IHPME Student Elected to U of T’s Governing Council

An MHSc student has been elected as a graduate representative on the U of T Governing Council. 

By: Marielle Boutin 

David Gren will join the council, along with fellow students, faculty, and administrative staff, taking on a significant role as an advocate for graduate student interests. 

Like a Board of Governors, the Governing Council at U of T serves as a key decision-making body, overseeing the university’s overall direction and ensuring its continued growth and success. 

Graduate representatives advocate for student interests, participate in university governance, and help shape policies that impact academic and campus life. 

Given his dedication to creating a positive change at a systems level, Gren is poised to be a strong voice for his fellow students.  

Driving systemic progress has been top of mind for Gren since he began his experience in the Health Administration program. After a decade on the frontline as an Advanced Care Paramedic in Toronto, Gren decided to pursue a career in management, which led him to IHPME. 

“I began my journey into management several years ago during which I learned about the MHSc,” says Gren. “After exploring the program and IHPME, I discovered a wealth of opportunities to advance my knowledge and skills and cultivate my professional network. I knew immediately that I wanted to participate, and here I am today!” 

While he found frontline clinical work rewarding, Gren was ready for a new challenge and aimed for a path that would help amplify his voice and prepare him to influence healthcare systems and contribute to the improvement of patient outcomes. 

According to MHSc Program Director Karen Born, Gren’s leadership and frontline experience make him a vital advocate on the council, ensuring graduate supports and offerings align with community and learner needs. 

“David brings an important voice to Governing Council of professional learners […] He is an ideal person to represent the diverse and unique perspective of graduate students in social and life sciences. As MHSc Health Administration students, David and his cohort join us at University of Toronto to advance leadership and management competencies to take on the complex challenges facing the health care system. His perspective at Governing Council can help ensure professional education programs, and graduate education at University of Toronto reflects the needs of the community and is centred on the needs of our diverse learners.” 

Gren’s election to the Governing Council is not his first foray into student representation. Since beginning his journey at U of T, he has enjoyed participating in community and leadership initiatives, such as serving as a member of the IHPME Graduate Student Union (GSU). When the opportunity to serve on the council arose, he eagerly put his name forward. 

“I’m very honored to have been elected by my fellow graduate students and will work hard next year to represent their collective voice,” says Gren. 

The newly elected representative has wasted no time in setting forth a detailed roadmap for his tenure, having already compiled a list of changes he hopes to make and encouraging students to reach out with their ideas and concerns. 

“I hope to achieve two primary goals as a member of the Governing Council. First, I hope to represent my fellow students with an active voice at the table. Second, I hope to make several impactful changes that improve the quality of life and experience at the University of Toronto. If I can achieve these two goals, I will consider my time on the Governing Council a success,” says Gren. 

As he moves into this new role, Gren’s commitment to leadership and impactful change are proof that this is just the beginning of a bigger journey, one that will continue shaping the future of healthcare and advocacy, both at U of T and beyond.