Dean’s Blog Spring 2023

April 11, 2023 Jason Bremner Leave a Comment

Spring is finally here, and we are all looking forward to the warmer weather. It’s hard to believe the end of another academic year is quickly approaching and exams are already underway for some. Wishing you all the best of luck.

It is with great joy that I congratulate the class of 2023 on taking the next steps in their future careers as physicians. Match Day took place on March 22, and I am pleased to say we had another successful residency match. Of note, this year we had 76 Dalhousie grads match to a Dalhousie residency position – our highest number of grads since this data has been tracked.

At the same time, Match Day can be very difficult day for those who went through the first iteration unmatched. Student Affairs will work with those students to look at options and help prepare them for the second iteration of matches. To the students who may not have received the news they were hoping for, we are thinking of you and wishing you all the best through this process.

As you many of you are aware, the Tupper Building sustained extensive damage following an extreme weather event on February 4, 2023. Restoration efforts have been ongoing since that time, which has resulted in disruptions to the research community, learners, and staff.

I understand this has been a particularly challenging time for those that have been affected, and that many of you have questions. A town hall to address health and safety concerns and to outline our plan moving forward will be held on April 12, 2023, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Login information for this town hall can be found below.

My sincere thanks to all those involved as we work to accommodate those displaced. I would also like to thank Dr. Eileen Denovan-Wright, and both the Dalhousie University and the Faculty of Medicine Facilities Management teams, who have provided ongoing support to ensure that critical research can continue.

Below you will read about other exciting activities and recognitions related to the Faculty of Medicine. I wish everyone all the best, and as always, am pleased to receive your feedback about how the Faculty of Medicine can serve you better.

Kindest regards,

Dr. David Anderson
Dean, Faculty of Medicine

Province funds new medical school campus in Cape Breton
On March 7, 2023, Premier Tim Houston announced a $58.9 million investment to develop a new medical sciences building at Cape Breton University, which will house the medical school campus slated to open in 2025 in collaboration with Dalhousie University.

The campus, the province’s second and the third campus for Dalhousie Medical School, will include a new collaborative care clinic at the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) Marconi campus, and an expansion of Cape Breton University’s health and counselling centre. Further details will be shared as they become available.

Read more on Dal News.

New Government of Canada research hubs accelerate vaccine and therapeutics production
On March 2, 2023, the Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minster of Health, announced an investment of $10 million through Stage 1 of the integrated Canadian Biomedical Research Fund (CBRF) and Biosciences Research Infrastructure Fund (BRIF) competition in support of the creation of five research hubs. Dalhousie Faculty of Medicine has established formal partnerships with three of these hubs.

This initiative will see Dalhousie partner with academic, public, private, and non-profit sectors to prepare for future pandemics and produce life-saving vaccines and therapeutics.

Stay tuned for more information on how you can become involved in this work.

Click here to learn more about this announcement.

Dalhousie University research team receives Canadian Cancer Society Breakthrough Grant
Congratulations to Dr. Robin Urquhart, an associate professor in the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, and her colleagues, including Dr. Graham Dellaire, who have received $5 million in funding from the Canadian Cancer Society.

Dr. Urquhart and a team of Dalhousie researchers are working to make sure environmental factors are considered when assessing a person’s risk of lung cancer. They will use state-of-the-art technology and patient experience to identify biological markers of risk related to arsenic, radon and air pollution. They will also develop a monitoring system for air pollution to better understand how it affects our cells and elevates cancer risk.

Well done!

Black Learners Admissions Pathway approved by Dalhousie Medical School 
The Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie is initiating a new pathway for the admission of African Nova Scotian and Black students into our undergraduate medical education degree program. A new Black Learners Admissions Pathway was recently approved for the 2023/2024 application cycle and will help facilitate entrance into the program for Black students by assessing applications using a holistic file review. This new admissions pathway will diversify the healthcare workforce by adjusting the admissions process to be more equitable for Black learners.

Learn more on Dal Med News.

Tupper Building Update
We have been advised by Facilities Management that to move forward with the restoration work of the Tupper Building, all work will need to follow precautionary processes for asbestos abatement. Be assured that any asbestos is currently in a safe state in the walls and that the building and the air quality inside the building has been, and will continue to be safe. Unfortunately, as this abatement work takes place, researchers and staff in the affected areas will experience significant disruptions while the asbestos is safely removed.

Our priority now is to continue to support the research community, and to ensure the health and safety of the workers who have been tirelessly working to restore the building. If you have questions or concerns regarding this process, please join us on April 12, 2023, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. for a town hall discussion.

Dal neurosurgery residency attains gender parity
I’m proud to say a program here in the Faculty of Medicine is one of the first in the country to achieve gender parity among trainees.

The Division of Neurosurgery’s six-year postgraduate training program, one of the most competitive programs for residents, has achieved an equal distribution of males and females among learners. In fact, with six of the 11 trainees in the program identifying as female, they have actually surpassed it.

Read more on Dal Med News.

New Brunswick researchers find flaw in heart failure diagnostic among women
Researchers at Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick in Saint John have discovered a flaw in how we look at heart failure among women. Dr. Thomas Pulinilkunnil and a team of researchers believe that it comes from inefficient pumping of the left ventricle. They looked at cardiovascular patients and investigated to determine why women have worse outcomes.

February 2023

February 16, 2023 Jason Bremner Leave a Comment

Dean’s Blog February 2023

It has been a busy time in the Faculty of Medicine, with many exciting announcements over the last month. At the end of January, news came of a collaboration between Dalhousie and Cape Breton University to establish a medical school campus in Sydney, Nova Scotia. We look forward to this partnership and training physicians at this new campus. You can read more about this below.

On February 1, after many months of hard work and collaboration, we released our 2023-2028 strategic plan, Realizing Our Ambition. The plan signals the Faculty of Medicine’s long-term aspirations while providing a clear, actionable strategy to guide us through the next five years. It builds on our achievements, while guiding us in new, and exciting directions.

As we begin the implementation of the plan’s action items, which fall under four core streams: Educational Excellence, High-impact Research, Serving and Engaging Society, and Valuing People, your input and collaboration will be critical to our success.

Thank you to all who contributed to the strategic planning process, and for all you are doing to help us achieve our vision of healthier communities.

Tupper Building Flood
On Saturday, February 4, as a result of extreme weather conditions, a pipe in the Tupper Tower ruptured, causing significant water damage on the west side of the building on floors 12 through 2.

Restoration efforts are underway, but this has been an incredibly challenging situation, and I thank everyone affected for your input and patience as we work through this together.

We will continue to keep those impacted informed as we work through the restoration process.

Cape Breton Medical School Campus
On January 27, I had the privilege to be in Cape Breton for the official announcement of a collaboration between Dalhousie University and Cape Breton University to establish a medical school campus based in Sydney, Nova Scotia by the fall of 2025.

This strategic partnership will ensure more Nova Scotians will have the opportunity to receive an excellent medical education in their home province and will assist with the recruitment and retention of physicians to the Cape Breton region, and indeed to all of Nova Scotia. With a focus on family medicine and rural medicine, the Cape Breton campus will provide training that will greatly benefit the health needs of many communities of Nova Scotians.

Cape Breton will become the third site for Dalhousie Medical School along with the very successful Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick campus based in Saint John, New Brunswick and Dalhousie Medicine campus based in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Dalhousie Medical School has a history of over 150 years of training physicians and has successfully provided distributed medical education opportunities throughout the Maritimes. We look forward to partnering with Cape Breton University, physicians in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia Health, and the community, to train the next generation of physicians at this exciting new campus.

The Dalhousie Medicine Student Society presents: Euphoria!
This Saturday, medical students from all four years of training will gather at the Dalhousie Arts Centre for Euphoria!, a fundraising variety show showcasing the talents of our medical students. Each class has organized a 30-minute skit to perform and the class with the best skit wins the show, a trophy, and bragging rights.

This year the event supports Camp Triumph, a charity that provides an opportunity for children and youth whose families are affected by chronic illness or disability to attend the camp, an experience that helps them build confidence, positive self-esteem, while also helping them to reach their full potential.

Tickets for Euphoria! are $25 for current students and $33 for general admission and available through the Dal Arts Centre box office.

Dalhousie to host Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Induction 2023
On June 22, 2023, the Faculty of Medicine will host the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame (CMHF) induction ceremony at the Halifax Convention Centre. At the event, six outstanding Canadians who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, integrity and contributions to medicine and the health sciences, in Canada or abroad, and have led to extraordinary improvements in human health will be honoured by CMHF.

Learn more and purchase tickets here.

Faculty of Medicine Awards – Call for Nominations
The Faculty of Medicine invites nominations for awards that recognize outstanding contributions to education and teaching, administrative leadership, community service, medical research, and continuing medication education.

Deadlines vary for each award, please refer to nomination forms. Each department is encouraged to nominate members, both early and established career, who have made valuable contributions in any of these areas. The nomination criteria and application details are available here.

Please don’t hesitate to contact the Dean’s Office (Awards.Medicine@dal.ca.) if you have any questions.

New program helps international medical graduates return home
The government of Nova Scotia has created a designated pathway to residency for 10 international medical graduates studying outside Canada, with priority given to those with a connection to Nova Scotia. Previously, there were six designated seats for international medical graduates interested in a Nova Scotia residency; this brings the total to 16.

These 2023 residency positions under the Nova Scotia International Medical Graduates Program are part of the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) program, the national service that matches all physician residency program applicants with open spots at Canada’s medical schools. Students began applying to CaRMS on Wednesday, December 7.

These seats come with an agreement to work in an area of high need in the province for five years after completing the residency requirement.

Read more on Dal Med News.

IWK research provides opportunity for health care providers to learn how to create culturally safe health care environment
An IWK research project offers health care providers an opportunity to learn from Indigenous Peoples about working in a health partnership and creating a culturally safe environment. To Know Better is to Do Better: Translating Indigenous Knowledge to Health Practice draws from nearly 15 years of community engagement, relationship-building, research, and validation with the Mi’kmaq and their health leadership teams.

The project involves the creation of an Indigenous-led innovative cultural safety curriculum relevant for health clinicians, and invites 375 health clinicians from IWK, NSH, and Mi’kmaw community health settings in Nova Scotia to participate in a 6-module cultural safety course. The six modules are informed by research with several First Nations communities in Mi’kma’ki and a partnership with Tajikeimɨk, Dalhousie University and IWK Health. Dr. Margot Latimer, CIHR Research Chair in Indigenous Health Nursing, Faculty at Dalhousie, is Co-Principal investigator, and Dr. Brent Young, Academic Director of Indigenous Health, Dalhousie Medical School, is also involved from Dalhousie.

The aim is to determine the course impact on clinician attitudes, knowledge and behavioural outcomes meant to positively impact the experiences of Indigenous people seeking care in the healthcare system.

Read more on Dal News.

Several Dal alumni and former faculty among latest Order of Canada appointments
Seven individuals appointed to the Order of Canada in late December have Dalhousie connections, including two Dal Med Alumni, Dr. Andreas Laupacis, and Dr. Allen Eaves.

The Order of Canada celebrates citizens who have made exemplary and longstanding contributions to this country. From volunteers to scientists, businesspeople to artists, since 1967, this award has recognized people whose life and work has made this nation a better place. The Order is considered one of Canada’s highest honours.

I offer my congratulations to each of the new appointees.

Read more on Dal News.

Dalhousie medical student receives Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal
Third year medical student, Ms. Hannah Cameron, is a recent recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal. This medal is a way for the province of Nova Scotia to honour The Queen’s service while also honouring significant contributions and achievements made by residents. The program specifically recognizes Nova Scotians who have devoted themselves to the service of others, especially during the pandemic. For the last eight years, Hannah has been an army reservist medic with the 33 Field Ambulance in Halifax. Nominated by her army unit, Hannah is recognized for her incredible service to the military and her community. While balancing her medical school studies, Hannah has instructed new classes of army medics in both the summer of 2021 and 2022; worked in medical clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic; and been a volunteer at the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research Military Health Research Conference 2023.

