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