Announcement: Dr. Laura Diachun appointed as Assistant Dean, Learner Experience
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Laura Diachun has been appointed as the Assistant Dean, Learner Experience (Postgraduate), at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University effective May 1, 2023 to April 30, 2028.
Dr. Diachun is a Geriatrician and Associate Professor at Western University. She graduated from McMaster University Medical School in 1993. Dr. Diachun completed her training in Internal Medicine at Western University in 1996 and in Geriatric Medicine at McMaster in 1998. In 2001, she completed her Master of Education in the field of Health Studies Higher Education through the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto.
Dr. Diachun has a keen interest in innovative curriculum design – with a goal to foster medical student interest and improve student attitudes toward caring for older adults. She is co-lead of Undergraduate Medical Geriatrics Education at Western and vice-chair and former chair of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada subspecialty committee in geriatric medicine.
She has extensive experience in postgraduate medical education as a member of the geriatric medicine residency training committee, competence committee, evaluation committee and former program director.
Dr. Diachun is also a member of the Lawson Health Research Institute and is an affiliate member at the Centre for Education Research and Innovation. Her current research path examines how geriatric medicine is captured and taught in undergraduate medical education. She also looks at how students conceptualize and react to patient complexities and residents’ experiences with competence-based medical education.
Dr. Laura Diachun is passionate about building an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome and differences are respected and valued. Her goals are to continue to actively listen and learn from others as an ally for advancing equity, diversity and inclusion.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Diachun on her appointment.
Dr. Chris Watling
Acting Vice Dean, Education Scholarship and Strategy
Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
Dr. Sandra Northcott
Associate Dean, Learner Experience
Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
