The days are growing longer, and with them, we celebrate the official arrival of spring. It’s been a busy and exciting time in the Faculty of Medicine. 

Dalhousie Medical School has been actively preparing for its next full accreditation of the undergraduate medical program. As part of this process, we recently completed a virtual Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools (CACMS) review on February 17-20, 2025, which will be followed by additional in-person sessions on March 24-25, 2025. 

We appreciate the ongoing commitment of our community to the accreditation process and look forward to incorporating CACMS feedback to further enhance our medical education program. If you have any suggestions or questions, please reach out. 

I also want to congratulate the class of 2025 Class of 2025, who recently learned during CaRMS Match Day on March 4, where they will be undertaking residency training. 93 per cent of students matched during the first iteration and 84 per cent of Dalhousie residency positions were filled. We look forward to the second iteration of the match to fill these latter positions, and our Student Affairs team will be working closely with any unmatched students to look at options and help prepare them for the second iteration match which takes place in April.     

Other major things to make you aware of are highlighted below: 

 

Annual Spring Refresher celebrates 50 years 

This year’s Dalhousie Annual Spring Refresher in emergency medicine event marks the 50th anniversary of this important learning activity designed to enhance knowledge, attitudes, and skills for the management of emergencies. Over the two days of content delivery, participants will hear from our region’s experts on topics relevant to assessed needs and informed by the best evidence available.  

Register now! 

 

13th Annual Thomas and Alice Morgans Fear Memorial Conference 

Healthcare leaders are facing more complexity than ever. How do we navigate uncertainty while staying grounded?  Join us for Stillness in Chaos: Health Leadership for Complex Times at the 13th Annual Thomas and Alice Morgans Fear Memorial Conference. Engage with experts, gain new insights, and connect with fellow leaders.  

May 15-16, 2025
Halifax Convention Centre  

Register now! 

 

Dr. Sanja Stanojevic honoured with King Charles III Coronation Medal by the Canadian Lung Association   

Dr. Sanja Stanojevic is among 39 recipients selected by the Canadian Lung Association to receive the King Charles III Coronation Medal, recognizing her outstanding contributions to respiratory health. A leading respiratory epidemiologist, her groundbreaking research on lung function growth charts has transformed the diagnosis and management of lung disease worldwide. She plays a key role in national and international advocacy, serving in leadership positions with the American Thoracic Society and the European Respiratory Society. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she provided critical guidance on aerosol precautions, working closely with government and non-profit organizations. In Atlantic Canada, she has been a strong advocate for improved access to diagnostic testing. Dr. Stanojevic will be recognized in a virtual ceremony this month. 

Read more here. 

 

Faculty of Medicine members widely recognized in King Charles Medal Ceremony  

Dalhousie University hosted a special ceremony on January 31 to celebrate recipients of the King Charles III Coronation Medal, an honour recognizing Canadians for their significant contributions. Presented by Senator Dr. Stan Kutcher, who served as the Sun Life Financial Chair in Adolescent Mental Health and a faculty member in Dal’s Department of Psychiatry prior to being appointed to the Senate, the medals were awarded to distinguished Dalhousie researchers, administrators, and alumni for their impact in health care, research, education, and public service. Recipients from the Faculty of Medicine included: 

• Dr. Alexa Bagnell, Department of Psychiatry 

• Dr. Lisa Barrett, Department of Medicine 

• Dr. Margaret Casey, former Director of Admissions and Chair of Admissions Committee 

• Dr. W. Ford Doolittle, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 

• Dr. Gus Grant, alumni; Registrar and CEO of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia 

• Dr. Vonda Hayes, former faculty member, Department of Family Medicine, and former director of Faculty Development 

• Dr. Orlando Hung, Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management & Perioperative Medicine 

• Dr. Andrew Lynk, Department of Pediatrics  

• Dr. Noni MacDonald, Department of Pediatrics 

• Dr. Harold Robertson, Department of Pharmacology 

• Dr. John Ruedy, Department of Pharmacology 

• Dr. Aidan Stokes, Department of Psychiatry 

Read more here. 

 

Dr. Ford Doolittle receives lifetime achievement award 

Congratulations to Dr. Ford Doolittle, professor emeritus in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, who received the Genome Canada Lifetime Achievement Award at the Canadian Genomics Impact Awards Reception in Halifax on March 9, 2025. Nominated by Genome Atlantic, this prestigious award recognizes a genomics leader who has made significant contributions to the field throughout their career. Dr. Doolittle’s impact on genomics science has been profound, making this honour well-deserved. Congratulations, Dr. Doolittle! 

 

Dr. Beata Derfalvi recognized by ImmUnity Canada 

Each year, ImmUnity Canada recognizes those who go above and beyond through their Excellence Awards. The award is given to a Canadian healthcare professional in recognition for ongoing excellence in the field of patient care in primary immunodeficiency. This year, ImmUnity Canada selected Dr. Beata Derfalvi, a pediatric immunologist at the IWK Health Centre and head of the Division of Immunology at Dalhousie University, as their recipient. Congratulations Dr. Derfalvi! 

 

Dr. Allan Marble appointed to Order of Nova Scotia 

Biomedical engineer, genealogist and medical historian, author, and researcher, Dr. Allan Marble, is among the latest Nova Scotians appointed to the Order of Nova Scotia.

Dr. Marble is recognized for his impact on heritage, biomedical engineering, and medical history. He led the development of a province-wide genealogical network, conducted innovative cardiovascular surgery research, and advanced bioengineering. His multidisciplinary work has had a lasting impact both in Nova Scotia and nationally.

Read more here. 

 

Drs. Ilie and Rutledge awarded by Candian Association of Psychosocial Oncology 

Dr. Gabriela Ilie and Dr. Rob Rutledge have been awarded the 2025 Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology (CAPO) Innovation Award for their pioneering PC-PEP and Cancer-PEP programs. This prestigious award recognizes innovative initiatives that enhance psychosocial cancer care or cancer prevention in Canada. Their work has both driven significant improvements in patient support and expanded internationally, with growing adoption in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. This recognition highlights the programs’ meaningful impact, sustainability, and contribution to advancing cancer care on a global scale. Congratulations! 

 

Dr. Andrew Makrigiannis awarded by Canadian Society for Immunology 

Congratulations to Dr. Andrew Makrigiannis, who was awarded the Investigator Award from the Canadian Society for Immunology, recognizing his outstanding contributions to immunology research and mentorship. Dr. Makrigiannis, who is a professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and senior scientist at the Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, has made groundbreaking discoveries in Natural Killer (NK) cell biology, significantly advancing our understanding of immune cell function. His dedication to training and inspiring the next generation of scientists is reflected in the success of his trainees across academia, industry, and medicine. This well-deserved honour celebrates his exceptional career and lasting impact on the field of immunology and will be presented at the upcoming CSI 2025 meeting in Gatineau, Quebec in April. 

 

Euphoria! raises impressive sum for Adsum for Women & Children 

It was another impressive showing as Dalhousie medical students took to the stage for 55th performance of Euphoria! on Feb. 15, 2025. The highly anticipated variety show features all four medical classes showcasing their artistic, theatrical, and musical talents while competing for bragging rights and the coveted Euphoria! trophy. The event also serves as a fundraiser for a charity of the students’ choosing, and this year’s show, supported Adsum for Women & Children, an organization that provides shelter, housing, and support services for women, gender-diverse individuals, and children experiencing homelessness in the Halifax Regional Municipality.  

Each class delivered a unique performance: Med 1 presented Mean Girls (Medical School Version), a nostalgic look at medical school through the lens of the popular movie and musical; Med 2 performed The Multiverse of Medness, where students recruited doctors from across the multiverse to diagnose a mysterious disease and save Dal Med; Med 3 staged The Night Pat Murphy Died, a comedic mystery in which students worked together to solve the “death” of a classmate; and Med 4 delivered Into the Metaverse, a reflective journey through their brainstorming process and experiences over four years at Dal Med. After an evening of outstanding performances, Med 2 was declared the winner, with the event raising more than $60,000 for Adsum for Women & Children. Congratulations to all participants on this great success! 

 

Breakthrough in heart treatment best practice sparks global rethink 

Dr. John Sapp, a Dalhousie cardiology researcher, has led a groundbreaking study demonstrating that catheter ablation is more effective than medication as a first-line treatment for ventricular tachycardia (VT), a life-threatening heart rhythm disorder. Implantable defibrillators save lives by delivering shocks when the heart misfires, but the pain and trauma they cause have long been a challenge for patients. Dr. Sapp’s research, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, tracked 416 patients and found that ablation reduced VT-related shocks, emergency visits, and mortality by 25 per cent. His findings are prompting a global shift in heart treatment guidelines, offering new hope for patients like Nova Scotia farmer John Kell, who has been shock-free since undergoing the procedure in 2019. 

Read more here. 

 

Dal researchers publish study in Nature 

A new study published in Nature by Dalhousie University researchers Kelsey Williamson and Dr. Andrew Roger sheds light on the origins of complex life. Using advanced computer models to analyze vast genetic datasets, the team pinpointed the Last Eukaryotic Common Ancestor (LECA), revealing that it lived over a billion years ago and was a single-celled predator with two flagella for movement and feeding. Their findings suggest that all eukaryotic life splits into two super-kingdoms, “Opimoda+” and “Diphoda+,” offering critical insights into the evolution of complex cells. 

Read more here. 

 

Dalhousie Launches Bold Campaign to Close the Gender Funding Gap in Medical Research 

Women in science and medicine have long faced a persistent funding gap in research, limiting breakthroughs that could transform healthcare. In recognition of International Women’s Day, Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Medicine is launching the Girls Just Wanna Have Funding campaign—a bold initiative to raise awareness and funds for a new research fund supporting women-led medical research. 

Studies show that women in research receive significantly less funding than their male counterparts. A recent analysis found that female scientists, on average, receive smaller grants, despite producing high-impact research. This campaign aims to change that narrative by empowering researchers with the resources they need to drive innovation and discovery. 

The Girls Just Wanna Have Funding campaign features exclusive merchandise, including bold statement t-shirts, with proceeds going directly to the newly established International Women’s Day Research Fund. Faculty, students, and supporters are encouraged to wear the gear, share their stories on social media, and spark conversations about gender equity in research funding. 

Dalhousie is calling on the community to take action by purchasing campaign merchandise or donating directly to the fund. Every contribution helps advance cutting-edge medical research led by women and strengthens the future of healthcare. 

Learn more here. 

 

Dr. Lori Connors appointed Associate Dean, Continuing Professional Development and Medical Education (CPDME)  

On behalf of the Faculty of Medicine, we are pleased to announce that Dr. Lori Connors has been appointed Associate Dean, Continuing Professional Development and Medical Education (CPDME), for a five-year term, effective April 1, 2025. 

Dr. Connors, who is an associate professor in the Department of Medicine here at Dalhousie, has served as program director for the internal medicine residency training program since 2023. She has held key roles in medical education, including PGME communication skills lead and head of the skilled clinician unit. A past chair of CPD for the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, she has also contributed to CPD accreditation at the Royal College. She earned a master’s in education from Acadia in 2015. 

Recognized for her contributions to education, mentorship, and service, she has received several awards, including the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (2023) and the CSACI Early Career Award (2016). 

As associate dean, CPDME, Dr. Connors will lead the Continuing Professional Development and Medical Education Office, overseeing CPD programs, supporting medical education research, and advancing strategic initiatives. She will promote interprofessional education, technology integration, and the evolution from CME to CPD while representing the Faculty internally and externally. 

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Connors on her appointment. 

 

Dr. Joffre Munro appointed Assistant Dean, Undergraduate Medical Education, Clerkship  

On behalf of the Faculty of Medicine, we are pleased to announce that Dr. Joffre Munro has been appointed assistant dean, undergraduate medical education (UGME), clerkship, for a five-year term, effective March 1, 2025. 

Dr. Munro, an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine, has been dedicated to medical education and mentorship since 2016. Previously an education lead at Saint John Regional Hospital, he joined Dalhousie’s Division of General Internal Medicine in Halifax in 2021. He has held several leadership roles, including associate program director for the core internal medicine residency (2023) and assistant internal medicine clerkship director (2022). He serves on the CSIM Education Committee and the Royal College Internal Medicine Exam Board. 

Recognized for his teaching and mentorship, Dr. Munro has received multiple awards, including the Department of Medicine’s Excellence in Medical Education Award (2024). 

As assistant dean, he will oversee the clerkship curriculum, ensuring accreditation standards, curriculum renewal, faculty development, and student assessment while collaborating with clerkship directors and health authorities. 

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Munro on his appointment. 

 

Dr. Susan MacLeod appointed Director, Skilled Clinician Program, CBMC 

On behalf of the Cape Breton Medical Campus (CBMC), we are pleased to announce that Dr. Susan MacLeod has been appointed Director, Skilled Clinician Program, effective March 10, 2025. 

A family physician and assistant professor at Dalhousie University, Dr. MacLeod completed her medical training at Memorial University (2000) and a family medicine residency at the University of Ottawa (2002). She practiced in Newfoundland before moving to Nova Scotia in 2010, where she has been a dedicated preceptor and advocate for medical education. 

With 23 years of clinical experience, Dr. MacLeod has shown strong leadership in family medicine and served as CBMC’s Family Medicine Special Advisor since 2023. She was awarded Dalhousie’s Preceptor of the Year Award (2023-2024) for her mentorship. 

As director, she will oversee the development, implementation, and assessment of the Skilled Clinician Program, including OSCEs and clinical science integration. She will collaborate on faculty development initiatives to enhance clinical learning and assessment. 

Please join us in congratulating Dr. MacLeod on her appointment. 

 

In Memoriam: Dr. Brian O’Brien 

The Faculty of Medicine is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former faculty member in the Department of Ophthalmology, Dr. D. Brian O’Brien, at the age of 93 on Feb. 19, 2025. 

Dr. O’Brien was a distinguished ophthalmologist, community leader, and entrepreneur whose career spanned more than four decades. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Francis Xavier University in 1952 and completed his medical degree at Dalhousie University in 1957. Following four years of general practice in Shediac, New Brunswick, he pursued an ophthalmology residency at McGill University and a fellowship in retina and ophthalmic pathology at the University of Toronto. 

Dr. O’Brien practiced in the Department of Ophthalmology here at Dalhousie from 1965 to 2009, performing a wide range of complex surgical procedures, and restoring or saving the vision of thousands of people. His pioneering work in Atlantic Canada brought modern treatments for eye disease to the region, making him the first surgeon to repair retinal detachments and use laser therapy for retinal tears. Throughout his career, he played a pivotal role in teaching and mentoring ophthalmologists, leaving a lasting impact on the field. 

Beyond clinical practice, Dr. O’Brien was a dedicated advocate for medical excellence and policy reform. He served on the Board of Examiners for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, was president of the Medical Society of Nova Scotia, and held leadership roles at the Halifax Infirmary and Victoria General Hospital. He also contributed to national medical policy discussions as a member of the Canadian Medical Association’s Political Action Committee. 

Dr. O’Brien balanced his medical career with entrepreneurship, leading various business ventures, including Kerry Properties and a Dairy Queen franchise. He employed many Nova Scotians and remained committed to retaining staff through economic downturns. His deep Irish heritage inspired his longstanding involvement with the Charitable Irish Society of Halifax, where he served as president and chaired the Cultural Grants Committee. 

Following his retirement, Dr. O’Brien dedicated himself to community service, spearheading the restoration of Holy Cross Cemetery in Halifax. As founder and chair of the Holy Cross Restoration and Historical Trust, he led volunteers in rehabilitating the site, securing and beautifying the grounds, and preserving its historical records. His efforts earned him numerous accolades, including the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and the Community Service Award from the Charitable Irish Society of Halifax. 

Education and lifelong learning were central to Dr. O’Brien’s philosophy. To support future generations, he established the Dan and Margaret O’Brien Bursary Fund at St. Francis Xavier University and the O’Brien Award in Irish Studies at Saint Mary’s University. His contributions to academia and community service were recognized with honorary doctorates from both institutions. 

A gifted pianist, artist, and gardener, Dr. O’Brien lived a life enriched by creativity and curiosity. His enduring legacy is reflected in the countless lives he touched through medicine, mentorship, and community service. He will be deeply missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him. 

Read the full obituary and listen to his eulogy. 

 

In Memoriam: Dr. John Collins  

The Faculty of Medicine is saddened to hear of the passing of former department head in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dr. John Collins, on Feb. 17, 2025, at the age of 88.   

Born in Kitchener, Ontario, Dr. Collins obtained his medical degree from the University of Western Ontario in 1960, followed by the completion of his postgraduate training in obstetrics and gynaecology. He then secured a prestigious R.S. McLaughlin Foundation Travelling Fellowship, which allowed him to study in the UK at University College Hospital, London, and the University of Edinburgh. Upon returning to Canada, he became a faculty member at Western University, where he directed the resident training program and was assistant dean of undergraduate medicine. 

In 1977, Dr. Collins was appointed head of obstetrics and gynaecology at Dalhousie University, where he introduced a new era of evidence-based practice, applying epidemiology and biostatistics to clinical decision-making. Under his leadership, Grand Rounds became a forum for rigorous, data-driven discussion, and technological advancements, including the introduction of the department’s first word processor, marking a shift in research and administrative efficiency. His expertise in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, combined with his commitment to mentorship, had a lasting impact on the department and its trainees. 

Dr. Collins’ reputation extended far beyond Dalhousie. He served as president of the Association of Professors of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (APOG) and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC), as well as chair of the Board of Examiners in Obstetrics and Gynaecology for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His academic influence led to appointments on the editorial boards of leading journals, including the New England Journal of Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology. 

In 1983, Dr. Collins was appointed professor and chair of obstetrics and gynaecology at McMaster University, where he continued to advance clinical research and medical education until his retirement in 2000. His contributions to women’s health and fertility research were internationally recognized, with visiting professorships in multiple countries, advisory roles in global reproductive health organizations, and more than 200 peer-reviewed publications. His work shaped modern fertility treatments, including the safety and efficacy of hormone therapies and contraception, influencing both policy and practice worldwide. 

Dr. Collins received numerous accolades throughout his career, including Fellowship ad eundem from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the Francqui Foundation Chair from Vrije Universiteit Brussels, and membership in the Royal Belgium Academy of Medicine. In 2019, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in recognition of his transformative research in reproductive endocrinology and his dedication to evidence-based medicine in women’s health care. 

Dr. Collins’ legacy will endure through the countless students, residents, and colleagues he mentored, the scientific advancements he championed, and the patients whose lives were improved through his research. His contributions to medicine will continue to resonate for generations to come. 

Read his full obituary here. 

 

2025 promises to be another year of innovation and progress, building on the incredible achievements of our talented and dedicated Dalhousie Faculty of Medicine community. The strides we made last year reflect our commitment to serving our communities and tackling the challenges ahead. I look forward to the opportunities this year will bring as we continue to push boundaries, drive meaningful change, and shape the future of medicine together. 

Beginning this week we will welcome a panel of national peers and medical education experts from the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools (CACMS). When CACMS representatives join us on campus on February 17-20 and March 24-25, 2025 as part of the accreditation of our undergraduate programs, they will engage with faculty, students, administrators, and clinical affiliates to gather and verify information collected in advance of the visit.    

As I have said before, thank you to our students, staff and faculty as we work through the accreditation process. We welcome CACMS feedback on how we can improve our medical education program. Please reach out if you have suggestions or questions. You can learn more about the accreditation process here. 

And while we prepare for this important time, we would be remiss not to express our deep concern about the distressing events that took place at the QEII Emergency and Trauma Centre late last month, where three employees were injured in an attack. We extend our best wishes for their quick and complete recovery. 

We recognize the impact this may have had on those present, including our residents, students, and faculty, and we are grateful to our department leadership, program directors, and support teams for their swift response in reaching out to those affected. 

