David Stewart Wheler M.D., B.Sc., CCFP

Biography

I was born and raised in Agincourt and attended University at Scarborough College which has since been renamed. I attended University of Toronto Medical School which has also been renamed. I completed a rotating internship (back when there were such things) at Doctor’s Hospital in Toronto which has also been renamed.

I have been in Community practice since 1986 in Scarborough. Originally, I was involved in surgical assisting and long-term care. Over the years my practice evolved and in 1995, I was introduced to clerkship and subsequently resident teaching. My positive experiences in teaching resulted in my becoming the Undergraduate Program Director at SHN (a role I currently share) as well as involvement at the DFCM in workshops and student seminars (which I also continue).

My community practice has evolved and while I do have a comprehensive Family Medicine practice, I have special interest caring for brain injury clients, autistic adults and developmentally delayed patients through my association with Community Living Toronto and Community Head Injury Resource Services.
I am fortunate to work with an excellent team both at Scarborough Health Network and DFCM. I continue to thoroughly enjoy teaching and hope I have a positive impact on learners.

I love golf, skiing (blue runs only now), pretending to be a gardener and handyman, my wife, my son and teaching (not in that order).

From the Nomination

"Dr. Wheler has consistently demonstrated a commitment to the academic and personal growth of medical students and residents. His dedication to nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals is evident in the consistently excellent feedback he receives from his students and colleagues alike. Time and again, he has proven himself to be an invaluable mentor..."

"Dr. Wheler consistently challenged me to expand my knowledge and comfort level, pushing me in a supportive and nurturing manner outside of my comfort zone. He recognized the importance of allowing learners to grow at their own pace and provided guidance and encouragement to help me reach my full potential. Under his mentorship, I witnessed... the transformative impact that his teaching had on my development as a healthcare professional."

About the Award

This award recognizes sustained (normally 10 years) excellence in community-based teaching, and may include mentorship, the integration of scholarship in teaching and interprofessional collaboration.

Established by the Faculty of Medicine in 2012 the Community Based Teaching Awards recognize the significant contribution of an increasing number of University of Toronto community-based teachers to the learning of medical students and residents.