Q and A with an Education Champion: Dr. Ewa Szumacher

Dr. Ewa Szumacher has worked at Sunnybrook for 17 years. She joined the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Odette Cancer, University of Toronto in 1998 after she completed a residency program in radiation oncology at the University of Ottawa.

Dr. Szumacher recently received a Sunnybrook Education Advisory Council Award for her continued efforts in Education Research.

We caught up with Dr. Szumacher to chat about what it means to be an education researcher.

1. What do you like the most doing education research?

My education research is related to patient education and interdisciplinary education in oncology. Most of my research involves collaboration with other health-care disciplines. I like the learning process, when you develop a research question and work together with others to finalize the project and implement it in clinical practice.

2. How does it feel to receive this award?

I feel extremely honoured to have this sort of recognition. At Sunnybrook, we have many exceptional educators conducting research. I feel extremely privileged that the work I do in collaboration with my interdisciplinary colleagues has been noticed and recognized.

3. What do you think it takes to be a good and effective education researcher?

Motivation and persistence in conducting research are extremely important. As we are all extremely busy with our clinical care, finding time to conduct research and other work-related activities is sometimes challenging. However, Sunnybrook has a very cooperative environment with many mentors and collaborators. In addition, self reflection is important as a driving force to develop new ideas and to improve existing practices.

4. What advice do you have for other educators, preceptors or mentors at Sunnybrook and beyond who might want to do education research?

I would advise young researchers to challenge themselves and to believe in their work. New technological advances create wonderful opportunities for collaboration between educators not only within the same institution but internationally and globally. We are very lucky to work at Sunnybrook and University of Toronto where education matters .

5. Why is education research important?

It is important to develop new ideas and improve current clinical practices and teaching methods. We are working in a constantly changing world and working environment. Through educational research, we can find the best teaching methods and promote interdisciplinary collaboration to create a true team environment and have a positive impact on patient care.