 

Save the Date: 13th Annual Thomas and Alice Morgans Fear Memorial Conference
The 13th Annual Thomas and Alice Morgans Fear Memorial Conference is happening May 15-16, 2025, at the Halifax Convention Centre. This year’s theme, Stillness in Chaos: Leadership for Complex Times, will explore how medical and health professionals can navigate complexity with new approaches to leadership.

Join us in Halifax for two days of thought-provoking talks and workshops.

Stay tuned for registration details! 

 

Call for Submissions: Diversity in Leadership Fund
The Faculty of Medicine is committed to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in leadership. To support this commitment, the Diversity in Leadership Fund was established to help designated group members access leadership training and development opportunities. Investing in diverse leadership strengthens our academic and clinical environments, enhances decision-making, and ensures a more inclusive future in medicine. 

This fund provides financial assistance for leadership training and conferences taking place between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026. Eligible applicants must have a primary appointment in the Faculty of Medicine and belong to one of the designated groups, including African Nova Scotian, Black, Indigenous, Métis, Inuit, persons with disabilities, women, and individuals of minority sexual orientations and/or gender identities. 

This opportunity is open to faculty and staff across all Faculty of Medicine campuses and sites. The submission deadline is March 7, 2025, with applicants notified by March 31, 2025. Unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to reapply in future years. 

Apply now 

 

Medical Sciences program celebrates 10th year
One of the most sought-after programs at all of Dalhousie University is celebrating its tenth year.

The Medical Sciences program, which at inception was the first and only of its kind in the Atlantic Provinces, attracts more than 1,300 applications to fill its 120 seats each year. Its popularity is only surpassed by Dalhousie’s nursing and medicine programs.

Housed in the Faculty of Science but connected to the Faculties of Medicine and Arts and Social Sciences, the Medical Sciences program provides graduates with a broad biomedical science background, preparing them for professional programs, graduate studies, or careers in biotechnology and government.

Read more about Dalhousie’s Medical Sciences program here.

 

Second year medical student catches attention of GMA
RJ Roggeveen, a second-year medical student and Dalhousie Medicine’s first full-time wheelchair user, shared his inspiring journey with Good Morning America (GMA) in a video they posted on Dec. 16, 2024. RJ, who became paralyzed after a 2021 fall, has built a following of 25,000 on Instagram, where he shares resources, comedic accessibility videos, and motivational content. RJ has navigated challenges, raising funds for a specialized standing wheelchair that enables him to fully participate in training environments like the anatomy lab and operating room. RJ’s story, now reaching millions through GMA, highlights the importance of representation in healthcare, proving that creativity and support can break barriers. His experiences continue to inspire individuals with disabilities to pursue medical school and remind the healthcare system of the value of diverse perspectives in patient care. 

Read more here. 

 

New family of antibiotics could treat multidrug‑resistant bacterial ‘super bugs’
Researchers at Dalhousie University and the University of Toronto, in collaboration with pharmaceutical company DeNovaMed Inc., have developed a new family of antibiotics to combat multidrug-resistant bacteria, a growing global health threat identified by the WHO. Published in Nature Communications and co-authored by Dr. Christopher McMaster, the research highlights the antibiotics’ success in in vitro and animal models, including hard-to-treat infections, and their potential for multiple delivery methods. Using computer-aided drug design, the team targeted AcpS, an enzyme critical for bacterial survival, offering hope for new treatments amid rising antibiotic resistance. The next steps involve raising funds for safety trials, paving the way for human testing within 18 months. 

Read more here.  

 

Dal researchers unite to help tackle high epilepsy rates in remote Zambia
Dalhousie researchers, led by Dr. Alon Friedman, are spearheading an initiative in rural Zambia to address high epilepsy rates and reduce stigma through the Mfuwe Epilepsy Foundation. The foundation focuses on improving diagnostics, expanding access to anti-seizure medications, and educating communities about epilepsy care. Dr. Friedman and his team are training local health-care providers, utilizing portable diagnostic technology, and leveraging telemedicine to enhance care in resource-limited areas. Public-awareness campaigns and community education aim to combat misconceptions, while plans for a dedicated epilepsy center in Mfuwe promise comprehensive patient support. The team’s efforts also extend to Halifax, where a student-led epilepsy society raises funds and awareness, amplifying their global impact. 

Read more here. 

 

Dr. Karthik Tennankore to lead kidney research with help of donation from Dartmouth family 
A transformative $1-million donation from Bob and Nancy Van Wart is set to advance kidney research in Nova Scotia, with nephrologist Dr. Karthik Tennankore leading the charge. The donation, spread over 10 years, will support innovative projects, including the integration of virtual reality technology to assess cognitive impacts of dialysis and wearable devices to study its effects on the heart. Dr. Tennankore emphasized that this funding will accelerate groundbreaking research that could significantly improve dialysis patient outcomes. The Van Warts, deeply affected by polycystic kidney disease, hope their contribution will drive new discoveries and potentially lead to a cure for future generations. 

Read more here. 

 

Cape Breton Medical Campus
Excitement continues to build for the Cape Breton Medical Campus (CBMC) as we move closer to welcoming our first cohort of students later this year. We have had strong interest in the campus and we look forward to distributing admissions letters to successful applicants at the end of March. Hiring for key positions is progressing, with recent leadership appointments marking significant milestones. As we prepare for the campus opening, we remain committed to working closely with physicians and the community to ensure its success in training future family doctors for Nova Scotia. 

 

Department of Medicine 2023-2024 Annual Report: Foundations for Success
From skilled and dedicated administrators, clinicians, and researchers to the meaningful collaborations, innovations, and strategies that result from their work, the Department of Medicine’s 23-24 annual report, Foundations for Success, showcases the foundational people and approaches that uphold the department’s commitment to excellence in medical education and patient-centred care.

Read the full report on the Department of Medicine website to discover how these efforts – and the foundations that make them possible – are paving the way for healthier communities in the Maritimes and beyond. 

 

Hold the Date: Annual Faculty Meeting
The Annual Faculty Meeting is confirmed for Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 5 p.m. Information on the format of this meeting (i.e., in-person or virtual) will be provided closer to the date.

In addition to any business referred to faculty by Faculty Council, the meeting will include:

i.          Election of members of Faculty Council
ii.         Election of members of the Nominating Committee
iii.        Report from the Chair of Faculty Council
iv.        Reports from the Dean and Associate/Assistant Deans
v.         Any business raised by faculty before or during the Annual Meeting

An agenda with background information including written reports will be circulated prior to the meeting.

If you have any questions regarding the Annual Faculty Meeting, please contact the Chair of Faculty Council, Dr. Simon Jackson or Megan Dixon. 

 

Dr. Abir Hussein appointed Assistant Dean, Distributed Education
The Faculty of Medicine is pleased to announce that Dr. Abir Hussein has been appointed Assistant Dean, Distributed Education, effective November 15, 2024, for a five-year term. 

A family physician and hospitalist in Yarmouth, Dr. Hussein has been a leader in distributed medical education, serving as a family medicine preceptor, Undergraduate Family Medicine Site Lead, and Postgraduate Site Director for South West Nova. She has played a key role in strengthening rural medical training and mentoring future physicians. 

Dr. Hussein holds advanced leadership credentials from McGill University and has been recognized for her contributions with awards for excellence and mentorship. As Assistant Dean, she will oversee Dalhousie’s distributed education strategy, expanding training opportunities in rural and regional sites. She will manage key events like Rural Week and collaborate with the Office of Continuing Professional Development on faculty development for these areas. She will work closely with senior leaders to ensure the success of distributed education initiatives.     

Please join me in congratulating her on this appointment.  

 

Dr. Shanté Blackmore appointed Director, Indigenous Health  
The Faculty of Medicine is pleased to announce that Dr. Shanté Blackmore has been appointed director, Indigenous Health, for a five-year term, effective January 20, 2025.    

Dr. Blackmore, who is a Mi’kmaw and African Nova-Scotian family physician, was raised on the Millbrook First Nation reserve. Her cultural background and upbringing shape her advocacy efforts and deeply influence how she approaches her daily work. She is currently practicing at the Wije’winen Health Centre within the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre.   

As director, Indigenous Health, Dr. Blackmore will report to the associate dean of Serving and Engaging Society and collaborate closely with key stakeholders, including the academic director for Indigenous Health and the director of Global Health. She will provide direct support for the development and implementation of Indigenous Health programming tailored for learners, faculty, and staff, ensuring alignment with Indigenous community priorities. Dr. Blackmore will be instrumental in advancing the Faculty of Medicine’s strategic plan, particularly in the areas of catalyzing systems change and partnering with communities to enhance health outcomes. As director, she will also uphold the Faculty’s responsibilities regarding the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. 

Please join me in congratulating her on this appointment. 

 

Dr. Mark Asbridge appointed Head, Department of Community Health and Epidemiology
The Faculty of Medicine and Nova Scotia Health are pleased to announce that Dr. Mark Asbridge has been appointed Head of the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology. This appointment is effective January 1, 2025, for a five-year term.  

Dr. Asbridge is a Professor in the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology and the Department of Emergency Medicine, Dalhousie University. Since joining Dalhousie in 2003, his research program has examined the areas of addictions, road safety, injury prevention and emergency medicine, and public policy, with a specific focus alcohol and drug-impaired driving. In addition to his work at Dalhousie, he has served on various boards and advisory committees at the provincial and federal level, as well as with the World Health Organization. He previously held the Mother’s Against Drunk Driving – MADD Canada Professorship in Impaired Driving Research and Prevention, and a Canadian Institutes of Health Research New Investigator Award.   

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Asbridge on this appointment. 

 

Dr. Paul Rafuse Appointed Head, Head of the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences 
The Faculty of Medicine and Nova Scotia Health are pleased to announce that Dr. Paul Rafuse has been appointed as Head of the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, effective September 1, 2024, for a five-year term.  

Dr. Rafuse is a highly respected clinician, educator, and researcher in the field of ophthalmology. He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at Dalhousie University and has been a consultant at the IWK Health Centre and an active staff member with Nova Scotia Health for over three decades. His clinical expertise is focused on the management of glaucoma and cataracts, and he has played a significant role in the training of residents and clinical fellows in ophthalmology.  

In addition to his extensive clinical and teaching commitments, Dr. Rafuse has contributed significantly to glaucoma research, with numerous peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and international presentations. He has held leadership roles in national and regional ophthalmology organizations, including serving as President of the Atlantic Provinces Ophthalmological Society, the Canadian Glaucoma Society, and the Canadian Ophthalmological Society.  

As Head of the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Dr. Rafuse will be responsible for advancing clinical care, education, and research initiatives within the department. His leadership will focus on enhancing academic programs, fostering interdisciplinary research collaborations, and strengthening regional and national partnerships in ophthalmology and visual sciences. He will also play a key role in strategic planning, faculty mentorship, and the recruitment and retention of top-tier medical professionals.  

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Rafuse on this appointment. 

 

In Memoriam: Robert Sandeski
The Faculty of Medicine was saddened to announce the passing of Robert Sandeski, manager of the Human Body Donation Program, on Jan. 15, 2025, at the age of 52. 

Rob, who was born and raised in Saskatchewan, came to the east coast after graduating high school to continue his education in funeral services. After 30 years of experience as a funeral director and embalmer, he started as a technician with the Dalhousie Human Body Donation Program, where he would eventually become director.  Rob dedicated his life to ensuring that both current and future healthcare providers had the best possible training, leaving an extraordinary impact on medical education at Dalhousie University. He was instrumental in introducing the Halifax Clinical Cadaver Preparation (Halifax Prep)—the first of its kind in Canada and only the second in North America to use this specialized technique. 

Inspired by innovative embalming methods observed in Baltimore, Rob traveled there to refine his expertise, bringing back knowledge that would transform procedural learning at Dalhousie. His efforts enabled cadavers to be used for up to eight weeks, significantly expanding opportunities for hands-on medical training. This breakthrough was a catalyst for the formal establishment of Dalhousie’s Clinical Cadaver Program, a resource that has since trained thousands of learners, from medical students and residents to paramedics and specialized healthcare professionals. The program, and Rob’s work, have provided the opportunity to practice complex procedures before performing them on living patients, directly enhancing patient safety and leading to improved medical outcomes. 

One of Rob’s many lasting impacts was his role in establishing a dedicated clinical cadaver lab in the Tupper Building, expanding access for students, faculty, and healthcare professionals. He took immense pride in knowing that the work done in this space was saving lives, offering surgeons and physicians a place to refine their skills before entering the operating room.  

Beyond his work with learners, Rob was deeply committed to supporting the families who entrusted their loved ones to the Human Body Donation Program. He took great care in guiding families through this process, ensuring they felt their choice was meaningful. Whether answering inquiries, coordinating memorial services, or simply listening to the stories behind each donation, he approached every interaction with empathy and respect. For Rob, it wasn’t just about managing a program; it was about honouring the lives and legacies of those who made the selfless choice to contribute to medical education. 

Rob was passionate about helping others, and outside of Dalhousie, this was reflected in his work as a volunteer firefighter at Station 16 in Eastern Passage. Over 15 years he climbed the ranks, eventually retiring as station chief. He was an avid wood worker, gardner, and motorcycle rider, and cherished his family above all else.  

At Dalhousie, Rob’s unwavering dedication, skill, and compassion shaped the training of thousands of healthcare professionals. His legacy will live on in every learner who had the privilege of working with the program he helped build. He will be deeply missed. 

Read the full obituary here. 

 

In Memoriam: Catherine Currell
The Faculty of Medicine was saddened to learn of the passing of Catherine Currell, former administrator in the Department of Medical Neuroscience, on Jan. 14, 2025, at the age of 69. 

Catherine had a long career with Dalhousie, spending the first 25 years supporting her community at Dalhousie Legal Aid. She later brought the same commitment to the Dalhousie Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Physiology and Biophysics, and most recently, Medical Neuroscience, where she seamlessly supported faculty, staff, and students in achieving their goals. She was credited with revitalizing the Department of Medical Neuroscience by fostering a team approach and significantly improving morale. 

Among her many accomplishments, she developed and implemented a systematic cost-recovery plan for the Clinical Cadaver Program, demonstrating her strong leadership and organizational skills. She also identified critical infrastructure issues that led to the renovation of the morgue in the Tupper Building and spearheaded the introduction of e-learning to the gross anatomy lab.  

Catherine was deeply committed to helping others and consistently went the extra mile to ensure the success of those around her. Even after retirement, she often stepped in to assist her coworkers whenever needed. In recognition of her unwavering dedication, Catherine was awarded the prestigious Rosemary Gill Award in 2008, the highest honour Dalhousie University bestows on administrative staff, and in 2013, the Dalhousie Professional and Managerial Award, recognizing her outstanding achievements.  

Catherine’s exceptional contributions have had an enduring impact on every department she’s been a part of, and she will be deeply missed by all who have had the privilege of working alongside her. 

Read the full obituary here. 

 

In Memoriam: Eli Joy Manning
The Faculty of Medicine was saddened to hear of the passing of Eli Manning, faculty member in the School of Social Work in the Faculty of Health and visiting scholar in the Faculty of Medicine, on Jan. 17, 2025, at the age of 49.  

Eli joined the School of Social Work in September 2017 and quickly became a vital part of the school community. Drawing on years of teaching experience at three universities and her expertise in critical disability studies, queer politics, and health equity, she taught graduate and undergraduate courses on campus and online. Known for her dedication to students, she was frequently sought out for independent studies, helping them navigate complex theoretical, policy, and practice issues in social work. Eli’s energy for student engagement extended beyond the classroom to her role as Accommodations Officer, where she challenged institutional norms and advocated for resources that promoted equity for students, staff, and faculty alike. 

Eli was a committed member of the School of Social Work’s Diversity & Equity Committee, contributing to retention policies now influencing the Faculty of Health. She also played a key role in advancing Universal Design for Learning and bridging School and University accommodation processes. Her ability to address systemic challenges with clarity and compassion, coupled with her optimism and practicality, made her a trusted advocate and change-maker. 

In the Faculty of Medicine, Eli served as Visiting Scholar in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility, where she enhanced anti-oppressive curriculum content and introduced white fragility clinics for faculty. She was also an associate research scholar with the Healthy Populations Institute and a research member of the Health Law Institute. Her research focused on ethics and health at the intersection of the body, weaving feminist poststructuralism, critical race theory, Indigenous thought, and critical disability studies to improve culturally responsive healthcare and dismantle systemic oppression. 

Beyond her professional achievements, Eli was a vibrant and loving presence in her community. She was an enthusiastic rower, dog lover, skilled cook, baker, and crafter who brought people together through her infectious laughter and boundless spirit. Her life was a testament to creativity, connection, and social justice, and she leaves an indelible mark on all who knew her. 

Read the obituary here. 

 

In Memoriam: Dr. Philip Welch
Retired Professor of Pediatrics and Senate Member at Dalhousie University, and well known in the Atlantic Region as a consultant in Medical Genetics, Dr. Philip Welch passed away on January 21, 2025 at the age of 91.

Born in Macclesfield, England, Dr. Welch studied at the King’s School, Macclesfield, followed by Edinburgh University Medical School, graduating in 1958. 

After RCAF service in Moose Jaw, he and his family moved to Maryland, where Dr. Welch earned a PhD in Human Genetics from Johns Hopkins University. Meanwhile, he accepted a position at Dalhousie University to pioneer their medical genetics program, and, with four children, the family returned to Canada and settled in Halifax in 1967. Dr. Welch went on to become Professor of Human Genetics at Dalhousie, and a Founding Fellow of the Canadian College of Medical Geneticists (1976). Within the community, he was an early champion of the Metro Area Family Planning Association, and also a leading contributor to research into inherited conditions such as Huntington’s Disease and impaired cognitive development.

Dr. Welch held leadership roles in the Dalhousie Faculty Association, Canadian Association of University Teachers, and Dalhousie Retirees and Pensioners. Outside of academia and clinical work, he pursued wine-making, earning his Sommelier certification. His theatrical passion, sparked at Edinburgh University, led to directing and acting accolades in Moose Jaw. In Halifax, he and his wife, Elvira, were regular Christmas concert performers, with Philip as a narrative reader—a role he continued with the Unitarian Universalist Church, where he also served on the board. 

Dr. Welch was a powerful advocate for the rights of those whom he saw as being unfairly treated. This did not always engender friendships in some of the boardrooms where he took on these causes, but it did earn him respect from those who appreciated his battles for integrity, and he has left his world a better place than when he found it. That spirit of choosing what was right over what was popular will be missed even more in the generation he leaves behind.

Read the full obituary here. 

As we approach the holiday season, it is exciting to reflect on all that has happened over the last few months. 

In early November we hosted the Dalhousie Med Gala at the Westin Nova Scotian Hotel. It was great to see so many alumni gathered with current faculty and staff for an evening of celebration. We were excited to announce the recipients of a $2.5-million gift from the River Philip Foundation. Congratulations to Drs. Ken Rockwood, Susan Howlett, Leah Cahill and Scott Grandy who were awarded a Transformational Grant to support their work testing the effects of protein, blueberries and strength training on reducing frailty and improving heart health in adults aged 65-85, and to Drs. Tobias Kollmann who was also awarded a Transformational Grant for his work to assess the results of a remote monitoring system against traditional pregnancy monitoring that involves blood sampling and other more invasive methods. You can learn more about their exciting work and this generous gift here.

The gala weekend also included an awards dinner for the Dalhousie Medical Alumni Association where we recognized six worthy recipients, and the Dr. Fred Barton Visiting Scholar & Lecture in Ethics in Medicine. Thanks to the organizers and all who attended the weekend’s events.  

