It’s one of the most exciting times of year here at Dalhousie University as we celebrate the Class of 2025. 

Convocation celebrations in the Faculty of Medicine began on May 9 in Saint John, with the Launch Ceremony honouring the accomplishments of our Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick (DMNB) graduating students. The festivities continued on May 30, when the Dalhousie Medical School Class of 2025 crossed the stage at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium. This remarkable class began their studies during an especially challenging time, and I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each of them for all they have accomplished. We look forward to seeing what they will do next. You can read more about the journeys of some of our graduates here. 

I would also like to extend my sincere congratulations to Dr. Sophie Gaube, who was awarded the Dalhousie Class of 2025 C.B Stewart Gold Medal in Medicine award for the highest academic standing in the graduating class. Dr. Gaube is celebrated for her outstanding academic accomplishments and her consistent demonstration of excellence throughout her medical education. Congratulations, Dr. Gaube! 

Congratulations as well to Aran Thanamayooran, MSc graduate in epidemiology and applied health research, who was awarded the Governor General’s Gold Medal in the Natural Sciences and Engineering for overall academic excellence. Aran was recognized for his exceptional academic achievement and enthusiasm for research, and his remarkable kindness and unwavering commitment to ethical conduct. 

Also recognized at the Faculty of Medicine convocation ceremony was Dalhousie alum, Dr. Franklin Sim, who was named one of three Dalhousie Honorary Degree recipients, the university’s highest honour. Dr. Sim is a globally recognized leader in orthopaedic oncology, known for pioneering limb-salvage techniques, custom implants, and groundbreaking work in pelvic tumor surgery. A dedicated educator and mentor, he has advanced equity in surgery by supporting women, minorities, and international scholars, earning the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ Diversity Award. His global collaborations, prolific research, and commitment to improving care have left a lasting legacy rooted in humility and service. 

As we celebrate the success of our medical and graduate students, we also extend our heartfelt appreciation to the faculty and staff who have supported and guided them throughout their school journey. This milestone would not have been possible without their dedication. 

It’s very exciting that in less than three months we will be welcoming students to the Cape Breton Medical Campus. Thirty students have accepted positions which will focus on family medicine and rural health. Under the leadership of Dr. Jennifer Hall, the senior associate dean, all teaching positions for the Med 1 year have been filled with Cape Breton-based physicians. We are working to complete the roster of Med 2 teachers now. Students will start classes in the Marconi Building, with the new Cape Breton Medical Campus building expected to open in November 2025.   

In 2026 I will complete my second term as Dean of Medicine, and as I look ahead to my final year, I want to express what a pleasure and privilege it has been to serve in this role and to work alongside such outstanding staff, students, faculty and alumni. It has truly been a fantastic job—made all the more rewarding by the exceptional people who make up this community. The search process for the next Dean is now underway, and I encourage those who are interested to consider applying. It’s a wonderful opportunity to lead a great team and contribute to a vibrant, mission-driven faculty.  

As we head into the summer months, I hope everyone finds time for a well-earned break with family and friends, and takes the chance to enjoy the many wonderful experiences our beautiful Atlantic provinces have to offer. 

 

The International Congress on Academic Medicine (ICAM), Halifax, April 3-6, 2025 

The Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie was pleased to partner with the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) to host the 2025 International Congress on Academic Medicine (ICAM) April 3-6, 2025, an event bringing together the academic medicine community from around the world. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to meet, network, and develop new relationships and collaborations with our colleagues from around the world. Drs. Eileen Denovan-Wright, Kirill Rosen, and Stefan Heinze provided outstanding leadership on the Health Research Advisory Group, helping to shape the research program. Mr. Heinze also contributed to the Board Invitational Advisory Committee, amplifying the learner voice in conference planning. 

Dalhousie’s support was central to the success of the Health Research Awards ceremony, which recognized excellence in academic medicine and supported emerging talent through partnerships with the Gairdner Foundation and Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings. Dalhousie’s learner social event received high praise for its seamless organization and impact, emerging as a standout experience for students. 

 

Dr. Ford Doolittle receives Lifetime Achievement Award from Genome Canada 

Congratulations to Dr. Ford Doolittle, professor emeritus in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, who received the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award at the Canadian Genomics Summit in February.  

