We are pleased to announce the reappointment of Marc Rodger, MD, as Chair of the Department of Medicine (DOM) in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at McGill University and as Physician-in-Chief of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), effective January 1, 2025. Dr. Rodger’s unwavering commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration and excellence has been a cornerstone of his leadership. As he embarks on his second term, we celebrate his remarkable achievements and look ahead to his bold and inspiring vision for the future.
During his first term, Dr. Rodger led the DOM with a focus on strengthening governance and fostering transparent communication. He established the DOM Executive and DOM Council, ensuring diverse representation that included McGill affiliates, PhD scientists, early-career faculty, and trainees. Through governance reforms such as term limits and external reviews for division directors, he reinforced accountability and the pursuit of continuous improvement. His emphasis on clear communication is reflected in initiatives such as the DOM Weekly newsletter and the Annual Report, which created a cohesive and transparent culture within the department.
Dr. Rodger’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic exemplified adaptability and resilience. He guided the DOM and the MUHC through the crisis by expanding significantly the MUHC’s Medical Mission from 202 to over 350 beds during the first wave. He also mobilized interdisciplinary physician teams across McGill’s affiliated hospitals, ensuring exceptional patient care under extraordinary circumstances.
In education, Dr. Rodger revitalized the CORE Internal Medicine (IM) training program, addressing accreditation challenges and achieving a highly favourable external review in 2021. He enhanced the learning environment through improved supervision, the resolution of critical care rotation issues and advocacy for 24/7 ICU attending coverage. Additionally, he championed a mentorship program that paired over 50 mentors and mentees, fostering faculty development and retention.
Under Dr. Rodger’s guidance, the DOM achieved significant milestones in research, securing over $43 million in funding and implementing initiatives to improve success rates in FRQ-S competitions. He developed a unique governance model that integrated PhD scientists into clinical divisions, facilitating translational research and mentorship opportunities for trainees.
Recognizing the importance of wellness and community building, Dr. Rodger introduced Schwartz Rounds and “WeLounge” social events to strengthen faculty connections and promote well-being. He also advanced quality and safety initiatives supporting quality improvement projects and career development in quality science. In advancement and fundraising, he led impactful campaigns such as the “Rising Star Awards” and the McGill Leaders Fund, leveraging contributions from practice plans and foundations to drive growth and innovation.
In his second term, Dr. Rodger will focus on advancing the DOM’s ambitious strategic plan, anchored in four core aspirations: (1) fostering a culture of research excellence to make the DOM Canada’s most research-intensive Department of Medicine; (2) advocating for quality care to improve patient outcomes through innovative practices; (3) solidifying the DOM as the CORE training program of choice by creating an unparalleled learning environment; and (4) ensuring the department remains a place where people love to work by enhancing wellness programs, mentorship, and professional development. This actionable roadmap, supported by 12 measurable aspirations and tools for tracking progress, ensures the DOM will continue to lead in research, education, and care delivery.
Born in Chibougamau and a proud McGill alumnus, Dr. Rodger’s career has been defined by groundbreaking contributions to medicine. Cited over 35,000 times, his research on venous thrombosis has been influencing profoundly clinical practice worldwide. His visionary leadership and dedication to excellence have solidified McGill’s DOM and the MUHC as leaders in innovation and care.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Rodger on his reappointment and in supporting him as he continues to inspire, innovate and lead.
Lesley K. Fellows, MDCM, DPhil
Vice-President (Health Affairs)
Dean, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
McGill University
Jean Deschênes, MD
Interim Medical and Professional Services Director
McGill University Health Centre
