Septembre 8, 2026

The Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) congratulates Nancy Baxter on the beginning of her term as Vice-President and Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University, effective August 31, 2026.

Dr. Baxter brings extensive experience leading complex academic health environments in Canada and Australia. Most recently, she served as Deputy Executive Dean (Research Centres) at the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Medicine and Health and, in 2025, as Interim Executive Dean, leading Australia’s largest health faculty. She was previously Head of the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, where she helped establish Onemda, a Centre for Indigenous Public Health.

“Returning to McMaster as Vice-President and Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences is a full-circle moment for me,” says Dr. Baxter. “McMaster has a remarkable history of innovation in health-professions education. I am honoured to join the faculty and look forward to working with our community to build on that legacy and help shape the future of research and care.”

A colorectal surgeon and internationally recognized health-services scientist, Dr. Baxter has combined research excellence with a longstanding commitment to education and mentorship. She served as Associate Dean at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health and has been recognized with the University of Toronto’s Eugenie Stuart Best Instructor Award and the Bryce Taylor Mentorship Award. She has authored more than 500 peer-reviewed publications and is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.

Dr. Baxter succeeds Paul O’Byrne, who concluded a decade-long tenure on June 30, 2026. AFMC extends its sincere appreciation to Dr. O’Byrne for his leadership and contributions to advancing medical education and healthcare innovation at McMaster University.

AFMC looks forward to working with Dr. Baxter as a member of the AFMC Board of Directors to advance shared priorities in medical education, research and healthcare across Canada.