Tom Stelfox, deputy dean in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, credits his grandmothers - both single parents - for teaching him to be accountable and inspiring him to make things happen.
In this week’s spotlight, Tom discusses his commitment to getting to know the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry and fostering a strong culture of community.
How do you describe your work to people who don’t work in your field?
I am excited to support Dean Hemmelgarn’s leadership of the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry. This is important as Dean Hemmelgarn assumes the role of college dean and vice-provost, College of Health Sciences, while retaining her role as dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. My goal is to work closely with Dean Hemmelgarn, department chairs, vice-deans and members of the faculty to promote the health and wellness of all through excellence in education, discovery and clinical care to achieve the goals set out in the strategic plan Vision 2025.
What’s one big problem you want to solve through your work?
The big focus for me is a unique opportunity rather than a problem - interdisciplinary collaboration to advance research and education. Many of today’s health challenges are complex and resistant to our current strategies. The university’s new college model provides an incredible opportunity for us to be bold, innovative and find new ways to solve refractory problems.
What does the word “innovation” mean to you?
Finding new ways to solve problems. Innovation is part of the Alberta spirit and I believe that it is something as a university we want to continue to embrace.
What’s been your biggest a-ha moment — in life or work — so far?
My most important realization to date is that action is up to us. Both of my parents were raised by single mothers in the years after the Second World War. My grandmothers were amazing people who in their day-to-day lives taught me to be accountable to myself for how I lived my life. They embodied the John E. Lewis quote, “If not us, then who? If not now, then when?”
How do you or your team come up with your best ideas?
I have always been surprised by the effectiveness of blue sky brainstorming by small groups of thoughtful individuals. Doing this outside of our usual working environments seems to be helpful. My biggest challenge is being disciplined to make time for these important activities.
What’s your favourite thing about working at the U of A?
The people. People are what make an institution. The U of A has amazing people - students, support staff, faculty and community members. When people come together in support of a shared vision, amazing things happen.
Do you have a role model at the U of A? How have they influenced you?
Dr. Henry Pabst. I met the late Dr. Pabst during my first semester of medical school and had the good fortune to work with him over the next four years as a research student. He introduced me to the wonderful world of academic medicine — how we can learn from our patients, use research to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies and translate those strategies into better care. I am an academic physician because of Dr. Pabst.
In Shape: The University Strategic Plan 2023-2033, the University of Alberta commits to having a positive impact on our students and staff, our communities, and the communities we serve here in Alberta and around the world. What are the impacts of your work?
I hope that my work helps to foster a strong culture of community. My greatest satisfaction and pride come from fostering the success of those with whom I work. Coaching and mentoring trainees and faculty is where I believe I have my greatest impact.
What’s next for you? Do you have any new projects on the horizon?
My number one priority is to get to know the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. It has been almost 30 years since I graduated from medical school and left the U of A. I never thought it would take me this long to come home. The university has grown so much and there is a great deal for me to learn. This will be incredibly stimulating and rewarding. At the same time, it’s a large community with a lot of people, which makes it challenging.