She was presented with Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal in a ceremony on January 31, 2023.

Congratulations to Hannah on this incredible honour!

Department of Community Health and Epidemiology associate professor is awarded prestigious grant
Department of Community Health and Epidemiology associate professor, Dr. Robin Urquhart has been awarded an Accelerator Grant by the Canadian Cancer Society.

Nova Scotia has one of the highest cancer rates in Canada. With her new Accelerator Grant, Dr. Urquhart will adapt Danish cancer patient pathways to improve and streamline diagnosis and referrals in this province.

As well as associate professor, Dr. Urquhart is the Canadian Cancer Society (Nova Scotia Division)’s Endowed Chair in Population Cancer Research at Dalhousie University.

Congratulations, Dr. Urquhart!

Dr. Steven Soroka Awarded NSHA Leadership Excellence Award
Congratulations to Dr. Steven Soroka on receiving this year’s Making Waves: Leadership Excellence Award for Physician Leader. This award recognizes an outstanding physician leader at Nova Scotia Health who demonstrates outstanding achievements that have had a significant impact on health policy, service delivery, organizational culture and/or continuous improvement.

Dr. Soroka is a Professor in the Division of Nephrology in the Department of Medicine.

Learn more about Dr. Soroka’s award.

Dalhousie Medical Alumnus Appointed to Senate of Canada
Dr. Sharon Burey, an Ontario pediatrician and Dalhousie Medical School graduate was recently appointed to the Senate of Canada. Dr. Burey, who emigrated from Jamaica in 1976, and has practised as a behavioural pediatrician in Ontario for over 30 years. She has dedicated her career to equality, and to justice for those living in poverty, visible minorities, and other marginalized communities.

Dr. Burey completed her medical degree and specialty training in pediatrics here at Dalhousie.

Learn more about her impressive career.

Six Dalhousie Medicine faculty among 10 from Dalhousie receiving grants from Research Nova Scotia
Research Nova Scotia recently awarded close to $1 million in New Health Investigator Grants to 10 Dalhousie researchers. These grants are awarded to scholars early in their careers to establish and expand projects that promise to help solve some of our toughest health care challenges. Among the recipients are six faculty members from the Faculty of Medicine. Congratulations to:

Cindy Feng, Department of Community Health and Epidemiology
Ruth Lavergne, Department of Family Medicine
Richard Spence, Division of General and Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of Surgery
Jocelyn Stairs, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Amanda Vinson, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine
JianLi Wang, Department of Community Health and Epidemiology

Read more about their research on Dal News.

Expressions of Interest: Faculty Committees
The Faculty of Medicine is seeking expressions of interest from faculty members for upcoming vacancies (July 1, 2023) on standing faculty committees.

Faculty Council strongly encourages all faculty members to consider serving on those committees. Active participation by all faculty in the governance of the Faculty of Medicine is essential.

If you are currently serving and your term is scheduled to end, please let us know if you’d be interested in re-offering.

Interested faculty members can click here to apply and any questions about these committees, can be directed to janice.godin@dal.ca.

Vox MeDal
The winter 2022 issue of our alumni magazine, VOX MeDAL was distributed to the alumni community in December. In this issue you will read about exciting activities happening at the medical school like the DMAA-led mentorship program, the medical school’s curriculum refresh, and recent class reunions. Also highlighted are the 2022 DMAA Alumni Recognition Award recipients. Congratulations to our advancement team on a fantastic issue.

Read the winter 2022 issue of Vox MeDAL here.

Dr. Leah Jones appointed first Academic Director, Black Health, at Dalhousie Medical School
On September 1, 2022, Dr. Leah Jones assumed the role of Academic Director, Black Health at Dalhousie Medical School. As Academic Director, Dr. Jones will lead the new Black Learners Admissions Pathway, currently under development by the Black Learner’s Admissions Subcommittee, which she chairs. Similar to the Indigenous Admissions Pathway and aligning with Dalhousie’s Third Century Promise, as well as recommendations from the African Nova Scotian Strategy, this formalized equitable pathway aims to increase representation of African Nova Scotian and Black learners into Dalhousie Medical School, and in turn, the healthcare system.

Read more on Dal Med News.

BHCRI appoints new Scientific Director
The Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jeanette Boudreau as the institute’s next scientific director. Dr. Boudreau’s term officially began January 1, 2023, taking over from outgoing scientific director Dr. Gerry Johnston.

Dr. Boudreau is an associate professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, the DMRF Cameron Cancer Scientist and has been a member of BHCRI since she came to Dalhousie in 2016. She has received a New Investigator grant from BHCRI, which has helped initiate her research and has led to receiving over $9M in external funding, including a TFRI New Investigator Award – the first in Atlantic Canada. Additionally, many of Dr. Boudreau’s trainees have been in the cancer research training program.

Read more about Dr. Boudreau’s new appointment here.

Appointment of Dr. Kirill Rosen, Assistant Dean, Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies
I am pleased to announce that Dr. Kirill Rosen has been appointed Assistant Dean, Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies for a five-year term, effective January 1, 2023.

Reporting to the Associate Dean Research, Dr. Rosen, who is a professor in the Departments of Pediatrics and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and a senior scientist at the Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, will provide strategic and administrative leadership to advocate for, and support graduate students and postdoctoral fellows as valued members of the research community in the Faculty of Medicine. He will represent their interests, providing guidance and knowledge of career development opportunities, and financial and other supports. Dr. Rosen will also act as the Faculty of Medicine representative for various local, regional, and national groups and committees invested in the support of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.

With a high level of interest and expertise in research, education, and supervision, Dr. Rosen is well suited to provide guidance to our graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Rosen to his new role.

December 2022

December 8, 2022 Jason Bremner Leave a Comment

As the end of another year quickly approaches, I want to offer my sincere thanks to everyone in the Faculty of Medicine for your dedication and efforts throughout 2022. When students returned in September, for the first time since 2019, on-campus activities were the norm—not the exception, and we could sense the renewed energy in our hallways, classrooms, and labs. It has been so nice to see so many smiling faces, and many still behind masks.

We have had some exciting new developments this fall. In October, the Government of New Brunswick announced that 10 medical school seats will be added to Dalhousie Medicine’s New Brunswick campus beginning in fall 2023. This increases our class size at DMNB to 40. This expansion reflects the confidence the New Brunswick provincial government has in DMNB’s impact on recruiting and retaining graduates to work in the province, along with the excellent educational experience these students are receiving under the direction of Associate Dean, Dr. Jennifer Hall.

Also this fall, the provincial government of Nova Scotia announced an expansion of the Department of Family Medicine clinics in Spryfield and Mumford, in collaboration with Nova Scotia Health. This expansion will increase access for patient care along with providing more training opportunities for medical and health professional learners in an excellent collaborative care practice environment. Congratulations to Dr. Kath Stringer, Head, Department of Family Medicine, Dr. Joanna Zed, Medical Director of the clinic, and the entire Family Medicine and Nova Scotia Health teams for making this happen. This clinic could serve as a model for others around the province demonstrating the benefits of linking patient care and medical education to serve the needs of Maritimers.

Over the last year, the Faculty of Medicine has undergone an extensive strategic planning consultation process with faculty, students, staff, residents, and external stakeholders. The purpose was to gain insight into unique perspectives and to understand how we can better support you through our new strategic plan. We have learned a great deal from this process and have been eager to share our draft conclusions from the findings for final feedback. Four focus groups were held in October and November, and insight from those sessions was reviewed at the annual Dean’s Retreat on November 17 and 18, 2022. We thank you all for your valuable contributions thus far and look forward to sharing the finished strategic plan with you in the coming months.

I am grateful to each of you for your individual efforts that have contributed to our collective success over the last year. I hope everyone has the opportunity to relax and spend time with your loved ones over the holiday break. I look forward to seeing you in 2023.

Kindest regards,

Dr. David Anderson
Dean, Faculty of Medicine

New initiative ensures more Nova Scotians are connected to a primary care provider
Nova Scotia Health and Dalhousie Family Medicine are collaborating on a new initiative to ensure more Nova Scotians are connected to a primary care provider, and recent graduates of Dalhousie Family Medicine gain valuable hands-on experience. The Nova Scotia Health – Dalhousie Family Medicine Primary Care Proof of Concept has received a $6.3 million government investment over four years and has already been implemented in the two Dalhousie Family Medicine Clinics. The clinics, on Mumford Road and in Spryfield, will increase access for current patients, as well as those waiting on the registry.

The initiative will provide opportunities for new graduates and new doctors to the province to establish practices, starting at Dalhousie family medicine clinics where they will gain experience working alongside other care providers. Following their time working with Dalhousie family medicine clinics, doctors will be supported in transitioning to their own practice and will maintain their roster of patients.

The Nova Scotia Health – Dalhousie Family Medicine Primary Care Proof of Concept is expected to take 3,500 more people from the Need a Family Practice Registry.

Read more on Dal Med News.

Dalhousie welcomes DMRF in milestone integration set to grow fundraising success
For more than 40 years, Dalhousie University and the Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) have shared a vision for health research excellence in the Maritimes.

To continue this work, and to better support research fundraising efforts, Dalhousie and DMRF joined forces on October 1. This partnership will see the two entities combine efforts to create an expert team with a vision of raising even more funds for health and medical research at Dalhousie for the benefit of the broader communities served.

The amalgamated team will be looking to continue the positive momentum of successful DMRF fundraising initiatives like the Molly Appeal and to work well with our donor community who has been generously supporting research in the Faculty of Medicine for decades.

Read more on Dal News.

Faculty featured in CIHR Health Research Explained series
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) has launched a new series called Health Research Explained with a goal to better explain what exactly health research is—what it looks like, what it achieves, and why it’s so important for Canadians—while highlighting the amazing and diverse research taking place across the country. Dr. Emily Gard Marshall, Dr. Shashi Gujar, and Dr. Adam Johnston, are three of the featured researchers in this new series.

Read more on Dal Med News.

Faculty recognized with research awards
Six faculty members have been recognized by the Faculty of Medicine for their incredible contributions to the research community. The Faculty of Medicine Awards for Excellence in Medical Research have been created to acknowledge research excellence among our faculty members and to encourage their continued efforts in medical research, while the Awards of Excellence in Research Mentorship celebrate the considerable efforts and accomplishments of faculty who consistently serve as exemplary mentors of trainees and other faculty members. Congratulations to:

Amanda Vinson, recipient of the Faculty of Medicine Award for Excellence in Patient-Oriented Research
Denys Khaperskyy, recipient of the Faculty of Medicine Early Career Investigator Award
Kenneth Rockwood, recipient of the Faculty of Medicine Award for Career Excellence in Research Mentorship
Victoria Price, recipient of the Faculty of Medicine Award for Excellence in Research Mentorship – Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Craig McCormick, recipient of the Faculty of Medicine Award for Excellence in Research Mentorship of Faculty
Yassine El Hiani, recipient of the Faculty of Medicine Award for Excellence in Research Mentorship of Trainees

Faculty receive Dalhousie University Legacy Awards
On November 7, 2022, several members of the Faculty of Medicine were celebrated by Dalhousie during their annual Legacy Awards celebration. The Dalhousie Legacy Awards recognize a number of university-wide awards, that are aligned with the university’s strategic plan. The awards assist in helping Dalhousie create a culture of respect and recognition for employees at all levels. The first annual Dalhousie Legacy Awards was held in June 2018, as part of the university’s 200th anniversary celebrations. Congratulations to:

Francesca Di Cara, recipient of the Emerging Investigator Award
Selene Etches, recipient of the Dr. Allan Cohen Memorial Award for Community Service
Tareq Yousef, recipient of the President’s Graduate Student Teaching Award

Faculty of Medicine Awards of Excellence in Leadership Ceremony
On October 5 we celebrated the winners of the Faculty of Medicine Awards of Excellence in Leadership award winners with a ceremony in the Tupper. These awards recognize leadership across the different types of administrative roles within the medical school. We are thankful to all of our leaders at all levels in the Faculty of Medicine for their continued commitment in supporting our departments, divisions, and units across the Maritimes in achieving the Faculty’s academic mission. Congratulations to:

Dr. Irene Sadek, Head of the Department of Pathology, recipient of the Academic Leadership Award
Ms. Sharon Forward, Director of Resident and Student Affairs, recipient of the Professional & Managerial Leadership Award
Ms. Jennifer Day, Administrative Assistant, Department of Emergency Medicine, recipient of the Leadership in Administrative, Clerical & Technical Support Award
Undergraduate Medical Education coordinators and administrative staff in Nova Scotia and at DMNB, recipient of The Ryan Clow Team Collaboration Award

Dr. Anna MacLeod and team awarded at AMME
Congratulations to Dr. Anna MacLeod and her team in the clinical cadaver program on winning Best Research Presentation for their paper, “Negotiating Humanity: The Invisible Work of Cadaver Based Simulation,” at AMME 2022 in Lyon, France. The AMEE annual conference is now established as the key meeting for all involved in medical and healthcare professions education.

