The Michener Institute of Education at UHN, initially known as the Toronto Institute of Medical Technology and later The Michener Institute of Applied Health Sciences, was created in response to the educational requirements of health sciences professionals and to the continuing education needs of health care practitioners. 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 learning experience. Her vision emerged from her work as a clinical chemist at Toronto General Hospital.
The 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.
Formal classes were started in temporary quarters in 1966 with the financial support of the Ontario Ministry of Health. In 1972, the institution moved to its present location at 222 St. Patrick Street in downtown Toronto, which is 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 the past 60 years, Michener has grown extensively. In 2006, the curriculum evolved to include simulation and interprofessional education courses, as well as clinical readiness assessments for each student. Current partnerships, including the University of Toronto, Dalhousie University and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, have allowed Michener to branch out academically in the past two decades.
In 2016, Michener and University Health Network officially signed an agreement to integrate by means of a shared governance agreement. This Canadian-first, “Made in Ontario” Mayo Clinic model brought together a diploma-granting health care education institution with an academic health sciences network within a single organization. By integrating with the country’s largest teaching hospital network, Michener was able to plug a critical health system gap. We now have a confirmed, vital role to play in planning and preparing for the health system needs of the future.
Please take a look at our interactive timeline
Chronology
2019 – present
2021
- Launch of Michener’s new Digital Health & Data Analytics program
- Michener awards its first MyHealth Award for an Outstanding Black Student
- COVID Care Learning platform development team receives the 2021 Ted Freedman Award for Innovation in Education
- Michener becomes first Canadian school to offer a Master’s degree in Cardiovascular Perfusion
2020
- Michener-led team creates COVID Care Learning platform
- All programs switch to virtual delivery due to the Covid-19 pandemic
- In partnership with Vector Institute, Michener receives a two-year, $1/52 million grant from Future Skills Canada to embed AI in patient care with compassion
- Michener’s founder, Dr. Diana Schatz, passes away on October 24, 2020
- Michener welcomes its first Principal of the School of Applied Health Sciences, Harvey Weingarten
2019
- Michener’s founder, Dr. Diana Schatz, receives the 2019 UHN Global Impact Award
- Michener says farewell to its outgoing Chair of The Michener Institute of Education at UHN’s Board of Governors and UHN Education Committee Cliff Nordal
- Michener awards the Governor General’s Collegiate Bronze Medal for the first time
2008 - 2018
2018
- Dr. Kevin Smith is welcomed as UHN’s President and CEO
- Michener celebrates its 60th anniversary with a kick-off event and official unveiling of the new St. Patrick campus lobby redesign
2017
- Dr. Peter Pisters, UHN’s past president and CEO, moves on to a new position as President of MD Anderson in Texas. Dr. Charlie Chan, UHN’s EVP of Clinical Programs, steps in as interim President and CEO.
- The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care asks Michener to partner with them to create a Personal Support Worker (PSW) registry
- The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada grants The Michener Institute status as an accredited continuing professional development (CPD) provider
- Michener’s Anesthesia Assistant program becomes the first program to be accredited in Canada
- Installation of The Michael Sharpe Treatment Planning Learning Facility
- Michener’s Alumni Association celebrates its 20 year anniversary
- Michener welcomes the addition the telesimulation lab and some key staff and researchers from the Temerty/Chang Telesimulation Centre.
2016
- The Michener Institute integrates with University Health Network to become The Michener Institute of Education at UHN
- Following the UHN and Michener integration, a new Board of Governors is formed. The Board of Governors also serves as the UHN Board Education Committee of the UHN Board of Trustees, which provides strategic guidance and leadership to the Boards of UHN and Michener.
2014
- Michener partners with Elekta to advance radiation therapy simulation with the addition of Clarity
- Michener is recognized as a GTA Top Employer for the seventh year in a row
- Dr. Samir Sinha is Michener’s Honorary Diploma recipient
- Michener welcomes Maureen Adamson as Michener’s new President and CEO
- Michener adds Working with Seniors and Quality Improvement curricula to simulation semester to help better prepare students for the changing healthcare environment
- Michener launches new CE partnership with CANM
2013
- Michener is recognized as a GTA Top Employer for the sixth year in a row
- Michener CASE partners with SIM-one
- Michener hosts the OAMRS Central Section Education Day
2011
- Michener participates in Doors Open Toronto for the third year and is featured as one of the top buildings to visit in a Globe & Mail special pull-out
- Dr. Vivek Goel is Michener’s honorary diploma recipient
2010
- Launch of the PA Consortium’s Physician Assistant program with the University of Toronto and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine
- Opening of GE Healthcare- Michener Advanced CT Imaging Centre of Excellence
- Grand Opening of the CAE/Michener Centre for the Advancement of Simulation and Education
- Michener is asked to participate in Doors Open Toronto for the second time
- The Michener Chiropody Clinic opens on-site on Michener’s campus
- Dr. Marlene Scardamalia is Michener’s Honorary Diploma recipient
2009
- Ground breaking of The Campaign for Michener: Stronger. Smarter. Better.
