Jun 1, 2022

Paula Nixon receives recognition for excellence in program administration

Programs: Postgraduate, Agile education

“Paula is clearly proud of postgraduate education in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology and of her role in it,” said Dr. Susan Done, Director of the Anatomical Pathology Residency program at the University of Toronto when nominating Paula for her recent award. “She is esteemed by all trainees on account of her tireless dedication to administrative excellence and commitment to building a collegial and inclusive work environment,” added Chief Resident, Dr. Roman Zyla.

Postgraduate Educator Officer in LMP, Paula Nixon is the recipient of a new award from the Postgraduate Administrators Advisory Committee (PAAC) within Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) at U of T: the Dan Stojimirovic Career Achievement Award.

The award is in memory and recognition of Dan Stojimirovic’s exemplary commitment and program support as a Program Administrator in the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery. It is presented to a long service Program Administrator (15 years+) who embodies similar attributes in their service to the trainees and program.

Paula is behind all ten postgraduate programs in LMP, ensuring their smooth running and efficiency. “Countless trainees have commented on how Paula has helped alleviate the stress associated with being part of a large, multi-site training program,” said Dr. Zyla. “No matter how large or unexpected the challenge, Paula always rises to it. She relishes new situations and approaches them in a calm and rational manner,” continued Dr. Done.

One such situation has been moving all residency programs in LMP to Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME), introduced by the Royal College. An outcomes-based educational model, it emphasizes the demonstration of competence in key skills and abilities deemed essential for future practice and de-emphasizes time. LMP’s Forensic Pathology program was one of the first residency programs in Canada to transition to the new model under Paula’s guidance. Anatomical Pathology is in the process of transition and others are planning the transition (Hematological Pathology, Neuropathology, and Medical Microbiology).

Transferring a large 5-year program like Anatomical Pathology to Competence-by-Design (or CBD) hasn’t been without its challenges says Paula, “We have two cohorts: one on the former system and one proceeding through CBD. They compare and contrast their experiences which makes them worry sometimes, so communicating with them about that and alleviating their concerns is very important”.

Paula is certainly well placed to guide them through it as Dr. Done noted, “She is amazingly good at putting people at their ease. If a trainee or faculty member wants to discuss a matter with her, she always has time to listen.”

Dr. Susan Armstrong, a 5th year Anatomical Pathology resident in LMP, highlighted Paula’s role as a consultant for the Resident Wellness Committee in her nomination. Paula has been involved in arranging wellness activities, such as finding presenters and speakers for the Resident Wellness Day and helping to coordinate events. She has also spearheaded her own wellness initiatives, such as purchasing care packages for the trainees during the pandemic and personally delivering them.

Dr. Armstrong commented, “I have interacted with Paula since I first applied to the program and her expertise and guidance have played a critical role in my success. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with her. She has done remarkable work and will no doubt continue to do so as she continues to support the programs, the university, and the many trainees whose lives will be impacted, like mine”.

“Paula Nixon is an outstanding admin and a treasure to have within the department!” summarized resident, Dr. Cornelia Thoeni.