The Department of Family Medicine is pleased to welcome Andrew Marcheschi as its new Associate Director, Administration, for the Department of Family Medicine, the Office of Distributed Medical Education and the Division of Palliative Care Medicine (AEC 4). He replaces Kennedy Kanyang'onda who made the decision in early 2025 to pursue a new career opportunity overseas. We thank Kennedy for his excellent work and wish him the very best in his new pursuits.
A People-Oriented Leadership Approach
Though new to Family Medicine, Andrew is no stranger to McGill, having held key administrative roles within the university over the past several years. When we asked to describe himself in three words, Andrew offers: dedicated, hardworking and team player. He says he strongly believes that success comes from collaboration at all levels — whether with faculty leadership, department staff, or external stakeholders.
“Half of this role is making connections—not only at a higher level but also within the team itself,” he explains. “I believe in fostering an engaged and motivated team, where everyone understands our shared goals and the impact of their work.”
Andrew’s first few weeks have been a whirlwind, filled with back-to-back meetings to get to know his new colleagues but also ensure a smooth transition from his previous team. Most recently, he was the Associate Director, Administration, for the Departments of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences and Psychiatry, and for the Centre for Studies in Aging (AEC 1) since 2022.
“Before I dive into projects, I want to understand the people behind them,” he says. “Forming connections is important to me—not just professionally but personally as well.”
Among the key priorities in his new role will be to streamline operations, enhance communication and support the Department’s long-term strategic planning.
Fostering Collaboration and Wellness
Family Medicine is one of the largest departments housed within the Faculty of Medicine and Sciences and Andrew recognizes the importance of fostering collaboration across various teams. He believes that, while different units may sometimes work independently, there are always opportunities to bridge connections and create synergy. He aims to encourage open communication and innovative collaboration to ensure that the Department continues to thrive.
Working closely with Department Chair Marion Dove, MD, Andrew envisions their partnership as a strategic strength. “Dr. Dove has a clear vision for the Department. My role is to support that vision, ensure the team understands where we’re headed, and work together to get there.”
A strong advocate for team building, Andrew is particularly impressed by Family Medicine’s Wellness Committee, which organizes activities such as yoga sessions, arts and crafts, and book clubs to foster a positive work environment. “The fact that such initiatives exist speaks volumes about the Department’s culture,” he said. “They create a sense of community and belonging and it’s clear that people here care about each other. I’m excited to be a part of that.”
Looking Ahead
As Andrew settles into his new role, he looks forward to learning more about Family Medicine’s unique operations and expanding his professional expertise. However, he is also keenly aware of the challenges ahead and the importance of adaptability —particularly in navigating the university’s financial landscape.
Having served as Finance Officer at The Neuro, he is already accustomed to managing budgets and creating strong financial plans. “The university is in a period of transition, and my focus is on ensuring that Family Medicine remains well-positioned to navigate these changes successfully.”
While he may not have a magic wand, Andrew has a clear vision: to support the team, enhance efficiency and continue to foster a collaborative environment. “The team is the driving force behind the Department, and they deserve to be celebrated,” he concludes.
Welcome to Family Medicine, Andrew!
