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.