Office of Health Professions Student Affairs (OHPSA)
The learner supports provided by the Office of Health Professions Student Affairs (OHPSA) and Office of Postgraduate Wellness are now being delivered as part of a single Office of Learner Affairs. Residing in the Office of the Vice Dean, Medical Education, the Office of Learner Affairs supports learners from Temerty Medicine’s undergraduate medical education (MD and MD/PhD), Postgraduate Medical Education (residents and fellows), Medical Radiation Sciences, Physician Assistant, and Occupational Therapy programs.
Every effort will be taken to ensure the seamless continuation and improvement of learner services, supports and programming as the staffing structure of the Office of Learner Affairs is put into place.
COVID-19 Information
As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, we want you to know that OHPSA is still with you.
Aligning with the most recent directions from both the University of Toronto and the Faculty of Medicine, OHPSA appointments and OHPSA-led outreach initiatives will be conducted remotely via phone, Skype or other online modalities until we are notified otherwise by the university. We are committed to carrying out our services to support you in a way that is safe for you and our staff.
In the event, that a student needs to be seen in person due to an urgent situation, the student and counsellor will discuss the viability of this based on guidelines here:
https://medicine.utoronto.ca/news/coronavirus-your-safety-and-responsibility
To book your appointment or for any inquiries, please contact ohpsa.reception@utoronto.ca.
Stay healthy,
OHPSA Team
We support students enrolled in the Faculty of Medicine:
- MD Program
- MD/PhD
- Medical Radiation Sciences
- Physician Assistant
- Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy
We offer you the following supports:
- Helping you attain your full potential in academic achievement, personal growth and professional development
- Facilitating student-led activities and providing outreach and service learning opportunities
- Advocating for you
Career Counselling
Career exploration
Personal counselling & student wellness
Academic coaching & PREP
Getting involved & co-curricular activities
Summer Mentorship Program (SMP)
Welcome message from the Associate Dean, Dr. Tony Pignatiello
During your time at the Faculty of Medicine, you’ll encounter a variety of new experiences and opportunities. Our team is here to support and guide you as you work toward reaching your potential and achieving your academic and professional goals. While you prepare for a career helping your patients maintain and improve their health, we want to help you nurture your own wellbeing.
We’re committed to promoting resilience, wellness, personal growth and social responsibility among our learners and I welcome you to explore the range of services and resources available through our office.
Dr. Tony Pignatiello, MD, FRCP (C)
Associate Dean
Office of Health Professions Student Affairs
Confidentiality
All discussions with our counsellors are strictly confidential. Our counselling services at OHPSA provide consultations, short-term treatment, referral services, psycho-educational workshops and support groups to students enrolled in the Faculty of Medicine. We understand that confidentiality is a significant concern for all students. Information you share with the counsellors will not be released or shared without your permission and written consent except as the law requires.
The counsellors are required to disclose confidential information if:
- the counsellors believe that you may be in danger to yourself or others
- the counsellors become aware that a minor is being physically or sexually abused or is at risk of being abused
- you inform the counsellors about a health professional who has been sexually abusive to a client (including yourself)
- a court of law subpoenas a counsellor’s records or records regarding a particular incident. The counsellors will contact you, if possible, before releasing any information and will notify you of the proceedings
