Equipping learners for success

Success in medical education is multifaceted, and for Dr. Stephen Miller, it’s about more than just numbers or accolades.

“We need to keep our eye on the prize, which is the health of our population, and the endgame is to produce high-quality medical graduates who can serve our population and continue to do it in a high-quality way.”

The newly appointed senior associate dean, medical education, assumed the role on July 15, 2024, after four years as associate dean, continuing professional development and medical education (CPDME), and six years as assistant dean for the Skilled Clinician Program. Holding an academic position in the medical school for the last decade, he says he was grateful to have the support of his colleagues.  

“When you apply for these positions, you wonder if you're the right fit, but I feel like much of my career has led to this point,” he remarks. “I felt a mix of humility and gratitude, knowing that people I respect believed I could handle this role. That meant a lot to me.”   

A modification of the senior associate dean position in the faculty, in this new role Dr. Miller will represent the Faculty of Medicine both internally and externally, provide senior leadership, and act as the dean's representative. He will oversee the entire education continuum—undergraduate medical education (UGME), postgraduate medical education (PGME), CPDME, admissions, the Office of Professional Affairs, and the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program.

“I aim to take a high-level view to identify where we can improve efficiencies, collaborations, and knowledge sharing,” says Dr. Miller. “It’s about breaking down silos and bringing everything together.” 

Dr. Miller will also be responsible for delivering and coordinating the Faculty of Medicine's distributed medical education programs, particularly at the undergraduate level. 

A sense of belonging  

Drawing from his experience in previous leadership roles, Dr. Miller is well-positioned to advocate for both learners and faculty. His time in UGME provided him with a solid understanding of that field and its key players, as well as learner assessment, remediation, and program evaluation. Working with students, he was able to determine what motivates them and connect with them on a personal level. As the associate dean of CPDME, he was similarly able to understand that area and frequently interacted with a wide range of individuals, including both clinicians and academics. Now, moving into a more senior role, Dr. Miller will draw from these experiences, but notes it will be much more about managing people and how to make them feel supported.  

“It’s no longer about me; it’s about everyone else. It’s about empowering people, valuing them, and helping those who might be struggling to improve their effectiveness within the team.” 

Dr. Miller knows firsthand how it feels to be on the receiving end of that support. Medical school was one of the first places he felt he truly belonged. As senior associate dean, he plans to pay it forward. 

“If I can do this job and ensure that everyone in the class feels like they belong, are supported, and can do whatever they aspire to, then that's a job well done. That's how I felt, and I want everyone to feel that way.” 

For Dr. Miller, that feeling, and support has continued into his academic career. He recognizes the tremendous mentorship and guidance he has received from both Dr. Evelyn Sutton and Dr. Jennifer Hall, and notes he was motivated to apply for this position because of Dr. David Anderson’s role as dean. 

“I have so much respect for Dr. Anderson, and really enjoy working with him.”

Benefitting learner outcomes 

Since his appointment, Dr. Miller has focused on meeting with individuals and teams to identify pressure points and determine how to drive advancement in their areas. In the coming months, he will focus on preparing for the upcoming accreditation process, taking a more active role by February. He will also support the opening of the Cape Breton Medical Campus, and as chair of the Education Council, he will drive the Faculty of Medicine's Strategic Plan and address emerging issues like the integration of artificial intelligence into the curriculum. 

Dr. Miller is also working with leadership to optimize the efficiency of the Faculty of Medicine’s evaluation specialists, highly trained professionals skilled not only in data management but also in conducting research and working effectively in teams. This will ensure that data is handled properly, and the faculty is achieving the desired outcomes, while an evaluation of the curriculum ensures that our methods are truly benefiting learning outcomes.  

“By embracing change, focusing on hot topics, and evaluating their impact, we can stay at the forefront of medical education,” he says. “This means making sure changes result in high-quality outcomes for learners, which ultimately benefits population health.”