Vision, Mission and Values
Mission Statement
The Michener Institute of Education at UHN is a leading education partner of Ontario’s healthcare system, and the only post-secondary institution in Canada devoted exclusively to applied health sciences. Our mission is to offer a broad range of full-time, part-time and continuing education programs that are designed to meet the emerging needs of the health sector. As part of the University Health Network, Canada’s #1 hospital, Michener is a school within a hospital, funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health. Our close partnership with the Ministry means that we are part of education solutions to ensure that all communities across Ontario receive the best possible healthcare.
Vision Statement
Michener is a leader in applied health science education through excellence and innovation. At Michener, we make healthcare happen.
Values
Embodying Excellence
- We commit to best practice
- We learn from successes and failures
- We give our best
Leading by Example
- We empower each other
- We are mentors and learners
- We model open and honest communication
- We engage our communities
- We are diverse
Transforming Lives
- We commit to each other’s success
- We make a difference
- When you grow, we grow
Celebrate Relationships
- Our people are our greatest asset
- Our relationships make us strong
- We are proud of each other
Create Opportunities
- We enable success
- We challenge the status quo
- We invest in innovation and risk-taking
- We foster personal and professional learning and growth
Strategic Plan
UHN’s Five-Year Education Strategic Plan is centred on four hallmark initiatives: our schools of applied health sciences and continuing education, our research institute and our culture of lifelong learning across all campuses of UHN. Together, these initiatives will help us create an ecosystem of teaching and learning that translates into outstanding, compassionate care in the communities we serve.
Michener’s History in Healthcare Education
Michener’s history of innovation goes back to 1958 with a Medical Laboratory Technology pilot program at Toronto General Hospital, and it was Dr. Diana Michener Schatz who was instrumental in founding the institution.
Dr. Schatz developed a three-pronged approach to applied education, paying particular attention to the practical and clinical components of education by negotiating clinical arrangements with various sites to provide students with the most effective and hands-on learning experience. Her vision emerged from her work as a clinical chemist at Toronto General Hospital.
Michener’s original program of Medical Laboratory Technology evolved from a multi-discipline approach to an integrated systems format. Since that time, most programs in Canada have emulated the pattern set by The Michener Institute.
For over 65 years, Michener has grown extensively:
In 1966, formal classes were started with the financial support of the Ontario Ministry of Health.
In 1972, Michener located to its current location at 222 St. Patrick Street, close to many major teaching hospitals.
In 1990, the name was changed to The Michener Institute to honour the late Governor General, Roland Michener.
In 2006, the curriculum evolved to include simulation and interprofessional education courses, as well as clinical readiness assessments for each student.
In 2016, Michener and University Health Network officially signed an agreement to integrate by means of a shared governance partnership.
This Canadian-first, “Made in Ontario” model brought together a diploma-granting healthcare education institution with an academic health sciences network within a single organization. By integrating with the country’s largest teaching hospital, Michener has been able to fill a critical health system gap.
At Michener, we are proud to have a confirmed, vital role to play in planning and preparing for the health system needs of the future.