Each year I have the pleasure of travelling to our teaching sites with our medical education and family medicine teams to meet with our students, residents, and faculty who are teaching and training around the Maritime provinces. This fall, we visited our teaching sites across the Martimes and it was a great opportunity to get feedback and discover innovations and opportunities in our teaching programs around the Maritimes and to meet and renew acquaintances with those who give so much to our Faculty.      

Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season. I hope you have the opportunity to rest, recharge and enjoy the company of family and friends. Thank you all for your contributions to the Faculty of Medicine.   

 

Feed Nova Scotia
During this season of celebration, we must not forget those who are facing the incredible challenge of food insecurity. Our support is needed now more than ever. As in previous years, we have partnered with Feed Nova Scotia for a holiday food drive. Feed Nova Scotia distributes almost two million kilograms of food each year, with current economic conditions only increasing the demand on food banks.
 
From now until December 16, there will be a Feed Nova Scotia box at the main reception desk on the second floor of the Clinical Research Centre (5849 University Avenue) where you can place your donations for the food drive.
 
Feed Nova Scotia would especially appreciate nutritious food donations that help make up part of a main meal. Click here for donation suggestions. If you are unable to donate in person, please consider making a donation online or by calling 902-457-1900 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

 

Undergraduate Medical Education Accreditation
Dalhousie Medical School has been busy preparing for its next full accreditation of its undergraduate medical program. We look forward to welcoming a panel of national peers and medical education experts from the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools (CACMS) on February 17-20 and March 24-25, 2025, as part of this process. When CACMS representatives join us on campus, they will engage with faculty, students, administrators, and clinical affiliates to gather and verify information collected in advance of the visit.  

Thanks to our students, staff and faculty as we work through the accreditation process. We welcome CACMS feedback on how we can improve our medical education program. Please reach out if you have suggestions or questions. You can learn more about the accreditation process here. 

 

Annual Report
The Faculty of Medicine is excited to share its latest annual report, which highlights the incredible work of all those who contribute to its success. This report illustrates collective efforts and progress in addressing the healthcare needs of the diverse communities within our region.

The 2023 – 2024 academic year has been an inspiring chapter for the Faculty of Medicine, celebrating significant strides in medical research, continued transformation of admissions processes, and strengthening of our connections with communities across the Maritimes.

Click here to read the 2023 – 2024 Faculty of Medicine annual report. 

 

Dean’s Retreat 
I was happy to host the annual Dean’s Retreat on November 14 and 15 at the Hotel Halifax, where leaders from across the Faculty of Medicine gathered for strategic planning sessions. Our focus was on Valuing People, underscoring our commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive, and engaging environment for everyone in the Faculty of Medicine. Introduced as part of our strategic plan, Realizing Our Ambition, this stream of work emphasizes the importance of showing respect and appreciation for all who contribute to our collective success. Over the past year, the Valuing People Advisory Committee and its staff sub-committee have guided this effort, endorsing five priority actions aimed at enhancing the workplace experience. From improvements to shared spaces like the Tupper foyer to strengthening collaborative processes, our goal is to make the Faculty of Medicine a truly exceptional place to work and study. We thank all those who attended the Dean’s Retreat for their valuable contributions.   

 

Johnston Chair closing ceremony 
On November 28, 2024, we recognized the enormous contributions of Dr. OmiSoore Dryden, who will soon complete her tenure as the James R. Johnston Chair in Black Canadian Studies. She has profoundly impacted the Faculty of Medicine through in this role, advancing research and community engagement on Black health equity, challenging systemic racism and creating spaces like Chair Chats for Black students across faculties to connect and thrive. Dr. Dryden’s leadership, notably as interim director of the Black Studies Research Institute and co-founder of the Black Health Education Collaborative, has strengthened Dalhousie’s commitment to diversity and anti-oppressive health education, leaving an inspiring legacy as she transitions to her next role within the Faculty of Health. 

Please join me in showing my immense gratitude to Dr. Dryden for all she has done for the Faculty of Medicine.  

 

Dr. John Sapp published in New England Journal of Medicine
Dr. John Sapp, the assistant dean for clinical research here in the Faculty of Medicine, is the second lead author on a recently published study in the New England Journal of Medicine. Catheter Ablation or Antiarrhythmic Drugs for Ventricular Tachycardia reveals that catheter ablation is a safer and more effective initial treatment than antiarrhythmic drugs for patients with ventricular tachycardia and a history of heart attack. The study followed 416 patients for over four years and found that those who underwent catheter ablation had a 25 per cent lower risk of serious complications or death compared to those treated with drugs.  

Read more here. 

 

New Brunswick Medical Society awards faculty, students
On Oct. 5, 2024, the New Brunswick Medical Society (NBMS) hosted their 2024 Celebration of Medicine awards in Miramichi, NB. They presented awards to physicians, resident physicians, and students who have made positive contributions to patient care and the medical profession. Among the recipients were Dr. Robert Boulay, former assistant dean clinical education, Dr. Paul Atkinson, assistant dean research, and Class of 2024 grad, Dr. Daniel Hanscom.  

To learn more about their awards, and the other recipients click here. 

 

Faculty of Medicine student triumphs at international Falling Walls competition
Dalhousie graduate student Dina Rogers recently claimed first place in the Science Breakthrough of the Year in the Emerging Talents category at the 2024 Falling Walls Science Summit in Berlin on November 7, which challenges participants to propose innovative solutions to global issues. A MSc student in biochemistry and molecular biology and Killam Predoctoral Scholar, Dina impressed the judges with her innovative bioengineered approach to degrade plastic waste. Her pitch, likened to Pac-Man munching plastics, offers a promising biological solution for recycling. Dina had previously won the people’s choice award at Dalhousie’s 3MT competition and is the second Dalhousie student in two years to win the top prize at Falling Walls Lab in Berlin. 

Dina’s win comes after she, along with Faculty of Medicine students Alexa Wilson, and Melina Marketjohn took the top three prizes at the Atlantic Canada Falling Walls Lab competition.  Dina won first place and the People’s Choice Award. Alexa, a PhD candidate in microbiology, presented a novel antiviral target in cancer-causing herpesviruses, while Melina, a second-year medical student, introduced a concept to enhance hearing aids by integrating them with the post-auricular muscle for directional sound detection.  

Learn more about her work here.  

 

Dr. Ruth Lavergne awarded at Family Physician Forum 2024
Dr. Ruth Lavergne was awarded the 2024 Family Physician Best Original Research Article Award at the Family Medicine Forum (FMF) held in Vancouver from November 6-9. Hosted by the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC), FMF is the nation’s largest conference dedicated to family physicians, offering a robust program of professional development, cutting-edge research presentations, and networking opportunities. Dr. Lavergne’s winning paper, titled Changes in Comprehensiveness of Services Delivered by Canadian Family Physicians: Analysis of Population-Based Linked Data in 4 Provinces, investigates the evolving scope of services provided by family physicians across various service settings and specialties in four Canadian provinces. Her research aims to highlight the areas where service comprehensiveness has shifted the most and examines how these changes vary based on physician characteristics, providing valuable insights for policymakers and health professionals seeking to strengthen primary care in Canada. 

Congratulations Dr. Lavergne!

 

Dalhousie Medicine faculty receive Discovery Awards
The 2024 Discovery Awards, hosted by the Discovery Centre on November 14 at the Halifax Convention Centre, saw two outstanding innovators from Dalhousie University whose achievements are shaping science and technology in Nova Scotia receive awards. Dr. Finlay Maguire, assistant professor in the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, received the Emerging Professional Award for his research excellence, innovative thinking, and potential for ongoing impact early in his career. Dr. Gabriela Ilie, associate professor in the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, was honoured with the Public Impact Award for her groundbreaking work addressing societal needs and delivering tangible benefits to Nova Scotians, including advancements in healthcare and community well-being. 

Congratulations to all the winners! 

 

Dalhousie presents Legacy awards to Faculty of Medicine members 
Dalhousie will present the annual Legacy Awards on Tuesday, December 17 at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium. The Legacy Awards, which inaugurated in 2018 during the university’s bicentennial celebrations, recognize individuals and groups for their exceptional achievements. The event showcases the outstanding contributions of Dalhousie’s faculty and staff, highlighting the university’s vibrant community and shared commitment to excellence. This year, the Faculty of Medicine proudly celebrates three of its members: Dr. Nikhil Thomas, professor in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology, is the recipient of a 2024 University Teaching Award; Tyler Hall, director of Student Affairs, is the recipient of the 2024 Dalhousie Professional and Managerial Group (DPMG) Award; and Dr. Aruna Dhara, assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine, is the recipient of the 2024 Dr. Allan Cohen Memorial Award for Community Service. Congratulations to these exceptional individuals on their well-deserved recognition! 

Learn more about the 2024 Legacy Awards here.

 

Cape Breton Medical Campus: Leadership Appointments
Dr. Jennifer Hall has been appointed senior associate Dean, and Dr. Arlene Kelly-Wiggins as assistant dean, pre-clerkship, of the Cape Breton Medical Campus, marking a key milestone for the new campus, set to welcome its inaugural class of 30 students in August 2025. 

Dr. Hall brings significant experience from her role as associate dean at Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick, where she advanced longitudinal clerkship sites and increased family medicine interest among students. As a former College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) president and current chair of its Residency Accreditation Committee, she is well-positioned to lead this transformative effort in medical education for Nova Scotia. 

Dr. Kelly-Wiggins, a native of Glace Bay, earned her MD from Dalhousie in 2015. She has since enhanced geriatrics services at Cape Breton Regional Hospital and will now oversee pre-clerkship curriculum delivery for first- and second-year students, collaborating with pre-clerkship deans at Dalhousie’s Halifax and Saint John campuses. 

Thanks are extended to the Cape Breton Medical Campus planning committee, especially Dr. Kevin Orrell, who will continue as Special Advisor to the President of Cape Breton University on health-related matters. 

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Jennifer Hall and Dr. Arlene Kelly-Wiggins to their exciting new roles at the Cape Breton Medical Campus.   

 

Dr. Carman Giacomantonio appointed QEII Ramia Chair in Surgical Oncology
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Carman Giacomantonio has been appointed the Gibran & Jamile Ramia Endowed Chair in Surgical Oncology Research, effective July 1, 2024, for a five-year term. A surgical oncologist at the QEII Health Sciences Centre, professor of surgery and pathology at Dalhousie University, and senior clinician scientist with the Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Dr. Giacomantonio has a distinguished career that includes pioneering intra-tumoral immunotherapy, establishing innovative cancer immunotherapy research with Dr. Paola Marcato, and collaborating with Sona NanoTech Inc. to explore Gold NanoRod-based hyperthermia for cancers like melanoma and breast cancer. As Ramia Chair, he will lead a world-class cancer research program, secure funding for innovative studies, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, mentor emerging investigators, and advance regional and global cancer research initiatives. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Giacomantonio on this well-deserved appointment. 

 

Dr. Ratika Parkash appointed Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia Endowed Chair in Cardiovascular Outcomes Research
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Ratika Parkash has been appointed the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia Endowed Chair in Cardiovascular Outcomes Research, effective July 1, 2024, for a five-year term. A professor of cardiology at Dalhousie University and attending physician at the QEII Health Sciences Centre, Dr. Parkash is an accomplished researcher specializing in atrial fibrillation and cardiac implantable electronic devices, with a focus on improving management strategies, outcomes, and quality of life for patients. As chair, she will lead a program in cardiovascular outcomes research, foster collaborations, mentor researchers, and strengthen partnerships while advancing cardiovascular health locally and nationally. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Parkash on this appointment. 

 

Dr. Lori Wozney appointed Sun Life Chair in Youth Mental Health
Dr. Lori Wozney has been appointed the Sun Life Chair in Youth Mental Health in the Department of Psychiatry at Dalhousie University, effective October 15, 2024. In this role, she will lead research to identify and improve mental health programs and supports that best meet the needs of youth, working closely with clinicians and youth with lived experience. Her work will inform the development of integrated youth hubs in Nova Scotia, offering comprehensive services such as mental health, addictions, and housing supports in a single location. The Chair enables Dr. Wozney to collaborate across disciplines, pursue long-term partnerships, and translate research findings to enhance mental health practices, ensuring culturally safe, equitable, and holistic care for youth. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Wozney on this appointment. 

 

In Memoriam: Dr. Ron Stewart
The Faculty of Medicine was saddened to hear of the passing of professor emeritus in the Department of Emergency Medicine and pioneer of emergency and paramedicine, Dr. Ron Stewart, on Oct. 21, 2024, at the age of 82.  

Born in Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia in 1942, Dr. Stewart’s journey in medicine was one of groundbreaking innovation and tireless service, beginning in the small community of Neil’s Harbour, Cape Breton, where he practiced family medicine. His contributions over the course of more than 50 years have left an indelible mark on the field of emergency medicine, both in Nova Scotia and across North America, and beyond.   

Graduating from Dalhousie Medical School in 1970, Dr. Stewart’s career quickly moved into uncharted territories. His work as the first medical director of the Los Angeles paramedic program laid the foundation for what would become a lifelong passion for transforming emergency care. Dr. Stewart’s leadership in the field flourished when he became the founding head of the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, where he turned challenges into opportunities for innovation in trauma care and pre-hospital services.  

His career was marked by a keen understanding that healthcare is an ever-evolving field shaped by societal needs, and he remained committed to driving that transformation. As Nova Scotia’s Minister of Health from 1993 to 1996, Dr. Stewart helped establish Emergency Health Services (EHS), revolutionizing paramedic services across the province, and introduced stronger tobacco control. His visionary leadership earned him numerous accolades, including being honoured as a “Hero of Emergency Medicine” by the American College of Emergency Physicians and receiving an honorary degree from Dalhousie in 2017. In November 2023, he was elevated to the highest tier, Companion level, of the Order of Canada, having previously being inducted in 1993. He was invested as a Companion of the Order of Canada on March 14, 2024.   

Despite these honours, Dr. Stewart always credited the mentors and colleagues who shaped his career, notably his early mentor, Dr. Robert Scharf. Dr. Scharf’s influence extended from Halifax to Los Angeles, where the two continued their work together, shaping the future of emergency care through education and mentorship.  

Dr. Stewart believed deeply in the power of education and devoted his later years to training future healthcare professionals, ensuring his impact would be felt for generations to come. He served as Director of Medical Humanities from 2004 to 2009. In that role, he integrated the arts and history into medical study to promote creativity and empathy in the medical profession, through the Music-in-Medicine initiative.     

Dr. Stewart’s legacy lives on through his philanthropic work, including a $1.3 million pledge to support emergency medicine research at Dalhousie University, inspired by his mother’s dedication to medical research through the Molly Appeal.    

Physician, teacher, advocate, and change-maker, Dr. Ron Stewart was a pioneer whose legacy will continue to inspire a brighter future in healthcare. He will be remembered for his boundless energy, his transformative ideas, and his unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of others.  

I hope all of you have had a great summer and some free time to enjoy the fantastic maritime weather with family and friends – it’s hard to believe we are moving into October and well into another academic year. 

On August 25, we hosted our annual Dean’s Welcome Ceremony in Halifax and on September 13 we held the First Light ceremony in Saint John to welcome our first-year med students to Dalhousie Medical School and to the practice of medicine. 

At the Dean’s Welcome Ceremony, we were welcomed by Catherine Martin, director, Indigenous Community Engagement, Ann Labillois, Elder In-Residence, Dr. Barb Hamilton-Hinch, assistant vice provost of equity and inclusion, Jalana Lewis, director of African Nova Scotian community engagement, and Timi Idris, Program Manager, PLANS, before students collectively read their code of conduct, and listened to the Hippocratic Oath. It was wonderful to see the Class of 2028 and so many of their friends and families in attendance. 

Among those students who began their studies are the first students accepted under our Black Learners Admissions Pathway. Earlier this year we were thrilled to receive the first applications under this pathway. We are so happy to welcome each of you to Dalhousie Medical School.   

I would also like to welcome our new postgraduate students across the Maritimes. It’s wonderful to see so many exceptional and bright minds choosing the Faculty of Medicine here at Dalhousie. 

On September 4, 2024, Dalhousie University announced it was implementing a university-wide hiring freeze until at least the end of March 2025, as a result of an emerging financial shortfall for 2024/25. This announcement has created challenges for faculty and staff who were, or planned on, hiring a position in their department/unit I would like to thank everyone for their professionalism as we worked through the development of the Faculty of Medicine’s exception request process. I would encourage everyone to review the University Hiring Freeze FAQ for more information.  

A warm Dalhousie welcome to new students in all programs, and welcome back to our returning students. We look forward to working with you and can’t wait to see what great things you will accomplish in the future.    

 

Cape Breton Medical Campus 
Working together to make the Cape Breton Medical Campus possible has been an incredibly exciting and rewarding journey. Much work has taken place already, and yet there is much more work to do in the coming months as we prepare to accept the first cohort of students in 2025.  

Those students will become much-needed and much-valued family doctors in rural areas across our province and join the ranks of the exceptional physicians already working in Nova Scotia.  

On October 7, we were pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jennifer Hall and Dr. Arlene Kelly-Wiggins to leadership positions of the Cape Breton Medical Campus. These appointments signal an important milestone in the development of the campus. 

Dr. Jennifer Hall has been appointed Senior Associate Dean, Cape Breton Medical Campus for a 15-month term. Dr. Arlene Kelly-Wiggins has been appointed Assistant Dean, Pre-Clerkship for the Cape Breton Medical Campus for a five-year term. Both appointments are effective immediately. 

We look forward to continued engagement with physicians and community members in preparation of the campus opening. 

 

Dr. Kenneth Rockwood named to Order of Canada
Dr. Kenneth Rockwood, world-renowned geriatrician, researcher, and academic, is among the 83 Canadians newly appointed to the Order of Canada. Dr. Rockwood is recognized for his outstanding research, collaboration and clinical care of older adults living with frailty and dementia, his long-term campaign against ageism in healthcare, and most notably, his development of the Frailty Index and the Clinical Frailty Scale, now used in health care systems worldwide. 

Dr. Rockwood was named one of 16 newly appointed Officers to the Order announced by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada on June 27, 2024. 

Read more. 

 

Two clinics in Mi’kma’ki providing learners with unique and valuable experience
For the first time, an Indigenous medical student and an Indigenous resident had the opportunity to work alongside an Indigenous staff physician, Dr. Brent Young, at the Wije’winen and Sipekne’katik Health Centres. This unique experience has provided medical student Jordin Fletcher and recent family medicine graduate Dr. Shanté Blackmore with culturally relevant mentorship and hands-on learning in Indigenous community healthcare. The clinics focus on anti-racist, trauma-informed care, offering traditional medicines and cultural programming. The initiative highlights the importance of representation and mentorship in addressing systemic barriers and fostering trust in healthcare. 

Read more here. 

 

Dal researcher leads national team awarded $3.5‑million CIHR grant to improve lung health
Canadians will learn more about their lung health and how to improve it thanks to a $3.5-million grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research for Dalhousie’s Dr. Sanja Stanojevic and a national team of researchers.  

The five-year grant, called Harnessing Data to Improve Lung Health in Canada, will allow Dr. Stanojevic and her colleagues at universities in five other provinces to establish a national patient registry, link an international network of researchers to lung health data, and train the next generation of respiratory health researchers.  

As part of the grant, the researchers will also work with the Canadian Lung Association and other partners to create an accessible screening tool called CAN-LUNG score, to help people assess their own lung health. 

Read more here. 

 

Recent graduate awarded by Medical Council of Canada
Congratulations to Dr. Aditi Sivakumar, who was named the 2024 recipient of the Medical Council of Canada Dr. M. Ian Bowmer Award for Leadership in Social Accountability. The award is presented annually to one medical student and one resident who have demonstrated leadership in social accountability within Canadian medical schools. Dr. Sivakumar, who graduated in May, is recognized for her exceptional dedication to improving the lives of underserved populations, especially women and girls, through her leadership and advocacy.  

