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.
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.
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