Dr. Samina Abidi named Women Leaders in Digital Health
Congratulations to Dr. Samina Abidi, associate professor in the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, who has been selected as one of nine Women Leaders in Digital Health 2022 by Digital Health Canada. According to the organization, each nominee is peer-recognized by the 2022 Adjudication Committee as being a female visionary harnessing the power of IT to transform health and healthcare in Canada today. The selected finalists are acknowledged as having significantly contributed to the advancement of digital health in Canada through leadership, influence, involvement, and impact.

Dr. Abidi is recognized for her work and dedication demonstrating the outstanding qualities of a Woman Leader in Digital Health.

Learn more about the award.

2023 CaRMS Mock Interviews: Alumni Volunteers Needed!
On behalf of Resident & Student Affairs, the DMAA is once again recruiting alumni volunteers to help facilitate mock interviews for Med 4s in advance of the 2023 CaRMS process. Practice interviews would take place January 16th to 31st, 2023.

If you are interested, please reach out directly to Janna Disha, Admissions & Student Affairs.

Accessibility Week at Dal: November 28-December 2
The Faculty of Medicine is acutely aware of the of the importance of removing barriers to education, employment, and research for learners, staff, and faculty. We are in the process of refreshing our strategic plan, and our consultations revealed a common theme threaded through all areas of the plan—the importance of incorporating equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility into all our practices. We are committed to providing equitable access to our physical spaces on campus to faculty, students, and staff, as well as the broader community.

In 2018, the Collaborative Health and Education Building (CHEB), was designated an accessible building by the Rick Hansen Foundation, who works to break down one physical barriers that people with disabilities still face. The building’s Summer Street entrance is adorned with a large blue plaque highlighting this designation. It is the only building at Dalhousie with this designation and one of very few in all Atlantic Canada.

In the CHEB, where simulated and volunteer patients who are visually impaired or fully blind are regular visitors, the Faculties of Medicine, Health, and Dentistry are working hard to ensure the building is fully accessible. When made aware that stairwells in the building were lacking the appropriate tactile indicators, having been built prior the change in building code that required them, the CHEB team set to work acquiring the required funding to install them. Work was completed on November 24, just in time for Dalhousie’s first Accessibility week.

Appointments of Drs. Ian Epstein and Samantha Gray, Assistant Deans of Professional Affairs
On behalf of the Faculty of Medicine, I am pleased to announce the establishment of the Office of Professional Affairs (OPA), and the appointments of Dr. Ian Epstein, Assistant Dean of Professional Affairs (DMNS), effective December 1, 2022, and Dr. Samantha Gray, Assistant Dean of Professional Affairs (DMNB), effective November 1, 2022.

Reporting to the Senior Associate Dean, Faculty of Medicine, the Assistant Deans will work collaboratively to provide academic and administrative leadership to support the creation and maintenance of healthy learning environments within the Faculty of Medicine by addressing learner mistreatment and promoting professionalism. They will oversee outreach and education activities, working to promote the OPA’s services, and serving as a resource on healthy learning environment and professionalism.

The Assistant Deans will co-chair the OPA Advisory Committee, whose mandate is to support of the Faculty of Medicine’s commitment to the promotion of a healthy learning environment and professionalism among faculty, staff, and learners. The committee will make recommendations and provide key information and materials to the OPA. The Assistant Deans will also update and maintain Faculty of Medicine policies and procedures on learner mistreatment.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Epstein and Dr. Gray to their new roles.

Dr. Leah Jones appointed Academic Director, Black Health
Dr. Leah Jones, a 2018 Dalhousie Medical School graduate, has been appointed Academic Director, Black Health, effective September 1, 2022.

Reporting to the Associate Dean, Serving and Engaging Society, this new position established by the Faculty of Medicine will be key in the development, implementation and outcome assessment of plans related to African Nova Scotian and Black populations and their engagement with the Faculty of Medicine. She will lead the new 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. Jones 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 welcoming Dr. Jones to her new role.

Dean’s Blog Summer 2022

September 12, 2022 Jason Bremner Leave a Comment

Dean’s Blog Summer 2022

Good morning,

I would like to officially welcome everyone back from summer break and the start of the new academic year.

This is always an exciting time of year, and it is great to see faculty, students, and staff returning to campus – bringing a noticeable energy that has been missed the past several months

On August 21, we held our annual Dean’s Welcome Ceremony in Halifax and on September 9 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.

The number of undergraduates we admit into the program has expanded to meet the ever-growing regional need for physicians. This year we welcomed our largest class to-date when 137 talented students began their first year of medical training.

At the Dean’s Welcome Ceremony, we were welcomed by Ms. Catherine Martin, Director, Indigenous Community Engagement, Ms. Ann Labillois, Elder In-Residence, Dr. Barb Hamilton-Hinch, Assistant Vice Provost of Equity & Inclusion, and Ms. 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 2026 and so many of their families in attendance.

As we settle into the new academic year, I would like to remind everyone of the importance of continued adherence to COVID-19 safety guidelines and restrictions. As we have done throughout the pandemic, the Faculty of Medicine will continue to follow to all Dalhousie University procedures, while adding an additional layer of measures, where appropriate, that reflect the unique intersection our faculty, students, and staff have with the health care system.

For the most up-to-date Faculty of Medicine COVID-19 guidelines, please scroll to the bottom of this memo, or visit medicine.dal.ca/news/covid.html.

What follows are highlights of activities and announcements as we begin the new academic year.

Welcome back everyone.

Kindest regards,

Dr. David Anderson
Dean, Faculty of Medicine

Two faculty bestowed one of Canada’s highest academic honours
Two members of the Faculty of Medicine were inducted as Fellows to the Royal Society of Canada on September 6, 2022. Dr. Christine Chambers (Department of Pediatrics) and Dr. John Archibald (Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Microbiology & Immunology) were among five Dalhousie scholars who received the honour in recognition of their outstanding scholarly, scientific and artistic achievements. They join 2,558 Fellows from across the country, distinguished Canadians from all branches of learning elected by their peers for contributions in the arts, humanities, and sciences, as well as in Canadian public life.

Please join us in congratulating Drs. Chambers and Archibald!

Read more on Dal Med News.

Dr. Susan Kirkland elected Fellow of Canadian Academy of Health Sciences
The Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS), which brings together Canada’s top-ranked health and biomedical scientists and scholars to make a positive impact on the urgent health concerns of Canadians, recently announced their list of individuals elected as Fellows for 2022. We are proud to say Dr. Susan Kirkland, professor and head in the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, is among those named this year. Dr. Kirkland is recognized for her scholarly works on healthy aging, determinants of older adults’ physical and mental health, technology and aging, frailty, and the impacts of COVID-19 on the aging population. Election to Fellowship in the CAHS is considered one of the highest honours for those working in the Canadian health sciences community.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Kirkland on this exciting honour.

Dr. Sarah Burm among 11 Dalhousie researchers receiving grants from SSHRC
Dr. Sarah Burm, a researcher in Continuing Professional Development and Medical Education, is one of 11 Dalhousie researchers receiving part of more than $1.5 million for research in the social sciences and humanities. The Canada’s Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) grants were announced June 16 by the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. Dr. Burm’s work will explore the impact of COVID-19 on health care workers and aim to identify steps that can be taken to address this toll.

Read more on Dal Med News.

Dalhousie University Welcomes Integration of Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation
Dalhousie University and the Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) have shared a vision for health research excellence in the Maritimes for over 40 years.

To continue this work, and to better support research fundraising efforts at Dalhousie, the Dalhousie University and DMRF will join forces and work toward an integration date of September 29, 2022.

This partnership will see our two entities combine efforts to create an expert team with a vision of raising even more funds for research at Dalhousie for the benefit of our shared community.

We look forward to growing the health research portfolio at Dalhousie University, which means better funding opportunities and support for our faculty and students, for the benefit of improving health outcomes of the communities we serve.

Read more about this important integration on Dal News.

Strategic Planning Update
Over the past several months, the Faculty of Medicine has undergone an extensive consultation process with faculty, students, staff, residents, and external stakeholders, to gain insight into your unique perspectives and understand of how we can better support you leading into the development of our new strategic plan.

We have learned a great deal from this process, and we are eager to share the results of our consultation for final feedback in a town hall setting before moving to the development phase of the strategic planning. Four focus group sessions are being planned around the four major pillars of work: Education, Research, Serving and Engaging Society, and Valuing Our People.

Stay tuned, these will be scheduled for October. All faculty, staff, and students are welcome to participate.

Wije’winen Health Centre opens its doors
The Faculty of Medicine is excited to learn that on July 8, 2022, the Wije’winen Health Centre opened its doors to the urban Indigenous community in Halifax, providing future opportunities for medical learners interested in Indigenous health.

An initiative of the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre, the new health centre will boast a full-time academic physician position, becoming the first of its kind in Nova Scotia to host learners formally. Medical students and residents will be offered a comprehensive experience in Indigenous health — something that has not previously existed in the central zone.

Read more on Dal Med News.

Faculty members honoured with Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal
Five members of the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University are among 60 Nova Scotians who were awarded the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal in recognition of significant service to the province. The inaugural investiture ceremony took place at the Westin Nova Scotian in Halifax. The recipients represent a broad cross-section of Nova Scotians who have contributed to diverse fields and organizations, with many having significant contributions during the pandemic.

Congratulations to:

Lisa Barrett
Sultan Darvesh
Judy Kazimirski
Shelly McNeil
Ronald Stewart

Approved by the Queen in June, the Platinum Jubilee Medal will be presented to 5,000 Nova Scotians in the coming months.

Read more on Dal Med News.

Medical and engineering students partner to help kids breathe easier
Third year medical student David Hodgson and his partner (and spouse) Sara Fedullo (BEng ’21) are breathing new life into the asthma inhaler market through their start-up, HOLLO Medical.

When you see someone take a puff on an asthma inhaler there’s a good chance the medication isn’t getting to their lungs. HOLLO Medical has created a prototype that makes it easier for kids to get the lifesaving medication they need.

Read more on Dal Med News.

Division of Orthopaedic Surgery resident headed to Harvard
Dr. Bernard Burgesson, who is a fourth-year surgery resident in the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, has won a fellowship position at Harvard University. Dr. Burgesson, who relocated to Port Hawkesbury from Ghana when he was 13, will begin his orthopaedic surgery fellowship at Harvard in August 2023. He will work mainly at Massachusetts General hospital, doing foot and ankle reconstruction, ankle replacements, full foot deformities and correction, and some trauma. After his training he hopes to return to Nova Scotia to work.

