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Exciting developments are underway at the School of Medicine!

We are strategically expanding our team with dynamic leaders and dedicated staff and have already welcomed more than 30 new colleagues since January 2025—fueling our growth and advancing our mission.

We are especially thrilled to introduce several outstanding individuals who are stepping into key leadership roles. Their contributions will build upon the strong foundation already established by our current leadership, ensuring continued excellence.

Meet Our New Colleagues:
• Dr. Keyna Bracken, Associate Dean, Undergraduate Medical Education
Start Date: April 1, 2025
Dr. Bracken is a visionary leader in medical education, with 18 years of experience at McMaster University. She has held several leadership roles, including Undergraduate and Clerkship Director, where she innovated curriculum and improved student learning environments. Her nationally recognized work focuses on addressing health inequities and includes innovations in blended learning and early student support. Dr. Bracken's leadership vision aligns with our school's commitment to creating a psychologically safe, inclusive medical education environment.

• Dr. Dawn Cooper, Associate Dean, Accreditation, Assessment, and Evaluation
Start Date: Feb 1, 2025
With nearly two decades of experience in educational leadership, Dr. Cooper (PhD) holds a doctorate in Biological Sciences from ´óÏó´«Ã½ and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at UBC. Her background includes the development of comprehensive assessment programs, strategic program evaluation, and leadership in successful accreditation processes. Dr. Cooper’s work will be central to ensuring the School’s continued success in delivering high-quality education and contributing to improved health outcomes locally and globally.

• Dr. Rebekah Eatmon, Associate Dean, Indigenous Health
Start Date: Jan 6, 2025
Dr. Eatmon is a highly respected Indigenous Family Physician who practices full scope family medicine, including family practice obstetrics. She is a nationally recognized Indigenous Health leader and advocate, and the recipient of the BC College of Family Physicians Resident Leadership Award (2020). She is a sought-after speaker and advisor, having contributed to initiatives at the University of British Columbia (UBC) Faculty of Medicine, Doctors of BC, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

• Dr. Samir Malhotra, Associate Dean, Learners
Start Date: May 27, 2025
Dr. Samir Malhotra brings over 15 years of experience in medical education, clinical care, and academic leadership. He most recently served as Regional Division Head of Respirology for Fraser Health and has held key leadership roles, including Assistant Dean of Student Affairs at UBC’s Fraser Medical Program and Site Director for the Royal Columbian Respirology Elective. In his new role, he will help foster a learner experience that is equitable and responsive to today’s healthcare challenges.

• Dr. Kimberlyn (Kim) McGrail, Associate Dean, Research
Start Date: July 1, 2025
Dr. McGrail (PhD) brings extensive experience in population data science and policy evaluation and currently serves as the Scientific Director of Population Data BC and the Scientific Director and CEO of Health Data Research Network Canada. Her research covers a broad spectrum, including the use and cost of health care services, equity, and population data science, and she has been awarded more than 60 grants as a PI or Co-I totaling over $90 million throughout her career.

• Dr. Meera Anand, Assistant Dean, Faculty and Physician Engagement and Support
Start Date: July 1, 2025
Dr. Anand brings extensive experience across the education continuum, having served as Provincial Undergraduate Director for Family Medicine and the Provincial Curriculum Director for the Family Medicine Residency program, as well as in faculty development roles where she led innovative, responsive curriculum design. She is also actively involved as a Board Member of the Surrey North Delta Division of Family Practice and is a dedicated advocate for the integration of Indigenous Ways of Knowing into medical education.

• Dr. Meredith Vanstone, Interim Assistant Dean, ´óÏó´«Ã½s & Visiting Professor
Start Date: March 1, 2025
An Associate Professor at McMaster University’s Department of Family Medicine, Dr. Vanstone holds the Canada Research Chair in Ethical Complexity in Primary Care and directs the MD/PhD program at McMaster University. With an interdisciplinary research focus, she addresses social and ethical issues in health professional practice, education, and policy. Her expertise in ethical decision-making and medical education will be invaluable in advancing the ´óÏó´«Ã½ School of Medicine's mission and fostering excellence in medical training.

• Dr. Rita McCracken, Lead, Primary Care Research and Development
Start Date: June 2, 2025
Dr. Rita McCracken, MD, PhD, CCFP (COE), FCFP, brings over 15 years of experience in primary care delivery, research, and academic leadership. Her current research focuses on major challenges in Canadian healthcare, including the shortage of family doctors, models of team-based care, and systemic inequities in health access and outcomes. As a full-service family physician, she brings firsthand insight into how policies, funding, and organizational models affect patient care.

• Dr. Manpreet (Micky) Cooner, Clinical Site Director
Start Date: Jan 1, 2025
Dr. Cooner is an experienced family physician, educator, and leader and has been practicing family medicine at Hilltop Medical Clinic in White Rock since 2012. She is a teaching faculty member in UBC’s Department of Family Medicine and currently serves as Vice Chair of the White Rock-South Surrey Division of Family Practice. She is passionate about medical education and women's health as well as breaking down barriers in health care.

Clinical Faculty Appointments

We are making significant strides in expanding our clinical education network. In just the first month, almost 500 physicians have expressed interest in joining our team. We've established a focused appointment process and have already confirmed nearly 250 clinical faculty members. These dedicated clinicians will play a vital role in delivering hands-on learning, mentoring students, shaping our curriculum, and assuming leadership roles within the School.