Cynthia R. Whitehead MD, PhD

Director and Scientist, Wilson Centre for Research in Education at University Health Network & Temerty Faculty of Medicine
Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto
BMO Financial Group Chair in Health Professions Education Research, UHN

Cynthia Whitehead, MD, PhD is Professor in the Department of Family and Community, University of Toronto Medicine and Director and Scientist at the Wilson Centre for Education Research, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and University Health Network. She is an active practicing family doctor and clinical teacher in Toronto (Women’s College Hospital) and in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. Dr. Whitehead is the BMO Financial Group Chair in Health Professions Education Research at University Health Network.

Dr. Whitehead obtained her PhD and MScCH from the University of Toronto, MD from McMaster University, and AB honors from Harvard University. She has held many education leadership positions over the course of her career. She has also provided education consultations, taught, and collaborated with colleagues in many countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, and South America.

Cynthia’s research examines the effects of power relations on various structures, systems, processes, and practices in health professions education, paying attention to who and what is advantaged or disadvantaged as a result. She uses her research to promote health and education practices that are compassionate, equitable, and effective. Some of her specific content areas of interest are family medicine education, globalized medical education, accreditation, outcomes-based education, and education for collaboration. Cynthia is involved in research, scholarly capacity building, teaching, curricular design, program evaluation, and education administration locally, nationally, and internationally.