Dr. Doolittle is a renowned molecular biologist whose groundbreaking research has significantly shaped the field of evolutionary biology. He is best known for his work on lateral gene transfer, genome evolution, and the concept of “selfish DNA.” His controversial 1999 paper challenged traditional Darwinian views by proposing that gene-swapping among microorganisms plays a major role in evolution, a theory now widely accepted. Despite retiring from teaching in 2008, he remains active in the field, with his book Darwinizing Gaia marking a notable milestone in 2024. 

For his remarkable impact on genomic research, Dr. Doolittle was nominated for a Genomics Impact Award by Genome Atlantic, celebrating his enduring influence on science. 

Read more here.  

 

Plastic surgery resident receives prestigious National RDoC Award  

Dr. Todd Dow, a fifth-year plastic surgery resident at Dalhousie University, has been honoured with the Resident Doctors of Canada (RDoC) Mikhael Award for Medical Education in the resident category. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to improving medical education for resident doctors in Canada. Dr. Dow is recognized for his innovative work in developing the Pre-Clerkship Residency Exploration Program (PREP), which helps second-year medical students explore various specialties through workshops, observerships, and simulations, significantly aiding their career decision-making process. Beyond PREP, Dr. Dow has been a leader in medical education, serving as chief resident, vice-president of Maritime Resident Doctors, and a representative on key faculty committees. 

Dr. Dow was celebrated at a virtual reception in May 2025.  

Read more here. 

 

Faculty of Medicine students honoured with Dalhousie Impact Awards 

Several students from the Faculty of Medicine were recognized for their outstanding contributions at the 14th annual Impact Awards on March 27. These awards celebrate student leadership in academics, student life, and community service. 

Obinna Esomchukwu (Medicine) received the Rising Star Award for leadership, creativity, and commitment to the Dalhousie Student Union and the broader community. 

Ava Maleki (Medical Sciences) was honoured with the Student Activist Award for her dedication to social justice and inspiring change. She also received a Dalhousie Student Union Gold D, alongside Alexandra MacNeil (Medicine), for their exceptional involvement in campus life. 

Eshan Arora (Medicine) earned the Dalhousie Student Council Member Award, recognizing commitment to advocacy and innovation within student governance. 

Sherry Eskander (Medicine – Graduate Student) was awarded the Faculty Leadership Award for her passion, leadership, and positive impact within the Faculty of Medicine. 

Congratulations to all the recipients for their remarkable achievements! 

Read more here. 

Congratulations also goes to Dr. Tyler Herod, a recent grad and one of four students who received Dalhousie’s 2025 Board of Governors’ Awards. A dedicated student leader, Tyler’s unwavering commitment to empathy, mentorship, and advocacy has left a lasting impact on the Dalhousie community. From co-leading research on student well-being to championing accessibility in health care through his work with the Canadian Institute for the Blind (CNIB), Tyler exemplifies the power of compassion and collaboration. A recent graduate, he begins his ophthalmology residency in Alberta this summer, where he will surely continue to inspire through his dedication to improving the lives of others. 

Read more here. 

 

Faculty of Medicine receives university-wide teaching awards 

We are proud announce that several members of the faculty were recently presented with Dalhousie University‑Wide Teaching Awards. These annual awards are presented to faculty, instructors, and graduate students to recognize their contribution to maintaining and supporting Dalhousie’s reputation as being a leader in higher education. Congratulations to the Faculty of Medicine winners: 

• Educational Leadership Award for Collaborative Teaching: Dr. Lynette Reid, Leanne Picketts, and the case-diversification committee 

Under Dr. Reid’s guidance, the committee has redefined inclusivity in medical education, transforming the pre-clerkship Case-Based Learning (CBL) curriculum in the Faculty of Medicine. This monumental project has bridged significant gaps in representation, equity, and social accountability, setting a national benchmark for medical education.   

• Award for Excellence in Graduate Supervision: Dr. Jan Rainey 

Over nearly two decades, Dr. Rainey has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to mentoring students and fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating research environment. His mentorship style, characterized by patience, generosity, and a focus on independence, has left a profound impact on the careers and personal development of numerous trainees. 

