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

In November we celebrated the Dalhousie Medicine Gala at the Halifax Convention Centre. It was great to see such an incredible turnout at the event, which will be my last as dean. The weekend also featured an awards dinner for the Dalhousie Medical Alumni Association where we recognized eight worthy recipients, and the Dr. Fred Barton Visiting Scholar & Lecture in Ethics in Medicine. Thanks to the organizers and all who attended the weekend’s events. Learn more about the festivities below.  

Each year I have the pleasure of travelling to our teaching sites with our medical education and family medicine teams to meet with our students, residents, faculty, and staff who are supporting, teaching and training around the Maritime provinces. This fall, visits were made to sites in Kentville, Yarmouth, the South Shore, Halifax, Sydney, Inverness, and Truro in Nova Scotia; to Charlottetown, PEI; and to Upper River Valley, Miramichi, Moncton, Fredericton, and Saint John in New Brunswick. This is a great opportunity to get feedback and discover innovations and opportunities in our teaching programs around the Maritimes and to meet and renew acquaintances with those who give so much to our Faculty.    

We are thrilled to be a few months into welcoming our inaugural cohort at the Cape Breton Medical Campus, and it has been inspiring to see the energy and commitment our students bring to this new chapter in medical education. The collaborative spirit and dedication of our faculty, staff, and partners have set a strong foundation for success, and we are excited to witness the positive impact this campus will have on healthcare in Cape Breton and beyond. As we look ahead, the opening of the new medical sciences building will mark another milestone, providing state-of-the-art facilities that will further support academic excellence and community engagement.  

With December upon us, I am proud to recognize the inaugural cohort of Dalhousie’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies program. These trailblazing students have shown remarkable resilience and professionalism, navigating the challenges of a new program while demonstrating their commitment to compassionate, team-based care. Their journey from classroom to clinic marks a transformative moment for healthcare in Nova Scotia, and I am confident that their skills and dedication will make a lasting impact on the communities they serve. Congratulations to each of them on the successful completion of the program. I wish them all the best as they step into the workforce and help shape the future of care in our province.  

I would like to highlight that after nearly eight years of dedicated service, Ms. Linda Penny will retire as Chief Operating Officer of the Faculty of Medicine on December 19. Since January 2018, Linda has steered the faculty with poise, wisdom, and a wonderful sense of humor, earning the respect and affection of colleagues across the university. Her leadership has fostered a more inclusive and supportive environment, and her commitment to staff wellness and collaboration has left a lasting legacy. We wish her all the best in this new chapter and thank her for her extraordinary contributions to the Faculty of Medicine and Dalhousie community.  

Though we will miss Linda’s presence in the Faculty of Medicine, I’m pleased to share that Dr. Shawna O’Hearn will step into the COO role following Linda’s retirement. Dr. O’Hearn has spent 18 years advancing equity and community engagement in Dalhousie’s Faculty of Medicine, building partnerships locally and globally and championing initiatives like the Menopause Society of Nova Scotia and the Faculty’s Social Accountability Statement. I look forward to working closely with Dr. O’Hearn as she brings her leadership and vision to this new role, continuing to strengthen our commitment to equity, community engagement, and inclusive excellence. 

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

 

Faculty of Medicine celebrates two Canada Research Chairs renewals 

Dalhousie’s Faculty of Medicine is proud to announce the successful renewals of two of our Canada Research Chairs whose work exemplifies the transformative power of discovery. Dr. David Kelvin, Tier 1 CRC in Translational Vaccinology and Inflammation, is decoding ancient and emerging viruses to protect global health, while Dr. Francesca Di Cara, Tier 2 CRC in Human Immunology and Host-Pathogen Interactions, is uncovering how the body’s cellular cleanup system may hold the key to brain health. These appointments are part of a national investment of over $690 million in science and research, announced by the Honourable Mélanie Joly. Their research reflects Dalhousie’s commitment to shaping a more sustainable, just, and resilient future—turning discovery into impact for Nova Scotians, Canadians, and communities worldwide. 

Read more here. 

  

Dr. Robin Urquhart and team  

We are proud to share that Dr. Robin Urquhart, Canadian Cancer Society Endowed Chair in Cancer Research, and associate professor in the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology here at Dal, has been recognized for her leadership in population health research. As part of the national CanPath team, Dr. Urquhart contributed to securing a $3 million grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) through its Pandemic Research Platforms Interim Funding opportunity. 

