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.
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 10th 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.