Office of Professional & Educational Development - OPED

Congratulations 🎉

Two awards, one incredible impact.
Dr. Sevtap Savas, a professor in our Faculty of Medicine, has received both the 2026 CAPO Innovation Award and a 2026 Newfoundland and Labrador Seniors of Distinction Award for her leadership in cancer research, patient partnerships and public engagement.

Since joining Memorial in 2008, Dr. Savas has worked to ensure patient and public voices help shape cancer research, policy discussions and knowledge sharing throughout the province and beyond.

👏 Congratulations, Dr. Savas, on this well-deserved recognition!

Read more: Double Honours - https://bit.ly/4wkIYif
Memorial University, Newfoundland and Labrador
BioMedical Sciences, Memorial University
Outreach and Engagement, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University

Meet the team behind MedQuest and Outreach & Engagement at Memorial University’s Faculty of Medicine! 🔬🧪Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University

Danielle Nichols develops the programs, creates hands-on learning experiences, and brings new outreach ideas to life. Charli Philpott keeps it all running smoothly by managing the administration, logistics, and countless behind-the-scenes details that make every event a success.

Together, they’re passionate about inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals and connecting medicine with communities.

🎉 Save the Date!
Faculty of Medicine, MUN Reunion 2026 is happening July 31 – August 1, 2026 in St. John’s, NL! Reconnect with classmates, celebrate milestones, and catch up with the Faculty of Medicine community.
Registration is now open! Learn more and register: https://www.med.mun.ca/oped/programs/reunion2026
Memorial University Memorial University Alumni

📢 Registration is now open!
Join us for the Atlantic Canada Physician & Graduate Medical Education Conference 2026—bringing together physicians, educators, learners, and healthcare professionals to explore innovation, collaboration, and excellence in medical education.
Learn more and register today: https://www.med.mun.ca/oped/programs/acpagm2026
Faculty of Medicine, MUN NL Health Services

OPED is saddened to learn of the passing of Bonnie, founder of Ovarian Cancer Research and Education NL (OCRE-NL) and Belles with Balls NL.

We were honoured to support this organization for many years and to work alongside Bonnie, whose courage, compassion, and dedication to ovarian cancer awareness touched countless lives across Newfoundland and Labrador.

Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and the entire Belles community. Bonnie’s legacy will continue to inspire for generations to come. 💙

Today, our hearts are heavy as we say goodbye to our founding Belle, our dear friend, and the very reason this incredible community exists.

When Bonnie was diagnosed with ovarian cancer nearly 17 years ago, she and her husband found themselves searching for answers, education, and hope. They had never even heard of ovarian cancer before her diagnosis. Rather than allowing that reality to define her, Bonnie made a remarkable decision—she turned her diagnosis into a mission so that no other family would have to face the same journey feeling alone.

From her courage grew Ovarian Cancer Research and Education NL (OCRE-NL) Fund and Belles with Balls NL.

Bonnie turned pain into purpose, uncertainty into education, and heartbreak into hope. In true Bonnie fashion, she brought people together, inspired a province, and created a community built on compassion, strength, and unwavering determination.

Anyone fortunate enough to know Bonnie knows she was so much more than courageous. She was a beacon of light. She radiated positivity, kindness, grace, and strength, with a heart as beautiful as her smile. She had an extraordinary ability to make everyone around her feel seen, valued, and capable of making a difference.

While this tremendous loss will be felt across Newfoundland and Labrador, Bonnie's legacy is one that will never fade. It lives on through every dollar raised, every life touched, every conversation started about ovarian cancer, and every member of the Belles family she inspired.

As we move forward, we do so carrying Bonnie with us. She will forever be the heart of our organization, our inspiration, and our guiding light. We know she will be with us in everything we do, reminding us to lead with courage, kindness, and hope.

Thank you, Bonnie, for showing us what it truly means to make every moment matter. Your legacy will continue to change lives for generations to come.

Forever our founding Belle. Forever our inspiration.

Stronger Together. 🩵🌻

🎉 We’re celebrating! 🎉

The Office of Professional and Educational Development (OPED) has been awarded full Committee on Accreditation of Continuing Medical Education (CACME) accreditation for an eight-year term (2026–2033)!

The CACME review team recognized our innovative program design, strong co-leadership model, psychologically safe workplace culture, and impactful partner relationships.

This achievement reflects the dedication of our entire team and the valued contributions of our faculty, staff, learners, and partners. Thank you to everyone who helped make this possible!

👏 Congratulations, OPED Team!

Empowering rural physicians to lead local health solutions through the 6for6 program. Read more about it in this inspiring article. 👇

A voice for their communities For more than a decade, Memorial University’s 6for6 program has empowered rural physicians in N.L. to lead research rooted in their communities' needs.

🩺💻 Future Health Leaders: MedQuest Virtual 2026

Calling all high school students interested in medicine, science, and health care!
Join us online for an exciting virtual experience featuring:
🔬 Interactive activities
🧩 Medical mystery challenges
🫀 Anatomy & epidemiology sessions
👩‍⚕️ Health-care career exploration
🤝 Team-based learning experiences

Discover what it’s like to explore the world of medicine — all from anywhere in Newfoundland and Labrador and beyond!
Hosted by the Office of Professional & Educational Development (OPED), Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University.
📅 Registration opens Wednesday, June 3
Office of Professional & Educational Development (OPED) - Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s

Registration Now Open!
Join us for the Artificial Intelligence in Health Symposium 2026 on May 30 at the Core Science Facility (CSF), Memorial University (St. John’s). Http://www.med.mun.ca/oped/programs/4919

This full-day hybrid event explores how AI is transforming healthcare and medical education.
Location: CSF 1302
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Registration 8:30 AM)
Format: In-person & virtual
Topics:
• AI in clinical care
• AI in education & research
• Ethics & responsible AI
• Health system innovation
Audience: Healthcare professionals, educators, researchers, and learners
Info: Anuj Charan
[email protected] | [email protected] Outreach and Engagement, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial UniversityFaculty of Medicine, Memorial University Bounce Health InnovationFaculty of Engineering and Applied Science