Resident awards celebrate the accomplishments of our post-graduate learners in the areas of research, education, advocacy, academic achievement, and more. Unless otherwise stated, the deadline for nominations/applications for awards is April 15, 2021.
Allan Kaplan Grad Award
To be awarded to a full time Canadian graduate student that is enrolled in the Clinician Scientist Program in the Department of Psychiatry on the basis of academic merit.
Type: Philanthropic
Eligible recipients: CSP Residents
Preference will be given to a student who is also enrolled in the Institute for Medical Science.
Nominations may be submitted to the psych.awards@utoronto.ca email.
Donald A. Wasylenki Award for the Best Sociocultural Psychiatry Grand Rounds
Awarded to the best Grand Rounds given by a resident on sociocultural dimensions in psychiatry.
Type: Departmental
Eligible recipients: Residents
Amount: $500
Topic relevant to sociocultural dimensions of mental health and psychiatry; it may be clinically oriented or addresses broader organizational or systemic issues
Promotes the values of diversity and equity
Reflects critical thinking
Incorporates recent empirical or conceptual advances in the field of cultural or social psychiatry and/or related fields, including medical anthropology, sociology, law, philosophy, history, spirituality, etc.
Effective presentation (use of clinical case materials, A/V or media, simple non-busy slides, interactivity, etc.)
Nomination process:
Each hospital site Grand Rounds coordinator or resident can submit nominations, forwarding:
A copy of the Grand Rounds Power-point slides (or written description if no Power-point was used
Feedback/evaluations received from the Grand Rounds
Indicate permission for the nominated Grand Rounds slides to be posted on departmental websites (All confidential case material will be removed prior to posting.)
Optional (bonus points):
Any supplementary information such as descriptive write-up of any interactive methods not captured by the slides and recommendation letters
Department of Psychiatry Research Day Best Presentation by a Resident
This award aims to encourage psychiatric research on the part of our residents.
Awards will be presented for posters and oral presentations to Faculty and Trainees in the Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto. Awards will be judged based on the abstract submission and oral presentation/poster.
All presentations made at Department of Psychiatry Research Day by residents will be considered automatically for an award.
Department of Psychiatry Award for Resident Teaching in Undergraduate Education
Awarded to residents who make outstanding contributions to teaching undergraduate medical students. Every year there are residents who make outstanding contributions to teaching undergraduate medical students. In order to fittingly recognize and encourage these contributions, the Resident Teaching Award is presented at the annual Departmental Dinner to the nominee deemed most worthy by our Undergraduate Awards Committee.
Although teaching performance is the main criteria for this award, the Awards Committee will consider overall contributions, and particularly innovations in Undergraduate Education in Psychiatry. Quantitative TES data will be reviewed and compared along with any qualitative evaluations provided in the nomination package.
Undergraduate Education Coordinators at each site should submit at least one nomination.
Residents who would like to suggest a name to their local Undergraduate Education coordinator are encouraged to do so.
Nominations must include:
Letter of support from resident's base hospital Undergraduate Site Coordinator.
Any of the following would be useful to support the nomination. It is not expected that a resident submit material in all of the following categories:
A list of teaching activities in the 2020-21 academic year
Any teaching evaluations (TES) on record
Outlines or material from seminars, lectures or courses they have designed
Educational writings, research or publications
A letter of support from a peer
Letters of support from students
Materials should be collected and submitted by the Undergraduate Site Directors.
Department of Psychiatry Award for Division of Geriatric Psychiatry Resident
This cash award will be presented annually to a Psychiatry resident enrolled in the University of Toronto program. Residents who have completed their core training and subspecialty residents are eligible. Residents should have demonstrated excellence in their geriatrics rotation(s) and done additional scholarly work (research, teaching, advocacy, grand rounds or other initiatives) related to the field.
Residents should have demonstrated excellence in their geriatrics rotation(s) and done additional scholarly work (research, teaching, advocacy, grand rounds or other initiatives) related to the field.
Nomination letters should outline the resident's achievements and innovative contributions.
Department of Psychiatry Award for Outstanding Resident in Neuroscience Research
Recognizes special contributions to the field of Neoroscience Psychiatry by a PGY-1 through 5 level psychiatry resident at the University of Toronto.
Being involved in innovative Neuroscience Psychiatry research endeavours.
