Education for Impact: Training the Next Generation of Dementia Professionals - Dr. Meaghan Adams
From her earliest days as a physiotherapist, Dr. Meaghan Adams has been fascinated by how people learn and how new tools can improve care. That curiosity, combined with a passion for emerging technologies like virtual reality, shaped her career and now drives her work at Baycrest.
At Baycrest, education is central to the mission. It empowers individuals, families, communities and healthcare professionals worldwide with the knowledge and skills to improve brain health and dementia care. By turning cutting-edge research into practical tools, services and programs, education bridges the gap between discovery and real-world impact for aging adults.
As Manager of Simulation & Virtual Learning at the Centre for Education & Knowledge Exchange in Aging, Baycrest Academy for Research & Education, Dr. Adams leads the creation of training programs that prepare healthcare professionals, families and caregivers to deliver exceptional care for older adults, including those living with dementia. She and her team design workshops, courses and simulation experiences that mobilize knowledge and equip the next generation of clinicians, researchers and educators.
Drawn to problem-solving in clinical settings, Dr. Adams found her way to Baycrest by combining that passion with her interest in emerging technologies, particularly virtual reality. She continues to explore innovative approaches to care and education.
Her work directly supports people living with dementia and their family members in addition to alleviating some of the pressures across Canada’s healthcare system. She is currently working on expanding Project Extension of Community Health Outcomes (ECHO), a Ministry-funded initiative that connects primary care providers and healthcare professionals in Ontario to Baycrest geriatric specialists to equip them with the skills needed to manage complex eldercare scenarios. The new project will focus on medication use for older adults.
Looking ahead, Dr. Adams is excited about the potential of VR and artificial intelligence (AI) to transform healthcare education. She envisions AI-powered simulations that allow learners to practice real-world interactions and problem-solving before working with patients, redefining training in brain health and aging.
“Because I’m with Baycrest, the answer to the question ‘do you want to work with me’ is always ‘yes.’” Being part of Baycrest offers Dr. Adams the platform to reach learners across the province, country and beyond. “Our reputation and expert team open doors. People want to learn from Baycrest because this is where progress happens,” she explains.