Congratulations to the Class of 2022 Post-Graduate Trainees!

On June 14^th, 2022, the University of Toronto’s Department of Radiation Oncology (UTDRO) hosted the Post-Grad Graduation Ceremony to celebrate the achievements of our newest graduands. 

With the lifting of restrictions, we were delighted to finally be able to celebrate the successes of our colleagues in-person at Hart House. From our turnout of 130 attendees it was clear that everyone has been most eager for this opportunity!

Temerty Faculty of Medicine’s leadership, Dr. Fei-Fei Liu, UTDRO Chair, and Dr. Meredith Giuliani, Associate Dean, Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME), opened the Ceremony with heartfelt congratulations; each acknowledging the determination of the UTDRO community to persevere in our ever-changing environment, demonstrate excellence and guide the future of medicine forward.

Research Award Ceremony

Our Vice Chair Research, Dr. Michael Milosevic, announced the six award winners from UTDRO Research Day 2022. Again this year, there was exceptional research presented by our residents, fellows and graduate students. Their presentations showcased the breadth and depth of research in our department and generated excitement for the future.

• J. R. Cunningham Award - Academic Excellence in Research by a Physics Resident - Oleksii Semeniuk
• R. S. Bush Award - Academic Excellence in Research by a Radiation Oncology Fellow - K. Liang Zeng
• Richard P. Hill Award - Academic Excellence in Research by a Graduate Student - Aly Khalifa
• W. J. Simpson Award - Academic Excellence in Research by a Radiation Oncology Resident - Amir Safavi
• Best Poster Award for Academic Excellence in Research - John  Hudson
• Chair's Award for Academic Excellence in Research - Eric Zhao

Certificate Ceremonies

UTDRO Education Leads, Dr. Andrea Bezjak, Director of the Radiation Oncology Residency Program, Dr. Andrea McNiven, Director of the Physics Residency Program, and Dr. Jennifer Croke, Director of the Fellowship Program, had the pleasure of announcing our 28 graduands. This being an in-person event, we were honoured to witness each graduand eagerly cross the stage to receive their certificates.

Radiation Oncology Residency Certificate Ceremony

Presented by: Dr. Andrea Bezjak, Director of the Radiation Oncology Residency Program

Graduands: Dana Keilty, Nauman Malik, Michael Tjong

Physics Residency Certificate Ceremony

Presented by: Dr. Andrea McNiven, Director of the Physics Residency Program

Graduands: Priscilla Dreyer, Matthew Gwilliam, Christopher Johnstone, Hedi Katalmohseni, Reza Moosavi Askari, Humza Nusrat

Radiation Oncology Fellowship Certificate Ceremony

Presented by: Dr. Jennifer Croke, Director of the Fellowship Program

Graduands: Aishah AlQaderi, Ionut (John) Busca, Rohann Correa, Avipsa Das, Shivakumar Gudi, Elizabeth Guimond, Paola Jablonska, Leticia Krozkin, Shirley Lewis, Inmaculada Navarro, Eric Nguyen, Jerusha Padayachee, Jonathan Peng, Mariana Petruccelli, Aba Scott, Julianna Sienna, Michael Yan, Candice Yu, Kang Liang Zeng

Words of Wisdom and Congratulations from Trainees

Dr. Mariana Petruccelli, our Co-Chief Fellow, spoke on behalf of her colleagues in the Fellowship program to express their heartfelt gratitude for the immense contributions of our exceptional faculty, hardworking staff, and patients who generously allowed our graduates into their lives in order to learn and grow as physicians.

Of course, the evening would not be complete without officially recognizing the outstanding training that is so invaluable to the success of our graduates. Accordingly, the Chief trainees – Drs. Charmainne Cruje and Jennifer Kwan – presented 3 awards to the extraordinary educators within our programs, in recognition of their unwavering dedication, mentorship, and support.

• Physics Residents’ Award for Excellence in Physics Teaching - Dr. Aaron Vandermeer
• Residents’ Award for Excellence in Clinical Teaching - Dr. Ezra Hahn
• Residents’ Award for Excellence in Clinical Teaching by a Fellow - Dr. Aishah AlQaderi

Ceremony Closing

Sarah Steed, Associate Director of Alumni Relations and Special Events, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, welcomed the graduates to the alumni community, highlighting the opportunities to keep connected and engaged in the future of UTDRO.  

Dr. May Tsao, Vice Chair Education, concluded the formal portion of the event with sincere congratulations and was joined by the Ceremony’s attendees for a round of applause to celebrate UTDRO’s exceptional graduands, faculty, trainees, and staff.  

Congratulations to our 2022 post-grad graduates!

Congratulations again to our 2022 graduates and welcome to our esteemed University of Toronto’s Radiation Oncology Alumni Community. We wish every one of you great success in your future pursuits!

View photos from the UTDRO Post-Grad 2022 Graduation Ceremony and Reception below.  

Photo Credit: Horst Herget