Sarah Burm, PhD
Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University
Dates of Visit: December 8 – 9, 2025
Biography
Dr. Sarah Burm is an Associate Professor and Education Research Scientist in the Office of Continuing Professional Development and Medical Education at Dalhousie University. She holds a PhD in Educational Studies from Western University. A qualitative researcher, her work to date has primarily centered on medical learners and physicians, examining who they are—and who they are becoming—as care providers. Her research explores how this evolving professional identity intersects with, and sometimes conflicts with, other meaningful aspects of who they are as they move through their career. More recently, Dr. Burm’s research has turned toward the study of wellbeing and social connection within the workplace. Her current work examines the often unacknowledged tensions of expressing grief in medicine, while considering the cultural and structural factors that render such experiences invisible. She is also leading an interdisciplinary study with colleagues in medicine, nursing, and education that explores the role of workplace friendship in supporting wellbeing. Her work has been funded by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, and Nova Scotia Health.
Purpose of Visit
During her visit to CHES, Dr. Burm will be meeting with individual members of the CHES community to discuss their research ideas, offer advice, and explore areas of joint interest. Dr. Burm will also be presenting at the CHES Cutting Edge Speaker Series on December 9.