Read more about Dr. Burgesson’s fellowship here.

Medical Mini-MBA developed by Dalhousie team
A team of medical students and faculty at Dalhousie, including Dr. Ketan Kulkarni, Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, have developed a Medical Mini-MBA to target gaps in financial literacy among medical students and residents.

The six-week course included topics such as personal finance, investing, real estate and mortgage, physician billing and payment models, income and tax, and choosing a medical specialty.

Learn more about their work here.

CIHR awards four Faculty of Medicine researchers Project grants
Dalhousie researchers are set to pursue life-changing health innovations with $4.8 million in new Project Grants from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). Provided to health-focused scholars across the country, CIHR Project Grant funding supports studies with the greatest potential to advance fundamental and applied research, and the health outcomes of Canadians.

Among the recipients are four Faculty of Medicine researchers. Congratulations to Drs. Jeremy Brown, James Fawcett, John Frampton, and Ivan Wong.

Read more on Dal Med News.

Dr. T. Jock Murray inducted to Giants of Multiple Sclerosis recognition program
NeurologyLive, in partnership with the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC), recently announced the inaugural class of inductees for the Giants of Multiple Sclerosis recognition program. The premier neuroscience award that recognizes and celebrates the pioneers, innovators, and difference makers who have achieved landmark successes and have significantly contributed to the betterment of care for people with multiple sclerosis.

Dr. T. Jock Murray, Professor in the Division of Neurology in the Department of Medicine, was the recipient in the Neurology category and was recognized with the other winners at an awards ceremony on June 2, 2022 at the Gaylord National Hotel and Conference Center in National Harbor, MD, during the 2022 CMSC Annual Meeting.

Read more about the Giants of Multiple Sclerosis recognition program here.

Dr. Robin Urquhart received Canadian Cancer Society Award
Congratulations to Dr. Robin Urquhart who was awarded the Canadian Cancer Society’s William E. Rawls Prize. Dr. Urquhart, who is an associate professor in the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, as well as the Canadian Cancer Society (Nova Scotia Division) Endowed Chair in Population Cancer Research, is recognized as a national leader in cancer health services. Her research has directly impacted how cancer care is delivered and improved the experiences of patients and their families.

The William E. Rawls Prize is presented to an early career investigator whose outstanding contributions have the potential to lead to, or have already led to important advances in cancer control.

Learn more about Dr. Urquhart’s award.

Dr. Susan Howlett receives Canadian Society for Pharmacology and Therapeutics Award
Each year the Canadian Society for Pharmacology and Therapeutics (CSPT) offers several awards to recognize society members who have made outstanding contributions to pharmacology and therapeutics research, service, and education. Candidates are nominated by society members and selected annually by an elected awards committee. We are pleased to announce that Dr. Susan Howlett is the recipient of the 2021/2022 Senior Investigator Award. This award recognizes individuals that have made outstanding contributions to the advancement and extension of knowledge in their field of research. Dr. Howlett, a professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Division of Geriatric Medicine, is well known for her work on cardiac contraction and its regulation in health and disease. She has discovered profound differences in the way male and female heart cells function and how these changes are affected by age and overall health (frailty). She also pioneered the measurement of frailty in aging animals with a “frailty index,” a major advance that will help translate scientific discoveries in aging research into meaningful clinical interventions.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Howlett on this tremendous honour.

Dr. Patricia Lingley-Pottie receives Arum Award
Dr. Patricia Lingley-Pottie, who is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry, was one of five Dalhousie faculty receiving Arum Awards from Dalhousie University. The Aurum Awards celebrate outstanding Dalhousie alumni who are making a difference in their communities and around the world.

Dr. Lingley Pottie, who began her career in nursing, co-founded the Strongest Families Institute to deliver telephone and online mental wellness services, with a goal of ensuring all Canadians, particularly those in underserviced areas, have access to mental health services.

Read more about Dr. Lingley-Pottie’s important work.

Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Award: Qendresa Sahiti
Second year medical students with an established track record of community leadership, superior communication skills and demonstrated interest in advancing knowledge were recognized on August 25, 2022, with the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame (CMHF) Award. Congratulations to this year’s Dalhousie recipient, Ms. Qendresa Sahiti. Born in Prishtina, Kosovo, Qendresa is passionate about health equity, community involvement and advocacy, and improving the post-secondary environment. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Neuroscience and a Certificate in Science Leadership & Communication from Dalhousie University. She has published and presented research in trauma and antecedents to mental illness, medical education and the learning environment, and the intersection of art and science. As an immigrant and former refugee, she is particularly interested in newcomer health, and has been heavily involved in organizations that advocate for the wellbeing of marginalized populations.

Read more about the CMHF Award on Dal Med News.

Dr. Francesca Di Cara receives President’s Research Excellence Award for Emerging Investigators
Dr. Francesca Di Cara, a PhD researcher and assistant professor in the Departments of Microbiology & Immunology and Pediatrics, is a recipient of the 2022 President’s Research Excellence Awards for Emerging Investigators. The award honours those who, early in their careers, have made noteworthy contributions to Dalhousie’s research culture. Dr. Di Cara will receive a $2000 prize to be used to support her research.

Dr. Tareq Yousef receives university-wide teaching award
Dalhousie University recently celebrated their outstanding educators with its annual University-wide Teaching Awards. These awards recognize recipients exemplify excellence in teaching, and innovation in curriculum and academic programs.

Among the 2022 recipients is Dr. Tareq Yousef, who is a recent PhD graduate in Medical Neuroscience under the supervision of Dr. William Baldridge. He has been a teaching assistant at Dal for years and has received his Certificate in Science Leadership and Communication.

Congratulations to all the winners! Read more on Dal News.

Resident Research Awards
On June 15, during an event hosted in the Collaborative Health Education Building, awards were presented in honour of resident research. Congratulations to:

Luke Edgar – Best Research Award for a junior resident (PGY1 or PGY2) who has incorporated research into their primary training program. Sponsor: Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation ($1000.00)
Alison Greene – Best Research Award for a senior resident (PGY3 or PGY4+) who has incorporated research into their primary training program. Sponsor: Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation ($1000.00)
Shahriar Seddigh – Best Work in Fundamental Science Research for resident who has incorporated research into their primary training program. Sponsor: Dalhousie Medical Alumni Association ($1000.00)
Rachel Sullivan – Best Work in Clinical Research for a resident who has incorporated research into their primary training program. Sponsor: Dalhousie Medical Alumni Association ($1000.00)
Thomas Brothers – Best Overall Award – 2022. The best overall winner will receive CSCI 2-year membership and letter from the President of CSCI Sponsors: CSCI/CIHR ($1500.00)

2022 RIM Excellence in Mentoring Award winners
The Research in Medicine program at Dalhousie University allows medical students to develop and refine their skills to interpret and be critical consumers of research evidence, and provides them the opportunity to design and execute their own research project. Thanks to our faculty mentors, students can conduct research that has the potential to impact health care in their own communities.

Each year, one faculty member in Nova Scotia and one in New Brunswick are recognized for their excellence in mentoring. This year, congratulations to Dr. Beata Derfalvi, Division Head of Pediatric Immunology and associate professor in the Departments of Pediatrics and Microbiology & Immunology in Nova Scotia, and in New Brunswick, Dr. André le Roux, neurosurgeon in the Division of Neurosurgery in Saint John.

Thank you for your exceptional ability to guide the next generation of researchers here at Dalhousie.

Faculty of Medicine staff take home DPMG Awards
Dalhousie’s Professional and Managerial Group (DPMG), the association that includes the university’s managers and professional employees — announced the 10 winners of their annual DPMG Awards in June, and among them were two Faculty of Medicine staff. The awards recognize exemplary contributions to the university.

Congratulations to Mr. Ian Taylor, director of MedIT (Medical Information Technology) in the Faculty of Medicine, who received the Outstanding Achievement Award for his consistently high performance and collaborative and inclusive leadership, and to Mr. Said Msabaha, former associate director of community engagement and diversity programs and immigration advisor with the Office of Community Partnerships & Global Health, who received the COVID-19 Outstanding Achievement Award. Said was recognized for his leadership and guidance to international students who traveling back to Halifax during the pandemic.

The awards were presented at a luncheon in Halifax in June. Congratulations to all the winners.

Read more on Dal Med News.

Gold-Headed Cane Award presented to Dalhousie faculty
The College of Physicians and Surgeon’s of Nova Scotia has recognized four Dalhousie faculty with the Gold-Headed Cane Award. The award recognizes outstanding Nova Scotia physicians who exemplifies professionalism in service to patients, the profession, and the community. It is presented at a co-sponsored Gold-Headed Cane ceremony in partnership with the Humanities in Medicine Program at Dalhousie Medical School.

This year, the 2021 Gold-Headed Cane Award was presented to:

Volodko Bakowsky Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine
Lisa Barrett Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine
Heather Scott Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Deborah Straub, Family Medicine

Congratulations to the winners on this tremendous honour!

Dr. Abraham Rudnick named Distinguished Fellow of the Canadian Psychiatric Association
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Abraham Rudnick, professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Bioethics, on being named a Distinguished Fellow of the Canadian Psychiatric Association (DFCPA). This honour rewards outstanding CPA members for excellence in their specialty. Dr. Rudnick is a dedicated member of both the psychiatry and bioethics faculty. He is head of the section of community psychiatry, and clinical director of the Nova Scotia Operational Stress Injury Clinic and Community Mental Health and Addictions Program. Congratulations, Dr. Rudnick!

VoxMeDal
The summer 2022 issue of our alumni magazine, VOXMeDAL was distributed to the alumni community in late July. In this issue you will read about exciting activities happening at the medical school like the new Indigenous Admissions Pathway, the enthusiasm and success of some of our most recent grads, and drive to give back that has led our alumni on missions abroad. Congratulations to our advancement team on a fantastic issue.

Read the summer 2022 issue of VoxMeDAL here.

Faculty Wellness Podcast
The Continuing Professional Development and Medical Education team, and Assistant Dean, Faculty Wellness, Dr. Angela Cooper, have released their first faculty wellness podcast. Created to supplement the PD Seminar Series, the CPDME Podcasts offers real life stories from local faculty members and tackles issues that impact wellness, burnout and mental health whilst aiming to increase our sense of humanity and shared development of a psychologically safe culture. In this episode, Dr. Cooper speaks to Dr. David Saunders about his recovery from alcohol use disorder.

Listen to the podcast.

Future episodes will be shared here and on Dal Medix.

Dr. Victor Rafuse Appointed Head, Department of Medical Neuroscience
On behalf of the Faculty of Medicine, I am pleased to announce that Dr. Victor Rafuse has been appointed Head of the Department of Medical Neuroscience for a five-year term. Dr. Rafuse’s appointment is effective July 1, 2022. Dr. Rafuse is a professor in the Department of Medical Neuroscience and director of the Brain Repair Centre at Dalhousie.

He is co-founder of the Atlantic Mobility Action Project (AMAP) and sits on the steering committee for the Canadian Brain Research Strategy (CBRS), a national initiative to seek greater investment from the government in collaborative neuroscience research across Canada.

In announcing Dr. Rafuse’s appointment, I would like to acknowledge Dr. William Baldridge, who has held the headship position for the last 10 years. We recognize Dr. Baldridge’s tremendous leadership in guiding the Department of Medical Neuroscience.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Rafuse on his appointment.

Dr. Barbara Karten Appointed Head, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
On behalf of the Faculty of Medicine, I am pleased to announce that Dr. Barbara Karten has been appointed Head of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology for a five-year term. Dr. Karten’s appointment is effective July 1, 2022.

Dr. Karten, a professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology has been invested in education, research, and administrative activities since joining the Department in 2005.

In announcing Dr. Karten’s appointment, I would like to acknowledge Dr. Stephen Bearne, who has led the Department since 2012. We are grateful for his tremendous leadership in guiding the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology over the last 10 years.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Karten on her appointment.

