Michael Froeschl, MD: 2022 Program Director of the Year recipient
Michael Froeschl, MD, MSc, FRCPC, Program Director of the Adult Cardiology Residency Training Program at the University of Ottawa, is the exemplar of a physician, medical educator and Director. With a reputation for working tirelessly to support his residents in reaching their educational and professional goals, many Cardiologists working today credit Dr. Froeschl with their passion for the field and for their pursuit of excellence.
A renowned innovator and leader
Dr. Froeschl’s reputation as an innovator in every aspect of medical education is well deserved. He has embedded innovative educational experiences into his program to provide residents with the most fulfilling educational roadmap possible. His Meet the Masters series enables residents to connect with world-renowned experts in cardiology through grand rounds and lectures at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. And his C1 Bootcamp, which has spread to cardiology programs across the province, runs the first week of the academic year and introduces incoming residents to the full breadth of cardiology topics. These are just a small sample of his innovative spirit put into action.
A beloved mentor
As a mentor, Dr. Froeschl is legendary. His open-door policy keeps him in close touch with his residents, whom he meets with individually multiple times per year as a matter of policy. He conducts “pulse checks” with residents every six weeks to discuss issues and concerns. In one pulse check, Dr. Froeschl learned that residents did not have adequate scanning time during their echocardiography block. He worked with the department to improve the situation, not only markedly improving residents’ technical skills, but also their satisfaction with the rotation.
Dr. Froeschl enables his residents’ unique career aspirations, and ensures they play leading roles in research studies, many of which land in high-impact journals. He provides extensive career mentorship and guidance, creating conditions for meaningful, fulfilling employment and overall success nearly across the board. The success of his trainees is truly a reflection of Dr. Froeschl’s unparalleled leadership and mentorship.
An incalculable asset to the program
The University of Ottawa Adult Cardiology program’s position at the forefront of programs in Canada is in no small part a result of Dr. Froeschl’s energy and reputation. His impressive scholarly accomplishments attest to his excellence, expertise and passion for medical education. His ability to attract some of the most promising Cardiology trainees, not only from Canada, but also from overseas, is more evidence of his reputation worldwide. In fact, his program receives superlative internal and external reviews, with Dr. Froeschl’s leadership cited as a major reason.
He is a most deserving recipient of the Program Director of the Year award.
