Jacqueline Torti
jtorti2@uwo.ca
519-661-2111 Ext.22143
Medical Sciences Building (MSB), Suite 102A
Google Scholar
Current Appointments
Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine with a Cross-Appointment in Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine Dentistry, Western University
Scientist, Centre for Education Research & Innovation, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University
Affiliate Scientist, Lawson Health Research Institute
Educational Background
PhD, Public Health Sciences, University of Alberta
MA, Applied Health Sciences, Brock University
BPhEd, Physical Education, Brock University
Why Medical Education?
Like many of my colleagues in medical education, I started in a field outside of medical education. And, like many of my colleagues, medical education weaved its way into my life and has become the fabric of my academic pursuits ever since. My education and research background are in the public health sciences, a distinct yet overlapping field of study. My background uniquely situates me to cultivate mechanisms to support public health practice and health professions' education partnerships. One of the ultimate goals of health professions is to enhance the patient experience, the quality of care they receive and improve population health. Still, you cannot achieve these goals without focusing on learner and provider well-being. Medical education provides a fascinating opportunity to engage in appreciative inquiry. By examining what we value, we can build a foundation for a shared wellness vision moving forward.
What Are Your Most Rewarding Career Moments?
Being appointed a faculty member and scientist at the Centre for Education Research and Innovation has been the highlight of my career. But, even more rewarding, have been the moments when I was in the presence of a leader and had the opportunity to lead myself. To me, a leader is someone who is inspired to find the potential in individuals and in situations and has the courage to cultivate that potential. I've been so fortunate to have had colleagues and mentors throughout my career who saw my potential and dared me to pursue my dreams. I've also had countless opportunities to pass along this leadership and foster the potential in others. I look forward to many more rewarding career moments.
What is Your Approach to Mentorship?
Stellar mentorship inspires and cultivates future stellar mentors. At the Centre for Education Research and Innovation, I have been fortunate to learn from exceptional mentors—many of them Centre scientists—who have profoundly shaped my values and approach. The traits they instilled in me are those I strive to embody and pass along to others.
My approach to mentorship is rooted in courage, collaboration, humility, and humanity. Mentorship is inherently a leap of faith—an investment in relationships that requires courage to uncover and nurture the potential in others. This journey is collaborative, emphasizing a shared sense of interconnectedness and mutual growth between mentor and mentee.
Humility is central to my philosophy. By being open, vulnerable, and willing to learn alongside my mentees, I create a space where growth and self-discovery thrive. Equally important is humanity—compassion and empathy are the foundations of meaningful mentorship. Guiding others with kindness fosters trust, understanding, and transformative learning experiences.
Through these principles, I aim to honor the legacy of my mentors and contribute to a culture of mentorship that elevates both individuals and the broader academic community.
Key Research Questions
How does character development impact healthcare provider well-being?
How does character influence teamwork among interdisciplinary healthcare teams?
How do we foster courage cultures in health professions' education?
Keywords
Public Health; Qualitative Inquiry; Psychosocial Wellbeing; Sociobehavourial Sciences; Character-Based Leadership
