Orientation for New Faculty offers a comprehensive introduction to our community
Joining a new community can be daunting, but in the Department of Psychiatry, the Orientation for New Faculty event ensures attendees have the knowledge and tools they need to start right as they become acquainted with their role as faculty members.
Hosted at the University of Toronto faculty club, this year’s Orientation on November 22, 2024, featured a packed agenda. Attendees were introduced to their role in the university, opportunities for teaching in undergraduate and postgraduate education, and tips for starting a career in teaching, research, or quality improvement.
Attendees were also introduced to the Department’s mentorship program, the opportunities for one-on-one and group mentorship it offers, and its mission to ensure that every faculty member who wishes to have a mentor can find one.
Dr. Enoch Ng, a first-year faculty member and psychiatrist based at Sunnybrook Hospital, found the Orientation shed light on many aspects of career progression that he was uncertain about.
“The Orientation clarified aspects of the academic promotions process that previously seemed like a black box,” says Dr. Ng. “In the workshop for scientists, I learned about the skills and resources to really focus on when starting off as an early career researcher. It provided a solid foundation for an academic career in psychiatry.”
Dr. Maryana Kravtsenyuk, another new faculty member, found the event to be inviting and enriching.
“The event atmosphere was inclusive of all the newly appointed academic colleagues and fostered connections with the Department of Psychiatry community by creating opportunities for meaningful interactions with colleagues and mentors,” says Dr. Kravtsenyuk. “It helps to build professional relationship and collaborate effectively within the department having events like this one.”
One of the day’s highlights was the mentorship lunch. Leaders from the Department joined attendees to introduce themselves and network, sharing insights and experience they’d gained over the course of their careers.
“During the mentorship lunch, senior members of the faculty provided a helpful perspective regarding some obstacles I've encountered,” says Dr. Ng. “One of the faculty members was one I had cited frequently in my research, so it was great to meet them in person.”
Perhaps the most important benefit of Orientation is the connections that attendees form with their colleagues. These connections make our Department a true community, allowing knowledge and experience to be shared and fuelling future collaborations in research, teaching, and patient care.
“During the workshop, I got the chance to reconnect with a familiar face from my graduate school days who is now a first-year junior faculty member like me,” says Dr. Ng. “The informal conversations we had after the workshop actually sparked ideas for research endeavours moving forward.”
Faculty members and learners looking to spark new ideas of their own don’t need to wait a year for the next Orientation. The next Faculty Development event is Donald Wasylenki Education Day on January 30, 2025. Providing a forum to develop knowledge and skills in teaching and education, this event is an excellent opportunity to connect and draw inspiration from colleagues. Whether you’re a new faculty member, a learner, or an established member of our community, it’s one of our Department’s essential events. Register for Donald Wasylenki Education Day now and reserve your place!