Dr. Sarah Cook appointed Chief, IWK Department of Family Medicine – Maternal Newborn Care
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Sarah Cook has been appointed as Chief, IWK Department of Family Medicine – Maternal Newborn Care, a shared position with Dalhousie Department of Family Medicine (DFM), for a five-year term, effective November 1, 2022, pending final approval from the IWK Board of Directors.

Dr. Cook, a family physician and experienced healthcare leader, will later also take on the role of a clinical faculty member at the DFM Halifax Site, the newly opened Wije’winen Health Centre, and begin her involvement in teaching the Family Medicine undergraduate and postgraduate curricula.

For the last 14 years, Dr. Cook practiced in Yellowknife with a focus on community-based primary care (with both in-person and remote support to a remote indigenous community), GP oncology, reproductive health services and maternity care.

We would also extend our joint heartfelt thanks to Dr. Lynn Bussey, who has successfully led the Department of Family Medicine – Maternal Newborn Care for the past four years.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Cook to her new role.

New Administrative roles
On behalf of the Faculty of Medicine, we are pleased to welcome Mr. Victor Madiera as Department Administrator in the Department of Medical Neuroscience. Victor began his new role on July 4. In announcing Victor’s appointment, we would like to recognize Ms. Catherine Currell for her 40 years of dedicated service to the University. Catherine spent 14 years with the Faculty of Medicine, and we wish her all the best.

As of October 11, we will welcome Mr. Tyler Hall as the new Director, Student & Resident Affairs. We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the tremendous work accomplished over the years by outgoing director, Ms. Sharon Forward.

We are pleased to announce that Ms. Bobbie Lee Grant joined the Faculty of Medicine on July 18, 2022, as the new Director of Finance and Ms. Courtney Dillman has joined the Faculty of Medicine as the new Director of Human Resources.

Please join me in welcoming these four talented individuals to the Faculty of Medicine.

Updated Mask Guidance
Nova Scotia:

In alignment with provincial health authority mandates, medical grade masks will continue to be mandatory while in Dalhousie Medical School buildings on Dalhousie Campus, for all medical students, residents, and physician faculty who are directly involved in medical education activities and training.
Faculty, students, and staff conducting work in Nova Scotia Health, and IWK facilities will continue to follow all safety procedures and guidelines of those institutions.
Training in the C3LR will continue to follow Nova Scotia Health PPE requirements.
For all others in Dalhousie Campus in Nova Scotia, masks will be required in classrooms and other instructional spaces, supported by the high-quality ventilation standards set throughout the pandemic. Masks continue to be welcome in all other indoor spaces and are strongly recommended in gathering spaces where physical distancing may be difficult (for example, hallways, lobbies and elevators).
All are expected to stay home when sick, with Dalhousie putting procedures in place to support students, faculty, and staff in doing so.

New Brunswick:

Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick will continue to follow UNB guidelines. UNB requires face masks to be worn on campus, regardless of vaccination status, in all indoor public buildings, including the DMNB building. For more information on UNB’s face mask requirements, please visit: https://www.unb.ca/coronavirus/students/returning/community-masks.html
In all areas of the DMNB building, you must wear the orange/pink surgical masks provided on-site. You may also choose to wear either a KN95 or fit-tested N95 mask, but these will not be provided by DMNB.
Faculty, students, and staff conducting work in Horizon Health facilities will continue to follow all safety procedures and guidelines from Horizon Health.
Medical grade masks are required on entry to Horizon Health facilities, physician offices, and clinics.
All are expected to stay home when sick, with Dalhousie putting procedures in place to support students, faculty and staff in doing so.

Self-Isolation Requirements for those with COVID-19 Infection
Nova Scotia:

Faculty and staff conducting work in Nova Scotia Health, and IWK facilities will continue to follow the self-isolation guidelines of those institutions.
1. Nova Scotia Health Nova Scotia Health COVID-19 Status or Reason for Work Absence
2. IWK: Pulse – COVID-19 – Health care worker guidelines
All others working in Nova Scotia are expected to follow the updated Dalhousie University isolation requirements.

New Brunswick:

Faculty, students, and staff conducting work in Horizon Health facilities will continue to follow testing, reporting and self-isolation guidelines from Horizon Health as noted in the link below.
1. Horizon Health self-isolation guidelines for medical learners
All others working on UNB campus are to follow the UNB guidelines.

As our Public Health officials have emphasize, we continue to be in the midst of a pandemic and many health care workers and students continue to be infected. Please follow public health guidelines to protect yourselves and each other from infection.

Be kind and take care of yourselves. Reach out if you have questions or concerns.

Dean’s Blog Spring 2022

June 14, 2022 Jason Bremner Leave a Comment

We are nearly through spring, and soon we will welcome the long, sunny days of summer. It’s been an exciting time in the Faculty of Medicine, as things began to resemble our pre-pandemic days.

For the first time since 2019, we were able to celebrate our graduating students with in-person convocation activities for the Class of 2022, beginning on May 20, in Saint John, with the Launch Ceremony celebrating the achievements of our Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick (DMNB) graduating students. This was followed by the 2022 class of Dalhousie Medical School walking across the stage at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium for convocation on May 24, 2022. I offer my sincere congratulations to the students and all you have achieved. We can’t wait to see what you do next! Read about the medical school journey for some of our graduates here.

Special recognition must be given to the faculty and staff who not only made convocation a success, but who have been dedicated stewards of these students over their four years of training. Without you, the day would not have been possible.

Despite the challenges we have faced over the last several years, I am continually impressed by the people within the Faculty of Medicine who have gone above and beyond to continue their work, teaching, mentoring, research, leadership, patient care, and volunteer efforts. I wish everyone a well-deserved summer break.

Dr. David Anderson
Dean, Faculty of Medicine

Class of 2022 graduation gala
On the afternoon of May 24, 2022, following convocation, a Scholarships and Awards Ceremony was held in Ondaatje Hall. Several awards were presented during the event including our Gold and Silver Ds, recognizing the commitment of exemplary medical students, and one of the highest honours upon graduation.

Congratulations to:

Gold D Awards
Miranda Lees (DMNB)
Freddy Lee
Tammy Selman

Silver D Awards
Michael O’Leary
Jeana MacLeod
Adele Orovec
Angela Morris (DMNB)
Claire Bullock
Rumana Rafiq
Lydia Li
Margaret Sun
Clara Long
Morgan Burgoyne (DMNB)

Read more on Dal News.

Annual Faculty Meeting
On June 6, 2022, we gathered, both in-person and virtually, for the annual faculty meeting where I was able to share some of the many highlights and achievements realized by our talented and dedicated faculty, students, and staff.

I provided updates on our strategic plan, and the Faculty of Medicine’s sustained effort to serve and engage society and inspire and enable excellence in health and healthcare through medical education and research programs. It was an opportunity to reflect on our accomplishments and recognize the people in the Medical School who have made the last year a success. We also announced the winners of the annual faculty awards. Congratulations to:

Faculty of Medicine Award for Excellence in Education: Dr. Stephanie Langley
Faculty of Medicine Award for Excellence in Education (early career): Dr. Adam Harris
Faculty of Medicine Award for Excellence in Clinical Practice: Conrad Fernandez
Faculty of Medicine Award for Excellence in Clinical Practice (early career): Jack Rasmussen
Allan Cohen Memorial Award in Community Service: Dr. Selene Etches
Faculty of Medicine Community Teacher of the Year Award: Hanni Bouma
Wayne Putnam Award: Dr. Sue Zinck
Faculty Award for Leadership in Global Health: Dr. David Haase

I also offer my congratulations to the faculty members who will be promoted as of July 1, 2022. This is not an exhaustive list of promotions, but we would like to recognize our faculty for their unwavering support of the Faculty of Medicine. We are very grateful for your dedication.

For more details, I refer you to the reports from our Assistant and Associate Deans on our Faculty Council webpage.

10^th annual Thomas Fear and Alice Morgans Fear Family Memorial Conference.
On June 9 and 10 the Department of Community Heath and Epidemiology, in partnership with Continuing Professional Development and Medical Education, hosted the 10^th annual Thomas Fear and Alice Morgans Fear Family Memorial Conference. This year’s theme was Planetary Health and the Climate Crisis: Our Planet, Our Health, Our Responsibility, and we were treated to excellent presentations on topics such as climate change, politically active youth experiences with climate grief in Mi’kma’ki, mental health as it relates to climate change, and ecological grief. Climate change is impacting us in many ways, not the least of which is how it effects our health. We are grateful to Drs. Stephen Miller and Susan Kirkland for organizing such a fantastic event.

Nova Scotia Tour
During the first week of April, I had the pleasure of visiting several of our Nova Scotia distributed medical education sites to connect with the individuals in these areas who play an important role in delivering or supporting medical education. It is vital the Faculty of Medicine understands the unique perspectives of those working across Nova Scotia and learns how we can better support them in their mission. Over four days we met with community members, leaders, physician navigators, and representatives from hospital foundations who play a critical role in the Faculty of Medicine meeting its mandate in being responsive to health needs across the Maritimes. Thank you to all who participated, we look forward to making this trip an annual occasion.

Deputy Prime Minister visits the Faculty of Medicine
On April 12, we were honoured to host the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and several other Nova Scotian members of parliament, as they unveiled their government’s plan to offer loan forgiveness for doctors and nurses working in rural or remote communities. Ms. Freeland toured simulation labs in the Collaborative Health Education Building and took time to chat with Dal medical students about the new measures to support them and the government’s goal of ensuring Canadians in rural communities get the high-quality health care they deserve.

You can read more about her visit here.

Dalhousie and Cape Breton University to pilot undergraduate medical education partnership
A new partnership was announced May 12 between Dalhousie Medical School and Cape Breton University (CBU) and aims to create solutions to alleviate family physician shortages in rural Nova Scotia.

The program, beginning in September 2022, will see CBU sponsor five seats at Dalhousie’s Faculty of Medicine MD Program for qualified rural Nova Scotian applicants.

We are pleased to be entering into this strategic partnership with Cape Breton University and the province of Nova Scotia that will aim to address the primary care needs of our province and ensure that our physician graduates reflect the communities we serve.

Read more on Dal Med News.

Indigenous Admissions Pathway
A new Indigenous Admissions Pathway will welcome more Indigenous students to Dalhousie Medical School to meet the needs and improve health and health care for the Indigenous and Maritime communities we serve. Led by Dr. Brent Young, Academic Director for Indigenous Health, and supported by former Keknu’tmasiek Welo’ltimk (pronounced: gag-new-d-muss-seeg well-oh-l-dim-k, a Mi’kmaw phrase that translates to “We Learn Healing”) Program Manager, Ms. Hannah Asprey, this new admissions pathway will minimize the barriers that have prevented Indigenous applicants from entering medical school at Dalhousie. Under this pathway, applications received from Indigenous students will be assessed using a holistic file review.

Read more on Dal Med News.

Faculty of Medicine invites visiting scholars to guide anti‑oppressive practice
At the Faculty of Medicine we are changing the way we address racism in our programs and practices to ensure we run a medical school where our policies and practices are designed with an anti-oppression lens. Thanks in large part to the efforts of Dr. Gaynor Watson-Creed, the Faculty’s Associate Dean of Serving and Engaging Society, and her recruitment of visiting scholars, we are making progress in this area.

Read more on Dal Med News.

Two Faculty of Medicine Canada Research Chairs Canada Research Chairs
On June 2, Dr. Gregory Fairn (Pathology) was announced as a Tier 1 Canada Research Chairs (CRC) and Dr. Javeria Hashmi (Anesthesia, Pain Management & Perioperative Medicine) was renewed for a second term as a Tier 2 CRC. The CRC program provides the funding necessary for Canada’s post-secondary institutions to attract and retain the world’s best research talent. Their individual work focuses on what causes tissues to chronically swell and pain to strike without reprieve.

