Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) today (Oct 19) announced that, after over three years of dedicated service, Dr. Teresa Chan has made the personal decision to step down from her role as dean, School of Medicine, vice-president, medical affairs at Toronto Metropolitan University, effective October 13, 2026.
Dr. Chan joined TMU in July 2023 with a bold vision: to establish the university's inaugural School of Medicine from the ground up. In her dual role as the founding dean of the School of Medicine and vice-president, medical affairs, Dr. Chan provided strategic, academic and operational leadership and management necessary to lead and deliver the vision, mission, design and implementation of the School of Medicine.
She was a fierce advocate and champion, both internally and externally, of the school's mission and mandate to offer a new approach to medical education in Ontario, fostering academic excellence, commitment to equity and community inclusion, and innovation to address the changing needs for health-care delivery and practice.
TMU praises Dr. Chan for her leadership, dedication and great contributions to the school and its learners.
"We are very proud of the School of Medicine and everything Dr. Chan has achieved during her time here," said President and Vice-Chancellor, Mohamed Lachemi. "She leaves behind a lasting legacy of extraordinary achievements."
Dr. Chan will remain with TMU in a part time clinical faculty capacity, continuing to contribute to the education of TMU's learners and the advancement of clinical research and scholarship. The university looks forward to her continued role as clinical faculty.
To maintain the School of Medicine's momentum, Dr. Dorothy Bakker has agreed to serve as acting dean for the School of Medicine.
Further updates regarding the appointment of an interim dean and the process for a comprehensive search for a permanent successor will be shared in the coming weeks.
