Ruth Chen appointed Acting Associate Dean, Continuing Professional Development

Ruth Chen has been appointed acting associate dean, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) effective July 15, 2023.

Chen was selected as the assistant dean, Faculty Development for the Faculty of Health Sciences in January 2022, where she has advanced and strengthened the faculty development infrastructure to help faculty expand their skills and capabilities and grow and thrive in their roles.

“I know Dr. Chen will excel in this senior leadership role and ensure the continued delivery of excellent continuing professional development activities across disciplines, programs and departments across FHS, including with external partners,” said Paul O’Byrne, dean and vice-president of the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Chen is an associate professor in the School of Nursing and was the assistant dean, academic resources and department education coordinator for the School of Nursing for five years. Previously practicing as a nurse practitioner in the U.S. and Canada, Chen teaches in the Ontario Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner Program as the pathophysiology lead and course instructor. She also teaches in the Leadership and Management course in the Health Sciences Education MSc program. She is actively engaged in education scholarship with interests that include technology-enhanced learning, faculty development, and scholarship in equity, diversity and inclusion.

“I am excited for this opportunity to serve the FHS and to promote engaging and high-impact professional development offerings that support the evolving needs of our community,” said Chen.

Chen completed her BA in Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of California at Berkeley, her MSN at Yale University and PhD in Health Research Methodology at McMaster.

“Faculty Affairs is happy to support this appointment of Dr. Ruth Chen, who has been the assistant dean, Program of Faculty Development since 2022 and brings great expertise to this role,” said Mark Walton, vice-dean, Faculty Affairs. “Working with CPD manager, Danielle Stayzer and the CPD team, as well as Dr. Nishma Singhal, assistant dean of the Continuing Health Sciences Education Program, and Dr. Ilana Bayer, director of the Learning Technologies Lab, Dr. Chen will continue to integrate and develop the cohesive CPD portfolio. I look forward to working with Dr. Chen in this interim role. This fall, a committee will select an associate dean, Continuing Professional Development.”