 

Celebrating Success: Dr. Adam Law
Congratulations to Dr. Adam Law who was recently awarded the prestigious Gold Medal by the Canadian Anesthesiologists’ Society (CAS). This honour is granted to the person who has made significant contributions to anesthesia in Canada through teaching, research, professional practice, or administration and leadership.  

Dr. Law’s impact on anesthesia is undeniable, with over 25 years of practice at Dalhousie University and Nova Scotia Health. As a tireless clinical researcher, he has contributed significantly to anesthesia and emergency medicine through numerous publications and book chapters. His dedication has greatly benefited learners and patients, and he values his diverse career, clinical care opportunities, and supportive colleagues. 

Read more here. 

 

Faculty of Medicine presents leadership awards
On June 19, the 2024 Faculty of Medicine Awards of Excellence in Leadership were presented to this year’s recipients. These awards acknowledge excellence and recognize the importance of administrative leadership in the Faculty of Medicine. Through these awards, we are able celebrate the incredible contributions of all Faculty of Medicine Staff and those in senior academic leadership positions.

The 2024 recipients of a Faculty of Medicine Award of Excellence in Leadership are: 

• Award of Excellence, Professional & Managerial Leadership: Dr. Shawna O’Hearn (Global Health) 
• Award of Excellence, Academic Leadership: Dr. Jennifer Hall (Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick) 
• Award of Excellence, Leadership in Administrative, Clerical & Technical Support: Rattina Dasse Nadaradjan (Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick) 
• Award of Excellence, Emerging Leader: Timi Idris (Global Health – PLANS) 
• The Ryan Clow Team Collaboration Award: Inclusive Pathways to Medical Professions – IPMP (Medical Sciences)    

Recognizing, rewarding, and acknowledging faculty and staff for their contributions to the Faculty of Medicine is an important focus included in our strategic plan, Realizing our Ambition. We thank all of those who took the time to nominate a colleague.

Congratulations to all our exceptional recipients! 

 

Celebrating future leaders in research: Resident research awards presented in June
Residents, faculty, and staff gathered on June 12, 2024, to celebrate resident research at Dalhousie. Held at the Dalhousie Art Gallery, the evening paid tribute to the accomplishments of resident researchers and the 37 nominations for 2024. Five resident physicians were honoured with research awards, and 13 others received scholarships.   

Read more about the winners and scholarship recipients here. 

 

Medicine faculty receives university-wide teaching award
Dal’s Centre for Learning and Teaching recognized outstanding faculty with the University-Wide Teaching Awards in June. Among the 10 winners was Dr. Nikhil Thomas from the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, who received the Award for Excellence in Graduate Supervision. 

His research focuses on molecular and cellular microbiology, particularly on food and water-borne pathogens and ocean microorganisms. His lab has made significant contributions to these fields and has produced graduates who excel in academia, industry, and governance. Dr. Thomas is also dedicated to promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), actively participating in initiatives like the Dalhousie Graduate Student BIPOC mentoring academy. Congratulations, Dr. Thomas! 

Read more here. 

 

DMNB medical student recognized by Canadian Medical Hall of Fame
Madeline Power, a now third-year medical student at Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick, has been recognized with the prestigious Canadian Medical Hall of Fame (CMHF) Student Award for her outstanding community leadership, innovative research, and dedication to advancing healthcare. Sponsored by the Canadian Medical Association, MD Financial Management Inc., and Scotiabank, this award honours 17 medical students across Canada who exemplify the qualities of CMHF Laureates. Madeline’s accomplishments include publishing peer-reviewed research, leading initiatives to improve sexual and reproductive health access, and founding the Kids Run Club in New Brunswick.  

Read more here.

 

2024 DPMG Award for Outstanding Achievement
Tyler Hall, Director (DMNS), Student & Resident Affairs has been chosen to receive a 2024 DPMG Award for Outstanding Achievement for his commitment to serving students, operational excellence, and leading others.

From health and wellness programs, to producing video vignettes to simplify system changes for colleagues, Tyler is noted as creating an engaging and supportive work environment for his team and the Faculty of Medicine. 

 

The Lancet
Congratulations to Drs. Curtis Marcoux, Luke Chen, PInkesh Thakkar, David Conrad, and Allam Shawwa, in the Division of Hematology on their recent publication in The Lancet.  

It is always exciting to see clinical and basic scientists in this prestigious publication and a well-deserved recognition of the incredible research taking place at Dalhousie University and Nova Scotia Health.  

You can read the full article, here. 

 

Dalhousie Medical Alumni Association presents annual awards
The Dalhousie Medical Alumni Association (DMAA) recently presented their annual awards to several outstanding individuals. Congratulations to the winners: 

• Dr. Miranda Lees (MD ’22) received the Family Medicine Resident Leadership Award for her advocacy and compassionate care, inspired by her late mother.  
• Dr. Stephen Beed (MD ’87) was awarded Alum of the Year for his pivotal role in changing Nova Scotia’s organ donation laws.  
• Dr. Allen Finley (MD ’80) received the Exceptional Service Award for his work in pediatric pain management.  
• Dr. Deanna Field (MD ’05) was named Family Physician of the Year for her contributions to rural healthcare. 
• Dr. Brent Young (MD ’19) received the Young Alum of the Year Award for his leadership in addressing anti-Indigenous racism in healthcare. 
• Dr. Patrick Holland (MD ’20) was recognized with the Royal College Resident Leadership Award 
• Dr. Jean Cameron (MD ’83) was presented with the new Engagement Award for her leadership in alumni engagement and philanthropy. 

Read more here. 

 

Appointment of Dr. Stephen Miller, Senior Associate Dean, Medical Education
Dr. Stephen Miller has been appointed Senior Associate Dean, Medical Education for a five-year term, effective July 15, 2024.

As Senior Associate Dean, Dr. Miller will represent the Faculty of Medicine both internally and externally, providing senior leadership within the faculty, and act as the Dean’s representative, as required. Dr. Miller will provide program oversight to the Undergraduate Medical Education Program (UGME), the Postgraduate Medical Education program (PGME), Continuing Professional Development Medical Education Program (CPDME), Admissions, Office of Professional Affairs and the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS).

Dr. Miller will also hold the responsibility for the delivery and coordination of the Faculty of Medicine’s distributed medical education programs, particularly at the undergraduate level.

Dr. Miller is an associate professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine, and holds a cross-appointment to CPDME. He has served as the associate dean, Continuing Professional Development and Medical Education since 2020. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Miller was assistant dean for the Skilled Clinician Program and served as Director of Simulation for the Faculty of Medicine. 

 

DMNB appoints Dr. Wendy Stewart Director of Faculty Development
Dr. Wendy Stewart has been appointed director, faculty development at DMNB effective September 16, 2024.   

Dr. Stewart is a pediatric neurologist based in the Saint John area. She is passionate about teaching and has contributed to teaching across the medical education continuum since the DMNB’s inception. She believes in the importance of active learning and engagement and supporting faculty as an integral part of medical education.  

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Lisa Searle for her exceptional work as our inaugural Faculty Development Director. Her dedication has made a lasting impact on our community. As her term concludes, we wish her all the best in her future endeavors and express our sincere appreciation for her contributions. 

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Stewart. We are confident that her commitment to academic growth, expertise, and passion for faculty development will support DMNB in advancing our mission of excellence in education. 

 

Dr. Katrina Hurley appointed Assistant Dean, Faculty Wellness
Dr. Katrina Hurley has been appointed Assistant Dean, Faculty Wellness, for a five-year term. This appointment is effective July 1, 2024.

Dr. Hurley attended medical school at Memorial University of Newfoundland. During her postgraduate training in Emergency Medicine at Dalhousie University, she completed a Master of Health Informatics and the Clinician Investigator Program. Early on, she shifted her clinical focus to pediatrics and has been a staff physician in the IWK Emergency Department since 2009.

In her new role, Dr. Hurley will provide the overall vision and leadership in defining wellness objectives and will promote healthy working and learning environments. Dr. Hurley will focus on courageous action, meaningful connection, transparency, and authenticity.

 

Dr. Tony O’Leary Reappointed Head, Department of Critical Care
Dr. Tony O’Leary was reappointed as head of the Department of Critical care for a second five-year term, effective Jan. 1, 2024.

Dr. O’Leary, who earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Dundee in Scotland, spent six years focused on internal medicine and gastroenterology, achieving Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians (FRCP Edin), before retraining in anesthetics and critical care. He earned his Fellowship of the Royal College of Anesthetists (FRCA) in 2009 and was a Founding Fellow of the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine London (FFICM).  

Dr. O’Leary contributed to the Canadian academic healthcare system by teaching simulation and presenting at conferences before transitioning to full-time practice in Canada. He was named head of the Department of Critical Care in 2018, and led the province’s critical care COVID-19 response, earning the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal from the Government of Nova Scotia. He successfully led the expansion of both the Nova Scotia Health Central Zone Department of Critical Care and the Department of Critical Care at Dalhousie, investing in research personnel to strengthen the academic mission. As department head and senior medical director for Nova Scotia Health, he remains dedicated to expanding and enhancing critical care services across the province. 

 

Dr. Mary-Lynn Watson appointed College President 
Dr. Mary-Lynn Watson, associate professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine, has been appointed President of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia. A graduate of Dalhousie Medical School, she serves as the Medical Director for Quality and Safety at the QEII. She is actively involved in numerous committees within the department, Nova Scotia Health, the Medical School, and nationally. She is a former president of the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians and former program director for the Certification in the College of Family Physicians Emergency Medicine (CCFP-EM) at Dalhousie. Her interests include evaluation, remediation, and quality initiatives. 

Read more here. 

Dean’s Blog June 2024 

It’s one of the most exciting times of year here at Dalhousie University as we celebrate the Class of 2024. 

In the Faculty of Medicine, convocation activities began on May 10, in Saint John, with the Launch Ceremony celebrating the achievements of our Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick (DMNB) graduating students. This was followed by the Dalhousie Medical School Class of 2024 walking across the stage at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium for convocation on May 28, 2024. The Class of 2024 began their studies during a very unsettled period, and I offer my sincere congratulations to each of them and all that they have achieved. We can’t wait to see what they do next! Read about the medical school journey for some of our graduates here. 

I would also like to extend my sincere congratulations to Dr. Sara Folkins, who was awarded the Dalhousie Class of 2024 C.B Stewart Gold Medal in Medicine award for the highest academic standing in the graduating class. Dr. Folkins is recognized for her exceptional academic achievements, and her demonstration of the highest level of excellence throughout her medical education. Congratulations, Dr. Folkins.  

Also recognized at the Faculty of Medicine convocation ceremony was Dalhousie Professor Emeritus, Dr. Michael Gray, who was named one of six Dalhousie Honorary Degree recipients, the university’s highest honour. Dr. Michael Gray’s groundbreaking work, particularly his validation of the endosymbiont hypothesis, established him as a pioneer in biochemistry and evolutionary biology. His decades-long career at Dalhousie University was marked by leadership, collaboration, and prolific research, earning him prestigious honors, including induction into Sigma Xi, The Scientific Honor Society, in 2024. Read more about Dr. Gray here.  

And while we recognize the success of our students, we must express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to the faculty and staff who have guided them through their medical school journey to convocation. The day would not have been possible without them.  

There is much happening in the Faculty of Medicine, and though many highlights are communicated here in the blog, I encourage each of you to sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter, which provides an additional opportunity to learn about upcoming events, news, and administrative changes.  

As we move into the summer months, I do hope everyone has the opportunity for some well-deserved vacation with family and friends and is able to enjoy all that our beautiful Atlantic provinces have to offer. 

 

Strategic Plan Town Hall: June 20 

It has been over a year since we proudly launched our new strategic plan, Realizing our Ambition: Defining a New Era at Dalhousie Medicine. Since then, our collective efforts and commitment have moved us forward, and this is why I am pleased to invite you to join me virtually on June 20, 2024, at 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. for a Strategic Plan Town Hall to discuss the progress we have made, identify any gaps that may exist, and get your feedback regarding implementation of priority initiatives.   

Please add this link to your calendar to join the town hall.  

Realizing Our Ambition focuses on four strategic streams: Excellence in Education, High-Impact Research, Serving and Engaging Society, and Valuing People. During the town hall, our stream leads will present the great strides they have made over the past year and will be available for questions and comments. We also will have facilitated breakout sessions to get your feedback.  

As we reflect on what has been accomplished with Realizing Our Ambition, it is essential to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of each of you who has worked to support our goals. I look forward to seeing you at the town hall, and to keeping you updated on our progress.   

 

Thomas and Alice Morgans Fear Memorial Conference on Gender Equity and Shared Care   

On May 27, 2024, we were fortunate to gather at the Halifax Convention Centre for the 12th Annual Thomas and Alice Morgans Fear Family Memorial Conference. A collaboration between the Faculty of Medicine, the IWK, and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, this important event brought together diverse interprofessional scholars and practitioners, decision-makers, and the public, to discuss gender equity and shared care, helping participants bridge the gap between understanding and practice. It was such a great opportunity for learning and collaboration. Congratulations to all those involved on such a successful event. 

 

Province provides two years of funding for Cape Breton Medical Campus  

In late April, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston announced operational funding for the first two years of the new Cape Breton Medical Campus, slated to open in 2025. The government is allocating $11.6 million over this period, with intentions to establish sustainable funding arrangements beyond the first year of operation.  

Read more. 

 

RBC and Dalhousie partner to transform health‑care education 

The RBC Foundation announced a $600,000 gift to Dalhousie University last month to enhance inclusivity within health professions over the next three years. This funding aims to increase the participation of African Nova Scotian/Black and Indigenous students by expanding the university’s existing programs. The supported initiatives include the Inclusive Pathways to Medical Professions (IPMP), Promoting Leadership in Health for African Nova Scotians (PLANS), and Keknu’tmasiek Ta’n Tel Welo’ltimk (KW). These programs are expected to benefit over 800 students, significantly advancing inclusive and accessible health education at Dalhousie. 

Read more. 

 

Dalhousie medical school graduates opting for careers in family medicine  

Half of Dalhousie’s graduating class will begin their residency training in family medicine this summer, marking a significant increase since 2018 when only 25 per cent of the class chose to enter a career path in family medicine. 

Dalhousie’s Family Medicine program has also seen success, once again filling all available residency positions, a remarkable feat, especially considering the expansion of our residency seats from 70 in 2022 to 91 in 2024. While many programs nationwide face challenges in filling positions, this accomplishment is not merely fortuitous but rather the result of systematic changes implemented five years ago. 

Read more. 

 

Medical students present at Dalhousie Student Success Summit  

On April 29, 2024, Dalhousie’s Student Affairs Team and Dalhousie Libraries hosted the spring Student Success Summit on campus. Faculty of Medicine medical students were well represented at this event with Jordin Fletcher, and Mitchell Wright, participating in the keynote panel discussion on Dalhousie Student Leaders Engaging in Transformation Leadership, and RJ Roggeveen presenting a concurrent session on Stepping Outside of Student Leadership: Creating a Non-Profit Society. We are pleased to see our medical students excelling outside of their medical studies. 

 

Medicine strongly represented in Dalhousie’s Board of Governors’ Award recipients 

Congratulations to the 2024 recipients of Dalhousie’s Board of Governors’ Award, who have demonstrated remarkable leadership, advocating for marginalized groups, introducing innovative solutions, and actively engaging in community enrichment efforts. Nominated by their peers and selected by a committee comprising the president, Board members, and the vice-provost of student affairs, these individuals were recognized at the Impact Awards ceremony in March. 

Among the recipients, Eshan Arora, fourth year BSc in Medical Sciences (Honours) student, and Gaurav Arora, third year, Doctor of Medicine student. We are so proud of all your hard work! 

Read more. 

 

Faculty of Medicine presents annual awards 

Each year during our annual faculty meeting, we present the Faculty of Medicine awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to education and teaching, community service, medical research, and continuing medication education. It’s my pleasure to congratulate the 2024 winners, who were awarded at the meeting on May 28, 2024:  

• Dalhousie Program Director Awards – Innovation: Dr. Cheng Wang, Department of Pathology 
• Dalhousie Program Director Awards – Leadership: Dr. David Horne, Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery 
• Faculty of Medicine Award of Excellence in Education: Dr. David Gardner, Department of Psychiatry 
• Faculty of Medicine Early Career Award of Excellence in Education: Dr. Jaclyn LeBlanc, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, DMNB 
• Faculty of Medicine Award of Excellence in Clinical Practice: Dr. Michiel Van den Hof, Department of Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
• Faculty of Medicine Early Career Award of Excellence in Clinical Practice: Dr. Alison Dixon, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine 
• Faculty of Medicine Community Teacher of the Year Award: Dr. Kendra Gilmore, Department of Family Medicine in Sussex, New Brunswick 
• Faculty of Medicine Award of Excellence in Teaching (PhD Faculty): Dr. Ross Davidson, Department of Pathology   
• Faculty of Medicine Early Career Excellence in Teaching (PhD Faculty): Dr. Shawn Xiong, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 
• Allan Cohen Memorial Award for Community Service: Dr. Aruna Dhara, Department of Family Medicine 
• Dr. Wayne Putnam Award: Dr. Babar Haroon, Department of Critical Care 
• Faculty of Medicine Excellence in Basic Research Award: Dr. Graham Dellaire, Department of Pathology 
• Faculty of Medicine Early Career Investigator Award: Dr. Alexa Yakubovich, Department of Community Health and Epidemiology 
• Faculty of Medicine Excellence in Clinical Research Award: Dr. Rudolf Uher, Department of Psychiatry 
• Faculty of Medicine Excellence in Research Mentorship of Trainees: Dr. Leah Cahill, Department of Community Health and Epidemiology 
• Faculty of Medicine Excellence in Research Mentorship of Faculty: Dr. James Fawcett, Departments of Pharmacology and Surgery 
• Faculty of Medicine Excellence in Research Mentorship – Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Dr. Sandra Meier, from the Department of Psychiatry 
• Faculty of Medicine Career Excellence in Research Mentorship: Dr. Susan Howlett, Department of Pharmacology 

Read more. 

Dr. Vishal Uppal named Presidential Scholar Award Recipient 

Congratulations to Dr. Vishal Uppal, associate professor in the Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management, and Perioperative Medicine, who was recently named an American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine Presidential Scholar recipient. The award honors anesthesiologists who have significantly advanced regional anesthesia and pain medicine over the past decade, boasting strong academic backgrounds and high-impact publications. Dr. Uppal’s influence is evident through his roles in journal clubs, as an associate editor, and as a chair within professional societies. With over 60 peer-reviewed papers and extensive teaching experience, he continues to shape the future of anesthesiology and pain medicine. 

Read more here.

 

Breakthrough Breakfast: Pioneering Possibilities in Cancer Research 

Dalhousie is the hub of a world-class cancer research community in Atlantic Canada. More than 50 principal investigators lead a vigorous team effort, involving approximately 250 postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, research assistants, coordinators, and technicians. On June 18, 2024, join us for breakfast at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 where we’ll hear from three researchers who are working together and with partners across the region to understand cancer and find ways to better detect, diagnose, treat, and prevent this too-prevalent disease. 

Learn more and get your tickets here. 

 

Save the Date: Dean’s Welcome Ceremony  

Please save the date and join us on August 25, 2024, to welcome the Class of 2028 to Dalhousie Medical School. This is always a very exciting event as a new class of future physicians begins their medical school journey. RSVP to carolyn.doyle@dal.ca by August 19, 2024. I hope to see you there.  

 

Recognize your peers through People First

Earlier this year we were proud to launch “People First” a peer-to-peer public recognition program that allows you to informally recognize someone in your department, division, or unit, who exemplifies the Valuing People stream of work by: 

• Creating a positive work environment 
• Supporting career growth 
• Fostering wellbeing 
• Maintaining an affirming organizational culture 

You can make submissions here, and posts will be shared on the Faculty’s SharePoint site and may also be shared broadly in the Dean’s Blog, Dal Med News, bi-weekly newsletter, and our social media channels. At the end of each month, a name will be drawn randomly, and the winner will be given a Faculty of Medicine branded water bottle. 

