蘑菇AV

In a heartfelt celebration of dedication and mentorship, health preceptors and clinical instructors were recently honoured for their critically important role in educating the next generation of health professionals. A recognition event took place at the Collaborative Health Education Building (CHEB), bringing together over 100 guests, most of whom were healthcare preceptors from various fields. Preceptors are experienced practitioners who provide supervision during students鈥� clinical practice and help them apply theory to practice in a clinical setting. The preceptors were joined by senior government and university officials, as well as Dal Health faculty members and staff. A student-led video was played during the event in which Dal Health students from diverse health professions expressed appreciation and gratitude for their mentors. Shaping students鈥� education and careers Practice education is a critical component of students鈥� health education in the Faculty of Health at 蘑菇AV. Preceptors shape the education and careers of future healthcare workers, offering critical guidance, training and support, often behind the scenes. These unsung heroes develop and deepen student knowledge and skills in assessing and treating clients and patients. They play a critical role in guiding students鈥� transition from the classroom to the clinical environment and help students learn to work as members of interprofessional collaborative teams. The recognition event was hosted by Dr. Marion Brown, Associate Dean Academic in the Faculty of Health and an associate professor in the School of Social Work. She kicked off the event by expressing deep gratitude for the land and the Indigenous communities who cared for the land for centuries, and also the contributions of African Nova Scotians, all of whom made the creation of 蘑菇AV possible. Dean of the Faculty of Health Brenda Merritt spoke of the impact of preceptors as an integral component of the programs in all of the Faculty鈥檚 10 academic units. 鈥淩emarkably, over the last two academic years students in our Faculty alone completed approximately 3,000 placements annually,鈥� she said, noting the number will grow in the coming years, as the Faculty has expanded health seats and developed and implemented new health programs to support the health workforce needs of Nova Scotia. 鈥淲e simply couldn鈥檛 do it without you,鈥� she added. 鈥淧receptors are the heartbeat of our programs,鈥� said Shauna Paris Hoyte, a social worker, lawyer, and executive director of the African Nova Scotia Justice Institute. Ms. Paris Hoyte took part in a Champion Preceptors Panel at the event, which included a cross section of experienced preceptors. She was joined on the panel by Breanna Lloy, Nurse Practitioner and Nova Scotia Health (NSH) provincial professional practice leader; Heather Baker, Recreation Therapist with NSH; Chris McWilliam, Mental Health and Addictions Occupational Therapy Professional Practice Lead for NSH; Glen Nowell, Speech-Language Pathologist with Hearing and Speech Nova Scotia and Glenn Rodrigues, Pharmacy Practice Facilitator with the Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia. A source of pride and joy Describing why she enjoyed being a preceptor, Ms. Paris Hoyte said 鈥淢y experience has always been one of enthusiasm and learning. When a student says, 鈥淚 got it!鈥� and learns a complex piece of information, you can see the pride that they have. And that brings pride and joy to me.鈥� Also speaking at the event were 蘑菇AV Associate Vice President Academic Leslie Phillmore, Nova Scotia Health Chief Nurse Executive & Vice President, Clinical Performance & Professional Practice Annette Elliott Rose, and Nova Scotia Health Interim President and Chief Executive Officer Karen Oldfield. Dr. Elliott Rose described herself as a four-time Dal alumnus, preceptor and clinical instructor, describing the role as 鈥渉ard work but also a wonderful joy.鈥� She echoed the thanks to preceptors from other speakers. Ms. Oldfield noted that Nova Scotia Health supported some 7,500 placements this past year, spoke of her strong support for placements and desire for NSH to find them for all students in need of them. In an unexpected highlight, Ms. Oldfield decided to go 鈥榦ff script鈥� during her remarks, calling upon the Honourable Barbara Adams to speak. A domino effect of learning and care Minister Adams is Attorney General and Minister of Justice, as well as Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care. She is also a 蘑菇AV graduate, referring to herself as 鈥渇irst and foremost a physiotherapist.鈥� During her brief, impactful remarks, she described what it was like when she was a preceptor. 鈥淚 loved mentoring students. I felt that if I influenced just one student, there would be a domino effect and that would positively impact every patient that student had,鈥� she said before addressing the audience of preceptors directly. 鈥淚鈥檓 so grateful for all that you do, sharing your knowledge and expertise with future healthcare workers who will serve our communities for years to come.鈥� After the formal speakers and panel discussion, certificates of appreciation were distributed and guests circulated and enjoyed conversation throughout the rest of the event.

During his time in 蘑菇AV鈥檚 Master of Health Administration (MHA) program, Vinayak Thapar was thrilled to improve his research skills, participate in experiential learning opportunities, and be part of a diverse cohort.

With so much happening in our world, we can become complacent and easily forget the plight of others. Upon hearing of the shortage situation in Cuba, I decided to put together a mini-humanitarian trip to Varadero and three local pharmacists including two Dal grads made it possible!

The Faculty of Health invited applications for a Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in 鈥楢nti-Racism in Health Professions Education and Practice鈥� to be situated in the School of Nursing. We are very pleased to announce the appointment of tenured Full Professor Dr. OmiSoore Dryden to this role, starting July 1, 2025.

When the war in Ukraine started and Canada welcomed some Ukrainian refugees 鈥� Dr. Raluca Bejan became interested in the difference in their reception vs. the recent refugee wave from Afghanistan. Dr. Bejan, School of Social Work, is an expert in migrant and refugee issues, and has recently released findings of a study looking at the inequalities of Canada鈥檚 reception of refugees from Ukraine versus Afghanistan.