In Memoriam: Penny Jennett, Cumming School of Medicine

The Cumming School of Medicine (CSM) is mourning the loss of Dr. Penny Jennett, PhD, a medical education leader who is internationally recognized for her work in telehealth. Penny passed away on June 10, 2024. She was 78 years old.

Penny was the founding head of the University of Calgary’s Health Telematics Unit and a professor of community health sciences in the Faculty of Medicine, now Cumming School of Medicine. She also served as the faculty’s director of the Office of Medical Education.

Penny was born in Milden, Sask. She completed her undergraduate education at the University of Saskatchewan, as well as a graduate degree and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in medical education administration and curriculum from Michigan State University.

Penny was recognized for her research analyzing the use of e-health solutions in clinical, management and learning contexts, particularly in chronic care and rural medicine. 

She was highly respected for her ability to acquire funding for research, was published in more than 100 research publications and received awards for teaching and leadership in medical education and telehealth.

Penny held numerous leadership positions with national organizations through her career, serving as president of the Canadian Society of Telehealth where she was honoured with the distinction of being named a lifetime member in 2004. She also served on the board of the Canadian Network for the Advancement of Research, Industry and Education, a research and infrastructure network supporting global scientific collaboration. Telehealth is the delivery of health care, education and information services via remote technology.