- Michener aligns with CAE to build the CAE/Michener Centre for the Advancement of Simulation and Education
2008
- First issue of the new publication Michener Magazine released
- Launch of the first simulated clinical semester, Michener Simulated Health Care Network
- Mrs. Sonja Bata & Dr. Donald T. Stuss are Michener’s honorary diploma recipients
- Michener celebrates its 50th Anniversary
- Michener and Cryos Technologies establish an educational alliance that will enhance the simulation education of Ontario’s Chiropody students by using Biovizion equipment
1997 - 2007
2007
- The Michener Institute named one of Toronto’s Top 50 Employers
- The Michener Institute receives second nod as a top contender for Conference Board of Canada/Spencer Stuart National Awards in Governance
- Introduction of the Michener Senate
- Unveiling of an integrated Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computer Tomography (CT) Suite
- Chiropody Faculty share their expertise with the public at The Bata Shoe Museum’s Healthy Feet Exhibit
- Michener and IMAC sign historic partnership and launch e-Health Rcord Sytem in applied health education
- Dr. Amitai Ziv is MIchener’s Honorary Diploma recipient
2006
- The Michener Institute receives nod as a top contender for Conference Board of Canada/Spencer Stuart National Awards in Governance
- Michener establishes an educational alliance with Sorin Group Canada Launch of the Anesthesia Assistant Program
- Introduction of New Curriculum incorporating three new educational philosophies: Interprofessional education, Simulation enhanced education and Health care competency
assessment - Dr. Robert Byrick and Dr. Daniel Klass are Michener’s Honorary Diploma recipients
2005
- Launch of Student Viewbook I CD-ROM
- Dr. David Naylor is Michener’s Honorary Diploma recipient
2004
- Unveiling of the Philips Medical Systems Radiation Therapy Treatment Planning Laboratory
- Sheela V. Basrur is Michener’s Honorary Diploma recipient
2003
- Dr. Renate Krakauer retires and Dr. Paul Gamble becomes Michener’s third President and CEO
- Partnership with Laurentian University and Cancer Care North for distance education program for Radiation Therapy
- Ultrasound Program launched in Jamaica (University of the West Indies/SMRT)
- Clinical Laboratory Quality and Operational Management Certificate offered in the Caribbean
- Program in Echocardiography offered in Trinidad and Tobago
2002
- Degree/diploma curriculum for Acupuncture Program with Charles Sturt University in Australia created
- Foreign-Trained Health Care Professionals Program Partnership with University of Waterloo for degree/diploma programs in Respiratory Therapy and Chiropody
- Three year HRSDC funded Canada-European mobility project launched which offers student/faculty exchanges and e-learning opportunities to students and faculty in the Radiation Sciences program.
2001
- Collaborative degree/diploma program for Respiratory Therapy with Queen’s University New distance education programs in Ultrasound, MRI and Vascular Technology
- First educational institution in Canada to get a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS)
2000
- Launch of the Assisted Reproductive Technology advanced diploma program, first in North America Acupuncture clinic opened in conjunction with Mount Sinai Hospital’s Pain Clinic
- Applied Biotechnology advanced diploma program introduced
- Workshops presented in Mechanical Ventilation and Cardiovascular Perfusion in Chennai, India
- Programs in Asthma Education, Diabetes Education and Disaster Management Planning run in Trinidad and Tobago
- Ultrasound Program offered in Bangladesh
- Four-year ACCC/CIDA funded partnership program to provide medical laboratory technology ultrasound and echocardiography education to existing health personnel in the Palestinian
refugee camps located around Lebanon.
1999
- Canada’s first Radiation Sciences degree/diploma program introduced with University of Toronto (includes Nuclear Medicine Technology, Radiation Therapy and Radiological Technology)
- Radiation Therapy laboratory completed
- Advanced Care Paramedic diploma program offered Toronto Centre for Acupuncture opened at Michener Ultrasound Program offered in South Africa
1998
- Introduction of the Genetics Technology advanced diploma program, integrating Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics programs
- Ultrasound Program offered in Trinidad (NIHERST)
1997
- Michener Alumni Association formed
- First comprehensive four-year Acupuncture program in Canada launched Post-Diploma MRI program begins
1986 - 1996
1996
- Articulation agreement for health sciences degrees in Medical Imaging, Laboratory Sciences and Biotechnology signed with Charles Sturt University in Australia
- Post-Diploma Asthma Education and Sleep Medicine Technology (Polysomnography) certificate programs introduced, first in Canada
1994
- Dr. Diana Schatz, Michener’s first Executive Director, retires and Dr. Renate Krakauer begins her tenure
- Post-Diploma Vascular Technology program offered
- Degree completion in Health Services Management offered through Ryerson Polytechnic University
1993
- Post-Diploma Molecular Genetics program introduced
- Post-Diploma Anesthesia Technology program announced Diploma programs extended to three years
1991
- Opening of Schatz Hall, a 47 unit student residences and centre
- Post-Diploma program in Immunoassay launched
1990
- Name changed to The Michener Institute for Applied Health Sciences after the Right Honourable Governor General Roland Michener
- Established satellite program in Respiratory Therapy in cooperation with Canadore College to meet needs in Northern Ontario
1989
- Post-Diploma Program in Neonatology launched
1988
- Post-Diploma Program in Echocardiography offered
- Research Department established with mandate to identify emerging trends in health care and develop new programs to meet changing needs
- Curriculum development in Radiography and Cytogenetics Programs for Higher Colleges of Technology in United Arab Emirates
- Partnership with Toronto Hospital, Mount Sinai Hospital, and George Brown College in workplace day care centres
1987
- First Honorary Diploma awarded to Right Honourable Roland Michener
1975 - 1985
1984
- Introduction of the Advanced Care Paramedic program
1981
- Chiropody Program introduced in cooperation with George Brown College and Toronto General Hospital, first in Canada
1979
- Post-Diploma programs in Immunology, Ultrasound and Virology Post-Diploma Program in Cardiovascular Perfusion
1978
- First Continuing Education Traveling Workshops for northern and rural Ontario
1977
- Post-Diploma Cytogenetics Program, first in North America launched
1976
- Anesthesia Residents Training Program introduced
1964 - 1974
1974
1972
1969
1968
1967
Inception - 1963
1963
1961
1958
