Ruth Chen appointed associate dean, Continuing Professional Development

Ruth Chen has been appointed associate dean, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) effective July 1, 2024. Chen has served as the acting associate dean, CPD since July 2023. After a competitive search process, Chen has been selected as the successful candidate for this important position.

“As the acting associate dean, Dr. Chen has worked diligently to address opportunities identified through the recent review of the Office of CPD, including actioning 37 recommendations related to the CPD strategy and structure,” said Paul O’Byrne, dean and vice-president of the Faculty of Health Sciences. “The vision she has established for innovative and impactful continuing education along with a mission to provide health sciences professionals with high-quality, evidence-based continuing education opportunities that enhance their skills, knowledge, and competencies, will help people respond effectively to the evolving needs of the healthcare system and communities they serve. The CPD Office’s strategic priorities are aligned with the Faculty’s and I look forward to learning more about the enhanced programming and offerings under Dr. Chen’s leadership.”

Chen is an associate professor in the School of Nursing (SON) and previously held the leadership positions of assistant dean, Academic Resources and department education coordinator for the SON and assistant dean of Faculty Development for the Faculty of Health Sciences. 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 is actively engaged in education scholarship with interests that include technology-enhanced learning, faculty development, and scholarship in equity, diversity, and inclusion.

“On behalf of Faculty Affairs, I would like to congratulate Dr. Ruth Chen who has already demonstrated her leadership and expertise related to this portfolio since 2022 when she became the assistant dean of Faculty Development and then acting associate dean of Continuing Professional Development in July 2023,” said Mark Walton, vice-dean, Faculty Affairs. “I am confident Dr. Chen will ensure the Office of CPD continues to produce excellent programming while it also evolves to meet the latest needs of faculty and health professionals.”

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.

“I am excited to fulfill the mission and vision of the CPD Office and thrilled to lead a great team that offers professional development to our Faculty and community,” said Chen.