 

In Memoriam: Dr. Robert Stone 

The Faculty of Medicine was saddened to hear of the passing of retired faculty member and former head of the Department of Surgery, Dr. Robert Stone, on April 26, 2024, at the age of 83.  

Dr. Stone, a native of Ontario, came to Halifax in 1993 and assumed the role of head of the Department of Surgery at Dalhousie, a position he held until 2006. Upon his retirement, he was appointed Professor Emeritus in the Department of Surgery.  

Dr. Stone was well recognized for his excellence in teaching and his guidance and support shaped countless medical students, residents, and fellows. In 2006 the Department of Surgery announced The Dr. Stone Traveling Fellowship in his honour. The prize is awarded annually to the top resident at the annual research day and provides funds to aid in travel expenses to secure fellowship training after residency. 

Dr. Stone was a remarkable physician and leader. He will be missed by all who knew him. 

Read his full obituary here. 

 

In Memoriam: Dr. Kimberley Marie Nix 

The Faculty of Medicine was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dalhousie Medical School graduate Dr. Kimberley Marie Nix on May 8, 2024, in Calgary, Alberta at the age of 31.

Dr. Nix grew up in Pugwash, Nova Scotia, and attended Dalhousie Medical School, graduating in 2018. She went on to pursue her residency in internal medicine and master’s degree in epidemiology. 

After a cancer diagnosis at 28, Dr. Nix continued to live life to the fullest, offering hope and positivity to many as she documented her cancer journey on social media. Passionate about helping others, she used her platform to spread awareness for sarcoma cancer and fundraise for cancer research.

Dr. Nix was an inspiration to many and will be missed by all those who knew and loved her.

Read her obituary here.   

Dean’s Blog Spring 2024 

Spring has sprung, bringing with it the promise of warmer days ahead. It’s remarkable how swiftly another academic year nears its end, with exams already in full swing for some.  

With immense pride, I extend my congratulations to the graduating class of 2024 as they embark on the next chapter of their journey towards becoming physicians. March 19, 2024, was Match Day, and I am delighted to report yet another extremely strong showing in our residency placements. Ninety-four per cent of our graduates matched with programs throughout the country, with 70 Dalhousie graduates who matched in the first iteration returning to complete their training here in the summer. Notably, 48 per cent of our graduates have matched to family medicine programs, the largest proportion in recent memory.   

On April 2, 2024, Dalhousie proudly launched Bringing Worlds Together, a groundbreaking $750-million fundraising campaign aimed at fostering global collaboration and addressing pressing societal challenges. I’m pleased to say that in the Faculty of Medicine the campaign will directly support medical student scholarships and bursaries, helping to alleviate the significant student loan debts faced by medical graduates and allowing them to focus on becoming great doctors and researchers. Funding will also support our Medical Simulation Centre, which enhances healthcare education by providing students with essential simulation and interprofessional learning experiences, as well as innovative health education, research, and outreach.  

As we near the end of another term, I hope success finds all those studying in the Faculty of Medicine, and hope you find time to enjoy some lovely spring days. 

 

Thomas and Alice Morgans Fear Memorial Conference on Gender Equity and Shared Care 

On May 27, 2024, the Faculty of Medicine, in collaboration with the IWK and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, is hosting the 12th Annual Thomas and Alice Morgans Fear Memorial Conference at the Halifax Convention Centre. This important event will bring together diverse interprofessional scholars and practitioners, decision-makers, and the public, to discuss gender equity and shared care, helping participants bridge the gap between understanding and practice. I encourage you to register for an exciting day of informative and thought-provoking sessions and conversation.  

   

Federal government invests $34.4M in Dal research to unlock innovation in clean tech, heart health, ocean science and more 

In an exciting Government of Canada announcement on March 13, 2024, Dalhousie researchers received a total of $34.4 million in funding for research in battery science, heart health, ocean ecosystems and much more. Among the recipients are Drs. Thomas Pulinilkunnil and Susan Howlett from the Faculty of Medicine. With a $2.9-million grant from the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI) and matched by $2.3-million from Research Nova Scotia, their research is focused on a newly diagnosed and little-understood multi-organ syndrome that causes half of all heart failures. The funding will provide cutting-edge equipment at Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick in Saint John and in the Faculty of Medicine in Halifax to investigate the syndrome, promote commercialization of discoveries, and improve the quality of life for heart failure patients. 

Read more here. 

 

MPAS students mark beginning of medical career with special ceremony  

Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Medicine recognized the inaugural class in its groundbreaking Master of Physician Assistant Studies program at a special stethoscope ceremony on February 15, 2024.  

Announced in 2023, this two-year program is the first in the Maritimes and provides students with the skills, knowledge, and training required to help them increase access to care and make a significant contribution to the health and wellbeing of Nova Scotians. 

Read more here. 

 

Euphoria! impresses crowds, judges 

Crowds flocked to the Dalhousie Arts Centre on February 17, 2024, as Dalhousie medical students took to the stage for the 54th performance of Euphoria! to raise funds for Chroma NB, a non-profit organization that provides support for 2SLGBTQIA+ people in the Saint John Region.  

Every year since 1969, Dalhousie Medical School students have hosted the variety show, with funds raised going to a charity of their choosing. All four classes face off, showcasing their amazing artistic, theatrical and musical talents, for bragging rights and the coveted Euphoria! trophy.  

It was an unforgettable evening of celebration for all those involved, with more than $43,000 raised in support of Chroma NB.    

Read more here.
 

Faculty of Medicine widely featured in Dalhousie Community Report  

Dalhousie recently released their 2023 Community Impact Report with a focus on health and well-being, and the Faculty of Medicine is prominently featured. The report, which emphasizes Dalhousie as the driving force in advancing our region’s health-care training and research, showcases the Faculty of Medicine’s work in equity and diversity, as well as highlighting research and care across the lifespan.  

Read the report here.  

 

Black Health Primer aims for inclusive healthcare 

A new online course on Black health and anti-Black racism in the Canadian healthcare system is now available to learners across Canada. 

The Black Health Primer was created by Dr. OmiSoore Dryden, the James R. Johnston Chair in Black Canadian Studies here in the Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Onye Nnorom, an assistant professor at Dalla Lana School of Public Health and Temerty Faculty of Medicine, and Sume Ndumbe-Eyoh, an assistant professor at Dalla Lana, in response to gaps in education and training on Black health and anti-Black racism in medicine and public health in Canada. 

Read more here. 

 

Medical Neuroscience student wins 3 Minute Thesis competition 

Reynaldo Popoli, a medical neuroscience PhD student, won Dalhousie University’s annual 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) competition by presenting his research on enhancing the quality of life for ALS patients. The competition, held on March 19, 2024, in the Dalhousie Student Union Building, featured 10 graduate students who had to communicate their research to a general audience in three minutes or less, using only one static PowerPoint slide.  

Reynaldo received a $1,000 prize and will represent Dalhousie at the Eastern 3MT regionals, which will be held at the Institut national de la recherche scientifique in Quebec in June. 

Pooyan Moradi, another PhD student in medical neuroscience, secured second place and received a $500 prize for his presentation on utilizing artificial intelligence to identify seizures in animals and its potential application in predicting epilepsy in humans with head injuries. 

Read more here. 

 

Department of Psychiatry leads launch of national program to support mental health of doctors and trainees 

A new national program spearheaded by Dalhousie’s Department of Psychiatry will offer mental-health support to physicians, residents, and medical students across Canada. 

Wellness4MDs delivers daily supportive text messages in English or French to subscribers for six months at no cost. The program aims to significantly reduce levels of stress, anxiety, burnout, and depression commonly experienced by physicians, residents, and medical students. 

Dr. Vincent Agyapong, head of the Department of Psychiatry, and his Global Mental Health Research Group based at Dalhousie and the University of Alberta designed Wellness4MDs. The service’s text messages are based on cognitive behavioural therapy principles and were developed by psychiatrists, mental health therapists, clinical psychologists, and mental health service users.   

Learn more here. 

 

Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada recognizes Dalhousie learners, faculty, and staff 

Each year, the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC), the academic partnership of Canada’s faculties of medicine, recognizes distinguished individuals for their leadership, excellence, and achievements in academic medicine. 

Congratulations to the recent winners from Dalhousie: 

• AFMC Scientist Award: Dr. Susan Howlett 
• AFMC Learner Changemaker Awards: Dr. Jasmine Mah 
• AFMC John Ruedy Award for Excellence in Graduate Health Professions Education Scholarship: Dr. Victoria Luong 
• AFMC Administration Award: Pamela Bourque 

Read more here. 

 

Faculty launches peer recognition program, People First

We are proud to launch “People First” a new peer-to-peer public recognition program that allows you to informally recognize someone in your department, division, or unit, who exemplifies the Valuing People stream of work by: 

• Creating a positive work environment 
• Supporting career growth 
• Fostering wellbeing 
• Maintaining an affirming organizational culture 

You can make submissions here, and posts will be shared on the Faculty’s SharePoint site and may also be shared broadly in the Dean’s Blog, Dal Med News, bi-weekly newsletter, and our social media channels. At the end of each month, a name will be drawn randomly, and the winner will be given a Faculty of Medicine branded water bottle.  

Congratulations to our February 2024 winner, Anne Woolaver from the Division of Immunology in the Department of Pediatrics, and to Michelle LeBlanc, our March 2024 winner from the Department of Psychiatry!  

 

Request for submissions: Faculty of Medicine Advancement newsletter 

Do you have an exciting research advancement or project you’re working on you’d like us to feature in the Faculty of Medicine Advancement team’s monthly INFORMED newsletter and on our website? Let us know by emailing dayna.park@dal.ca and don’t forget to sign up to receive regular updates including competition information, workshop invitations, upcoming event details, speaking opportunities, and more!  

 

Dr. Sarah Wells appointed Associate Dean, Academic (Basic Science) 

On behalf of the Faculty of Medicine, I am pleased to announce that Dr. Sarah Wells has been appointed Associate Dean, Academic (Basic Science), for a five-year term. This appointment is effective February 5, 2024.  

As Associate Dean, Dr. Wells will be responsible for leading the development and implementation of the Faculty’s academic educational program plans and aligning the objectives associated with the Faculty of Medicine’s four strategic streams. Dr. Wells will provide strategic leadership and support for undergraduate (not including medical), graduate, postdoctoral fellow and professional development education programs offered by the Faculty of Medicine, including academic program planning / strategic planning, and curriculum development, implementation, evaluation and continuous improvement.  

Dr. Wells has served as Assistant Dean in the Faculty of Medicine, overseeing the Medical Sciences BSc program since 2016. She will continue to oversee the Medical Sciences program, in addition to her new role.   

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Wells on her appointment.   

 

In Memoriam: Dr. Edward Carl Abbott 

The Faculty of Medicine was saddened to hear of the passing of retired faculty member in the Department of Medicine, Dr. Edward Carl Abott, on February 8, 2024, at the age of 88.  

Born in Newfoundland, Dr. Abbott traveled to Halifax to attend medical school here at Dalhousie. After his training he returned to Newfoundland as a general practitioner at the Cottage Hospital in Botwood. Inspired by his experience there, he returned to Dalhousie to pursue specialty training in internal medicine. During his residency, he worked with Dr. Stan Peart at the Toronto General and received a scholarship to work in London, England under Sir Colin Dollery.  

Dr. Abbott eventually settled in Halifax as an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine in Dalhousie. Both his patients and colleagues will remember him for his warmth, dedication, thoroughness, and his debonaire dress.  

A devoted and professional physician, Dr. Abbott will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.  

Read his full obituary here. 

 

In Memoriam: Dr. John Godfrey Heathcote 

The Faculty of Medicine was saddened to hear of the passing of retired faculty member and former head of the Department of Pathology, Dr. John Godfrey Heathcote, on March 20, 2024, at the age of 73.  

Dr. Heathcote was an accomplished and recognized expert in the pathology and developmental biology of the eye. He chaired the Canadian Ophthalmic Pathology Society and presided over the British Association for Ophthalmic Pathology. Joining Dalhousie in 2004, he held positions as a professor and head in the Department of Pathology, and a professor in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. Later, he served as Senior Medical Director of the Provincial Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Program in Nova Scotia. 

Dr. Heathcote retired to Bayfield, Ontario in 2019.  

A devoted and professional physician, Dr. Heathcote will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.  

Read his full obituary here. 

 

In Memoriam: Dr. Robert Lorne Brown 

The Faculty of Medicine is saddened to hear of the passing of retired faculty member and family physician, Dr. Robert Lorne Brown, on March 27, at the age of 86. 

Dr. Brown attended Dalhousie Medical School, graduating in 1963. He practiced as a family physician in Halifax for 52 years, showing great compassion and dedication to his patients and advocating for accessible health care for all. As a faculty member at Dalhousie, he mentored countless students and family medicine residents during his career. 

Dr. Brown was Chief of Staff at what was the old Civic Hospital on University Ave., and a member of the Hospital Advisory Boards for the Civic Hospital, the Halifax Infirmary, and the Victoria General Hospital. He was also chair of Birthright, an organization devoted to supporting pregnant women in need, for many years. He received an honourary life-time membership with the Canadian Medical Association in 2006, for his distinguished career.  

Dr. Brown was an exceptional physician, devoted to all those he served. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. 

Read his full obituary here. 

 

In Memoriam: Dr. Daniel Alexander Gillis 

The Faculty of Medicine is saddened to hear of the passing of retired faculty member, Dr. Daniel Alexander Gillis, on March 27, 2024, at the age of 95. 

Born in 1928, Dr. Gillis grew up in Port Hawkesbury, Cape Breton and obtained his medical degree from Dalhousie University. He completed his postgraduate training both in Canada and the United States before returning to Halifax where he would spend the bulk of his career as the Chief of Surgery at the IWK Children’s Hospital.  

He dedicated his career to children’s health and in 1997 was recognized with the Order of Canada for the introduction and development of techniques of open-heart surgery in children. He was a former President of the Canadian Association of Paediatric Surgeons, and well known as an exceptional mentor to students and colleagues alike.  

A devoted and professional physician, Dr. Gillis will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.  

Read his full obituary here. 

Dean’s Blog Winter 2024 

Nice to see some snow as we enter February and get to enjoy winter in the Maritimes.  2023 was filled with exciting new developments and I am proud of the accomplishments achieved by the talented and dedicated Dalhousie Faculty of Medicine community—indicating the clear progress we are making in our efforts to better serve our communities and address current and future challenges. 2024 should be another exciting and productive year. 

It is exciting to share that on January 5, 2024 we welcomed the first class of 24 students to the Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program (MPAS). Announced in 2023, the MPAS is the first of its kind in the Maritime Provinces, and this two-year program provides students with the skills, knowledge, and training required to increase access to care and make a significant contribution to the health and wellbeing of Nova Scotians.  

A warm welcome goes to Dr. Julie Copeland, who began her tenure as our new Senior Associate Dean, Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick (DMNB) on January 15, 2024. Dr. Copeland has joined us from Western University, where she was the Postgraduate Director and an Associate Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry. I very much look forward to collaborating with Dr. Copeland to ensure we are providing our New Brunswick learners with the very best medical education, and ample opportunities to support the distributed communities in their home province. Under her leadership, I am confident the campus is well positioned for future success.  

February 1 will mark one year since we proudly launched our new strategic plan, Realizing our Ambition: Defining a New Era at Dalhousie Medicine. The plan signals the Faculty of Medicine’s long-term aspirations while providing a clear, actionable strategy to guide us through the next five years. It builds on our achievements, while guiding us in new, and exciting directions. We are excited to see your hard work come to life as we continue with the plan’s implementation.  

Dalhousie Faculty of Medicine Annual Report 2022-2023 

I am delighted to share The Faculty of Medicine’s latest annual report, highlighting the achievements of the many talented individuals who make up the faculty. This document showcases the tangible progress the faculty has achieved in its mission to address the healthcare needs of diverse communities in our region.

Thank you to all faculty, staff, students, residents, fellows, alumni, patients, donors, and community partners for your unwavering dedication and hard work that has been the driving force behind the faculty’s successes over the past year.

Click here to read the 2022-2023 annual report. 

Faculty of Medicine Undergraduate Medical Degree Program Accreditation 2024-2025 

After successful accreditation in 2017, Dalhousie Medical School is preparing for the next full accreditation of its undergraduate medical program during the 2024-2025 academic year and looks forward to welcoming a panel of national peers and medical education experts from the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools (CACMS) in the first quarter of 2025 as part of this process.

Since January 2023, Dalhousie Medical School has been working diligently to prepare accreditation documentation to be submitted in advance of the 2025 site visits to the medical school’s Halifax and Saint John campuses. Site visits are scheduled for February 17-20, 2025, and March 24-25, 2025.

To help prepare for these site visits, a mock accreditation will be held in Spring 2024. This important exercise will play an important role in helping to guide the planning and success of the full visit. In 2025, when CACMS representatives arrive on campus, they will engage with faculty, students, administrators, and clinical affiliates to gather and verify information.

Click here to learn more about the accreditation process. 

CBMC Admissions Pathways approved by Dalhousie Senate 

Things continue to move forward for the development of the Cape Breton Medical Campus which will begin training 30 students predominantly in Cape Breton, beginning in August 2025.  This program will have a focus on family medicine and rural health and thanks to the leadership of interim Associate Dean, Dr. Kevin Orrell, our milestones for the campus are on track. I am pleased to share that the Dalhousie Senate recently approved the rural applicant pathway for the Cape Breton Medical Campus, paving the way for qualified Nova Scotia students with lived experience in rural Nova Scotia communities to receive their medical education at the Cape Breton Medical Campus. 

Congratulations to our admissions team, led by Assistant Dean, Dr. Andrea Rideout and our partners at Cape Breton University for their dedication and attention to detail to move us forward.  

If you would like to stay engaged and up-to-date as we progress, please click this link to join the mailing list for our monthly newsletter.   

Dr. Ron Stewart named to Order of Canada 

Congratulations to Dr. Ron Stewart, retired faculty member in the Departments of Anesthesia and Emergency Medicine, who was named a Companion of the Order of Canada on December 28, 2023. Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, announced 78 new appointments to the Order of Canada, including three Companions, 15 Officers, one Honorary Officer and 59 Members.   

Since its establishment in 1967, the Order of Canada has witnessed annual enhancements to its membership, as new individuals are appointed whose impactful contributions resonate in communities both within the country and beyond. Through their outstanding dedication, these appointees serve as sources of inspiration and encouragement, urging us to unite in efforts to enhance Canada as a nation. 

Read more here.  

Faculty members rank among world’s most influential 

I am proud to share members of the Faculty of Medicine have been included by world-leading data analytics company Clarivate in its annual list of Highly Cited Researchers for 2023, while others are listed in the top 15 per cent of Canada’s most productive clinical psychology professors according to a new study published in Canadian Psychology 

Congratulations to Drs. Noni MacDonald (retired) and Rudolf Uher for making Clarivate’s list which includes influential researchers at universities, research institutes and commercial organizations around the world. 

Congratulations also to  Drs. Sherry Stewart, Christine Chambers, Jill Chorney, and Simon Sherry, all recognized as among the country’s most productive clinical psychology professors in terms of research output.  

Read more about Clarivate’s list here, and about those recognized by Canadian Psychology here.  