Interested candidates must submit a personal statement outlining activities he or she performed that the committee should consider, a description of plans on how the award funds would be used towards further their addiction education, as well as an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV) and one letter of reference to support the application.
Department of Psychiatry Award for Best Psychotherapy Clinical Case Report Submitted by a Resident
The Best Case Report by a Senior Resident Psychotherapy Award will be awarded at Department of Psychiatry Research Day and consists of a certificate and cash award of $500.
Please note that all Senior Residents (PGYIVs or Vs) are invited to apply for the Best Case Report Psychotherapy Award. The clinical case report can be of a case treated in any psychotherapeutic modality including: long-term or brief dynamic psychotherapy; cognitive-behavioural therapy; interpersonal therapy; integrative psychotherapy; dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, couple or family therapy; or, a patient treated in group psychotherapy.
The clinical case report should contain a detailed initial history, assessment, diagnostic formulation, and a psychotherapeutic formulation relevant to the modality utilized and the central constructs of that specific modality. It should also review the course of therapy through elaboration of process and content of sessions that reflects the applied psychotherapeutic principles. Length: 10-15 typed, double-spaced pages. Please list references, with complete citations listed alphabetically at the end of the report. Psychotherapy supervisors can provide mentorship on the preparation of the clinical case report.
A subcommittee composed of members of the Psychotherapy Committee will evaluate submissions for this award on the (1) basis of its adherence to the guidelines for the clinical case report; (2) depth of therapeutic understanding and technique; (3) description of and reference to relevant clinical theory or research literature; (4) expressive clarity and the capacity to describe the clinical process with attention to clinical, applied theoretical and research concepts; with, (5) sensitivity of the therapist to the contributions of the patient and the therapist in therapy.
Department of Psychiatry Award for Child and Youth Mental Health Community Experience
This award was originally established by Dr. Marshall Korenblum and Dr. Ruth Stirtzinger as the Best Paper in Community Consultation in 1998. At that time residents were required to submit a paper centered on a community consultation experience involving indirect consultation with allied health professionals. This revised award honours the community consultation experience; however, the criteria have changed.
Eligible recipients: Fellow or resident.
All submissions must include: (A) completed application (see link/attachment) by the resident outlining their community clinical experience as well as (B) at least one letter of support from a supervisor and/or agency representative.
A community clinical experience includes services provided in the community to remote health care settings, schools, community health teams and other agencies beyond the resident's primary training site. An experience involving indirect consultation with allied health and community professionals is highly valued.
The essay should include a description of one or more experiences, highlighting the importance and impact of this community experience on the resident's education and future interests.
The supportive letter(s) should reflect on the resident's performance, contributions and/or competencies and professional growth achieved during this community experience.
A call for submissions will be made by a member of the Awards Selection and Review Committee to all residents in writing via email.. Letters from the resident and agency representative may be submitted separately or together; residents are responsible for both letters to be submitted on time.
Download the application form.
Department of Psychiatry Research Day Best Geriatric Poster Award
This award aims to acknowledge excellence within our scholarly community of geriatric learners (residents and graduate students).
All presentations made at Department of Psychiatry Research Day by geriatric learners will be considered automatically for an award.
Fred Lowy Award for Psychosomatic Medicine
Awarded to the resident or fellow in the Division of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry who has made the greatest contribution to research in psychosomatic medicine.
Research accomplishments are judged by scholarly contributions including peer-reviewed publications, grants and scientific presentations. All elective residents and fellows in the Division of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry are invited to apply.
Applicants must submit a nomination from the supervisor, as well as their CV.
George Voineskos Mentorship Award in Psychiatry
This award was established in 2020 through a donation to the Department of Psychiatry from the Voineskos family to honor Dr. George Voineskos. This award reflects Dr. Voineskos' commitment to the role of mentors in supporting junior faculty or trainees.
Eligible recipients: The award is open to any faculty member and current or past mentee (i.e., the mentee may have advanced in their career). The faculty member must have a current primary appointment in the Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto.
This award recognizes outstanding Mentorship as demonstrated by a clear description of specific mentorship activities with linkage to mentee career development outcomes or milestones.
The faculty mentor and mentee should submit their CVs and a letter (up to 3 pages) detailing the mentor-mentee activities and the resulting accomplishments of the mentee. The letter should also describe how the mentor contributed to a particular impact in the mentee's trajectory and in turn how the mentee responded or overcame challenges with the help of the mentor. This letter may be submitted by the mentor, the mentee, or a nominator who can speak to the impact of the mentor and their mentorship.
