Announcement: Dr. Shannon Venance appointed Vice Dean, Undergraduate Medical Education
I am pleased to announce that Dr. Shannon Venance, PhD, MD, FRCPC, has been appointed to the position of Vice Dean, Undergraduate Medical Education, at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University effective August 1, 2021 to July 31, 2026.
Dr. Venance earned her PhD from Queen's University in 1993 and her MD from the University of Ottawa in 1997. She completed neurology residency training at the University of Ottawa, followed by Neuromuscular Fellowships at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry and the University of Rochester, New York.
She joined the Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry in 2004, and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2010. Her clinical expertise is in muscle disorders, and she collaborates with a diverse group of health professionals in the management and care of individuals living with muscle conditions. She received her certification as an electromyographer by the Canadian Society of Clinical Neurophysiologists in 2003 and has served as the Chief Examiner.
Dr. Venance is a highly engaged clinician teacher who will bring her collaborative style, expertise in change management and continual focus on quality improvement to the position. She has been involved in medical education locally and nationally. Her recent roles include Faculty Lead, MD Curriculum Implementation; Director, Postgraduate Medical Education and Competency Based Medical Education Implementation; Assistant Secretary to the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools; and Co-Chair of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Neurology exam board.
Her contributions to medical education have been recognized with the Schulich Award of Excellence Distinguished Leader – Undergraduate Medical Education, the Douglas Bocking Award for Excellence in Medical Teaching and the Angelika F. Hahn Award for Excellence in Clinical Teaching.
As Vice Dean, Undergraduate Medical Education, Dr. Venance’s key leadership responsibilities will include decision making for and oversight of Undergraduate Medical Education.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Shannon Venance on her new appointment.
I'd also like to thank Dr. Gary Tithecott for his leadership as the Associate Dean, Undergraduate Medical Education (2011-2020) and the Acting Vice Dean, Undergraduate Medical Education (2020-2021). During his tenure, Dr. Tithecott oversaw the Doctor of Medicine program and successfully advanced a number of critical initiatives including accreditation, a renewed curriculum, competency-based medical education and MD+.
John Yoo, MD, FRCS(C), FACS
Dean, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
Western University
