First wave of specialized doctors graduate from TMU School of Medicine
The TMU School of Medicine celebrated its inaugural postgraduate medical education graduating class on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in the School’s mission to prepare diverse, future-ready physicians, trained to advance health equity in the Peel Region.
The June 3 ceremony marked the culmination of a year of intensive enhanced learning for the graduates, following several years of medical education and residency training at other institutions.
Led by Dr. Smita Halder, Vice Dean, Clinical Faculty Affairs, the ceremony brought together staff, clinical faculty, families and friends to honour the 13 graduating residents as they prepare for independent practice, now equipped with specialized skills.
Messages of congratulations from Dean Teresa Chan, President Mohamed Lachemi, Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano, Chancellor Donette Chin-Loy Chang and others reflected the significance of the milestone and the momentum of the School’s growing postgraduate programs. Program directors presented certificates to their residents in recognition of their successful completion of the program.
“Tonight is about achievement,” said Dr. Chan. “It is about service. And above all, it is about people—the people who chose a profession rooted in care, compassion, and responsibility to others. To our graduating PGME residents: congratulations. You should be extraordinarily proud of what you have accomplished.”
Dr. Ammar Hafeez receives his certificate in FM-ES Addiction Medicine
Building expertise close to home
The 13 inaugural residents completed the Family Medicine–Enhanced Skills (FM-ES) programs, an additional year of training that allows family medicine physicians to develop expertise in areas such as emergency medicine, anesthesia, addiction medicine and sports and exercise medicine while continuing to practise family medicine.
The opportunity to gain those skills close to home was a major factor in graduate Dr. Ariel Barrientos' decision to complete his training at TMU.
“What has been most meaningful about this program has been training in the community so that I can practice in the community,” said Dr. Barrientos. “I never had to leave home.”
The night also gave residents the opportunity to reflect on their long journeys to becoming physicians, including nerve-wracking medical school applications, exams, challenging cases and rewarding exchanges with patients.
“This year has been an immense period of growth,” said graduate Dr. Yohanan Levin. “My time at TMU has brought growth greater than any previous year of medical training so far.”
Recognizing excellence in teaching and mentorship
The event also recognized staff and clinical faculty who made meaningful contributions to learners via the inaugural TMU School of Medicine Awards. More than 25 awards were handed out, highlighting excellence in teaching, mentorship and community impact, including the Chan Family Awards, named in honour of the Dean and her family.
As the evening came to a close, the celebration marked not only the achievements of the graduating residents, faculty and staff, but also the continued growth of the School of Medicine’s postgraduate medical education programs.