Torch - Spring/Summer 2019

Catharine Bertram Walsh 1996

she made the Dean’s Honour Roll for four years and earned the Mary Cassidy Award in recognition of outstanding contribution to extracurricular activities. Following a residency at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), she completed a fellowship in gastroenterology, followed by a master’s and PhD in education. As a pediatric gastroenterologist, Bertram now runs the celiac clinic at SickKids. Also appointed as a scientist, her academic research focuses on how to help health-care professionals learn techniques and essential skills. In nominating her for the Young Alumna Award, fellow alumna Linda Hiraki 1996 noted that Bertram’s research “has influenced the way in which international medical bodies are setting standards for quality performance of physicians around the world.” Bertram credits Havergal not only for core skills like work ethic, teamwork and collaboration, but also pinpoints it as the origins for her interest in teaching and helping others with skills development. “That’s why I went on to pursue further research training. I would say Havergal fostered my love of learning.”

Senior School, who pushed her to improve her writing. “To this day, I really appreciate their support because now, in the sciences, I’m actually complimented on my writing. I know I was not a strong student in that area and they really took the time to nurture me,” says Bertram. She adds that her science teachers had equal impact. “They knew that I had a strong interest in science and took time outside the classroom to really mentor me and find opportunities to further my skills in that area.” She adds that nurturing is a good word to describe her overall takeaway from Havergal. “I found Havergal to be a very nurturing environment, where people were always pushed to show the best side of themselves. It set a very strong foundation.” She adds that the strong network of friendships has also been a valuable support. “To this day they remain my strongest friendships, despite being all across the globe. One of my best friends is in Singapore, one is in in London, England, and one is in Dubai. But we still elevate and support each other.” After graduating from Havergal, Bertram went to Queen’s University and then the University of Toronto Medical School, where

Catharine Bertram Walsh received the 2016 Susan Ditchburn Young Alumna award for her work as an educational research clinician scientist at the Hospital for Sick Children. While she has many memories of classes and clubs at Havergal, one of her favourite physical spaces was the pool. As well as being on the Swim team, Bertram also taught swimming to younger kids, something she’s grateful for as her first work experience. “It was very rewarding to teach the younger children swimming lessons. It was also a great opportunity, as it’s often hard to secure a first job, so it allowed senior students to get their foot in the door and also to develop leadership and teaching skills,” recalls Bertram. Other memories from Havergal include founding the Handicrafts Club and participating in the Arts and Photography Clubs. While she didn’t pick up art until her senior years, it’s a passion she still pursues today. She also joined the Rowing team, which Bertram says was valuable for learning leadership and teamwork. In academics, one of Bertram’s strongest memories was of her English teachers in the

That’s why I went on to pursue further research training. I would say Havergal fostered. my love of learning.

— Catharine Bertram Walsh1996

Grad portrait 1996.

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