A full professor, a practicing physician specializing in thromboembolic diseases, as well as a clinician investigator at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Dr. Forgie has served as Interim Dean of the Faculty of Medicine since March 3, 2025, overseeing more than 4,000 faculty and administrative staff members and an operating budget of $84.2 million. She is the first woman to be appointed dean in the Faculty’s history.
“I am deeply humbled by this appointment and sincerely grateful for the confidence and support extended by colleagues across the University and the Ottawa Academic Health Network.”
Dr. Melissa Forgie
— Dean of the uOttawa Faculty of Medicine
Throughout her career Dr. Forgie has led transformative initiatives that have strengthened both academic excellence and the financial sustainability of the units she has overseen.
She has previously served as Senior Vice-Dean of Medical Education, Interim Vice-Dean of Postgraduate Medical Education, Vice-Dean of Undergraduate Medical Education, and Vice-President of Medical Education at The Ottawa Hospital. In these roles, she contributed to the creation of the first joint Sino-Canadian medical school, the establishment of the NORTH (Navigating Ottawa Resources to Improve Health) interdisciplinary student clinic to address the social determinants of health, the implementation of innovative educational strategies across several academic health centres, and the advancement of policies promoting accessibility and inclusion.
Her recent accomplishments include the establishment of the faculty’s first Senior Advisor to the Dean on Indigenous Health position, the launch of an international training program in artificial intelligence, and the creation of Canada’s first graduate program in accessibility within the biomedical field.
“On behalf of the University, I extend my warmest congratulations to Dr. Forgie and wish her every success in her new position. A visionary and forward-looking leader, Dr. Forgie continues to shape the future of health professions education through strategic innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the responsible integration of artificial intelligence into teaching and research,” said uOttawa President and Vice-Chancellor Marie-Eve Sylvestre.
“Recognized across the Faculty for her transparency, listening skills, clarity, collegiality, and vision, there is no doubt that she will continue to guide the Faculty of Medicine with strength and purpose.”
“On behalf of the University, I extend my warmest congratulations to Dr. Forgie and wish her every success in her new position.”
Marie-Eve Sylvestre
— uOttawa President and Vice-Chancellor
Dr. Forgie has received numerous awards for excellence in teaching and patient care, including the 2009 Ottawa Hospital Physician Recognition Award, and is currently one of the most highly awarded physicians at The Ottawa Hospital. She has published in several prestigious journals, including the New England Journal of Medicine and Nature, and continues to publish scholarly work in her area of expertise. She is an active investigator in several peer-reviewed and industry-funded clinical trials. Dr. Forgie is also an invited member of the International Women’s Forum.
“It is a profound honour to serve as Dean of the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine. I am deeply humbled by this appointment and sincerely grateful for the confidence and support extended by colleagues across the University and the Ottawa Academic Health Network,” said Dr. Forgie.
“The Faculty of Medicine is a world-class institution and a vital anchor within Ottawa’s integrated health research and education ecosystem. I look forward to working closely with our partners to advance innovation, address pressing health care challenges, and contribute to a stronger, more resilient health system for the years ahead.”
The appointment of the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine will be for a 5-year term.