• Academic Innovation Award: Drs. Anna MacLeod and George Kovacs, the late Rob Sandeski, and the Clinical Cadaver Program  

Established almost 20 years ago, the Clinical Cadaver Program plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare practitioners by providing meaningful educational experiences and bridging the gap in procedural learning. It has transformed the Tupper Building into a hub for clinical cadaver education and embodies the spirit of forward-thinking education and contributes significantly to the advancement of medical knowledge.   

Congratulations to all the winners. Read more here. 

 

Medicine alum recognized during alumni days 

Each year, Dalhousie awards the Golden Eagle Lifetime Achievement Award and Aurum Awards during Dal Alumni Days to alumni making significant contributions to society. We are proud to announce that two of the five winners this year are graduates of Dalhousie Medical School.  

Congratulations to Dr. J. Donald “Don” Hill (MD’60, LLD’87), a distinguished cardiac surgeon, researcher, and inventor and the recipient of the 2025 Golden Eagle Award. A dedicated Dalhousie alum, Dr. Hill has advanced academic excellence through the Donald Hill Family Postdoctoral Fellowships, supporting early-career scholars on the path to tenure. 

And congratulations to Dr. Allen Eaves (MSc’67, MD’69), founder of STEMCELL Technologies and co-founder of the Terry Fox Laboratory, who is a 2025 Aurum Award recipient. A leader in cancer research and stem cell biology, Dr. Eaves has transformed regenerative medicine and biotechnology through his visionary work. 

Read more here. 

 

Drs. Alex Quinn and Susan Howlett honoured with King Charles III Coronation Medal by the Heart and Stroke Foundation 

Drs. Alex Quinn and Susan Howlett are among recipients selected by the Heart and Stroke Foundation to receive the King Charles III Coronation Medal, recognizing their outstanding contributions to Heart & Stroke and their unwavering commitment to heart and stroke research and awareness. 

Dr. Quinn, who is a professor in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics and School of Biomedical Engineering, focuses his research on cardiovascular physiology and disease aimed at developing better treatments for irregular heart rhythms. 

Dr. Howlett is a professor in the Department of Pharmacology and the Division of Geriatric Medicine. She studies heart contraction and its regulation, uncovering key differences between male and female heart cells. She pioneered the “frailty index” in aging animals to improve clinical aging research. 

Drs. Howlett and Quinn will receive their awards at a medal ceremony at a later date. 

Congratulations to them both! 

 

Dr. Anuradha Mishra receives King Charles III medal from Canadian Ophthalmological Society 

Congratulations to Dr. Anuradha Mishra who was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2024. 

Dr. Mishra serves as an associate professor in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at Dalhousie University, as well as the assistant dean of skilled clinician and interprofessional education in undergraduate medical education. She is a dedicated clinician-educator with a strong commitment to advancing education and awareness for both learners and health care professionals regarding patient care for individuals with vision loss. 

Dr. Mishra has collaborated extensively with Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada (VLRC) in Nova Scotia to create an innovative model for vision rehabilitation delivery in Canada. This approach allows patients from the Maritimes to be seen by both ophthalmology and VLRC staff during a single visit, utilizing a collaborative and person-centered methodology. Dr. Mishra is also an advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion, and her scholarly work investigates gender equity in medicine and barriers to health care access. 

 

AFMC celebrates achievements of Dalhousie medical community 

Each year, the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) honours individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication in academic medicine. These national awards celebrate contributions that are shaping the future of health care education, research, and service. We are proud to congratulate this year’s recipients from Dalhousie University. Their achievements reflect the strength of our medical community and a shared commitment to advancing excellence, equity, and social accountability in health care. 

Dalhousie’s 2025 AFMC Award Recipients: 

• AFMC Indigenous Health Advocacy Learner Award: Jordin Fletcher 

• AFMC Indigenous Health Advocacy Emerging Leader Award: Dr. Brent Young 

• AFMC Charles Boelen International Social Accountability Award: PLANS – Timi Idris 

• AFMC Young Educators Award: Dr. Anu Mishra 

Read more here. 

