UPEI appoints Dr. Preston Smith as dean of new medical school

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CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — The College of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) has introduced the appointment of Dr. Preston Smith because the inaugural dean of its new college of drugs.

Smith, a local of Summerside, brings a wealth of expertise, having served because the dean of the Faculty of Drugs on the College of Saskatchewan since 2014.

Throughout his tenure, he oversaw a complete restructuring of the school, specializing in enhancing medical training, increasing analysis capabilities, and prioritizing Indigenous well being, learner well-being, and workers engagement.

Moreover, Smith championed fairness and variety within the office, commissioning an unbiased overview to handle systemic inequities, main the school towards a extra equitable, various and inclusive establishment. Beneath his management, the college grew to become the primary Canadian medical faculty to ascertain a division of Indigenous well being and wellness.

It was additionally chosen to take part within the Anti-Racist Transformation in Medical Training initiative, becoming a member of prestigious establishments like Columbia College and the College of California, Los Angeles, in collaboration with the Icahn College of Drugs at Mount Sinai.

“Dr. Preston Smith’s appreciable successes as USask dean of drugs are grounded in his deep understanding of the significance of profitable doctor engagement and doctor management,” says Dr. Susan Shaw, chief medical officer of the Saskatchewan Well being Authority.

Smith’s expertise additionally consists of 25 years as a household doctor in Moncton, New Brunswick and his tutorial background features a grasp of training in medical training from Mount Saint Vincent College

“I’ve an unwavering ardour for the transformative potential of medical training and analysis inside healthcare programs and communities,” stated Smith. “This particular alternative permits me to contribute to establishing a cutting-edge medical faculty in Prince Edward Island, nearer to household.

Smith will assume his function on April 1, 2024.

UPEI’s partnership with the Memorial College of Newfoundland, a pacesetter in rural drugs, is a groundbreaking initiative.

The joint diploma program will provide 20 seats per 12 months, with a dedication to order one seat for Indigenous learners. The curriculum, spanning 4 phases, combines the experience of each colleges and consists of substantial sensible coaching.

The brand new medical faculty which is able to open in 2025, housed in a state-of-the-art facility, boasts a simulation heart for in depth coaching, catering not solely to physicians but in addition to nursing college students, paramedics, and neighborhood physicians.

The bottom ground of the medical heart will function a provincial medical dwelling, aiming to accommodate 10,000 sufferers, located for public accessibility on the College Avenue and Enman Crescent intersection.