Queen’s University appoints Dr. Jane Philpott as Dean of Health Sciences

Queen’s University has shared the announcement of the appointment of their new Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, and Director of the School of Medicine. The Honourable Jane Philpott, whose career has included time in politics and education, as well as 30 years in family medicine and global health, will take the role on July 1.

“She is a powerful addition to our Faculty of Health Sciences and our university and I know will play a pivotal role in furthering our mission of making a positive impact on society through education and research,” said Patrick Deane, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the university.

Philpott, who was elected the Member of Parliament for Markham-Stouffville as a Liberal Party candidate went on to serve as Minister of Health, Minister of Indigenous Services, President of the Treasury Board, and Minister of Digital Government.

“Having worked with Dr. Philpott for four years in Parliament, I know that she will be an invaluable addition to Queen’s University, serving in this position with compassion, insight, professionalism, and integrity,” said MP Mark Gerretsen in a statement following the announcement. “I extend my best wishes and a warm welcome to Jane as she joins our community.”

Prior to politics, Philpott was an associate professor with University of Toronto’s Faculty of Medicine and was the Chief of Family Medicine at Markham Stouffville Hospital.

Philpott spent the first decade of her medical career in Niger, West Africa, training community health workers and providing local care. She later went on to start ‘Give a Day to World AIDS’ which has raised over $5 million to help those affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa.

“Queen’s University’s Faculty of Health Sciences is among the top interdisciplinary institutions of its kind in Canada,” said Philpott, whose daughter is studying kinesiology at Queen’s University. “I look forward to serving the Queen’s community in upholding and strengthening its reputation for excellence”.

Philpott’s new role with the university will see her lead the School of Medicine, School of Nursing and School of Rehabilitation Therapy. Additionally, her role appoints her as the CEO of the Southeastern Ontario Academic Medical Organization. Philpott is the first woman to hold this position with the university.