The Vice- Chair, Equity and Mentorship will chair an advisory committee that will review the nominations and select one mentor and their mentee annually to receive the award. The award consists of $ 4,000 shared between the faculty mentor and their mentee and a certificate for each.
Dr. Graham Glancy and Dr. Cheryl Regehr Research Award
The Dr. Graham Glancy and Dr. Cheryl Regehr Award for Research in forensic Psychiatry supports research in forensic mental health. PGY6 residents in Forensic Psychiatry in the Department of Psyciatry at the University of Toronto are eligible to apply.
Eligible recipients: Forensic residents
PGY6 residents in Forensic Psychiatry in the Department of Psyciatry at the University of Toronto are eligible to apply.
Applicants should submit the following:
1. A summary of the research undertaken in the form of an abstract (400 words)
2. A personal statement regarding their research contribution
3. A letter of nomination
4. Their CV
Gregory Brown Award
To be awarded to students in the FOM on the basis of academic excellence.
Students must maintain an overall A- average over the last two years of study at the post-secondary level. Recipients must also exhibit research ability/potential, good communication skills and interpersonal/leadership abilities. First preference will be given to MD-Scientist Trainees enrolled in IMS and training in Psychiatry Research. Second preference will be given to graduate students enrolled in IMS under supervision by a faculty member in the Department of Psychiatry.
Julius, Dorota and Zofia (Zosia) Frist Memorial Prize in Neuropsychopharmacology
This prize is awarded annually to a young scientist under the age of 35 years who is an author or major co-author of an outstanding published paper in neuropsychopharmacology (including neurotransmitter or receptor research) while a student or Postdoctoral Fellow at the U of T.
Eligible recipients: Trainees or Post-Doc Fellows.
The selection of the awardee is made by a three-person committee chaired by a Professor specializing in neurotransmitter and neuro.
Kevin Gordon Rankin Memorial Award
Provides funding annually to a psychiatry trainee with a passion for working with youths and young adults. The Donors have requested that preference is given to students who are open to meeting with them and whose work focus' on suicide studies.
Learn more about Kevin's story.
To be awarded to graduate students or post-graduate trainees in the Department of Psychiatry based on a demonstrated interest and aptitude for work with young adults with severe mental illness.
To be considered for the award, graduate students or post-graduate trainees must submit a one-page letter (single-spaced) outlining their interest in mental disorder among youth (12-24 years of age) especially in suicide related behavior.
Mary Seeman Award for Achievment in the area of Psychiatry and Humanities
To honour Mary V. Seeman, the earned income will be awarded annually or biannually to a resident in the Department of Psychiatry for achievement in the area of Psychiatry and the Humanities.
Eligible recipients: Faculty, fellows, and residents
Please note only one submission per applicant will be accepted. The following guidelines are suggested to assist applicants:
Contributions to scholarship in the area of Humanities and Psychiatry; for example, a critical review of the literature, an essay on a topic bridging the Humanities and Psychiatry or material relating to the History of Psychiatry.
Evidence of creative activity in the area of Humanities and Psychiatry; for example, art or literature.
A demonstration of the capacity to integrate interest in the area of Humanities and Psychiatry; for example, through the development of a program or a paper.
If applicants are uncertain about the suitability of a submission, they are encouraged to contact any of the committee members. Submissions will be judged by the committee, with outside consultation where appropriate.
Max Alexandroff Award
The award encourages the presentation of research findings either nationally or internationally.
Current medical resident who is also pursuing a graduate degree (ie MSc, MEd, PhD); Preference is given to a medical resident pursuing a PhD in the Division of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry.
Applicants must submit a nomination from their supervisor, as well as their CV.
Paul E. Garfinkel Prize for Excellence in Resident Leadership
This award celebrates the leadership of the PRAT Presidents and recognizes them for excellence in postgraduate education.
Eligible recipients: PRAT Co-Presidents
Awarded to an outstanding resident in recognition for his/her work in championing equity and social justice.
This award is given to the current PRAT Presidents.