 

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 June 3, 2025: 

• Dalhousie Program Director Award, Innovation: Dr. Leanne McCarthy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 

• Dalhousie Program Director Award, Leadership: Dr. Sasha Sealy, Department of Family Medicine 

• Faculty of Medicine Awards of Excellence in Education: Dr. Akram Jaffar, Department of Medical Neuroscience 

• Faculty of Medicine Early Career Award of Excellence in Education: Dr. Ashley Sutherland, Division of Clinical Dermatology & Cutaneous Science, Department of Medicine   

• Faculty of Medicine Award of Excellence in Clinical Practice: Dr. Aaron Keshen, Department of Psychiatry   

• Faculty of Medicine Early Career Award of Excellence in Clinical Practice: Dr. Mark Robbins, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine   

• Faculty of Medicine Community Teacher of the Year Awards: Dr. Alexandra Pettit, Department of Pathology (New Brunswick) and Dr. Ian MacKay, Department of Psychiatry (Nova Scotia)   

• Faculty of Medicine Award of Excellence in Teaching (PhD Faculty): Dr. Kim Good, Department of Psychiatry   

• Faculty of Medicine Early Career Excellence in Teaching (PhD Faculty): Dr. Sanja Stanojevic, Department of Community Health and Epidemiology  

• Dr. Allan Cohen Memorial Award for Community Service: Dr. Abraham (Rami) Rudnick, Department of Psychiatry   

• Dr. Wayne Putnam Award: Dr. Brian Moses, Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine   

• The Faculty of Medicine Excellence in Basic Research Award: Dr. Kazue Semba, Departments of Medical Neuroscience and Psychiatry   

• The Faculty of Medicine Early Career Investigator Award: Dr. Kara Dempster, Department of Psychiatry   

• The Faculty of Medicine Excellence in Research Mentorship of Trainees: Dr. George Roberston, Departments of Pharmacology and Psychiatry 

• The Faculty of Medicine Excellence in Research Mentorship of Faculty: Dr. Stephen Bearne, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology   

• The Faculty of Medicine Career Excellence in Research Mentorship: Dr. Martin Alda, Department of Psychiatry 

• Canadian Association for Medical Education (CAME) Certificate of Merit: Dr. Allen Tran, Division of Internal Medicine in the Department of Medicine; Dr. Jack Rasmussen, Departments of Critical Care and Surgery; and Dr. Stuart Wright, Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management & Perioperative Medicine   

• Dr. John Savage Memorial Award for Faculty Leadership in Global Health: Dr. Vincent Agyapong, Department of Psychiatry   

Congratulations to all the winners! Read more here. 

 

Faculty of Medicine presents leadership awards  

On May 30, the 2025 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 2025 recipients of a Faculty of Medicine Award of Excellence in Leadership are:  

• Award of Excellence, Professional & Managerial Leadership: Carolyn Doyle, director, admissions 

• Award of Excellence, Academic Leadership: Dr. Evelyn Sutton, associate dean, undergraduate medical education 

• Award of Excellence, Leadership in Administrative, Clerical & Technical Support: Julie Cummings (Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick)  

• Award of Excellence, Emerging Leader: Whitney Proulx, operations manager, undergraduate medical education  

• The Ryan Clow Team Collaboration Award: MedIT application development team, including Chris Emeneau, Tim Jordan, Natasha Mills, and Ron Soper 

• Valuing People Innovation Award (new this year): Tyler Hall, director of student and resident affairs 

Congratulations to all recipients and thank you for your dedication to the Faculty of Medicine! Read more here.

 

Dr. Isabel Smith honoured with inaugural Lifetime Award in Pediatric Disability Research 

Congratulations to Dr. Isabel Smith who was honoured with the inaugural Lifetime Award in Pediatric Disability Research from Bloorview Research Institute. The new award celebrates leaders whose lifelong dedication transforms the lives of children with disabilities. Dr. Smith, a professor in the Department of Pediatrics here at Dalhousie and researcher at the IWK’s Autism Research Centre, has dedicated her career to advancing autism care through evidence-based research. A leader in early intervention, she helped shape Nova Scotia’s preschool ASD program, led national studies like ‘Pathways in ASD,’ and contributed to key mental health initiatives for autistic youth. Her work has influenced autism policies and practices across Canada. 

Read more here. 

 

Dr. Stephanie Scott to receive honorary degree from MSVU 

Congratulations to Dr. Stephanie Scott who received an honorary degree from Mount Saint Vincent University during spring convocation last month. Dr. Scott, who is an associate professor and division head the Division of Gynaecologic Oncology in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, is a leading physician, teacher, and researcher dedicated to medical education and removing barriers to health care for women. 