This two-year operating grant will support CanPath’s ability to respond rapidly to public health emergencies, including pandemics, climate-related health risks, and rising cancer rates in younger populations. The funding also ensures continued support for Atlantic PATH, the regional cohort led by Dr. Urquhart, as the team works toward long-term sustainability. 

Dr. Urquhart’s work was also recently highlighted by the QEII Foundation, which profiled her impact as a leading cancer researcher in Canada. Her recognition by multiple organizations and media outlets this year underscores the collaborative spirit and scientific excellence that define her approach to research. 

Congratulations to Dr. Urquhart and the entire CanPath team on this outstanding achievement. 

 

Paul Bourgeois named 2025 EHS Award recipient 

Congratulations to the Faculty of Medicine’s recently retired building services manager, Paul Bourgeois, who has been honoured with Dalhousie University’s 2025 Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to campus health and safety. Over his 16-year career at Dalhousie, including 13 years as building services manager, Paul demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication. His proactive efforts strengthened the safety culture across key facilities such as the Tupper/CRC complex, Life Sciences Research Institute, and the Collaborative Health Education Building (CHEB). 

We wish him well in retirement and know his legacy of collaboration and care will continue to shape Dalhousie’s commitment to health and safety. 

The award was presented at the Dalhousie Legacy Awards ceremony on Thursday, November 20. 

 

Dalhousie Medicine faculty receive Discovery Awards 

Dalhousie researchers shone at the 23rd annual Discovery Awards on Nov. 20, 2025, with the Faculty of Medicine well represented among the honourees. Dr. Ejemai Eboreime (Psychiatry) earned the Emerging Professional Award for groundbreaking work in mental health and global health systems, while Dr. Paola Marignani (Biochemistry & Molecular Biology) was named Science Champion for advancing cancer research and equity in STEM. Professor Emerita Dr. Jean Gray joined the Hall of Fame for her transformative contributions to clinical pharmacology and medical education. Medicine’s impact extended to the finalist list as well, with Dr. Isabel Smith (Pediatrics) recognized for her leadership in autism research. Congratulations to all winners and finalists. Dalhousie’s contributions to science and innovation were truly front and centre. 

Read more here. 

 

Medicine faculty, staff receive Dalhousie University Teaching Awards 

Congratulations to faculty and staff in the Faculty of Medicine who have been named Dalhousie University Teaching Award recipients, which were recognized at the 8th annual Dalhousie Legacy Awards event on Nov. 20, 2025.  

• President’s Graduate/Undergraduate Student Teaching Award: Jessica (Jess) Latimer (she/her), graduate student in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 

• Academic Innovation Award: Clinical Cadaver Program
  Dr. George Kovacs, Dr. Anna MacLeod, and Rob Sandeski, Faculty of Medicine 

• Award for Excellence in Graduate Supervision: Dr. Jan Rainey, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology 

• Educational Leadership Award for Collaborative Teaching: Case Diversification Working Group. Leads: Dr. Lynette Reid, Department of Bioethics; Leanne Picketts, Centre for Collaborative Clinical Learning and Research 

Congratulations again, to all the winners! 

Read more here. 

 

Research in Medicine program presents awards 

We are delighted to recognize the outstanding achievements of our students and faculty through the 2025 Embil Awards and RIM Excellence in Mentoring Awards. 

Congratulations to Nick Dawe (Class of 2026) who is the recipient of the 2025 Embil Publication Prize for Research in Medicine (RIM), which celebrates the timely publication of research completed within the RIM program. Nick’s work reflects the rigor and curiosity that define the RIM experience. 

Congratulations also to the Embil Prizes for Research in Medicine – RIM Day: 

• Best Podium Presentation: Samar Ali (Class of 2026), recognized for delivering a compelling and well-structured presentation that showcased strong scientific insight. 

• Best Poster Presentation: Joey Silburt (Class of 2026), honoured for an engaging poster presentation that demonstrated clarity and innovation in research communication. 

These awards highlight excellence in scientific presentations and posters, marking important milestones in our students’ research journeys. 

We also congratulate Drs. Craig Erker (DMNS) and Duncan Webster (DMNB), recipients of the RIM Excellence in Mentoring Award, recognizing their exceptional commitment to mentorship. Dr. Erker, a pediatric neuro-oncologist, is deeply involved in clinical research on pediatric brain tumors and leads multiple national and international trials. Dr. Webster, an infectious diseases specialist, combines clinical expertise with research on chronic viral infections and harm reduction, while actively teaching and mentoring across DMNB. Their guidance and support have shaped the academic and professional paths of countless learners. 

The awards will be formally presented during the Class of 2026 convocation in May. 