Read more about their research on Dal Med News.

Faculty of Medicine students shine in 3 Minute Thesis Competition
Three Faculty of Medicine students were among the six finalists in the Faculty of Graduate Studies 3 Minute Thesis Competition on April 21, and all three were winners.

Congratulations to Dr. Jasmine Mah (PhD in Medical Research Program) who took home first place with her presentation “Social Vulnerability: What It Is, How to Measure It, and Why It Matters”; to third place finisher Adam Sunavasky (MSc in Medical Neuroscience) for his presentation “Pleasure and Pain: Two Sides of the Same Coin”; and to Alex Stirling (MSc in Epidemiology and Applied Health Science) who received the People’s Choice Award for his presentation “Prehospital Airway Management Association with 30-day Survival, and Prehospital Hypoxi; 5 Year Retrospective Cohort Study.” We are proud to have had such wonderful representation of the Faculty of Medicine. Dr. Mah will participate in the finals on June 16 at 7:00. Sign up to cheer her on!

Read more about the winner’s research on Dal Med News.

Euphoria! raises funds for Autism Resources Miramichi
Our medical school students put on a great performance showcasing their talents at this year’s Euphoria’s Got Talent Show. Every year since 1969, this student-run variety show extravaganza put on by Dalhousie Medical School students chooses a Maritime charity to support and pits all four classes against one another to do two things: raise money and put together a half-hour show that will win them the coveted Euphoria trophy. This year the event raised over $22,000 for Autism Resources Miramichi. Congratulations to the Class of 2022 for taking home the Euphoria! 2022 trophy.

IMPACT Awards
This spring Dalhousie celebrated their student leaders with the 11^th annual IMPACT awards. Though the event was held virtually, 28 individual students and four student societies were recognized for their contributions to the Dalhousie student experience. Among the winners were medical students Claire Bolluck and Ben Callaghan who shared The Student Wellness Award. This award is presented to the “student who best demonstrates leadership in promoting and contributing to a healthy campus.” Also recognized with a Rising Star Award was Claire Carruthers, a student in the Medical Sciences Program. Rising Star Awards are presented to “first, second, and third-year students who have demonstrated an outstanding level of commitment, leadership, creativity, and initiative to the DSU, as well as to the campus and community at large.” Congratulations to each of you, and to all the IMPACT award winners.

Read more on Dal News.

Doctors Nova Scotia Achievement Awards
The Doctors Nova Scotia awards honouring exemplary achievement were formally awarded at an event on June 4. Please join me in congratulating the faculty and learners who were selected to receive an award:

Michael Vincer (Department of Pediatrics) – Distinguished Service Award
Karthik Tennankore (Department of Medicine) – Dr. William Grigor Award
Brian Moses (Department of Medicine) – Community Specialist of the Year
Emma McDermott (third year medical student) – Outstanding Medical Student Award
Hayam Hamodat (Core Internal Medicine Co-Chief Resident) – Outstanding Resident Award
John Hanly (Department of Medicine) – DNS Senior Membership Award
John Fraser (Department of Psychiatry) – CMA Honorary Membership Award

Read more on Dal Med News.

Dalhousie researcher receives grant from the Arthritis Society
Dr. Jason McDougall, who is a professor in the Departments of Pharmacology and Anesthesia, Pain Management and Perioperative Medicine, is one of three researchers receiving an Ignite Research Grant from the Arthritis Society, presented to innovative researchers for their out-of-the-box thinking.

In Dr. McDougall’s first-of-its-kind-project, he will examine the effect of green light therapy on osteoarthritis pain. Recent research shows illuminating a room with dim, green light can produce long-lasting pain reduction in people with chronic pain from fibromyalgia or migraines, and Dr. McDougall will be the first to test this on osteoarthritis pain. This could have tremendous benefits as almost two-thirds of people with osteoarthritis do not experience adequate pain relief.

Read more the Ignite Research Grants here.

DMRF Molly Appeal supports Dalhousie virtual care researchers
A research team led by Dr. Leslie Anne Campbell, Sobey Family Child & Adolescent Mental Health Outcomes Chair, and assistant professor in the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, will be supported by the Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) Molly Appeal, an annual campaign created to raise critical funds throughout the year in support of local health research excellence. Supporting Shared Decision-Making for Virtual Care in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, aims to develop evidence-informed guidance to support shared decision-making regarding the virtual delivery of IWK Mental Health and Addictions services and ensure optimal care for young clients, families, and caregivers.

Learn more about the Molly Appeal.

Dr. Sarah Burm awarded SSHRC Knowledge Synthesis grant; education award
Dr. Sarah Burm, assistant professor and education research scientist in the Faculty of Medicine, and her team, were recently awarded a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Knowledge Synthesis grant to conduct a scoping review to identify how health professionals, specifically physicians and nurses who work directly with patients, are experiencing and processing grief and loss during the pandemic.

Learn more about Dr. Burm’s grant here.

Dr. Burm has also been awarded the Early Career Medical Educators (ECME) Champion Award. This award recognizes someone who gives their time, spirit, and energy to the growth, success, and recognition of early career medical educators. Dr. Burm is a member-at-large with ECME, a nation-wide community of engaged and collaborative scholars in medical education. Dr. Burm was presented with her award at a ceremony on April 25.

Read more on Dal News.

Faculty of Medicine researchers received CIHR funding
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is providing $1,479,972 in operating grants to Dalhousie scholars focused on ensuring we don’t lose sight of issues revealed during the pandemic in how we serve and protect vulnerable populations. Among those receiving funding are Faculty of Medicine researchers Dr. Alexa Yakubovich, whose focus is on counteracting violence against women during health emergencies, and Dr. Janice Graham, who is research is on building a more resilient and equitable pandemic response.

Read more on Dal Med News.

Two faculty members among five Dal researchers sharing $1.1 million in research funding
On April 4 the Government of Canada shared the winners of the New Frontiers in Research Fund’s “2021 Exploration” and “Special Call on Innovative Approaches to Research in the Pandemic Context” grant competitions. Among them, five Dalhousie researchers including Dr. Alex Quinn from the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, and Dr. Zhenyu Cheng from the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. A total of $45 million was dispersed to institutions across the country with $1.1 million received by Dalhousie.

Read more about Dr. Quinn’s and Dr. Cheng’s research on Dal News.

Trainee funding wins big at Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick (DMNB)
On March 31, 2022, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) announced the results of the Health Research Training Platforms (HRTP) pilot funding opportunity, an innovative, pan-national initiative that will embed early career researchers and trainees in collaborative health research teams with the goal of setting them up for success in careers that span academia and beyond. With this funding, 13 interdisciplinary teams will be set up across the country, where researchers will receive training and development opportunities to build Canada’s research capacity in a wide range of areas.

Among these interdisciplinary teams is MyROaD (Maximize your Research on Obesity and Diabetes): a training and mentoring platform focused on diabetes, obesity, and cardiometabolic health that includes Dr. Keith Brunt, Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology at DMNB, as one of the team’s principal applicants and mentors.

Read more on Dal Med News.

Wellness Survey for clinical faculty
The Faculty of Medicine has been developing a framework around wellness for all faculty, which began with welcoming our Assistant Dean of Wellness, Dr. Angela Cooper. Engaging wellness leads from clinical departments and divisions, as well as laying a new foundation in wellness with our basic science faculty, has been no small task and has included the development of faculty wellness leaders, a peer mentoring program and scholarly activity, and promoting bespoke wellness educational sessions.

As part of this engagement, Dr. Cooper has led the development of our first Faculty of Medicine Wellness Survey, aimed at providing crucial information forming the foundation of our wellness strategy. In completing the survey, you will not only get a deeper sense of your own levels of stress and burnout along with recommendations of support, but you will also contribute to a wider understanding of our clinical faculty’s wellness needs across the Maritime Provinces.

With information obtained from responses, we can begin to target the systemic, cultural, and individual factors that you identify as contributors to stress and burnout. As such, clinical faculty are strongly encouraged to use the link below and take the time needed to complete this survey and help us move forward in our wellness efforts.

Survey link
*Please note this survey is intended for clinical faculty members only

Global Health Office Blog
Have you read the latest blog from the Global Health Office? It features their Community-Engaged Service Learning Program and the year-end celebration that happened in May. Check it out here.

You can read more about the Community-Engaged Service Learning Program on Dal Med News.

Appointment of Dr. Shashi Gujar, Executive Director, Cancer Immunotherapy, Innovation & Global Partnerships
I am pleased pleased to announce that Dr. Shashi Gujar has been appointed as Executive Director, Cancer Immunotherapy, Innovation and Global Partnerships.

Dr. Gujar, who is an internationally recognized immunotherapy expert and Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology here at Dalhousie, leads a team of researchers poised to drive innovation in cancer diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. The innovative immunotherapies akin to those developed by Dr. Gujar are already successful in treating advanced cancers without producing any of the harmful side effects caused by traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.

Through strategic international partnerships, he will work to overcome the challenges and limitations faced in Atlantic Canada in order to drive innovation and accelerate the translation of exciting medical discoveries in patients. Dr. Gujar will leverage the resources needed for his ground-breaking research enterprise to rapidly advance cancer immunotherapy discoveries and save lives sooner.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Gujar on his appointment. Read more about his exciting work on Dal Med News.

Reappointment of Dr. Carolyn Thomson, Assistant Dean, Resident Affairs
On behalf of the Faculty of Medicine, I am pleased to announce that Dr. Carolyn Thomson has been reappointed as Assistant Dean, Resident Affairs, for a five-year term effective July 1, 2022.

In her role as Assistant Dean, Dr. Thomson is responsible for providing leadership in resident affairs and for ensuring a high level of support to residents regarding personal, social, financial, career planning and academic matters. This includes facilitating access to care and support for residents in need. In 2020 she received the Resident Wellness Advocate of the Year Award, and the following year she was presented with the Resident Wellness Preceptor of the Year Award. Dr. Thomson is a leader and advocate for the health and well-being of physicians and learners, and we are fortunate to have her continuing in her role as Assistant Dean of Resident Affairs.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Thomson on her reappointment.

Appointment of Dr. OmiSoore Dryden, Interim Director, Black Studies Research Institute

On behalf of the Faculty of Medicine, I am pleased to announce that Dr. OmiSoore Dryden has been appointed Interim Director of the Black Studies Research Institute at Dalhousie University. Dr. Dryden’s appointment is effective April 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025.

Dr. Dryden, a Black queer femme, is Dalhousie’s fourth James R. Johnston Chair in Black Canadian Studies. She is engaged in interdisciplinary scholarship and research that focuses on Black LGBTQI communities, blood donation systems in Canada, anti-Black racism in health care, medical education, and Black health curricular content development.

Dr. Dryden is a content expert and Associate Scientist with the Maritime Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR) SUPPORT Unit (MSSU) where she provides guidance on Canadian Black Health metrics needed to inform the development of health policies and improve the health care system. Dr. Dryden is the co-lead of the new national organization – The Black Health Education Collaborative (BHEC), Dr. Dryden is the past co-president of the Black Canadian Studies Association (2019-2021) and is a board member of the Health Association of African Canadians.

The Black Studies Research Institute (BSRI) advances research (basic and applied) and connects and supports researchers in the areas of Black Studies. The BSRI energizes and informs ideas, debates, and public policy in Canada and abroad and provides an intellectual environment that brings researchers and scholars together to explore the various issues addressed in Black Studies.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Dryden on her appointment.

Dr. Irene Sadek reappointed Head, Department of Pathology
I am pleased to announce that Dr. Irene Sadek has been reappointed as Department Head in the Department of Pathology, for a five-year term effective July 1, 2022.

Under Dr. Sadek’s excellent leadership, the Department of Pathology has increased its academic productivity and grant capture and implemented new and innovative clinical service pathways. Most importantly, the department worked collaboratively to rise to the challenge of providing the necessary COVID-19 testing to fight the pandemic over the last two years.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Sadek on her reappointment.

