s amazing to see so many supporting, recognizing and valuing your roles as educators and teachers, particularly as this is our 15th annual event.”
— Dr. Simone Vigod, Labatt Family Chair of the Department of Psychiatry
“It is wonderful to see how DWED Day has grown and evolved over the years in the department. Seeing so many people here today and the program that the planning committee and Dr. Darani have created reflects the depth, passion and dedication to education within the department.”
— Dr. Sanjeev Sockalingam, Vice Chair, Education
“I’m always impressed by the caliber of the keynote speakers and the opportunity to learn from experts who’ve thought deeply about their fields. I was also struck by the strength of education scholarship in our department… I left the day feeling energized and hopeful.”
— Dr. Sophie Soklaridis, Mental Health and Addiction Equity and EDIIA
“It seems that the DWED conference goes from strength to strength each year.”
— Dr. Karen Wang, Program Director, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Residency Program
“Dr. Rodman often paused—half‑jokingly—to apologize for the grim future his AI reflections suggested, yet I still left feeling hopeful and inspired… Our best bet is to see AI as a tool to optimize our work and enhance patient care. Based on the enthusiasm across our Department, fostered by DWED, that future seems within reach.”
— Dr. Nikhita Singhal, PGY6 Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Resident
Fifteen Years of Growth, Curiosity, and Community (2011–2026)
From its early origins to it’s milestone 15th anniversary, Donald Wasylenki Education Day has become a defining part of the Department of Psychiatry’s educational identity—fostering scholarship, collaboration, mentorship, and innovation.
This year’s focus on AI reflects the bold, forward‑looking lens that has defined the event since its earliest days. As DWED looks to the future, its continued growth reflects both the vibrant educational community it supports and the legacy of its founder, Dr. Susan Lieff, former Vice-Chair, Education, and it’s namesake, Dr. Donald Wasylenki himself. With continued momentum—and deep appreciation for the visionaries whose leadership helped shape DWED—this annual gathering is poised to remain a cornerstone of our academic culture for many years to come.
2026 DWED Poster Showcase Award Winners
Dozens of innovative and educational posters were presented at this year's DWED poster session. Drs. Jovana Martinovic and Branka Agic, Co-Chairs of this year's Poster Showcase, presented the winners with their certificates. Congratulations to the 2026 winners!
Best Faculty Poster Award
Improving 2nd year MD student transition to clerkship – The Paired Rotation Experience for Transition to Clerkship (PreTTC)
Presented to: Dr. Kien Dang
Best Status Only Faculty Poster Award
Developing the CAMH Clear and Inclusive Writing Guidelines: An example of co-creation and meaningful engagement
Presented to: Dr. Sophie Soklaridis
Best Trainee Poster Award
The Impact of Patient Suicide on Psychiatry Residents: A Qualitative Study
Presented to: Dr. Peri Fenwick
People’s Choice Award
Who Chose These Measures Anyway?": Patient-Driven Evaluation in Practice
Presented to: Taryn Lee, Nicole Leung, Kayle Donner and Jordana Rovet
Poster Award Winner Photo Carousel
2026 DWED Poster Showcase Award Winners
Best Faculty Poster Award Winner: Dr. Kien Dang
Best Status Only Faculty Poster Award Winner: Dr. Sophie Soklaridis
Best Trainee Poster Award Winner: Dr. Peri Fenwick
People’s Choice Award Winners: Taryn Lee, Nicole Leung, Kayle Donner and Jordana Rovet