The Entente Foundation, formerly known as the RTOERO Foundation, has officially announced the appointment of Dr. Jennifer Watt as the new Entente Education Canada Chair in Geriatric Medicine at the University of Toronto. This significant announcement was made on March 09, 2026, marking a pivotal moment in the foundation's ongoing commitment to advancing research and care for older adults across Canada.
A Distinguished Clinician-Scientist Takes the Helm
Dr. Jennifer Watt brings extensive expertise to this prestigious role as both a clinician-scientist and a practicing geriatrician at St. Michael's Hospital. She also serves as an assistant professor within the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto, where her research has consistently focused on enhancing care for older adults experiencing frailty and cognitive changes.
Her innovative work utilizes real-world health data and advanced analytic methods to evaluate treatments and support clinical decision-making processes. Furthermore, Dr. Watt is dedicated to advancing equitable access to high-quality, evidence-based care for the aging population, ensuring that her research has tangible impacts on healthcare delivery and policy.
Foundation's Long-Term Commitment to Healthy Aging
Mike Prentice, the executive director of the Entente Foundation, emphasized the importance of this appointment, stating, "The Entente Education Canada Chair in Geriatric Medicine reflects our long-term commitment to advancing research that improves the lives of older adults. Dr. Watt's expertise and leadership will build on the strong foundation of this endowed chair and continue driving evidence that strengthens care and policy across Canada."
The Entente Foundation was established in 2011 with the primary goal of raising funds to create this endowed chair at the University of Toronto. This position is designed to strengthen Canada's leadership and research capacity in aging by providing stable, long-term funding that advances knowledge, informs public policy, and trains emerging leaders in the field of geriatric medicine.
Continuing a Legacy of Excellence
Dr. Watt succeeds Dr. Paula Rochon, who previously held the chair and made significant contributions during her tenure. Under Dr. Rochon's leadership, the role was instrumental in developing clinical guidelines, informing public policy, and supporting the training of future leaders in geriatric care. The foundation maintains an ongoing working relationship with the chairholder, which includes regular updates on research initiatives, student mentorship, and knowledge mobilization activities. This collaborative engagement is set to continue under Dr. Watt's new leadership.
The appointment of Dr. Watt underscores the Entente Foundation's continued investment in promoting healthy aging through research, collaboration, and evidence-informed leadership. As a national charitable organization, the foundation is dedicated to advancing healthy aging across Canada by investing in research, education, and community initiatives that strengthen geriatric care and improve the well-being of older adults nationwide.
This strategic move highlights the critical role of endowed chairs in sustaining long-term research efforts and fostering innovation in healthcare for aging populations. With Dr. Watt at the helm, the University of Toronto and the Entente Foundation are poised to make further strides in geriatric medicine, ultimately benefiting older adults and healthcare systems across the country.
