This year’s Osler Awards for Outstanding Teaching in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences were bestowed upon Maxime Labelle, MDCM, Faculty Lecturer, Department of Internal Medicine, Campus Outaouais, and Gabriel Venne DO, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Montreal Campus, as part of the Spring Convocation ceremony “A” on May 28. The awards, presented for the first time to a recipient from each campus, are presented to professors in the Faculty who, in the opinion of the senior medical students, have made the most outstanding contribution to their medical education.
In her introduction, Marion Koch, MD, Program Director, Undergraduate Medical Education, Outaouais Campus, noted that Dr. Labelle has been championing medical education at Campus Outaouais since its very beginning. His course, Early recognition of and response to acute deterioration (ERRAD), which he developed and delivers, regularly receives “rave reviews,’ added Dr. Koch. “Several students mentioned that, influenced by Dr. Labelle, they chose internal medicine as their speciality,” she said. “He showed himself to not only have a very effective teaching approach in the classroom, but also in clinical settings,” guiding them deftly through differential diagnoses to treatment plans, preparing them for the next phase of their medical education.
Prof. Venne was chosen by students as this year’s recipient for the Montreal Campus. During her introduction, Mélanie Mondou, MDCM, Associate Dean, Undergraduate Medical Education, shared a few of the testimonials Prof. Venne received from his students: “Dr. Venne is an engaged teacher who sincerely loves what he does,” said one student. Added another, “He’s very hands on and takes the time to teach you until you understand,” said another. “He’s relatable, kind and knowledgeable.”
Prof. Venne, who regularly joins his students for a run on Mont-Royal during lunch hour, told Health e-News he was deeply honoured to be recognized by his students. “This recognition means that the Division of Anatomical Sciences is succeeding in its mission,” he said. “Our mission goes beyond teaching excellence; it promotes a positive, inclusive, and safe learning environment. With the help of our body donors – our silent teachers – we also foster the development of positive humanistic values in future generations of healthcare providers. Teaching the next generation of healthcare providers is a real privilege, and we are proud to do it in a positive way that contributes to making our society a better place.”
Congratulations to Dr. Labelle and Prof. Venne – and thank you for your outstanding contributions to medical education!