Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane has appointed Stephen Vanner as interim dean of Queen’s Health Sciences (QHS), interim director of the School of Medicine, and interim CEO of the Southeastern Ontario Academic Medical Organization (SEAMO), effective Dec. 1. He will assume the role after Jane Philpott steps down to lead a new primary care action team for the Ontario government.

Dr. Vanner earned his BSc in Life Sciences, MD, and MSc in Neurophysiology from Queen’s, where he also completed his internal medicine residency. After subspecialty training and a research fellowship at Hotel Dieu Hospital in 1988, he completed his postdoctoral fellowship at the Vollum Institute in 1991. He joined Queen’s faculty that year in the Department of Medicine, with cross-appointments in biology and physiology.

He is currently a QHS professor, Director of Clinical Research at Kingston Health Sciences Centre, and Director of Queen’s Gastrointestinal Diseases Research Unit. He also served as inaugural Director of the Translational Institute of Medicine. An accomplished researcher, Dr. Vanner has published more than 190 journal articles, received over $20 million in research funding, and has been recognized with several honours and awards for scientific excellence. In 2021, he served as Interim Vice-Dean (Clinical) for the School of Medicine and as SEAMO’s Medical Director.

The search for a permanent dean began in July 2024, after Dean Philpott announced she would not seek a second term. The Principal’s Advisory Committee tasked with the search has shortlisted candidates and interviews are expected to be scheduled in November, with a new permanent dean set to start by July 1, 2025.

QHS is internationally recognized for scholarship, research, social impact, and student experience. It includes the School of Medicine, the School of Nursing, and the School of Rehabilitation Therapy.

SEAMO supports more than 450 physicians in Southeastern Ontario, working in collaboration with partners and members to foster a thriving medical community and deliver major advancements in healthcare for everyone in the region.