In this edition of UHN On The Go:
Michener convocation introduces nearly 500 new health professionals
The largest graduating class in the history of the Michener Institute of Education at UHN is ready to enter the health workforce. Michener convocation took place on June 13, 2026, at Meridian Hall, with friends and loved ones in attendance celebrating the graduates as they prepare to embark on their health care careers.
The ceremony included inspirational speeches from Dr. Kevin Smith, president and CEO of UHN; Dr. Brian Hodges, executive vice-president and UHN’s Chief Medical Officer; abd Dr. Michael O’Leary, principal of Michener and the Dr. Daniel C. Andreae Chair in Transformational Healthcare Education.
Dr. Smith also presented an honourary diploma posthumously to Dr. Kirsty Duncan, a distinguished scientist and academic, acclaimed author, and former federal minister and member of Parliament. Dr. Duncan’s award was accepted on her behalf by her husband, Sven Spengeman.
A highlight of the ceremony came from the heartfelt address delivered by valedictorian Lily Robbins.
"Despite how different our professions may look, I think we all discovered the same truth — that health care needs people who are knowledgeable, skilled and driven, but also compassionate, empathetic and kind," said Robbins.
"My fellow members of the Class of 2026, we are those people.”
Michener's academic programs address areas of need across Ontario’s health system, which is clearly demonstrated by the number of graduates who immediately enter the ranks of their chosen fields. Each year, more than 80 per cent of Michener graduates receive job offers before convocation day arrives.
New screening approach helps identify hearing challenges earlier
A quality improvement initiative at Toronto Rehab's Bickle Centre is helping ensure more patients with hearing difficulties are identified and connected to support earlier in their care journey.
The new hearing pre-screening protocol, introduced in the Transitional Care Unit, identified nearly five times more patients with possible hearing difficulties than the unit's previous referral-based approach.
Hearing challenges are common among older adults, but may go unnoticed. To address this gap, the Hearing Services team implemented a brief screening process for all new admissions to the unit.
The protocol takes minutes to complete and combines patient-reported questions with a simple hearing assessment to identify individuals who may benefit from further support.
The screening protocol identified possible hearing difficulties in 57.9 per cent of patients, compared with 12.3 per cent under the previous model that relied on referrals from care team members. Among patients who completed a comprehensive hearing assessment, 82 per cent received at least one hearing-related intervention.
Findings from the initiative were recently presented at the 2026 Speech-Language Audiology conference in Halifax.
Program helps internationally trained physicians navigate Ontario health care system
A UHN-led transition program has helped more than 900 internationally educated medical fellows entering Ontario’s health care system feel more prepared, confident and connected before arriving in Toronto.
Launched in 2023, the Transitions Program was created to help international fellows better understand the expectations and culture of Ontario’s health care system before training at UHN and other hospitals across the city. Participants have reported increased confidence, reduced anxiety, and stronger social and professional connections.
Delivered through a series of virtual sessions, the program covers topics including team-based care, communication and culture, patient safety, bioethics, and the social determinants of health. The goal is to help fellows navigate differences between health care systems to support a smoother transition into their new clinical environments.
Originally developed within UHN's palliative care program, the initiative was later expanded through a partnership between a physician committee and UHN's International Centre for Education.
Collaboration with the University of Toronto's Postgraduate Medical Education office helped scale the program to support internationally educated fellows across Toronto hospitals.
Grant helps improve accessibility and communication for patients with hearing loss
UHN has received an RBC Barrier Buster Grant from the Rick Hansen Foundation for a project to improve accessibility for patients, families and visitors using hearing aids across care environments.
The grant will support the installation of hearing loop technology at hospital information desks, enabling people with hearing aids and cochlear implants to communicate more clearly when accessing care.
Hearing loop systems transmit sound directly to hearing aids and cochlear implants, reducing background noise and improving speech clarity. By enhancing communication at hospital information desks — often a patient's first point of contact when navigating care — the technology is expected to create a more seamless and accessible experience for people with hearing loss.
The funding was awarded in recognition of ongoing efforts by the FM-PRO Accessibility Committee and the Accessibility Advisory Council to identify and remove barriers across UHN. The initiative also reflects the contributions of patient partners who helped shape accessibility priorities and solutions.
Stroke awareness campaign highlights prevention and early recognition
Stroke teams across UHN spent June educating patients, caregivers, visitors and staff on how to recognize and prevent stroke with a series of public education events held at Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto Rehab and West Park Healthcare Centre.
The initiative aimed to increase awareness of stroke warning signs and prevention, reinforcing the message that up to 80 per cent of strokes can be prevented through lifestyle changes and the management of risk factors.
The stroke awareness campaign brought together programs from across acute care and rehabilitation to deliver interactive education on recognizing the signs and symptoms of stroke and responding quickly when they occur. Notably, attendees learned about FAST (face, arms, speech, time), which can be easily remembered by the acronym, stroke risk factors and prevention strategies through educational displays, resources and hands-on activities.
The events sparked meaningful conversations, encouraged connections and helped empower participants with new knowledge about stroke recognition and prevention.