We thank all participants for their time and effort, and extend our gratitude to the RIM Committee for their support. Special thanks to Dr. John Embil for establishing these awards and to the Faculty of Medicine Advancement Team for their assistance in making them possible. 

 

In Memoriam: Dr. Edwin “Ted” Roy Luther 

The Faculty of Medicine is saddened to hear of the passing of alum and former faculty member, Dr. Edwin “Ted” Roy Luther on Nov. 15, 2025, at the age of 83.  

Dr. Luther, who was born in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, graduated from Dalhousie Medical School in 1967 with distinction, after completing his BSc in Physics and Math in 1962. After a year of general practice in Baie Verte, Newfoundland, he returned to Dalhousie to complete a residency in obstetrics and gynaecology. His pursuit of excellence led him to Oxford University for advanced research in fetal physiology, supported by a Medical Research Council of Canada Fellowship. 

He returned to Newfoundland and joined the faculty at Memorial University in 1974, before moving to Halifax in 1976, where he became a faculty member in Dalhousie’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. He also held an associate professorship in pediatrics. His leadership as Director of Maternal/Fetal Medicine and co-director of the Reproductive Care Program of Nova Scotia advanced clinical standards and integrated research into practice, strengthening care across the province. 

Dr. Luther was widely recognized for his dedication to teaching, mentoring generations of medical students and residents with rigor and compassion. He was Life President of the Dalhousie Medical Class of 1967 and received numerous scholarships and honours throughout his career.  

Dr. Luther’s research focused on maternal-fetal medicine, perinatal outcomes, fetal breathing movements, intrauterine growth retardation, and the development of clinical protocols for labour induction and fetal monitoring. He held major research grants and led multicenter clinical trials, and his work contributed to evidence-based practices that improved care for high-risk pregnancies. His scholarly output included numerous publications in leading journals and presentations at national and international conferences. 

Dr. Luther’s distinguished career as a clinician, educator, and researcher profoundly shaped maternal and fetal health care in Nova Scotia and beyond. His legacy endures through the physicians he trained, the programs he helped build, and the countless patients whose lives were touched by his expertise.  

He will be missed and remembered by all who knew and loved him. 

Read his obituary here. 

 

In Memoriam: Dr. Spencer Hon Sun Lee 

The Faculty of Medicine is saddened to hear of the passing of retired faculty member in the Departments of Microbiology and Immunology and Medicine, Dr. Spencer Hon Sun Lee, on Sept. 17, 2025, at the age of 88.    

Dr. Lee, who was born and raised in Hong Kong, came to Dalhousie to complete his PhD in microbiology and immunology after finishing his undergraduate degree at McGill University. After his graduate training, he remained at Dalhousie, where he eventually became a professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology and the Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine.  

Throughout Dr. Lee’s career, he held various positions including director of the virology/immunology diagnostic laboratory at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, and co-director of the National Centre for Enteroviruses at the Canadian Health Science Centre for Human and Animal Health at Health Canada. He retired in 2004. 

Dr. Lee’s dedication and kindness touched many and he will be deeply missed by all those who knew him. 

Read his full obituary here. 

 

In Memoriam: Dr. Lisa Dickson 

The Faculty of Medicine is saddened to hear of the passing of faculty member and Dalhousie Medical School alum, Dr. Lisa Marie Dickson, on Sept. 22, 2025, at the age of 44.  

Dr. Dickson, a gifted surgeon, attended Dalhousie Medical School, graduating in 2007. She completed her residency in plastic surgery and a fellowship specializing in microsurgery and reconstructive surgery at McMaster University, followed by an additional fellowship in hand surgery. In 2015 she returned to Nova Scotia and began practicing at the South Shore Regional Hospital. Three years later, in 2018, she joined the Department of Surgery at Dalhousie as an assistant professor.  

Dr. Dickson practiced with compassion, precision, and unwavering dedication. She brought technical brilliance and a deep humanity to her work that made her patients feel safe, seen, and genuinely cared for. 

Dr. Dickson built relationships that transcended the workplace, forming bonds that felt more like family than friendship. To be part of Lisa’s circle was to be embraced fully with warmth, honesty, and a love that never wavered. 

Her life was marked by courage. Whether facing personal trials or professional challenges, she met each moment with resilience and heart. Her strength was never loud, but it was unmistakable, anchored by the support of those she held close and the deep belief that love and perseverance could carry us through anything. 

Dr. Dickson’s legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the teams she led, and the example she set. She leaves behind a community forever changed by her kindness, her brilliance, and her boundless spirit. She will be truly missed. 

Read her full obituary here.