Chair's message: Hello from DFCM's new Acting Chair

Hello DFCM community, 

For those of you who don’t know me already, I’m Dr. Shirley Lee, and I’m so excited to be stepping into the role of Acting Chair of the DFCM. I’ve been with the DFCM for over 25 years as a faculty member, including the past year as your Vice-Chair of Education. 

Firstly, I want to recognize the tremendous leadership of Dr. Danielle Martin, whose vision and contributions have shaped the culture and direction of DFCM in such meaningful ways. I’m excited to continue the important work she’s led, advancing education, research, and our academic mission and commitment to high-quality primary care. 

I’m also grateful to be working closely with Dr. David Tannenbaum, DFCM’s new Deputy Chair. Dr. Tannenbaum’s extensive experience, including decades of leadership roles within the DFCM, will provide invaluable support during this transition. Additionally, as I take on this role, Dr. Stu Murdoch will step in as Acting Vice‑Chair, Education. Dr. Murdoch is an exceptional educator whose leadership in postgraduate training and curriculum innovation has strengthened our programs across the department.  

As we navigate these changes together, I have unwavering confidence in the strength, steadiness, and shared purpose of our leadership team and in the collective resilience of our department. The DFCM is an extraordinary community, and the work we do together is profoundly important. We are educating future family physicians, strengthening primary care, and shaping care models that set powerful momentum in motion—momentum that carries forward through the health system and accelerates meaningful, lasting change. The impact of our collective efforts is felt not only in our clinics and classrooms, but in the health and well‑being of our patients and communities across the country. 

Reflecting on this energizes me, and it reinforces how essential our relationships, dialogue, and shared learning continue to be as we move forward. I hold the trust you have placed in me with deep humility, and it strengthens my commitment to serve the DFCM community with clarity and care. In that spirit, I welcome your insights and conversations, and I look forward to reconnecting with many of you in this new capacity in the weeks and months ahead. 

Warmly, 

Shirley