Christopher J. Watling, MD, FRCP(C), MMedEd

watlingProfessor, Departments of Clinical Neurological Sciences and Oncology, Western University
Associate Dean, Postgraduate Medical Education, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
Office: Medical Sciences Building
Phone: Western University: 519-661-2111 x82019
University Hospital: 519-685-8600 x58586
Secretary: Sheryl Jones, Brenda Giasson
  

Bio Sketch

Dr. Watling obtained his MD (cum laude) from Dalhousie University in Halifax in 1990. He completed residency training in neurology at Western University in 1995 and fellowship training in Pain and Symptom Management at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston in 1996. After practicing general neurology in Sudbury, Ontario for 4 years, he joined the Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry in 2000.

In 2009, Dr. Watling completed a Master of Medical Education degree at the University of Dundee with a research thesis entitled "Rules of Engagement: An Exploration of Resident and Faculty Perceptions of the Resident In-Training Evaluation Process". In 2014, he received his PhD in Health Professions Education from Maastricht University; his thesis was entitled "Cognition, culture, and credibility: Deconstructing feedback in medical education." He is a Scientist at Schulich's Centre for Education Research and Innovation, and is presently the Associate Dean for Postgraduate Medical Education at Schulich.

Research

Dr. Watling's research program uses qualitative approaches to explore key questions around learning. His work examines the factors that influence learning in the clinical environment and how events and experiences come to resonate with learners. The influence of feedback on learning has been a particular focus in Dr. Watling's work. In addition, he is exploring the interaction between individual and socio-cultural influences on learning in medical and other settings.

Medical Interests

Medical Education, Neuro-oncology

Honours and Awards


  • 2016, Excellence in Education Leader Award, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
  • 2014, Top "What Works" Paper, International Conference on Residency Education
  • 2012, Carol P. Herbert Award for Best Research Paper, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
  • 2012, Award for Best Oral Presentation, Canadin Association for Medical Education
  • 2011, Carol P. Herbert Award for Best Research Paper, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
  • 2011, Research Award for Best Oral Presentation - Runner Up, Canadian Association for Medical Education
  • 2009, Certificate of Merit, Canadian Association for Medical Education
  • 2009, A.B. Baker Teacher Recognition Award, Western University
  • 2007, Teaching Honour Roll Certificate, Western University Students' Council
  • 2006, Educator Award (Graduate/Postgraduate), Schulich school of Medicine & Dentistry
  • 2006, Teaching Honour Roll Certificate, Western University Students' Council
  • 2005, Teaching Honour Roll Certificate, Western University Students' Council
  • 2003, "Best Curriculum on Earth" Certificate of Appreciation, Hippocratic Council, Western University
  • 2003, Top-Rated Off-Service PGY-1 Supervisor, Western University Department of Psychiatry
  • 2001, Teaching Honour Roll Certificate, Western University Students' Council
  • 2000, Teaching Honour Roll Certificate, Western University Students' Council

Publications

PubMed Publications Listing

Publications

Tekian A, Watling CJ, Roberts TE, Steinert Y, Norcini J. Qualitative and quantitative feedback in the context of competency-based education. Med Teach. 2017 Sep 19:1-5. doi: 10.1080/0142159X.2017.1372564. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 28927332.

LaDonna KA, Watling CJ, Ray SL, Piechowicz C, Venance SL. Evolving Motivations: Patients' and Caregivers' Perceptions About Seeking Myotonic Dystrophy (DM1) and Huntington's Disease Care. Qual Health Res. 2017 Sep;27(11):1727-1737. doi: 10.1177/1049732317711901. Epub 2017 Jun 19. PubMed PMID: 28799481.

Nguyen TK, Bauman GS, Watling CJ, Hahn K. Patient- and family-centered care: a qualitative exploration of oncologist perspectives. Support Care Cancer. 2017 Jan;25(1):213-219. Epub 2016 Sep 11. PMID: 27614869

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