Biography

Catharine graduated from the University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine in 2003 and completed her general pediatrics training in 2007.  She received her Master of Education (Health Professions Education Specialization) from OISE/UT in 2009.  Her Masters research focused on the evaluation of innovative methods of teaching in the simulated setting in order to enhance the educational benefits and cost-effectiveness of simulation technology.  Currently, Dr. Walsh is a 4^th year fellow in pediatric gastroenterology at the Hospital for Sick Children.  Supported by a CCHCSP Doctoral Award and a Department of Pediatrics Research Fellowship Award, she is pursuing a PhD degree through the Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, while completing an educational research fellowship at the Wilson Center.  Dr. Walsh’s doctoral research will focus on the development and validation and reliable measure to assess competency in gastrointestinal endoscopy in the clinical setting.  Competency-based assessment is crucial in order to facilitate trainee feedback and aid with credentialing decisions.  In addition to being of crucial importance for training, the need for more objective assessment tools is driven by the need to ensure high quality patient care and minimize potential errors resulting from underperformance.