Danielle Bentley

Danielle Bentley holds a Ph.D. in Exercise Sciences (Cardiovascular Health) from the University of Toronto and an M.Sc. in Anatomical Sciences from Queen's University. Prior to joining the Division of Anatomy, she held post-doctoral positions with UHN's Toronto Rehabilitation Institute in both Knowledge Translation and Cardiac Rehabilitation. Drawing on these broad experiences, Dr. Bentley emphasizes the clinical applicability of foundational knowledge within each of her courses.

In addition to teaching, Dr. Bentley is the lead PI for the ATLAS Research Lab. The overarching objectives of her program of research are to enhance student learning through 1) evidence-based in-class approaches to teaching, 2) meaningful student assessments, and 3) vocationally relevant course design.

Recent Publications

View Google Scholar search of this faculty member's recent publications.

Appointments

Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology (Cross-Appointment), UofT
The Institute of Medical Sciences (Graduate Teaching Appointment), UofT
The Wilson Center (Scholar), UHN + UofT
The Institute for Education Research, TIER, (Education Investigator I), UHN

Recent Honours and Awards

Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching in Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto (2021-2022)
This award honours sustained excellence in teaching, coordination and/or development of undergraduate lecture or seminar courses in Arts and Science offered by the Basic Science Departments in the Faculty of Medicine.

Dean's Merit Award, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto (2021)
At the discretion of the Dean of Medicine, this internal award is bestowed upon a selected few faculty who demonstrate excellence in research, academic achievement or service within the Faculty of Medicine.

Early Career Teaching Award, Office of the Provost, University of Toronto (2020-2021)
This award recognizes faculty members who are effective teachers and demonstrate an exceptional commitment to student learning, pedagogical engagement, and teaching innovation. 

Medical Radiation Sciences Program Excellence in Classroom Teaching Award, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto (2019-2020)
This award recognizes course instructors of core curriculum and discipline specific courses in the UT/TMI Medical Radiation Sciences Undergraduate Program.

MD Program Teaching Excellence Award, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto (2019-2020) and (2018-2019)
This award recognizes faculty, residents, graduate student teachers and clinicians in the MD Program that have attained Teaching Evaluation Scores in the top 10% in one or more of the teaching activities to which they have contributed.

Recent Research Grants

Anatomical Representations of All – The ARA Project, Bentley DC (PI) (2023-24)
Awarded by the University of Toronto, Department of Surgery – Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Indigeneity, and Accessibility (EDIIA) Initiative Fund.

Understanding the Impact of an Undergraduate Dissection Experience. Bentley DC (PI) (2023-2024)
Awarded by the University of Toronto Faculty of Arts & Science - Pedagogical Research Grant.

“Unconferencing” to Improve Education Research Designs. Bentley DC (co-PI), Roach V, Attardi S, Lisk K (2019-23)
Awarded by the American Association for Anatomy - Research Outreach Grant.

The Impact of Examination Pacing Structure on Student Anxiety and Performance with an Undergraduate Anatomy Course. Bentley DC (PI) (2018-20)
Awarded by the University of Toronto Provost - Learning and Education Advancement Fund (LEAF)

Movement Guided Learning in the Undergraduate Classroom. Richardson N, Bentley DC (PI) (2018).
Awarded by the York University Faculty of Health - Innovation in Teaching Award.

Current Courses

As an educator, Dr. Bentley designs and implements evidence-based courses in gross anatomy, embryology, and human dissection to undergraduate, graduate, and medical students studying in the Faculties of Medicine, Arts & Science, & Kinesiology. Drawing on her breadth of experiences across health professions education, Dr. Bentley's courses emphasize the clinical applicability of foundational knowledge.

Faculty Lead, Anatomy, UofT MD Program

Theme Lead, Embryology, UofT MD Program

ANA301 - Human Embryology, UofT Faculty of Arts & Science

MSC1008 - Advanced Embryology and Teratology, UofT Institute of Medical Science