in the Division of Cardiology
at the University of Toronto

What is DICE?

DICE is a mentorship group, lead by cardiology-residents, with a mission to introduce Undergraduate and medical students from traditionally underrepresented groups (Black, Indigenous, people of colour – BIPOC) to the field of cardiology.
DICE presents sessions and events in partnership with other programs within the University of Toronto, including the Summer Mentorship Program (SMP); Community of Support (COS); Diversity Mentorship Program (DMP); Black Medical Students’ Association (BMSA); and the Office of Indigenous Medical Education.
DICE provide direct mentorship to students who are interested in a resident mentor, along with group mentorship sessions to elucidate the pathway to becoming a cardiologist. Students are assisted in exploring the field through volunteer or paid research opportunities (i.e. by disseminating research opportunities available for application through existing programs such as IMS, hospital summer student programs).
DICE mentors are residents in the PGME adult cardiology training program.

For students interested in applying to research opportunities, such as Dr. Susanna Mak's Clinical Physiology Research Catheterization Lab, DICE provides several modes of support. These include help with CV-writing, interview preparation, and coaching on the transition into a research position with helpful learning resources (websites, modules, books) on specific research methodology to help them excel in their role.

The program is presented through the division of Cardiology at the University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine.
The program currently supports eleven UofT BIPOC medical students and maintains remote activity through monthly virtual labs and mentorship sessions. Beginning in September 2021, DICE will expand to include an Undergraduate stream (U-DICE) with a mission to mentor BIPOC pre-med students in achieving their med-school goals, as well as cultivating their interest in the field of Cardiology.

Our ultimate goal with DICE is to diversify the field of cardiology, noting how ethnically and socioeconomically diverse our patient population is in Toronto and Canada at large. With early mentorship for undergraduate and medical students, we hope to motivate and inspire trainees to consider cardiology as a career for its exciting training program, wealth of career and subspecialty opportunities.
The duration of the program is eight months (Sept-April) for Undergraduates and medical students are invited to continue the program in a multi-year path towards residency.