Dr. Tim Holland Appointed Head, Department of Bioethics
I am pleased to announce that Dr. Tim Holland has been appointed Head of the Department of Bioethics for a five-year term. Dr. Holland’s appointment is effective September 1, 2022.

Dr. Holland, is an assistant professor in the Departments of Family Medicine and Bioethics. He graduated from Dalhousie Medical School in 2011 and completed his family medicine residency in Halifax in 2013. In 2014, he co-founded the Newcomer Health Clinic where he is the current medical lead. He also co-founded the Canadian Refugee Health Network and remains actively involved as a member of the organization’s steering committee. He has been a medical assistance in dying (MAID) provider since 2016 when MAID first became legal in Canada, and he sits on the Nova Scotia Health MAID Steering Committee and the steering committee for the Canadian MAID Curriculum Development Project.

In 2016 Dr. Holland was elected as chair of the Ethics Committee for the Canadian Medical Association (CMA). In this role he has overseen many important CMA bioethics initiatives, including the Guidelines for Physician Interactions with Industry, Medical Assistance in Dying and, most notably, the 2018 major revision of the Code of Ethics and Professionalism. Dr. Holland was also President of Doctors Nova Scotia from 2018 to 2019, and he co-founded Doctors for Decriminalization in 2019 where he is currently a co-chair.

Dr. Holland shares a family practice at the Sipekne’katik Health Centre and is currently completing a master’s thesis in Philosophy at Dalhousie.

In announcing Dr. Holland’s appointment, we would like to acknowledge Dr. Christy Simpson, who has dutifully held the headship position for more than 11 years. We are so grateful for her tremendous leadership in guiding the Department of Bioethics.

Please join me congratulating Dr. Holland on his appointment.

Appointment of Dr. Babar Haroon, Associate Dean, Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME)
On behalf of the Faculty of Medicine, I am pleased to announce that Dr. Babar Haroon has been appointed Associate Dean, Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME), for a five-year term, effective July 1, 2022.

Dr. Haroon is an Associate Professor cross-appointed in the Department of Critical Care and the Division of General Internal Medicine at Dalhousie University. He completed a Master’s in Education at Acadia University and has a strong interest in medical education, formerly holding the position of Program Director of the Adult Critical Care Subspecialty Training Program. He developed the simulation education program in the Department of Medicine, and as the Medical Director of Learning for the QEII Simulation Program, guided simulation delivery at the QEII with an interprofessional lens in a distributed environment.

Nationally, Dr. Haroon serves as the education director for the Canadian Critical Care Society and as a member on the education committee for the Canadian Society of Internal Medicine. At the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada he serves as a national examiner in Internal Medicine and in his role as a surveyor, has been part of numerous postgraduate accreditation visits. Dr. Haroon has been recognized for his excellence in teaching by numerous awards at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels in both Internal Medicine and Critical Care.

As Associate Dean, PGME, Dr. Haroon will provide strategic and administrative leadership in the Faculty of Medicine for postgraduate (residency) programs of the College of Family Physicians of Canada, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. He will provide academic leadership and management oversight of the development and delivery of the curriculum, assessment, and evaluation of all residency programs.

In announcing Dr. Haroon’s appointment, we would like to thank Dr. Andrew Warren for his outstanding contributions to the Faculty of Medicine as Associate Dean, PGME, over his two terms. He has been an exceptional leader and trusted teacher, and we are so grateful to have had him serve in the position for 10 years.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Haroon on his appointment.

In Memoriam: Dr. Charles Edward Hope

The Faculty of Medicine and Dalhousie University are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Dr. Charles Edward Hope, anesthesiologist and former professor and Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology at Dalhousie University, on April 3, 2022.

While at Dalhousie Dr. Hope founded a neurosurgical anesthesia subspecialty, consolidated critical care, and arranged research and clinical fellowships for many physicians who would go on to have internationally recognized careers.

Dr. Hope was a respected leader and inspiration to many. He will be profoundly missed.For the full obituary, click here.

In Memoriam: Dr. Donald Brown
The Faculty of Medicine and Dalhousie University are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Dr. Donald Brown, family physician and former Director of Residency Training in the Department of Family Medicine at Dalhousie University, on May 18, 2022.

Born in Shubenacadie, NS, Dr. Brown began practicing at the Moncton Hospital in 1958. He practiced throughout rural Nova Scotia before settling in Halifax in 1968, where he joined Dalhousie Medical School as the first full-time faculty teacher and became the first Director of Residency Training in what would be come the Department of Family Medicine. In 1996 Dr. Brown left Dalhousie to focus on medical hypnosis, and he worked in this field until his retirement in 2016.

Dr. Brown was a trusted leader, teacher, and award-winning physician who will be greatly missed.

For the full obituary, click here.

In Memoriam: Dr. William “Stuart” Huestis

The Faculty of Medicine and Dalhousie University are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Dr. William “Stuart” Huestis, neurosurgeon and former professor and Head of the Department of Neurosurgery at Dalhousie University, on May 23, 2022.

Dr. Huestis was a Professor and Head of Department of Neurosurgery Dalhousie University from 1974-1982 and was instrumental in setting up the Neuro Pediatric Unit at the IWK. He had many accolades, but what he aspired to was providing the best care for his patients. Apart from being skilled technically, he had a caring bedside manner and was always available to referring family doctors.

Dr. Huestis was a respected leader and inspiration to many. He will be profoundly missed.For the full obituary, click here.

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Winter 2022

March 10, 2022 Jason Bremner Leave a Comment

Dean’s Blog Winter 2022

It is hard to believe we are through two months of 2022 and another winter is slowly winding down. With March comes longer days and the first hints of spring. The last several months in particular, have been difficult, and faculty, staff and students have continued to go above and beyond not only to ensure we fulfill our mission to train the next generation of physicians and scientists, but also have contributed many hours to Nova Scotia’s COVID-19 efforts. Many residents and staff have been redeployed to clinical areas where the need is greatest, putting their own training and practice on hold. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their hard work and dedication as we continue to navigate these very challenging times.

And on that note, I am deeply saddened and concerned to watch what is happening in Ukraine. The Faculty of Medicine shares our support and stands in solidarity with the Ukranian community both near and far. We wish for a timely and peaceful end to the conflict. Please also refer to the message from President Saini for more details from Dalhousie University regarding this tragic action.

Although COVID-19 restrictions are scheduled to be lifted in the Maritimes later this month, it is important for everyone to continue to make smart decisions that will protect our loved ones and reduce the risk of infection. Stay home and get tested if you develop cold or flu-like symptoms, even if they are mild, and make the personal determination on when masks should be worn. Dalhousie announced that vaccination requirements and mandatory masking will be lifted after April 30. Detailed information for on-campus guidelines can be found here. Provincial health authorities are continuing with significant COVID-19 restrictions given the highly contagious nature of the omicron variant. Nova Scotia Health’s Protocols for safe recovery (NSH protocols) provides detailed expectations for their organization, across the continuum of four tiers of risk. At present, NSH is operating at Tier 4, extreme risk. We want to remind faculty, students, and staff conducting working in NSH and IWK facilities to follow all safety procedures and guidelines of those institutions.

Two years into the pandemic and we are all acutely aware of the importance of our mental health. Next week is Mental Health Awareness Week at Dalhousie. Established in 2020, this is an annual event that aims to bring together the university community to raise awareness on mental health and the resources available to support students. You’re encouraged to participate in the events scheduled between March 12-19, and during these very challenging times, work to support one another.

While most of the Dalhousie community returned to in-person learning and on-campus work on January 31, 2022, the return of students and staff in the Faculty of Medicine has been more gradual. As of March 7, 2022, it is great to see that learning activities have for the most part fully resumed for all our students. I look forward to seeing more of you on campus soon.

Dr. David Anderson
Dean, Faculty of Medicine

International Women’s Day
On March 8 we celebrated International Women’s Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. This year the campaign theme, #BreaktheBias, called for a gender-equal world. Gender equality is a continuous struggle for women globally, and we can all play a part in working for gender parity.

In an address to the University community, Dalhousie President and Vice-Chancellor Deep Saini spoke to the enormous contributions women have made at Dalhousie, with many of our successes attributed to the efforts of women students, faculty, staff members, and leaders, who have had to overcome barriers along the way. Read the full message here.

On International Women’s Day, the Medical School recognized some of the staff, faculty and learners who are working for a gender-equal world and supporting the #BreaktheBias theme through their work. Visit our Twitter page to see how they are working towards gender equality. Join us in celebrating women’s achievement. Together we can #BreaktheBias.

Learn more about International Women’s Day here.

Med 1 & 2’s return to in-person learning
I am pleased to share that all in-person tutorials, lectures, and in-hospital Skilled Clinician sessions for Med 1 & Med 2 students resumed fully on March 7, 2021.

Hands-on experiential learning is a vital aspect of medical training, and the safety of students and patients will always come first. We have worked closely with our partners at Nova Scotia Health, the IWK Health Centre, Horizon Health, and faculty lecturers and tutors to ensure that students will be receiving the safest and best medical educational experience possible

Government of Canada gives $6‑Million Boost to Dalhousie Health Research
Six researchers from the Faculty of Medicine are among 10 from Dalhousie sharing close to $6 million in Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) funding designed to elevate ideas with the greatest potential to improve human health. Congratulations to faculty members:

Robert Adamson, School of Biomedical Engineering
Alon Friedman, Department of Medical Neuroscience, Department of Pediatrics
Tomas Hajek, Department of Psychiatry
James Kramer, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Sandra Meier, Department of Psychiatry
Victor Rafuse, Department of Medical Neuroscience

Read more on Dal Med News.

Canadian Cancer Society Atlantic Cancer Research Grants
Congratulations to the seven Faculty of Medicine researchers who were successful in the recent Canadian Cancer Society Atlantic Cancer Research Grants:

Jeanette Boudreau, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology
Morgan Langille, Department of Pharmacology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology
Paola Marignani, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Pathology
Jean Marshall, Department of Microbiology and Immunology
Nathalie Saint-Jacques, Department of Medicine
Robin Urquhart, Department of Community Health and Epidemiology
David Waisman, Department of Pathology

Of the 51 applications received, a total of 11 grants were approved for funding – for a total investment of just over $3.09 million.

For more information on the grant, please visit the Canadian Cancer Society website.

Three Dalhousie researchers among those receiving Early Career Investigator funding
The Faculty of Medicine shares our congratulations to three faculty who are among the five new investigators in Atlantic Canada to receive funding through the Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute. The $474,000 in funds, provided in partnership by the Dalhousie Medical Foundation and the New Brunswick Health Research Foundation and, were awarded to: Dr. Zhenyu Cheng, associate professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology; Dr. Michael Ha, research director and assistant professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology; and Dr. Tobias Karakach, assistant professor in the Department of Pharmacology.

Read more about their important work here.

Dr. Rudolf Uher contributes to world-wide study to improve the lives of people with depression
Canadian Research Chair in Early Intervention in Psychiatry, Dr. Rudolf Uher, who is a professor in the Department of Psychiatry here at Dalhousie, is the only Canadian commissioner to contribute to a Lancet-World Psychiatric Association Commission on depression. This study, entitled Time for United Action on Depression, was released worldwide late Tuesday, February 15. The Lancet is a family of medical journals that are among the world’s oldest and best-known. The Commission recommends a whole-of-society response to reducing the global burden of depression.

Read more on Dal Med News.

Student life superstar turns passion into purpose in the lab and beyond
Ms. Erica Seelemann, a master’s student in the Faculty of Medicine’s Department of Physiology and Biophysics, has been awarded Dal’s most prestigious student honour: the Board of Governors’ Award. The award recognizes students for exceptional contributions or leadership in extracurriculars. Outside of her research and studies, Ms. Seelemann has found time to give back to both campus and to Nova Scotia. Congratulations Erica.