Dr. Scott joined Dalhousie University’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2015 and since that time, has made significant contributions to gynecologic oncology. She has published 21 peer-reviewed journal articles and obtained over 1.7 million dollars in research funding for ovarian cancer. 

Dr. Scott received the inaugural Standing Ovation award from the Dalhousie Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology for her contribution to resident education. She coordinated surgical skills and simulation for gynecology in the residency program and led the redesign of its lab-based surgical curriculum. Since 2018, she has served on the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons’ nucleus and examination committees for Gynecologic Oncology. 

MSVU grants the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters (honoris causa) to distinguished individuals who contribute to the betterment of society and humanity. 

 

Faculty of Medicine student wins Three-Minute Thesis competition  

Ahmed Ramadan, a PhD student in the Faculty of Medicine, won Dalhousie’s 2025 Three-Minute Thesis competition for his research on using light-sensitive proteins to regulate heart arrhythmias. Competing against 12 finalists, he impressed both the judges and audience, earning the top prize and the People’s Choice Award. His clear and engaging presentation used a vivid analogy to explain how arrhythmias disrupt heart function and how his research could lead to better treatments. Ahmed won $1,500 and will advance to the Eastern regional competition at Memorial University this month. This marks the second consecutive year a Faculty of Medicine student has won the competition. 

Read more here.  

 

Community Engaged Service Learning (CESL) program celebrates year-end 

Second-year medical students, community partners, faculty and staff from the Office of Community Engagement (OCE), and many others gathered on Monday, May 5, 2025, to celebrate the ninth successful year of the Community Engaged Service Learning (CESL) Program. Dr. Evelyn Sutton, associate dean, undergraduate medical education and Dr. Shawna O’Hearn, director, OCE, welcomed attendees, acknowledged the students’ hard work and thanked our community partners for their important contributions to the CESL program. Students displayed their projects alongside community partners’ information allowing attendees to visit tables and learn about the important work that was done over the academic year. CESL faculty lead, Dr. Dan Boudreau, wrapped up the event by reminding everyone of the value of this service-learning program. 

A similar closing event was held at the DMNB campus on Thursday, May 8, 2025, where CESL faculty lead, Dr. Marc Nicholson welcomed the group, and Dr. Lisa Sutherland, assistant dean, student and resident affairs, DMNB, warmly thanked the community partners and congratulated the students on their hard work and project contributions. 

We extend our sincere congratulations to both the students and community partners for another successful year and commend the outstanding work and valuable contributions made. 

More information about the Community-Engaged Service Learning (CEL) Program can be found here. 

 

Dr. Toni Sappong appointed Interim Academic Director, Black Health    

I am pleased to announce that Dr. Toni Sappong has been appointed interim academic director, Black Health, covering Dr. Leah Jones’ parental leave, effective May 19, 2025, and ending May 26. 2026.     

Dr. Sappong is a family physician committed to serving vulnerable and marginalized populations to improve health equity. She completed her medical training at the University of British Columbia, and her family medicine residency at the University of Toronto before coming to Dalhousie as a faculty member in September 2024. She currently works at the Newcomer Health Clinic, which serves the refugee population in Nova Scotia. She is also the physician lead at the Nova Scotia Sisterhood, a province-wide, free program for Black women to access healthcare in their communities.  

As interim academic director, Dr. Sappong will lead the Black Learners Admissions Pathway initiative for admissions to medicine and serve as the lead in co-developing and overseeing the direction for the Faculty of Medicine to engage African Nova Scotian and Black populations in the Maritimes. In collaboration with the PLANS manager, she will co-lead on appropriate supports for African Nova Scotian and Black students and residents in, or interacting with, the Faculty of Medicine.    

Dr. Sappong will also offer advice on curriculum related to African Nova Scotian and Black health provided by the undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing professional development programs, and advise the Dean and Associate Dean of Serving and Engaging Society on matters related to the health and wellbeing of African Nova Scotian and Black communities.  

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Sappong on this appointment.   