Medical Sciences student named 94th Dalhousie Rhodes Scholar  

A huge congratulations to Medical Sciences student, Diana Adamo, who was named Dalhousie’s newest Rhodes Scholar. Diana overcame a challenging childhood marked by poverty and domestic abuse to pursue a path of academic excellence. Her academic achievements, commitment to leadership, and ability to overcome adversity earned her the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship, making her the 94th recipient from Dalhousie since 1902. The scholarship provides full funding for postgraduate studies at Oxford University, where Diana plans to delve into the intersection of neurodevelopmental disorders and socioeconomic determinants of health. Her research experiences, including studying tick behavior and neuroinflammation, have solidified her passion for academic research. Beyond the classroom, Diana has been involved in community initiatives, establishing a financial literacy club in high school and contributing to the Medical Campus Response Team at Dalhousie. With a vision to create systemic changes and impact her community, Diana envisions pursuing an MD or PhD after completing her master’s program at Oxford. 

Congratulations to Diana on this tremendous achievement! 

Read more here. 

CIHR Awards Dalhousie Researcher for Work in Metabolic Interventions to Prevent Neonatal Sepsis 

Dr. Nelly Amenyogbe, a research fellow in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Dalhousie was named a recipient of the Canadian Institute of Health Research’s (CIHR) Research Excellence, Diversity, and Independence (REDI) Early Career Transition Award for her work linking feeding practices with vaccines in order to prevent neonatal sepsis.

The REDI award supports post-doctoral researchers, clinicians, and research associated from underrepresented groups in launching their research faculty careers in Canada. The program focuses on addressing the impact of racism and gender inequality on early career researchers.

Read more about Dr. Amenyogbe and her research here. 

Medical Neuroscience student wins Atlantic Falling Walls competition 

Congratulations to Mr. Jamil Muradov who won the Falling Walls Lab Atlantic pitch competition with his presentation, “Breaking the walls of concussion complications.” His traumatic brain injury research in the Friedman lab focuses on understanding fundamental electrophysiological changes in the brain that occur within minutes of a concussion.  

Jamil competed at the Falling Walls Science Summit in Berlin, Germany, on November 7, 2023, where fellow Dalhousie competitor, Mr. Joseph Bedard, took home the top prize at the international event.   

Congratulations, Jamil, and to the other Dalhousie competitors! 

Faculty and staff honoured with Dalhousie Legacy Awards 

On November 7, 2023, Dalhousie recognized faculty and staff with the annual Legacy Awards. This university-wide awards ceremony was first held in 2018 as part of the university’s 200th anniversary celebration. The awards aim to help Dalhousie create a culture of respect and recognition for all employees at the university. This year, faculty and staff in the Faculty of Medicine were honoured with several awards. Congratulations to the recipients: 

• Distinguished Research Professors (formerly University Research Professors) – Dr. Graham Dellaire 
• Dr. Allan Cohen Memorial Award for Community Service, Faculty, Medicine – Dr. Nicholas Giacomantonio  
• Rosemary Gill Award – Ms. Michelle Patrick 
• President’s Awards for the Advancement of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA) – Promoting Leadership in Health for African Nova Scotians (PLANS) 

Learn more about the awards here.

Dr. Ken Rockwood receives health research award 

The Health Research Foundation (HRF) of Innovative Medicines Canada (IMC) presented Dr. Kenneth Rockwood with the 2023 Medal of Honour in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field. The HRF Medal of Honour, established in 1945, annually recognizes individuals achieving international acclaim for their work or contributions to Canadian research and development policies. A clinician scientist at Dalhousie University since 1991, Dr. Rockwood has dedicated his career to the treatment of older patients and the study of the aging process. Congratulations to Dr. Rockwood on this prestigious award. 

Faculty receive 2023 Discovery Awards 

I’m pleased to announce several Dalhousie Medicine faculty were awarded during the 21st annual Discovery Awards celebration on November 22, 2023, at the Halifax Convention Centre. The awards recognize outstanding innovators whose game changing achievements in science and technology put Nova Scotia at the forefront of global innovation. Finalists will be honoured on November 22, 2023, at an event at the Halifax Convention Centre.  

Congratulations to the winners: 

• Dr. Noreen Kamal – Emerging Professional 
• Drs. Robert Abraham, Daniel Boyd, and Sharon Kehoe (ABK Biomedical Inc.) – Innovation   
• Dr. Steven Beyea – Public Impact Award 

Learn more about the winners here.  

Medical student honoured with Medical Post Award 

Congratulations to fourth-year medical student Ms. Aditi Sivakumar, who received the Medical Post Media Engagement Learner Award. She has been recognized for revolutionizing dementia care and reducing healthcare costs. The Medical Post Awards support national independent physician voices, contributions to community, and practice innovation. 

Learn more about her important work here. 

DMNB faculty member, Dr. Margot Burnell, named CMA President Elect 

Dr. Margot Burnell, a medical oncologist and current chief of staff for Zone 2 of the Horizon Health Network, has been nominated as the next president-elect of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA). The CMA president, elected annually by members from a different province or territory, serves as the primary spokesperson for CMA, representing it in the media and liaising with provincial and territorial medical associations, government, and other stakeholders. 

Dr. Burnell is an associate professor of medicine here in the Faculty of Medicine, with over three decades of experience in serving patients in New Brunswick. She has held leadership roles, including eight years as the head of the Department of Oncology. 

Learn more here. 

Faculty of Medicine announces new learner mistreatment policy 

The Faculty of Medicine is committed to providing a learning environment that is safe, professional, and respectful. All members of our community share this right and responsibility. Part of our commitment to creating and maintaining this type of learning environment includes having clear reporting mechanisms and processes in place to address the mistreatment of Learners by faculty, staff, peers, and others involved in medical education.   

Although policies, reporting mechanisms and processes are in place at the University to address such matters, the needs of the medical Learner and the medical education environment itself, at the intersection of the University and Health Authorities, are unique in some aspects.    

As such, a new policy on medical learner mistreatment has been approved by Faculty Council. The purpose of this policy is to inform Learners and other members of the medical education community of mechanisms to report Learner mistreatment (experienced or observed) and of the procedures following a report of Learner mistreatment.   

You can read the policy here. 

For more information please contact the Office of Professional Affairs.  

Dr. Abraham Rudnick named Editor-in-Chief of Canadian Journal of Physician Leadership 

Dr. Abraham (Rami) Rudnick has been named the new Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian Journal of Physician Leadership. 

Dr. Rudnick, who is a professor in the Department of Psychiatry, has extensive clinical academic physician leadership experience. He has served on the editorial board and as a peer reviewer of many academic and health professional journals, and was the Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Mental Health. Congratulations on your appointment, Dr. Rudnick! 

Gut unveils papers on Dalhousie-developed global web course on climate change and digestive health 

On November 17, Gut, a distinguished BMJ publication boasting an impact factor of 32 and renowned as the foremost global journal in digestive health, unveiled 10 groundbreaking papers online. These papers, summarizing insights from nine talks featured in a global web course on climate change and digestive health, showcase the collective wisdom of world leaders in this field. The speakers-turned-authors transcend the realms of digestive health, contributing to a holistic understanding of the subject. I am proud to share that Dr. Desmond Leddin, professor in the Division of Digestive Care and Endoscopy in the Department of Medicine here at Dalhousie, founded and co-chaired the course, and three of the papers are from Dalhousie.  

Congratulations to Dr. Leddin and all those involved in this great work.  

Read the papers here. 

Dr. Christine Chambers renewed as Scientific Director of CIHR Institute 

Congratulations to Dr. Christine Chambers, who has been renewed for a second term as the Scientific Director of CIHR’s Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health (IHDCYH). 

Since 2020, Dr. Chambers and the IHDCYH team have reached significant milestones, including launching the Inspiring Healthy Futures Initiative, establishing a Youth Advisory Council, developing a Strategic Plan for 2022-2026, creating a COVID-19 relief funding opportunity, and initiating the Mental Health in the Early Years (MHITEY) Initiative.  

Learn more about IHDCYH’s work here. 

Faculty named to CBC Nova Scotia community advisory board 

The CBC Nova Scotia community advisory board consists of 25 African Nova Scotian members, contributing vital perspectives to portray the full narrative of the Black experience in the province.  

Among those named to the board are two Dalhousie Medicine faculty: Dr. Chadwick Williams, assistant professor of medicine and gastroenterologist and inflammatory bowel disease specialist; and Dr. OmiSoore Dryden, associate professor, is the James R. Johnston Endowed Research Chair in Black Canadian Studies.  

Every two months, members collaborate with CBC journalists, offering advice on reporting projects, editorial strategies, and general feedback. While not involved in decision-making or editorial oversight, the board serves as a valuable resource, providing insights for consideration by CBC Nova Scotia’s editorial team. 

Each board member will participate in a two-year term. 

Read more here. 

CIHR awards nine Faculty of Medicine researchers Project grants 

Dalhousie Faculty of Medicine researchers are set to pursue life-changing health innovations with $8.3 million in new Project Grants from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). Provided to health-focused scholars across the country, CIHR Project Grant funding supports studies with the greatest potential to advance fundamental and applied research, and the health outcomes of Canadians. 

Congratulation to: 

• Dr. Balwantray Chauha, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences 
• Dr. Graham Dellaire, Department of Pathology 
• Dr. Xianping Dong, Department of Physiology & Biophysics 
• Dr. Ejemai Eboreime, Department of Psychiatry 
• Dr. Ruth Lavergne, Department of Family Medicine 
• Dr. Andrew Makrigiannis, Department of Microbiology & Immunology 
• Dr. Paola Marcato, Department of Pathology 
• Dr. Abraham Nunes, Department of Psychiatry  
• Dr. JianLi Wang, Department of Community Health and Epidemiology 

Student-led study shows Artificial intelligence could help people in NS detect skin cancers earlier 

A new peer-reviewed study from Dalhousie University showed that AI could be used to help catch more skin cancers before they become serious.  

Led by lead author, Ms. Madeleine Crawford, a third-year medical student, the research team recruited people over the age of 18 who were concerned about lesions, like moles, on their skin. For participants meeting certain criteria, images of the lesions were taken and uploaded to an AI system called FotoFinder, which is made by Germany-based FotoFinder Systems Inc.  The study found “the ability for the FotoFinder [AI] to be able to detect skin cancers like melanoma was comparable and adequate to that of experienced dermatologists. 

Read more here. 

Vox MeDal
The fall 2023 issue of our alumni magazine, VOX MeDAL was distributed to the alumni community late October. In this issue you will read about exciting activities happening at the medical school like a postgraduate program that has reached gender parity, and the new medical campus planned in Cape Breton. Congratulations to our advancement team on a fantastic issue.  

Read the fall 2023 issue of Vox MeDAL here. 

In Memoriam: Dr. Edward Victor Rafuse 

The Faculty of Medicine is saddened to hear of the passing of former faculty member in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dr. Edward Victor Rafuse, on November 26, 2023, at the age of 88.

Dr. Rafuse, a dedicated ophthalmologist and eye surgeon, began his career as a physician at the Buchanan Memorial Hospital in Neil’s Harbour, Nova Scotia in the early 1960s. He later relocated to Toronto to study ophthalmology, before returning to Halifax in 1968 where he practiced as a comprehensive eye surgeon for over 30 years. He retained a faculty appointment in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences until 2011.

An enthusiastic handyman, woodsman, sailor, scuba diver, and recreational pilot, Dr. Rafuse filled his days outside of work with a variety of activities, and travel.

Read his obituary here.  

In Memoriam: Dr. Alistair Munro  

It is with great sorrow that the Faculty of Medicine shares the passing of former faculty member and Head of the Department of Psychiatry, Dr. Alistair Munro, at the age of 90, on December 1, 2023.

Dr. Munro was born in Glasgow, Scotland and received his medical degree from Glasgow University in 1956. Soon after completing his postgraduate training in psychiatry, he was appointed professor and Head of Psychiatry at the University of Liverpool. He travelled to Canada in 1975 and worked at the Toronto General Hospital before settling in Halifax in 1982. He spent his career teaching and working as a professor and eventually became Head of the Department of Psychiatry at Dalhousie University. Dr. Munro practiced at the Abbie J. Lane, Camp Hill, and Nova Scotia Hospitals.

Dr. Munro formally retired in 1998 and spent his retirement with family and friends. 

Read his obituary here. 

In Memoriam: Dr. Robert Mark Sadler 

The Faculty of Medicine is saddened to hear of the passing of retired faculty member in the Division of Neurology in the Department of Medicine, Dr. Robert Mark Sadler, on December 26, 2023, at the age of 70.  

Dr. Sadler, who obtained his medical degree from Dalhousie University in 1977, completed a residency in neurology and a fellowship in epilepsy at the University of Western Ontario. He began practicing in St. John’s, Newfoundland before returning to Halifax in 1988, where he remained for the rest of his career.   

Dr. Sadler was an expert in the management of epilepsy and tireless advocate for patients in Atlantic Canada. He dedicated his career to teaching and was Program Director in the Division of Neurology from 1995-2001. He also played a crucial role in establishing the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit at the Halifax Infirmary. Throughout his tenure, he assumed leadership roles, serving as President for the Canadian League Against Epilepsy, Chief Examiner for the Canadian Society of Clinical Neurophysiologists EEG Examination, and Vice-President for Epilepsy Canada. He trained generations of neurology residents, medical students, and EEG technologists. Described by his trainees as an engaging teacher and steadfast mentor, he became a cherished friend to many over time. His impact reached beyond the classroom, inspiring several residents to pursue a career in epileptology, and these individuals now contribute to the field across Canada, the United States, and overseas.  

A devoted and professional physician, Dr. Sadler will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.  

Read his full obituary here. 

In Memoriam: Dr. James R. Barker 

Dr. James (Jim) R. Barker passed away at his home, in Halifax, on December 2, 2023. Cross appointed with the Department of Continuing Professional Development and Medical Education, Dr. Barker was a graduate student at Purdue and the University of Colorado Boulder, joining Dalhousie University in 2010 after spending several years working in New Zealand. He also served as the inaugural Chair of the Leadership and Organizations Department in the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie University.

During his time at Dalhousie, Dr. Barker was recognized with several teaching awards, including the A. Gordon Archibald Award, while co-developing an accredited Leadership program with the Faculty of Medicine, set to start in January 2024.

Click here to read Dr. Barker’s obituary. 

It has been a busy fall so far, with much excitement in the Faculty of Medicine.

In October we celebrated the Dalhousie Medicine Gala at the Halifax Convention Centre. Great to see such an incredible turnout at the event, the first we have hosted since in four years. The weekend also featured an awards dinner for the Dalhousie Medical Alumni Association where we recognized six worthy recipients, and the Dr. Fred Barton Visiting Scholar & Lecture in Ethics in Medicine. Thanks to the organizers and all who attended the weekend’s events. Learn more about the festivities below.

Planning continues for two new significant initiatives in the Faculty of Medicine, namely the Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program, which will welcome the inaugural class of students in January 2024, and the Cape Breton Medical Campus (CBMC), which will begin accepting students for August 2025. The CBMC will be uniquely focused on family medicine training and rural health with the expectation that most graduates will become family physicians addressing the needs of Cape Breton residents and other rural Nova Scotians. A special admissions pathway is under development for the CBMC and there will be other exciting developments that will make this campus unique.

Each year I have the pleasure of travelling to our teaching sites with our medical education and family medicine teams to meet with our students, residents, and faculty who are teaching and training around the Maritime provinces. This fall visits were made, or will be made, to Yarmouth, Kentville, Liverpool, Bridgewater, New Glasgow, Sydney, and Inverness in Nova Scotia, to Charlottetown, PEI, and in early December, to Miramichi, Moncton, Fredericton, Woodstock and Saint John in New Brunswick. This is a great opportunity to get feedback and discover innovations and opportunities in our teaching programs around the Maritimes and to meet and renew acquaintances with those who give so much to our Faculty.

I would like to acknowledge the ongoing challenges for faculty, staff, and students impacted by the flood that occurred last winter that affected large sections of 11 floors in the Tupper Medical Building. Unfortunately, the damage was more extensive than originally anticipated, resulting in delays in returning laboratories to operation. Much work is being done ensure these labs will be back better than ever. We will continue to keep you updated on progress and please do not hesitate to reach out to medical.communications@dal.ca if there are questions or concerns.

To all our students, staff, and faculty: in these times of uncertainty and strife in the world, I hope your fall is going as well as can be expected. As we move forward with the implementation of our new strategic plan, Realizing Our Ambition, best wishes in your studies and pursuits, and let us know how we can help you in any way.

For other information and more detailed updates about other activities related to the Faculty of Medicine, see below.

 

Dal Med Gala

On Friday, October 13 we kicked off our Dal Med Gala weekend with the inaugural Dr. Fred Barton Visiting Scholar & Lecture in Ethics in Medicine, featuring guest lecturer, American author and medical ethicist, Harriet A. Washington, who presented on “The Erosion of Consent: Implications for Health Care Providers.” The lecture was followed by a question-and-answer period, and panel discussion that included Dr. Gaynor Watson-Creed, Associate Dean, Serving & Engaging Society and Dr. Naila Ramji, Assistant Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology here at Dalhousie.

On Saturday, October 14, gala celebrations continued with a Fun Run/Walk in support of Feed Nova Scotia and the Healthy Foundation For Tomorrow charity. Eighty faculty, students, family, and friends, united for the event to make a positive impact on our community’s well-being, raising over $400 in donations for Healthy Tomorrow Foundation, along with a carload of food for Feed NS. Thank you to Aerobics First for their generous support of the event, and to all those who came out to make a difference.

Later that evening we swapped our sneakers for our dancing shoes for the Dal Med Gala. For the first time since 2019 we gathered together at the Halifax Convention Centre to celebrate your hard work and dedication to the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University. Nearly 1,000 students, faculty, staff, alumni, family and friends, joined together for an evening of great good, excellent company, and entertainment. It was wonderful to see so many faces in the room together after so many years. I was particularly pleased to see such an incredible student presence, with almost 500 medical and graduate students attending.

The Gala recognized three classes who reached milestones in class giving supporting Dalhousie medical students. The Class of 1991 was awarded the 100K cup, the Class of 1983 was awarded the 300K cup, and the Class of 1978 was awarded the 500K cup in recognition of their sizable class gifts to medical education. All-told, 18 classes have generously made the decision to establish a glass gift, with funds raised totaling more than $1.7 million over the past 10 years in support of our medical students. Sincere thanks to all involved.

It is never too early or too late to start a class gift, as classes ranging from 1965 and as recent as the class of 2020 have made the decision to create a legacy and make a collective impact for the Medical School as a class​.

Proceeds from the Gala were directed to the Dalhousie Medical Alumni Association (DMAA) Student Experience Fund. Thanks to the DMAA team, and all those who had a hand in planning another successful Dal Med Gala.

For those of you who were unable to attend, please enjoy our photo gallery of the Gala and video highlighting some of the Faculty of Medicine’s highlights and accomplishments over the past year.

 

Dean’s Retreat

Over the last two years, the Faculty of Medicine has undergone an extensive strategic planning process with faculty, students, staff, residents, and external stakeholders. Our new strategic plan, Realizing Our Ambition, was launched nearly a year ago, and since that time faculty leadership have been meeting with departments and groups to plan our next steps. I was happy to be at our Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick campus in Saint John for the annual Dean’s Retreat on October 26 and 27, 2023, where leaders from across the Faculty of Medicine gathered for strategic planning sessions. We thank you all for your valuable contributions thus far and look forward to the coming months as we continue to strive for our vision of healthier communities.

 

Dr. Noni MacDonald inducted into Canadian Medical Hall of Fame

It is with pride that I share that Dr. Noni MacDonald, renowned global health advocate, researcher, pediatrician, infectious disease specialist, and vaccinologist, has been announced as a 2024 inductee to the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame (CMHF).

Outstanding leaders in the fields of medicine and health science, CMHF laureates have led the way to extraordinary improvements in human health.