Dr. Paul E. Garfinkel is the founding President and CEO of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), serving in the role from its creation in 1998 until his retirement in 2009. It was Dr. Garfinkel's vision to transform an outdated psychiatric institution into a mixed-use 'urban village'. The new CAMH would be a welcome part of the community, free of stigma and dedicated to discovery and client recovery. Before his work at CAMH, Dr. Garfinkel was President and Psychiatrist-in-Chief of the Clarke Institute of Psychiatry, Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto and an internationally respected researcher in the field of eating disorders. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2008 for his work as a nationally and internationally renowned psychiatrist, academic leader, humanitarian and urban advocate. Dr. Garfinkel has dedicated his life and work to serving his community.
Medical Alumni Association Liz Gillespie Award for Best Academic Paper in Child and Youth Mental Health
The award is open to all residents and fellows at the University of Toronto within the Department of Psychiatry. Residents must be one of the primary authors of the academic paper submitted. Resident co-authors may be awarded and share the prize equally. The academic paper does not have to be peer reviewed and published at the time of submission. The paper must be relevant to the area of child and youth mental health and written during their course of residency and fellowship at the University of Toronto.
This award was established in 1979 in memory of Liz Gillespie to recognize scholarly work of residents in the area of child and adolescent psychiatry who submit an academic paper for review.
A call for submissions will be made by a member of the Recruitment, Awards and Social Subcommittee to all residents in writing via email. Residents will be required to submit a brief cover letter stating their role in the project /manuscript as well as the relevance of the paper to child and youth mental health. Submissions will be received via email.
Robin Hunter Memorial Award
This award was established in honour of the late Dr Robin Hunter, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry, and Director of the Clarke Institute of Psychiatry. A travel award, awarded to residents and paid by CAMH. The funds are to be used by the recipient for travel for the purpose of attaining special clinical or research skills either by attending a highly regarded peer-reviewed scientific meeting or by spending time with an identified scientist or clinician at another site
Eligible recipients: Residents and fellows
A limited number of promising candidates will be invited to apply for this award by the Department of Psychiatry Robin Hunter Memorial Selection Committee.
Upon completion of the travel, the recipient must submit a short report of his or her experience to the Robin Hunter Memorial Selection Committee.
Sol J. Goldstein Advocacy Award in Child-Adolescent Psychiatry
This award was established in 2020 by Dr. Benjamin Goldstein, in honour of his father Dr. Sol J. Goldstein. Dr. Sol Goldstein has been a psychiatrist in Toronto for over 50-years and has always been a strong advocate for children and families. In recognition of his life-long dedication, this award was created to recognize the dedication and impact of applicants in the area of advocating for children, adolescents, and their families in relation to psychiatry and mental health.
A member of the Awards Selection Committee will assemble at least 3 faculty members to review the submissions. Each reviewer will evaluate the submissions separately based on the following measures:
- The nominee's level of advocacy effort
- The nominee's actions of advocacy
- The impact of these actions on the individual youth/family/youth population
All submissions must include a letter of nomination written by a nominator, on behalf of a nominee. The letter should reflect on how the nominee has demonstrated actions that go above and beyond the usual level of advocacy in supporting youth in the context of providing psychiatric care. The committee will take into consideration a variety of elements, including but not limited to, the advocacy effort invested, impact achieved (for individuals and/or on a policy/system level), positive perception by youth/family, and the recognition by others involved with the individual youth/youth population within and beyond the circle of care.
The nominee's CV should also be submitted by the nominator or nominee.
Sol J. Goldstein Advocacy Award Application form
A meeting will be called to review the submissions and evaluations. The award winner will be selected based on discussion and consensus of the reviewers.
Zofia Pakula Social Justice Award
The purpose of the fund is to support outstanding and exemplary initiatives in education, research, policy, advocacy, clinical, and/or other community activities that advance the Department of Psychiatry's objectives in promoting social justice and equity in mental health, especially in the areas of: anti-stigma and anti-discrimination; underserved and marginalized populations; and global mental health.
To be considered for the award, residents must:
Obtain up to 2 recommendation letters that provide testimonial support, such as a letter from a faculty member of the department, a person with lived experience, a community organization, or other stakeholders positively impacted by the resident's work.
Write a 2-page reflection essay that documents the resident's social justice related activities; the impact of these activities; a reflection on future actions; and intention of how the award will be used to further their work.
Brief videos or PowerPoint presentations highlighting the above are welcome with all nominations.