The McGill Department of Medicine is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Kevin Waschke as the new Associate Chair of Wellness, effective July 1, 2025.
Recognized for his leadership in therapeutic endoscopy and medical education, Dr. Waschke is now turning his attention to another critical priority: the health and wellbeing of the people behind the work.
“In this new role, I hope to transition from individual advocacy to systems-level influence - helping to embed wellness more deeply into the culture, operations, and leadership structures of our academic and clinical environments,” said Dr. Waschke.
“We are fortunate to work with outstanding individuals - dedicated, skilled, and deeply committed to their work - but we do so within a medical system that faces increasing complexity and strain. These systemic pressures can have a profound impact on our wellbeing, and addressing them thoughtfully is essential.”
Dr. Waschke brings to the role a longstanding interest in mentorship and whole-person development. A gastroenterologist and therapeutic endoscopist in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dr. Waschke is internationally recognized for his work in endoscopy training. He has developed multiple successful programs, including the CAG Skills Enhancement in Endoscopy (SEE) Program and the ASGE STAR Program. A former President of the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology (CAG), he currently serves on the boards of both the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation (CDHF). In 2024, he was awarded the CAG’s Distinguished Service Award, the organization’s highest honour.
His approach to wellness will focus on structural change, psychological safety, data-informed action, and visible, empathetic leadership.
“Ultimately, I want to help create an environment where our people - who give so much to others - feel supported, valued, and able to flourish,” he said.
“Wellness should be something we live daily, not just a policy or poster.”
As Dr. Waschke begins this next chapter, the Department also marks a transition in leadership. Dr. Natalie Dayan, the inaugural Associate Chair of Wellness, will be stepping down from the role. Over the past several years, she laid a strong foundation for wellness in the DOM by launching the DOM Mentorship Program, introducing Schwartz Rounds, creating We Lounge pop-up events and establishing the DOM Wellness Task Force. She also advocated for broader change, including proposals for a Faculty Wellness Office within the FMHS and clinical sabbatical leaves for CAS faculty. As she steps down, Dr. Dayan will focus more sharply on her clinical and research leadership in obstetric medicine, including newly funded health policy work aimed at improving the inclusion of pregnant and lactating people in clinical trials across Canada.
We are grateful to Dr. Dayan for her vision and impact, and we welcome Dr. Waschke as he takes on this vital role.