Dr. MacDonald, a former Dean of Medicine at Dalhousie Medical School and the first woman in Canada to hold the position, is now retired from the Department of Pediatrics where she was a professor specializing in pediatric infectious diseases. As the first pediatrician certified in pediatric infectious diseases in Canada, she has made significant contributions in areas like cystic fibrosis and HIV. Her research on sexually transmitted diseases in young people has resulted in her recruitment to both government and health organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) to generate authoritative policies that change practice and provide health-care professionals with evidence-based guidelines. She was also a key contributor to research studies supported by the Canadian Immunization Research Network and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. As a co-founder of the Canadian Center for Vaccinology, she’s sought after by influential health organizations, including WHO and Health Canada.

Dr. MacDonald’s dedication extends to enhancing healthcare for underserved populations. In 2008, she co-founded MicroResearch in Eastern Africa, a program that empowers local healthcare providers to address community health issues within their context, culture, and resources. By involving the community, the program has trained over 800 individuals in Africa, fostering long-lasting research efforts and improving local practices. These principles have now been applied to healthcare in Nova Scotia communities.

Her commitment to social accountability in medical education has driven changes in accreditation standards. Despite ceasing clinical work some years ago, she maintains a strong presence in teaching, research, and policy development, particularly in the realm of vaccines.

The 2024 Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be hosted by the University of British Columbia on April 13, 2024.

Congratulations, Dr. MacDonald, on an honour so richly deserved.

 

Resident leadership elective Empowers healthcare leaders of tomorrow

An initiative designed to empower healthcare leaders, designed by Assistant Dean, Postgraduate Medical Education, Dr. David Bowes, and co-led by PGME Curriculum Specialist Jenny Acuna and Evaluation Specialist Dr. Cindy Shearer, has just finished its second year with remarkable success.

The leadership elective, a four-week rotation available to residents in any specialty, equips them with essential healthcare and academic leadership skills.

I offer my congratulations to Dr. Bowes and his team on the success of this elective and look forward to seeing it progress in the future.

Read more here.

 

Faculty nominated for 2023 Discovery Awards

I’m proud to announce that several faculty members have been nominated for the 21^st annual Discovery Awards, celebrating outstanding innovators whose game changing achievements in science and technology put Nova Scotia at the forefront of global innovation. Finalists will be honoured on November 22, 2023, at an event at the Halifax Convention Centre.

Congratulations to the finalists:

• Sarah Wells – Science Champion
• Finlay Maguire – Emerging Professional
• Noreen Kamal – Emerging Professional
• Robert Abraham, Daniel Boyd, and Sharon Kehoe (ABK Biomedical Inc.) – Innovation
• Sarah Kirk – Public Impact Award
• Steven Beyea – Public Impact Award

Learn more about the awards and finalists here.

 

Dr. Julie Copeland, Appointed Senior Associate Dean, Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick

I’m so pleased to announce that Dr. Julie Copeland has been appointed Senior Associate Dean, Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick for a five-year term. This appointment is effective January 15, 2024.

Dr. Copeland will join Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick from Western University, where she is the Postgraduate Director and an Associate Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry.

Dr. Copeland holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of New Brunswick – Saint John, a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Toronto, and a Rural Family Medicine residency from Western University. She also holds a Master of Clinical Science in Family Medicine from Western University. As an Academic Family Physician, she has practiced comprehensive Family Medicine in the office, hospital, and community settings.

In announcing Dr. Copeland’s appointment, on behalf of the Faculty of Medicine, I would like to express my sincerest thanks to Dr. Jennifer Hall, who is completing her second term as Associate Dean. Dr. Hall has been instrumental in the development of DMNB and has well positioned the campus for future success.  Dr. Hall will be continuing with the Faculty of Medicine in an advisory capacity for a one-year period beginning January 2024.

Please join me in welcoming Dr. Copeland to Dalhousie and DMNB!

 

Dr. Manuel Mattheisen named University Research Chair

Dalhousie has established a new University Research Chair program to attract top talent. Designed to allow faculties to make globally competitive offers, the program has launched with four new chairs in the Faculties of Health, Medicine, Computer Science and Agriculture. Congratulations to Dr. Manuel Mattheisen from the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, and the Faculty of Computer Science, who is among the new chairs in the Established Scholar category. Dr. Mattheisen’s research is focused on the intersection of genetics, mental health and computer science. Leveraging medical and molecular genetics, genetic epidemiology, artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, and biostatistics, he is unlocking the genetic underpinnings of psychiatric disorders.

Read more on Dal News.

 

Lea C. Steeves Award in Continuing Medical Education

Congratulations to Dr. Todd Hatchette of the Department of Pathology who was selected as the recipient of the Dr. Lea C. Steeves award for 2022.

The Dr. Lea C. Steeves annual award highlights continuing medical education teachers, and is given to an individual who consistently provides an exceptionally high quality of education to their students.

Dr. Hatchette was selected for this award based on his excellence in teaching and his demonstrated commitment to physician education.

 

New award encourages medical students to choose family medicine

Announced at the Dal Med Gala, a $1.2 million gift from the Walker Wood Foundation will create a significant new award for Dalhousie medical students who pursue a residency in rural family medicine. Beginning in 2024, two medical school graduates will each receive a James Walker Wood, MD, Award in Medicine valued at $100,000 – the largest ever individual prize for MD graduates at Dal’s Faculty of Medicine. Recipients must be entering a Family Medicine Residency at Dalhousie in a rural or remote area in the Maritimes. The award will recognize outstanding graduates who have been involved in relevant extracurricular and leadership activities and who faced financial need during their medical degree.

Learn more here.

 

Research In Medicine (RIM) program celebrates 10 years

In September the Research in Medicine program celebrated its tenth year. RIM is a longitudinal and self-directed course where students learn about research, and design and develop a research project over the course of their undergraduate studies. A requirement for graduation, the goal of RIM is to instill a high level of critical thinking and create a culture of inquiry among learners.

Learn more about RIM here.

 

Dalhousie Medical Research unveils REMEDY magazine

In mid-October Dalhousie Medicine Research unveiled their latest endeavor in the world of medical research and education. The first issue of REMEDY Magazine, was released on October 17, 2023. With a fresh name and a modern aesthetic, inside its pages you’ll find a treasure trove of stories celebrating research and education excellence that wouldn’t be possible without the support of our amazing community.

Read REMEDY here.

 

Subscribe now: Cape Breton Medical Campus Monthly Newsletter

Dalhousie’s Faculty of Medicine has partnered with Cape Breton University to publish a monthly newsletter dedicated to keeping you up to date with what has been accomplished thus far in the creation of the new Cape Breton Medical Campus.

Transparency as Dalhousie and Cape Breton University continues to progress in this venture is important, and this newsletter endeavours to keep stakeholders, partners, and the community informed through monthly updates.

Click here to read the latest newsletter, and subscribe to be sent the next issue.

 

UPEI names Dal Med grad first Dean of Medicine

Congratulations to Dr. Preston Smith, a Dalhousie Medical School graduate, and current dean of the College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan, who has been named the University of Prince Edward Island’s first dean of Medicine, effective April 1, 2024.

Prior to his time at the University of Saskatchewan, Dr. Smith was senior associate dean of education here in the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie. He was instrumental in the development of DMNB, as well as starting new family medicine residency programs in PEI, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.

Dr. Smith is a highly regarded medical educator and administrator and I am so pleased to have him back on the East Coast.

Congratulations to him on his appointment!

Read more here.

 

In Memoriam – Dr. Ethel Pereira

The Faculty of Medicine is saddened to hear of the passing of retired faculty member, Dr. Ethel E Pereira, 96, of Halifax. Dr. Pereira passed away peacefully at Drummond Hall Parkland Clayton Park, in Halifax Nova Scotia, on September 3, 2023.

Dr. Pereira was born in Belgaum, and grew up in Secunderabad, India. She was a staff member at the Halifax Infirmary, Victoria General Hospital, Grace Maternity Hospital, IWK Health Centre, and Stadacona Medical Center, and an associate professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Dalhousie University.

Dr. Pereira retired from a fulfilling medical career in 1993. She loved life and continued to live life to the fullest by gardening, spending time with loved ones, enjoying music, and traveling around the world with her dear friend Lucille Fricker.

Read Dr. Pereira’s obituary here.

Summer is quickly coming to an end, and we look forward to the energy on campus, with new students arriving and returning students preparing for another challenging academic year. I trust everyone had a fantastic summer despite the many challenges faced by our region.

It has been an exciting few months in the Faculty of Medicine. In early August, in an announcement with the Provincial Government, we launched our new Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program. The program is aimed at providing exceptional training, recruitment, and retention of physician assistants to Nova Scotia.

We are confident that this new program, under the leadership of newly appointed assistant dean, Dr. Michael Clory, will provide our future students with the skills, knowledge, and training required to help alleviate some of the burden faced by physicians, make a significant contribution to health and wellbeing of Nova Scotians, and ultimately bring us one step closer to fulfilling our vision of healthier communities.

On August 20, we held the annual Dean’s Welcome Ceremony in Halifax to welcome our first-year med students to Dalhousie Medical School and to the practice of medicine. The Class of 2027 is the largest-ever class of talented and motivated students in the over 150-year history of Dalhousie Medical School, at a time when the need for physicians has never been greater in our region or country. It was wonderful to meet many of our incoming students and their family and friends.

Among those students who began their studies are the first students accepted under our Indigenous Admissions Pathway. Earlier this year we were thrilled to receive the first applications from Indigenous persons under this pathway. We are so happy to welcome each of you to Dalhousie Medical School.

The Black Learners Admissions Pathway was also approved and accepting applications for the 2023-2024 application cycle. This time next year, the first students accepted under this pathway will begin their medical school studies.

I would also like to acknowledge our new postgraduate and graduate students in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. It’s wonderful to see so many exceptional and bright minds choosing the Faculty of Medicine.

A warm Dalhousie welcome to new students in all programs, and welcome back to our returning students. We look forward to working with you and can’t wait to see what great things you will accomplish in the future.

 

Dal Med Gala 2023

For the first time since 2019, you’re invited to join the Faculty of Medicine at the Dal Med Gala, happening on October 14, 2023. Gather your classmates, departments, friends, and family and join us at the Halifax Convention Centre for an evening filled with dinner, dancing, and laughs. The Dal Med Gala 2023 promises to be a high-energy celebration of reconnecting and socializing as we take over the Halifax Convention Centre in downtown Halifax.

I expect this year to be sellout, so I encourage you to purchase tickets while they are still available. This year, we are also raising funds for the Dalhousie Medical Student Bursary – enabling qualified students to overcome the financial barriers that often prevent them from attending Dalhousie Medical School.

• Register now

Please note, medical students who are interested in attending should contact the Dalhousie Medical Student Society for ticket information.

 

Dr. Graham Dallaire named Distinguished Research Professor

Each year, the Office of the Vice President, Research & Innovation at Dalhousie University awards up to three outstanding faculty researchers a Distinguished Research Professorship. Granted to those who have achieved distinction in scholarship, recipients receive a financial reward in support of their research, and an appointment for five years. We are pleased to announce that Dr. Graham Dellaire, professor in the Departments of Pathology and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, is among those selected for 2023.

Dr. Graham Dellaire’s expertise spans multiple disciplines including molecular and cellular biology, cancer biology, DNA repair, advanced light and electron microscopy and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. His research merges these skills to uncover core cellular mechanisms driving cancer and potential precision therapy targets. He delves into drug resistance, anti-tumor immune responses, and their impact on breast, ovarian, lung, and pancreatic cancer treatment. He directs research, edits journals, co-edits books, and serves on the Chromosome Research Editorial Advisory Board.

Dr. Dellaire received notice of his selection in August.

 

Dr. Paola Marcato named CBCF‑Atlantic Region Endowed Chair in Breast Cancer Research

Dr. Paola Marcato, associate professor in the Departments of Pathology and Microbiology and Immunology, has been appointed the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF)-Atlantic Region Endowed Chair in Breast Cancer Research.

Established in 2008, this position was made possible through an endowed chair from the QEII Foundation and is housed in the Departments of Pathology, and Microbiology & Immunology at Dalhousie’s Faculty of Medicine. The CBCF Chair will provide Dr. Marcato with the opportunity to work with local, national, and international programs and organizations to develop a collaborative research program encompassing cancer genomics and cancer immunotherapeutics.

Read more on Dal Med News.

 

Dr. Colin Audain named president of Doctors Nova Scotia

Doctors Nova Scotia announced Dr. Colin Audain, an assistant professor in the Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management & Perioperative Medicine, as their new president on June 10 during their annual conference. Dr. Audain is a Dalhousie Medical School graduate and since 2007 has been a practicing anesthesiologist and faculty member at Dalhousie. As president, he hopes to seek a confirmed deal between DNS and the provincial government, as well as see family medicine stabilize.

Congratulations, Dr. Audain!

Read more about his appointment on SaltWire.com.

 

Ms. Michelle Patrick receives Rosemary Gill Award

Congratulations to Ms. Michelle Patrick, associate director of the Office of Community Partnerships and Global Health, who is one of three recipients of the 2023 Rosemary Gill Award from Dalhousie.

Dalhousie’s Rosemary Gill Award recognizes faculty or staff at the university who have provided outstanding service, other than teaching, to students.

Read more on Dal News.

 

Dr. David MacDonald honoured with Dr. Tom Marrie Award

Congratulations to Dr. David MacDonald who received the 2023 Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management, and Perioperative Medicine’s Dr. Tom Marrie Award. The award recognizes the individual who best exemplifies Dr. Marrie, Dalhousie University’s former dean of medicine’s leadership qualities of vision, integrity, patience, humility, and compassion. An assistant professor in the Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management, and Perioperative Medicine, Dr. MacDonald is recognized as an outstanding role model, who has been an effective leader since he was a medical trainee. He received his award at a ceremony on April 26, 2023.

Read more here.

 

Faculty and learners awarded by Doctors Nova Scotia

Doctors Nova Scotia’s (DNS) annual achievement awards were recently announced, celebrating the dedication of its members, physicians who go beyond the call of duty but are rarely acknowledged for their hard work. This year, of the 13 honourees, 11 were Dalhousie Faculty of Medicine faculty or learners.

A big congratulations to the Dalhousie winners:

• Clement Ligoure Award: Dr. Shelly McNeil, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases
• Distinguished Service Award: Dr. John Fraser, Department of Psychiatry
• William Grigor Award: Dr. Mahmoud Elsawy, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology
• Community Family Physician of the Year: Dr. Emmanuel Bamikole Ajuwon, Department of Family Medicine
• Community Specialist of the Year Award:  Dr. Paul MacDonald, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology
• Physician Health Promotion Award: Dr. Beverley Cassidy, Department of Psychiatry
• Outstanding Resident Award: Dr. Amy Gough, PYG-6, Department of Psychiatry
• Outstanding Medical Student Award: Dr. Brett Ells, recent graduate of Dalhousie Medical School
• Doctors Nova Scotia Senior Membership Award: Dr. Jerzy Gajewski, Department of Urology
• CMA Honorary Membership Award: Dr. Charles (Chuck) Maxner, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences
• CMA Honorary Membership Award: Dr. Robert La Roche, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences

Read more on doctorsns.com.

 

Research in Medicine (RIM) Excellence in Mentoring award winners named

Congratulations to this year’s RIM Excellence in Mentoring Award recipients: in Nova Scotia, Dr. Swarna Weerasinghe, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, and in New Brunswick, Dr. Nir Shoham-Hazon, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.

The award, as chosen by students, acknowledges RIM mentors who have shown outstanding support and encouragement in promoting undergraduate medical students’ RIM research projects, education, and professional and personal development.

Congratulations to both Dr. Weerasinghe and Dr. Shoham-Hazon. Their awards will be presented at RIM Research Day on September 18, 2023.

 

Dr. Peter Hull recognized by Canadian Dermatology Association

Congratulations to Dr. Peter Hull who was awarded the Canadian Dermatology Association’s (CDA) Lifetime Achievement Award. This award honours certified dermatologists who have made a lasting impact in dermatology through their professional accomplishments. Dr. Peter Hull is a distinguished dermatologist and member of both the Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Dermatology & Cutaneous Science, and the Department of Pathology.

Read more here.

 

Dr. Alison Wallace receives Lung Ambition Award

Congratulations to Dr. Alison Wallace who is one of two recipients of the 2023 Lung Ambition Awards, a joint initiative between Lung Cancer Canada, The Lung Ambition Alliance and AstraZeneca Canada. These Canadian-based lung cancer research awards are designed to help improve the lives of people living with lung cancer, and award two to three research grants per year, with a maximum award of $50,000 CAD each.

Dr. Wallace, an assistant professor in the Department of Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery, received $50,000 for research to improve patients’ quality of life related to lung cancer surgery. She aims to create better treatment plans for patients with lung cancer with the goal of improving their quality of life and survival.

Learn more here.

 

Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Award for Students recipients named

Seventeen medical students from across the country have been recognized by the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame (CMHF) for their community leadership, superior communications skills, and demonstrated interest in advancing knowledge. Congratulations to Dalhousie recipient, Ms. Analyssa Cardenas.

Each year, the CMHF Award for Students is presented to a new generation of health leaders and innovators who exemplify qualities of CMHF Laureates: perseverance, collaboration, and an entrepreneurial spirit.

Read more on Dal Med News.

 

Dalhousie early career scientist one of eight to receive national funding

A master’s student in the Department of Pathology is one of eight promising, early-career data scientists to have been named a recipient of the inaugural Health Informatics & Data Scientist Awards funded by the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network (MOHCCN). Ms. Riley Arseneau, who is a graduate of Dalhousie’s Medical Sciences Program, will receive $40,000 over the next year to be matched by Dalhousie for a total of $80,000 to support revolutionary research in precision oncology.

Read more on Dal Med News.

 

The latest Leadership PRN podcast with Dr. Lara Hazelton is live

Leadership PRN is Dalhousie Faculty of Medicine’s podcast for leaders, whether formal or informal, established or emerging. In this episode, I joined Dr. Hazelton to discuss my role as Dean of the Faculty of Medicine.

Click here to listen.

 

Dr. Shelagh Leahey receives honorary diploma from NSCC

When the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) hosted their graduation ceremony in early June, they honoured Dalhousie faculty member and leading Nova Scotia physician, Dr. Shelagh Leahey, with an honorary diploma. Dr. Leahey is the founding site director of the South West Nova location of Dalhousie’s Family Medicine Residency Training program. A graduate of Dalhousie Medical School, she has been a physician in the province for over four decades, practicing family medicine in Yarmouth following her training. NSCC recognized Dr. Leahey for the innumerable lives she has impacted and her passion for education and fostering community. Congratulations Dr. Leahey!

Read more here.

 

Alumni Dr. Haissam Haddad named to Order of Canada

Congratulations to Dr. Haissam Haddad (PGM’95) who was recently named to the Order of Canada. Dr. Haddad, who completed his internal medicine training at Dalhousie and went complete his cardiology training at the University of Alberta before returning to Dalhousie to join the Division of Cardiology. Dr. Haddad has been named an Officer of the Order of Canada for his dedication to the field of medicine, most notably the University of Ottawa Heart Institute and the University of Saskatchewan, where he is currently a professor of cardiology.

Read more on Dal News.

 

Research in Medicine (RIM) Research Day

You’re invited to Dalhousie University’s Research in Medicine Research Day! This year marks the 10^th anniversary of RIM.

The event is scheduled for September 18, 2023, and will take place at DMNS in CHEB 170, and at DMNB in Room 105. The event features a keynote address from Assistant Dean, Research at DMNB, Dr. Paul Atkinson, and RIM student presentations. All students, faculty, and members of the medical community are invited to attend and show their support for our students.

Please contact Pabi.Ranasinghege@dal.ca for more information.

 

In Memoriam: Dr. Raymond Paul LeBlanc

The Faculty of Medicine and Dalhousie University are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dalhousie Professor Emeritus, Dr. Raymond Paul LeBlanc on July 10, 2023, at the age of 84.

