I am pleased to announce the reappointment of Brenda Hemmelgarn as dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry for a second five-year term effective January 1, 2025.
Since her initial appointment in January 2020, Brenda has successfully guided the faculty through significant challenges, including the university restructuring and a global pandemic. In July 2023, she also took on the role of college dean and vice-provost for the College of Health Sciences.
With nearly 40 years of experience across healthcare, academia and administration, Brenda is exceptionally qualified to continue leading the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. After earning two degrees in nursing, she went on to complete a PhD in epidemiology and biostatistics from McGill University and her MD at McMaster University. Specializing in nephrology, her clinical expertise has shaped her person-centred approach to health leadership. A strong advocate for patient-first research, she has secured over $20 million in research funding and published over 500 peer-reviewed articles.
Under Brenda’s leadership, the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry continues to advance its strategic plan, Vision 2025. This plan includes initiatives such as the Wâpanachakos Indigenous Health Program and the creation of key roles to support the faculty including the chief wellness officer and social accountability lead. Brenda has also led the medical school expansion, including creating a regional campus (the Northern Alberta Medical Program) in Grande Prairie, the expansion of the Academic Medicine and Health Services Program (AMHSP), and other related programs. The faculty remains internationally recognized for its innovation in precision health, AI in health, population health (including Indigenous and rural health), and health-services research. In 2024, the faculty was ranked No. 5 among medical faculties in Canada by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
Please join me in congratulating Brenda on her reappointment. I would also like to extend my gratitude to the members of the Dean Review Committee and all who participated in the review process.
Verna Yiu
Provost & Vice-President (Academic)