Helen P. Batty Awards

The Helen P. Batty Awards for Excellence and Achievement in Faculty Development (known as the Helen Batty Awards) were first established in 2005, to recognize excellence in faculty development programming and teaching in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto. Applications are invited across three categories:

1. Sustained Excellence in Teaching in Faculty Development
2. Excellence or Innovation in Program Development and Design
3. Sustained Excellence as a Faculty Developer

The awards come with faculty-wide recognition at the Temerty Education Achievement Celebration as well as a prize and certificate. The awards are overseen by the Centre for Faculty Development.

Please note that the Helen Batty Awards are now a self-application process and are not nomination-based. Applicants are responsible for assembling and submitting all documents, including the letters of support and personal statement.

How can I ensure my application meets the criteria for “Faculty Development” excellence? What is faculty development?

We suggest that you review the following definition of faculty development to inform your application:

Faculty development is an ongoing process that enables individuals such as clinical preceptors, graduate supervisors, classroom instructors, and patient and family partners, to evolve and grow into their roles and activities within health professions education. These activities encompass clinical and classroom teaching, curriculum development, program evaluation, academic leadership, wellness initiatives, and advocating for systems change. Faculty development initiatives, may be informal or formal, and can include a diverse array of activities such as longitudinal programs, individual workshops, communities of practice, coaching, mentorship, and rounds. These initiatives are intentionally designed to be flexible and adaptable, catering to emerging needs while simultaneously fostering community building, facilitating networking, and promoting capacity building throughout the health professions education system.

Will continuing professional development (CPD) activities be considered or eligible?

We suggest visiting the Office of CPD’s awards for possibly more suitable awards for consideration for excellence in CPD. However, if your CPD program advances the goals of faculty development, it may be eligible for Category 2. If you are unsure, please consider attending our information sessions or reaching out to karen.chen@unityhealth.to to explore your eligibility before submitting your full application

Are group submissions allowed?

Group submissions are only allowed for Category 2.

I am early in my career, but have made notable contributions already to faculty development. Should I hold off from applying or are there other awards I might consider?

The Helen Batty Awards consider “sustained excellence” which typically captures contributions that are 5 or more years. However, this year we are pleased to announce a Temerty Medical Education Award that is being introduced to recognize earlier career contributions to faculty development. For more information, please visit: https://meded.temertymedicine.utoronto.ca/jana-lazor-emerging-leader-faculty-development-award

When will I find out my application status?

The application period opens October 8, 2025 and the deadline is December 15, 2025, 5pm ET.

Decisions will go out to applicants in early March.

Where can I ask more questions?

We will be having a drop-in Q&A session on November 12, 12-1pm. Please feel free to join anytime during the hour to ask questions. Register here: https://centreforfacdev.ca/workshop-catalogue/469-helen-batty-awards-drop-in-qa-session/.