 

Cape Breton Medical Campus Appointment Announcements  

On behalf of the Cape Breton Medical Campus (CBMC), we are pleased to announce five appointments to the CBMC leadership team: Dr. Annalee Coakley, Assistant Dean of Student and Resident Affairs (effective April 1, 2025); Dr. Alison Archibald, Director of Faculty Development (effective April 14, 2025); Dr. Sarah Mader, Assistant Dean, Clerkship (effective June 2, 2025); Dr. Steven MacDougall, Assistant Dean, Professional Affairs (effective June 1, 2025); and Dr. Abidemi Fasanmi, Director, Interprofessional Education (IPE) and Service Learning (June 1, 2025).

Dr. Annalee Coakley 

After receiving her medical degree and completing a residency in family medicine at Queen’s University, Dr. Coakley began an impactful medical career serving in various capacities in communities across Alberta, Ontario and Nova Scotia. Her impressive career is the product of her dedication to improving the health and wellbeing of vulnerable populations, and advocacy for family physicians and their patients. As a result, Dr. Coakley has received numerous accolades including the 2024 Jean-Pierre Despins Award from the College of Family Physicians of Canada. 

Dr. Coakley has also dedicated her time to enhancing the well-being and success of learners through various initiatives at the University of Calgary and the Alberta International Medical Graduate Association. Dr. Coakley has provided support to numerous students through a learner-centered approach, ensuring personalized guidance that is reflective of their unique journeys and goals. 

As Assistant Dean of Student and Resident Affairs, Dr. Coakley will employ her expertise to provide support for students and residents on personal, academic, and career-related matters; including crisis intervention, academic remediation, and wellness support. She will lead career counselling initiatives and ensure CBMC students have access to resources promoting successful journeys through their medical education and careers. 

Dr. Alison Archibald 

Dr. Archibald is well-equipped to lead Faculty Development at the new campus with an extensive educational background- including two bachelor’s degrees (science, education), a master’s in business administration, an MD and residency in general surgery. 

For over ten years, Dr. Archibald has served as a general surgeon at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. With numerous accolades for her contributions to teaching medical residents, Dr. Archibald’s proficiency for educating and leadership has been eminent since the beginning of her medical career. Driven with a passion for teaching, she maintains her own skills through continuous learning and professional development opportunities. 

As Director of Faculty Development, Dr. Archibald will oversee the development and delivery of sustainable faculty development programs across all CBMC sites. She will ensure all faculty are provided with high quality faculty development opportunities and support academic career development for faculty involved in teaching and scholarly activities. 

Dr. Archibald will lead this collaborative role through engagement with the local medical education community and Dalhousie University’s Continuing Professional Development in Medical Education Department (CPDME) to ensure a comprehensive approach to providing faculty development opportunities that support both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching. 

Dr. Sarah Mader 

Dr. Mader brings a deep and personal understanding of the Cape Breton medical education environment, having trained and worked at every level of the system. She earned her Doctor of Medicine from Dalhousie Medical School and completed her residency in Family Medicine in Sydney, where she also served as Chief Resident. Her experiences as a longitudinal integrated clerkship (LIC) student and, more recently, as LIC Co-Director for the Sydney site, have shaped her strong commitment to student-centered education and collaborative learning environments.   

In her current clinical role, Dr. Mader maintains a broad scope of family practice, including obstetrics, urgent care, long-term care, and surgical assist. She has demonstrated leadership in education through coordination of simulation education, OSCE preparation, and administrative contributions to local medical education. Her advocacy and communication skills have been instrumental in supporting both learners and faculty, and she has earned recognition for her leadership.   

As Assistant Dean, Clerkship, Dr. Mader will provide academic and administrative leadership for years 3 and 4 of the undergraduate medical curriculum at CBMC. She will work in close collaboration with clerkship directors, faculty, and health partners to ensure delivery of a high-quality, learner-focused program that meets accreditation standards and supports student progression. Her role will also involve faculty engagement, curriculum oversight, program evaluation, and strategic planning to expand clinical capacity and innovation in clerkship education.   

Dr. Stephen MacDougall 

A dedicated family physician with over four decades of service in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Dr. MacDougall brings a deep commitment to patient care, professional integrity, and medical education. He is a graduate of Dalhousie Medical School, completed his internship in Family Medicine, and has held his CCFP since 2011. Dr. MacDougall’s clinical experience spans emergency care, obstetrics, long-term care, and collaborative family practice. He is a founding member of Island Family Healthcare, a model of interdisciplinary collaboration in primary care.  

