Karen Leslie

Karen Leslie serves as a Professor of Paediatrics at the University of Toronto and staff paediatrician in the Division of Adolescent Medicine at SickKids Hospital. Her academic credentials include an MD from McMaster University and MEd from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE). As past director of the Centre for Faculty Development, she has significantly influenced medical education through her focus on faculty development, career development, and mentoring programs. Her research has been particularly impactful in advancing faculty development in medical education, as demonstrated by her widely-cited systematic review that helped identify key areas for growth in faculty development programs. She currently co-chairs the Association of Medical Education of Europe's Faculty Development Committee, extending her influence internationally. Her scholarly interests encompass systems of care for adolescents with substance use, while her clinical-educator role involves teaching across various contexts and learner groups. Leslie leads the Mentorship Community, providing crucial support for developing mentoring programs and addressing challenges in medical education. Her work has been instrumental in understanding how faculty development programs can enhance teaching effectiveness and promote organizational change in medical education settings.