Dr. LeBlanc served as head of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences here at Dalhousie for over 24 years, during which time the department became a clinical, educational, and scientific leader nationally and internationally. He led the development of the Eye Care Centre, an integrated approach to vision care which now serves as a model for other provinces in Canada.

He was a respected leader who valued science and research, and was dedicated to building Dalhousie’s research base, developing lab capacity, and nurturing scientific talent. At the time of his retirement in 2008, he had authored over 60 peer reviewed publications.

In 2005, Dr. LeBlanc was made a Member of the Order of Canada for his services to ophthalmology and vision care, a recognition of his approach to patient care, teaching, and research. He was also the recipient of honorary degrees from the Université de Moncton and Dalhousie.

Dr. LeBlanc was a national and international leader in ophthalmology, a dedicated teacher, and an unwavering patient advocate. He will be profoundly missed.

Read the full obituary here.

 

In Memoriam: Dr. Philip Bagnell

The Faculty of Medicine and Dalhousie University are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dalhousie Medical School alum and former faculty member, Dr. Philip Clyde Bagnell on July 15, 2023, at the age of 81.

Dr. Bagnell graduated from Dalhousie Medical School in 1968 and worked as a family physician in New Glasgow before beginning his pediatric residency at the IWK Children’s Hospital in Halifax in 1970. He moved to Cincinatti the following year to train in pediatric gastroenterology but was quickly recruited back to the IWK as the first IWK Pediatric Gastroenterologist by then Chief of Pediatrics, Dr. Richard Goldbloom, in 1973.

In 1991 Dr. Bagnell was recruited by East Tennessee State University to start their first pediatric residency program servicing the rural Appalachian region. He retired in 2013 and returned to Nova Scotia to provide consultation to Dalhousie Medical School. In recent years he led the section of senior and retired doctors for Doctors Nova Scotia.

Dr. Bagnell’s unwavering dedication to his patients, compassionate care for their families, and exceptional mentorship for students and colleagues have left an indelible mark on all whose lives he touched. He will be profoundly missed.

Read the full obituary here.

 

In Memoriam: Dr. Michael Schmidt

The Faculty of Medicine and Dalhousie University are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of professor in the Departments of Anesthesia, Pain Management & Perioperative Medicine, Physiology and Biophysics, and the School of Biomedical Engineering, Dr. Michael Schmidt, who passed away on August 20, 2023.

Dr. Schmidt’s career began in Germany where he completed his formal training to become a professor in anesthesia, specializing in the field of innovative organ-protection. In 2007, he moved to Nova Scotia to join the Department of Anesthesia in the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie as a professor and anesthesiologist.

Dr. Schmidt was a dedicated researcher and innovator, who held a firm belief in the importance of research, and its ability to improve clinical practice and patient outcomes. He worked tirelessly to develop new technologies to make anesthesia and ventilation safer. DMF Medical, one commercial spin-off of Dr. Schmidt’s research, will continue to be driven by his desire to deliver clinically safer, more environmentally friendly anesthesia to a rapidly aging population.

Dr. Schmidt was a devoted researcher, clinical anesthesiologist, and intensive care and emergency medicine specialist, and he will be profoundly missed.

 

In Memoriam: Dr. Rajender Parkash

The Faculty of Medicine and Dalhousie University are incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of former faculty member Dr. Rajender Parkash, who passed away on August 21, 2023, at the age of 87.

Born in Bhiwani, India, Dr. Parkash completed his medical training in Patiala, Punjam and worked in Delhi for two years before moving to the United Kingdom in 1961. He spent 10 years working in England and Ireland before moving to Halifax, and eventually settled in Yarmouth, where he would practice for the next 36 years. He moved to Halifax in 2008 and worked as member of the Faculty of Medicine for an additional 10 years before retiring in 2018, after more than 55 years in practice.

A passionate and dedicated physician, Dr. Parkash was the Chief of Internal Medicine at the Yarmouth Regional Hospital for 20 years and Chief of Staff for three years. He was very involved with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia, serving on countless committees during his time in Yarmouth.

Dr. Parkash was a tireless supporter of Yarmouth and the wider medical community, and in recognition of his years of service, the renal dialysis unit at the Yarmouth Regional Hospital was named in his honour. He was also the recipient of countless awards from both local and national organizations.

Dr. Parkash was a devoted physician and community leader. He will be profoundly missed.

Read the full obituary here.

It’s an exciting time at Dalhousie University—it’s time to celebrate the graduates of the Class of 2023.  

In the Faculty of Medicine, convocation activities began on May 15, in Saint John, with the Launch Ceremony celebrating the achievements of our Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick (DMNB) graduating students. This was followed by the Dalhousie Medical School Class of 2023 walking across the stage at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium for convocation on May 30, 2023. I offer my sincere congratulations to the students and all you have achieved. We can’t wait to see what you do next! Read about the medical school journey for some of our graduates here. 

I would also like to extend my sincere congratulations to Dr. Erin Sampson, who was awarded the Dalhousie Class of 2023 C.B Stewart Gold Medal in Medicine award. This award recognizes Dr. Samson’s exceptional academic achievements, as she has demonstrated the highest level of excellence throughout her medical education. Congratulations, Dr. Sampson.  

Special acknowledgement and appreciation go to the faculty and staff who not only ensured the success of convocation but also served as dedicated guides for these students throughout their four years of training. Your contribution made the day possible. 

We have some other exciting events coming up in June, with the 11th Annual Thomas and Alice Morgans Fear Family Memorial Conference happening June 7-9, and the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Laureate Symposium happening on June 22 and 23. Both are great opportunities for learning and collaboration. More details are included below.  

And while we celebrate and prepare for June’s exciting activities, we are reminded to support our friends and family, neighbours, and colleagues, who have been affected by the devasting forest fires in our province. I know we are all relieved to see the Tantallon fire is now 100 per cent contained, and progress is being made in the Shelburne area. There is still much to be done, and many have lost their homes. My thoughts are with everyone who has been impacted.  

Thanks to all those who have been battling these blazes, and all the volunteers who have supported the efforts. You are true heroes. 

After all this devastation and as we move into the summer months, I do hope everyone has some time to enjoy all that our beautiful Atlantic provinces have to offer.  

 

Dalhousie to host Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony 2023
On June 22, join the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame in honouring six outstanding Canadians who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, integrity, and contributions to medicine and the health sciences in Canada or abroad, that have led to extraordinary improvements in human health.

For more information and to purchase tickets, click here. 

Following the ceremony, on June 23, from 10:30am-1:00pm, you’re invited to the Laureate Symposium, an interactive session where the 2023 inductees will share their remarkable career paths and ground-breaking contributions to health and health sciences. 

Interested in attending this free event? Register by June 14 to secure your spot.

 

11th annual Thomas Fear and Alice Morgans Fear Family Memorial Conference
Dalhousie Continuing Professional Development and Medical Education is hosting the 11th annual Thomas Fear and Alice Morgans Fear Family Memorial Conference June 7-9, 2023, at The Tower Hotel in Halifax, Nova Scotia. This is Dalhousie’s first conference on catalysing system change and it will bring together scholars, practitioners, learners, decision makers and the public. Participants will discuss how to generate, teach, and implement meaningful interventions in a complex health system.   

Learn more here.

 

Cape Breton Medical Campus 
There has been much excitement around the new Cape Breton Medical Campus, a joint initiative between Dalhousie University and Cape Breton University. In early May, Mr. David Dingwall, President and Vice-Chancellor of CBU, and I were pleased to announce that three well-known local health professionals will take on leadership roles at the Cape Breton Medical Campus. Dr. Kevin Orrell has become Interim Associate Dean, and Dr. Susan MacLeod and Dr. Jim MacKillop have become Family Medicine Special Advisors.  

As we move forward with this project, we will continue to keep you informed of our progress. We will be publishing a monthly newsletter, as well updating our website to include information on our progress and how physicians can become involved.  

 

Black Learners Admissions Pathway
The Black Learners Admissions Pathway (BLAP) has been approved for the 2023/2024 application cycle and will reduce barriers faced by Black applicants on their path to medical school by assessing applications using a holistic file review.

Applicants with a substantial connection to historic African Nova Scotian and other Black Maritime communities in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island will be prioritized under the Black Learners Admissions Pathway. Black applicants from across the Maritimes and Canada who report substantial connection to their Black heritage will also be considered under the Black Learners Admissions Pathway, beginning with the 2023/2024 application cycle. 

Read more on Dal Med News.  

 

Office of Professional Affairs aims to evolve learning environment 
In December 2022, the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie announced a new Office of Professional Affairs (OPA) with a goal to create and maintain a healthy and safe learning environment in the medical school.  

Led by the assistant deans of professional affairs, Drs. Ian Epstein (Dalhousie Medicine Nova Scotia) and Samantha Gray (Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick), the OPA is focused on addressing reports of learner mistreatment, and the promotion of professionalism through education and outreach activities. 

Dr. Epstein and Dr. Gray are available to those in the Faculty of Medicine wishing to discuss issues of professionalism by contacting DalMedOPA@dal.ca. Individuals with concerns can also access the Confidence Line, the Faculty of Medicine Office of Professional Affairs Safe Reporting platform.  

Learn more about the OPA here.  

 

Medical Sciences student claims top academic award
We are proud to announce Mr. Cyril O’Brien was selected as this year’s Governor General’s Silver Medal winner. Announced at convocation on May 31, the Governor General’s Silver Medal is awarded to the undergraduate graduate who has achieved the highest academic standing among graduates of all the baccalaureate programs. 

Congratulations, Cyril, on this tremendous honour and all your hard work! 

 

Dalhousie researchers working to assess environmental risks for lung cancer
Congratulations to Dr. Robin Urquhart and her team who have received $5 million from the Canadian Cancer Society to research the biological risk factors for lung cancer posed by environmental factors like radon, arsenic, and air pollution.  

Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, but one in five of those with the disease have never smoked. The study will look at biological factors for lung cancers among non-smokers.  

Read more on CBC news. 

 

Drs. OmiSoore Dryden and Caitlin Lees receive 2023 New Health Investigator Grants
Earlier this year, Research Nova Scotia (RNS) awarded close to $1 million in New Health Investigator grants to 10 Dalhousie researchers, including six Dalhousie Medicine Faculty. The grants were awarded to scholars early in their careers or new to the province to establish and expand projects that promise to help solve some of our toughest health care challenges. On April 4, Drs. OmiSoore Dryden and Caitlin Lees were added to the list of recipients. Congratulations to you both.

Read more about Drs. Dryden and Lees’ projects here. 

 

Med student recognized by UNB
Congratulations to Dal Med student, Mr. Matthew H. MacLellan, who received the Young Alumni Achievement Award from the University of New Brunswick’s Proudly UNB Awards on April 21 in Saint John, NB.  

These awards recognize outstanding UNB alumni and demonstrate UNB’s pride in their accomplishments. Matthew, who graduated from the university in 2020 and who is a current medical student at Dalhousie, is recognized for his dedicated community efforts as founder of the St. John Ambulance Campus Response team, and as former chair of Global Brigades, where he led a fundraising campaign totaling over $20,000 for the purchase of water infrastructure and helped provide Honduras communities with clean drinking water.  

More information about the awards can be found at www.unb.ca/proudlyunb.  

 

Dr. Brent Young recognized by CMA
A big congratulations to Dr. Brent Young, who is the recipient of the Canadian Medical Association’s (CMA) Award for Young Leaders, recognizing his exemplary dedication, commitment and leadership. In a few short years, Dr. Young has had an incredible impact on Indigenous health outcomes in Halifax. Working with the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre, he opened an urban health centre, where he is now clinical director. He has been instrumental in the development of the Indigenous Admissions Pathway here at Dalhousie, and we will see the first students accepted through this pathway begin medical school this summer. We are so excited to see what he will do next. 

Congratulations, Dr. Young! 

Read more on CMA.ca.  

 

Dal postdoc wins Mitacs entrepreneurship award for world’s first at‑home test to measure muscle health
On Thursday, May 18, Dalhousie Postdoctoral Fellow Dr. Rafaela Andrade took home the Mitacs Outstanding Entrepreneur Award at a gala in Waterloo, Ontario for her ground-breaking at-home test to monitor muscle health and her efforts to bring it to the world. The awards were hosted by Mitacs, a Canadian not-for-profit organization dedicated to boosting the country’s economic growth and innovation by connecting companies and academic institutions.  

The revolutionary technology behind Dr. Andrade’s fast-growing company Myomar Molecular Inc. identifies unique and specific molecular changes in urine that are associated with muscle degeneration. They aim to equip medical practitioners and their patients with the information needed to predict the risk of musculoskeletal disease and improve quality of life by catching muscle loss early. 

Read more on Dal Med News.  

 

Dr. Cindy Calkin awarded by ASCP
Congratulations to Dr. Cindy Calkin who was awarded the Paul Wender Best Paper in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry by the American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology (ASCP). The award is named in honour of Dr. Paul H. Wender, a pioneer in identifying and treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and presented to a recipient who has been published in the past year for The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 

Dr. Calkin is a clinical researcher and associate professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Medical Neuroscience here at Dalhousie. She is also the medical director of a unique multidisciplinary clinical research Mood and Metabolism Program. Her research is focused on mechanisms underlying Treatment-Resistant Bipolar Depression (TRBD) and novel mechanism-based targeted treatments. 

Well done, Dr. Calkin! 

 

Two faculty members honoured by Canadian Paedatric Society 
Congratulations to Drs. Minoli Amit and Ellen Wood, who have been given Life Membership from the Canadian Paedatric Society (CPS), an honour reserved for members who have made a significant contribution to the CPS. Life members have demonstrated tremendous dedication to advancing the health of children by supporting the work of the CPS. 

Dr. Amit, a pediatrician at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital in Antigonish, NS., is an assistant professor with the Department of Pediatrics here at Dalhousie University, supervising clinical rotations for learners. She has over 40 years of clinical experience in pediatric acute care, as well as office-based and rural outreach clinic consulting work. 

Dr. Wood is a professor in the Division of Pediatric Neurology at Dalhousie. She has been a member of the CPS since her pediatric residency at MUN and the IWK. As a former Pediatric Program Director at MAC and then the IWK (2000-12), Dr. Wood has had the privilege of working with many young pediatricians, contributing to their growth in the field and encouraging their ongoing participation in the CPS. 

Read more on CPS.ca. 

 

Dr. Gaynor Watson-Creed receives honorary degree from UPEI
On May 19, Dr. Gaynor Watson-Creed, Associate Dean, Serving and Engaging Society in the Faculty of Medicine, received an honorary degree from the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) during graduation proceedings for the Faculty of Science.  A graduate of UPEI, Dr. Watson-Creed is recognized for her advocacy for high-quality public health services in Canada.  

Congratulations to Dr. Watson-Creed on this great honour.  

Learn more here.
 

Dalhousie Medicine alum named Spring Convocation honorary degree recipient 
Please join me in congratulating Dr. Edward Cain, a Dalhousie Medical School alumnus and leader in emergency medicine in Nova Scotia, on being named one of two honorary degree recipients awarded at Dalhousie’s Spring Convocation on May 30. 

Dr. Cain completed his residency at Dalhousie in 1977 and began a long and dedicated career in emergency medicine, changing the lives of countless Nova Scotians. He has a long list of achievements, including contributing to the creation of the Paramedic Act, which led to paramedicine becoming a self-regulating profession. His research has enabled paramedics to expand their scope of practice, and his research into how to best administer life-saving medicine to heart attack patients has helped save the lives of many. He’s been honoured with the Dr. Ron Stewart Award by the National Association of EMS Physicians, and the Health Promotion Award by Doctors Nova Scotia.  

Congratulations, Dr. Cain, on this most deserving honour.  

Read more on Dal News.  

 

Dr. W. Ford Doolittle named Fellow of Royal Society
Congratulations to Dr. W. Ford Doolittle, professor emeritus in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, who was recently named a Fellow of the Royal Society. Comprised of distinguished scientists, engineers, and technologists from the UK and the Commonwealth, the Royal Society stands as a self-governing Fellowship. Through a rigorous peer review process that evaluates scientific excellence, individuals are elected as Fellows or Foreign Members for a lifetime membership.  

Dr. Doolittle has been a faculty member in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology since 1971. His research examines prevailing concepts in genomics, molecular biology and microbial ecology, most often as these reflect understandings of evolution by natural selection. In 2013, he received the Gerhard Herzberg Canada Gold Medal from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSREC), Canada’s highest recognition for scientific research. He was the first researcher in Dalhousie history — and the first from any university east of Quebec — to receive the prestigious $1 million prize, which recognizes career achievement in the sciences. 

Congratulations to Dr. Doolittle on all his tremendous accomplishments! 

Read more on Dal News. 

 

Dr. Kavish Chandra receives clinical research scholarship
Dr. Kavish Chandra has received a four-year Clinical Research Scholarship in Emergency Medicine from the New Brunswick Health Research Foundation (ResearchNB).

During his scholarship, Dr. Chandra plans to collaborate with emergency medicine colleagues in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia to develop an observational airway registry to study critically ill patients who have presented to Atlantic Canadian emergency departments. 

 

Dr. Chris Vaillancourt receives New Brunswick Medical Society Award 
Dr. Chris Vaillancourt has been named the recipient of the 2023 Dr. Garfield Moffatt Award from the New Brunswick Medical Society, recognizing his commitment of excellence in patient care, medical education, the community-at-large, and quality of life. 

Congratulations Dr. Vaillancourt! 

 

2023 Annual Faculty Meeting
The Annual Faculty Meeting will be held on June 6, 2023, at 5pm. In addition to any business referred to Faculty by Faculty Council, the meeting will include: 

• Election of members of Faculty Council 
• Election of members of the Nominating Committee 
• Reports from the Chair of the Faculty Council 
• Reports from the Dean and Associate/Assistant Deans 
• Any business raised by Faculty before or during the Annual Meeting 

• Presentation of Faculty Awards 

An agenda with background information, including written reports, will be circulated prior to the meeting. 

This meeting will be presented in Theatre A, as well as virtually. 

• Teams link

For more information, please contact Jillian.Slevin@dal.ca. 

 

Awards of Excellence in Leadership Ceremony
Join the Faculty of Medicine on June 15 at 2:00pm for the Awards of Excellence in Leadership Awards Ceremony. Come celebrate and acknowledge the incredible contributions of our staff and those in senior academic leadership positions. 

Location: Tupper Theatre A or virtually on Microsoft Teams. 

 

Save the Date: Class of 2027 Dean’s Welcome Ceremony
When: August 20, 2023, 3:00pm 

Where: Dalhousie Arts Centre 

Please RSVP to Carolyn.Doyle@dal.ca on or before August 14, 2023.  

 

International Symposium on Pediatric Pain
Save the date for the International Symposium on Pediatric Pain scheduled for October 1-4, 2023, at the Halifax Convention Centre.  

Learn more here. 

 

MS Teams Phone Migration Project Implementation
In alignment with Dalhousie University’s first Digital Strategy plan and recognizing the importance of our digital workplace, ITS has begun the migration of single-line phone service to Teams Phone (VoIP) to provide a more modern telephone experience with high-quality voice calls. This will provide you with the ability to make and receive phone calls using your existing 494-XXXX telephone number through your MS Teams application on your computer or mobile device.

The phone migration process for the first Faculty of Medicine units is scheduled for the first week of June. Approximately two weeks prior to your phone migration, you will receive an email from MedIT advising you of the changeover date, and you will also receive an email from Microsoft advising you that audio conferencing has been added to your Teams account with important instructions and information.

Please visit Teams Phone (SharePoint.com) for more information about the project and an overview of Teams Phone functions and features.

If you have any questions or need technical assistance, please contact medit@dal.ca.