Dr. MacDougall has also been an engaged educator for over 20 years, supervising residents and mentoring learners across professions including medicine, nursing, and nurse practitioners. His leadership experience includes serving as Chair of the Department of Family Practice at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, President of the Sydney Medical Society, and Medical Advisor for Primary Care Transition in Cape Breton. His longstanding advocacy for professionalism in medical education and his capacity to navigate complex stakeholder relationships are hallmarks of his career.  

As Assistant Dean, Professional Affairs, Dr. MacDougall will provide leadership in fostering healthy learning environments and supporting the professional development of learners and faculty at CBMC. He will oversee processes related to learner mistreatment, promote professionalism across educational settings, and liaise with institutional and health system partners to ensure a culture of respect, accountability, and support. 

Dr. Abidemi Fasanmi 

Dr. Fasanmi holds a PhD and MPH from Emory University, an MBBS from Ahmadu Bello University, and an MA from the University of Leeds. With extensive experience in medical education, public health, and healthcare management, Dr. Fasanmi brings a strong foundation in curriculum development, interprofessional collaboration, and community-engaged learning to this role. As a Scientific Affiliate at the Centre for Excellence in Health Aging (CEHA) and a member of the Central East Zone Community Health Board, she is deeply committed to community health and advancing policies and programs that promote public health and health equity. Her work with academic institutions, government agencies, healthcare organizations, and community initiatives has consistently aligned with institutional goals and accreditation standards, reflecting key priorities of CBMC’s mission. 

Dr. Fasanmi’s leadership in program development, faculty training, and stakeholder engagement has advanced interprofessional education (IPE) and service-learning initiatives. With expertise in communication, research, and program evaluation, she supports faculty and student development while translating research into practice. Her work with CEHA to strengthen health infrastructure in Atlantic Canada aligns closely with CBMC’s mission, and she is committed to building strong external networks to support IPE and service learning across academic and community settings. 

As Director of Interprofessional Education (IPE) and Service Learning at CBMC, Dr. Fasanmi is responsible for designing, implementing, and promoting an IPE and service-learning curriculum across all four years of medical education at CBMC. Reporting to the Assistant Dean Pre-clerkship and working closely with the Director Skilled Clinician, she will ensure curriculum consistency and quality, and foster engagement with partners at Cape Breton University (CBU) and Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC).  As Director, she will also represent CBMC on committees and promote its initiatives through conferences and professional development events. 

Please join us in congratulating Drs. Coakley, Archibald, Mader, MacDougall, and Fasanmi on their appointments. 

 

In Memoriam: Dr. George Carruthers  

The Faculty of Medicine was saddened to hear of the passing of former faculty member and department head in the Department of Medicine, Dr. George Carruthers, on Dec. 21, 2024, at the age of 79.  

Dr. Carruthers, a respected physician, educator, and researcher, obtained his medical degree from Queen’s University in Belfast, Ireland, followed by fellowship training at Kansas University Medical Center. His career spanned numerous prestigious institutions and roles, including professor and head of the Department of Medicine here at Dalhousie University, professor of medicine and pharmacology at London Health Sciences Centre and Western University, and Dean of Medicine at the United Arab Emirates University. 

As a clinician, Dr. Carruthers specialized in internal medicine, clinical pharmacology, and hypertension. His commitment to excellence in therapeutics was reflected in his patient care, teaching, and contributions to pharmaceutical policy. He served in advisory roles for government agencies such as the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB), pharmaceutical company boards, and the legal profession on drug-related issues. He played a key role in advancing the disciplines of clinical pharmacology and hypertension through leadership positions in national specialty societies, fostering research, and mentoring future medical professionals.   

Dr. Carruthers’ influence extended beyond the clinic and classroom, shaping policies and programs that strengthened accreditation standards for North American training programs and secured research funding collaborations with public and corporate institutions.   

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Carruthers held various leadership positions, including physician-in-chief at Victoria General Hospital in Halifax and chief of medicine at London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Hospital. He was a board commissioner for Victoria General Hospital and served as president of Medical Staff. His legacy in medical education and administration was marked by a dedication to advancing patient care, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and championing health-related education at all levels.   

Dr. Carruthers was a dedicated physician whose contributions to medical education, research, and health policy have left a lasting impact on the institutions and individuals he served. He will be deeply missed. 

Read his obituary here.