January 2022

January 1, 2022 Jason Bremner Leave a Comment

Dean’s Blog: January 2022

We began 2022 facing the highly contagious Omicron variant of COVID-19. Thanks to the efforts of faculty, staff, and students, educational programs in the Faculty of Medicine have continued, though they may look a little different than we had planned with the transition to a virtual learning environment.

We are excited to see our students on campus in February with the impending return of in-person learning for undergraduate and graduate teaching. Medical school teaching for Med I and II will continue virtually in Nova Scotia, but we look forward to returning to more in-person activities once this wave of the pandemic begins to improve. I want to say how proud I am of the way our students, residents, faculty, and staff have responded to challenges we have faced. I would like to particularly acknowledge the front-line physicians, residents, and students who are dealing with the Omicron wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and for those who have volunteered to assist with immunization programs and other COVID activities.

I know the evolving nature of this pandemic has led to considerable levels of stress, anxiety, but please know there are supports available to you and I encourage you to reach out if you need help. I have included various links below for those requiring assistance, along with some COVID-19 protocol reminders.

I want to thank you all for your patience, leadership, and support as we navigate this pandemic. It has been a challenge and we are all weary, but we will get through this together.

Dr. David Anderson
Dean, Faculty of Medicine

African Heritage Month at Dalhousie
Each year in February we celebrate African Heritage Month, and in 2022 the provincial theme, Through Our Eyes: The Voices of African Nova Scotians, recognizes the legacies of people of African descent through first voice, lived realities, and experiences. The theme highlights that when we listen to others’ perspectives, interpretation, and views on the world, particularly those from marginalized communities, we will gain a more meaningful understanding on how to make our world a better place.

Though it is vitally important we recognize the history of African Nova Scotians and all people of African descent more than just in February, I encourage you follow the suggestion communicated by the university on January 31 and take time this month to further engage in events, programming and learning opportunities on campus and in our broader community.

Dr. Kenneth Rockwood wins International Ryman Prize
Dr. Kenneth Rockwood, who is a geriatrician, researcher, and professor in the Division of Geriatric Medicine, is the recipient of the seventh Ryman Prize. The international award is worth $250,000 and recognizes the best global work focused on quality of life for older people. The Ryman prize is regarding as the Nobel equivalent for Geriatric research. It is an incredible honour for Dr. Rockwood to have been recognized for his outstanding achievements in this field.

Dr. Rockwood is recognized for his more than 30 years of research, collaboration and practical clinical work for older adults living with frailty and dementia, and his long-term campaign to battle ageism in healthcare. His win was announced by the Right Honourable Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand on Dec. 15, 2021. Because of COVID-19 restrictions Dr. Rockwood was not able to travel to New Zealand to collect his prize and medal.

Read more on Dal Med News.

Centre of Excellence for Healthy Aging established in Dr. Rockwood’s honour
Research Nova Scotia, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Wellness and Nova Scotia Health, is providing $700,000 in funding to establish a Centre of Excellence for Healthy Aging at Cape Breton University (CBU) in honour of Dr. Kenneth Rockwood. The recent Ryman Prize recipient is also contributing $25,000 of the financial award to the research program at CBU which will promote whole-patient care for people living with frailty and/or dementia.

Read more on Dal Med News.

New Black Studies Research Institute (BSRI) approved
I am pleased to share that the university recently approved the creation of a Black Studies Research Institute (BSRI) at Dalhousie University. As envisioned by the BSRI committee led by Dr. OmiSoore Dryden, Dalhousie’s James R. Johnston Chair in Black Canadian Studies, in the Faculty of Medicine, the Black Studies Research Institute will be a centre of excellence supporting the work of current and emerging Black researchers and scholars at the university. By establishing a robust interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research agenda, the institute will encourage Black researchers and scholars to work together across academic fields, including medicine and sciences, which often fall outside of the traditional scope of Black Studies.

The institute will develop and disseminate publications, host symposia and lecture series and facilitate applications for large scale research grants. It will also facilitate the development of research clusters, related to variety of topics focused on African Nova Scotian and Black Studies.

Dalhousie has led the way for Canadian universities in Black Studies leadership, with the first national senior research chair in Black Studies in Canada, currently held by Dr. Dryden, created here in the 1990s. In 2016 the university launched its interdisciplinary Black and African Diaspora Studies minor program. The BSRI allows Dalhousie to continue its leadership in Black Studies by establishing a strong and diverse research institute that stands apart nationally and internationally for its interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approach.

Thank you to all involved who are allowing Dalhousie to continue to advance Black Studies research and education.

Strategic Planning
In my last update I discussed the Faculty of Medicine’s strategic planning process, and our journey to fulfill our vision of becoming an international leader in medical education and research, and being responsive to the health needs across the Maritimes.

Though the pandemic has understandably monopolized our focus recently, we plan to continue with the strategic planning process by consulting with all areas of the Faculty of Medicine once we get through this current wave of COVID-19.

We will be looking for feedback and participation from our students, staff, and faculty to better understand your unique perspectives and understand of how we can better support you. Further details will be communicated soon.

Research NS New Health Investigator Grant
Nine new programs of health research are to begin at Dalhousie after funding was announced through Research Nova Scotia’s New Health Investigator Grant in December 2021. Congratulations to Faculty of Medicine Members: Drs. Tobias Karakach, Abraham Nunes, Sanja Stanojavic, and Alison Wallace who will each receive two years of support up to $100,000.

The New Investigator Grant supports researchers who are engaged in work that aligns with the Province of Nova Scotia’s health priorities. I am pleased to say that Dalhousie researchers won nine of the 15 grants awarded during the 2021-2022 academic year.

Read more on Dal Med News.

CAME announces 2022 Certificate of Merit Recipients
The Canadian Association for Medical Education recently announced the 2022 recipients of the Certificate of Merit, an award that promotes, recognizes and rewards faculty committed to medical education in Canadian medical schools. Congratulations to Dalhousie winners Drs. Sarah Gander and Andrew Warren.

Dr. Gander is a general pediatrician in Saint John New Brunswick. Her clinical practice focuses on both general and social pediatrics, and she is also co-founder of the New Brunswick Social Pediatrics Research Program and Clinical Program. She is also host of the Fac Dev Lounge, a medical education podcast hosted by Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick.

Dr. Warren is a pediatric cardiologist at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He is also the associate dean of postgraduate medical education at Dalhousie University. In this role he represents the interests of postgraduate medical education and its programs. He is an active member of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, as well as current chair of the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada Committee on Postgraduate Medical Education.

Congratulations to both Dr. Gander and Dr. Warren on this well-deserved honour.

CIHR names Dalhousie scholar Applied Public Health Chair
Dalhousie is now home to another research chair. Matthew Herder, associate professor in the Department of Pharmacology, jointly appointed in the Schulich School of Law, and director of the Health Law Institute, is one of seven newly appointed Applied Public Health Chairs announced today by the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR). The program will provide $8.05 million in support to be shared among the chairs to build capacity and strengthen a range of research disciplines and sectors.

Developed in partnership with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), CIHR’s Institute of Population and Public Health first developed the Applied Public Health Chair program in 2003 in response to the challenges that emerged following the SARS epidemic. Revived in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the program provides mid-career researchers with an opportunity to collaborate with decision makers to help support innovative public health-oriented research. The goal is improved health outcomes for both those in Canada and around the world.

Read more on Dal Med News.

Fighting Blindness Canada announces winners of 2021 grant competition
Fighting Blindness Canada recently announced the recipients of their 2021 grant competition, among them, our own Dr. Balwantray Chauhan. Dr. Chauhan, a professor in the Departments of Ophthalmology and Physiology and Bioethics, is among eight Canadian researchers receiving funding. He has developed a novel advanced imaging technique to improve our understanding of how retinal ganglion cells in the optic nerve degenerate during glaucoma. He and his research team will test if the imaging technique can measure optic nerve health in response to new neuroprotective agents, with the goal of identifying new biomarkers of glaucoma that doctors can use to develop new therapies and better manage the disease. I look forward to hearing more about Dr. Chauhan’s exciting work.

Faculty Wellness
The Faculty Wellness Office is looking for clinical faculty to help with a new Peer Support Program. If you have experience that could help other faculty they would like to hear from you. We value diversity, and we encourage people from equity-deserving groups to apply. As a volunteer, you will receive peer support training, ongoing training in coaching skills, and opportunities to seek help and support from the Faculty Wellness Office.

All volunteers will receive:

Support your faculty peers by offering a safe listening environment
Assist them in processing the challenges they are facing, (professional and/or personal concerns, including distress and burnout)
Help them to identify additional resources

For more information, please contact: Roberta.preston@dal.ca

CIHR launches “Ask a Scientist” videos featuring Dr. Christine Chambers
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Ask a Scientist program highlights research to combat COVID-19. In their most recent promotion Dr. Christine Chambers, who is affiliated with the Departments of Pediatrics, Psychology and Neuroscience, and Psychiatry, as well as holding a Canada Research Chair in Children’s Pain, is the featured expert to address dealing with needle pain and fear. In a series of four videos, Dr. Chambers discusses:

To learn more visit CIHR’s Ask a Scientist page.

Executive Director of Operations
We are pleased to announce that Janice Godin has accepted role of Executive Director of Operations in the Faculty of Medicine, effective mid-February. Janice has been the Director of Human Resources in the Faculty of Medicine for the last number of years and brings extensive experience and great skills into her new position. She will replace Anne Weeden who moves into retirement after 29 years with the Faculty of Medicine. Please join us in both congratulating Janice on her new role, and wishing Anne well in her retirement.

In Memoriam: Dr. Michael Scott Ramsey
The Faculty of Medicine and Dalhousie University are saddened to announce the passing of Dr. Michael Scott Ramsey, Professor Emeritus in Ophthalmology, on January 22, 2022, at the age of 85.

Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Dr. Ramsey had an illustrious career in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (DOVS) and the Department of Pathology over his 44 years as a faculty member of Dalhousie University. Dr. Ramsey joined the DOVS in July of 1971, after completing his ophthalmic pathology fellowship with the legendary Dr. Lorenz Zimmerman at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in Washington, DC.

Promoted to Associate Professor in 1974 and to Full Professor in 1991, Dr. Ramsey was the first full time hospital-based academic ophthalmologist in the DOVS, a group that has now grown to 13 physicians. He served as Acting Head of the DOVS between 1976-1979.

Dr. Ramsey was a dedicated physician and superb surgeon, but his contributions to the ophthalmology residency program were undoubtedly the highlight of his career. He taught ocular pathology and coached generations of residents in achieving competency in ocular surgery. Dr. Ramsey was Program Director from 1981 to 1996 and was responsible for shaping the DOVS residency program into one of the best in the country. After his retirement in 2010, he was appointed Professor Emeritus and until recently, continued to teach in the resident’s clinic at the Eye Care Centre.

Dr. Ramsey appreciated his friends, patients, colleagues, and staff. He leaves behind a loving family here in Nova Scotia and in Northern Ireland. He will be profoundly missed.

For the full obituary, click here.

COVID-19 Protocols and Reminders
As we know, the Omicron variant is highly contagious and spreads very rapidly. We have a shared responsibility to do all that we can to support the health of our Dalhousie community, and our colleagues and patients in the various health care settings, including NSH and the IWK.

To that end, we want to remind the Faculty of Medicine community of our collective responsibilities:

Strict adherence to masking protocols is critical and one of the most important steps we can take to support your health and the health of those around you.
Please reduce your risk of transmission by always wearing a well-fitting medical mask.
Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) has identified that there is a major risk for COVID transmission when masks are removed. For this reason, eating and drinking in Dalhousie buildings is only permitted while alone or properly physical distanced from others in designated areas.
Faculty, students, and staff conducting work in Nova Scotia Health and IWK facilities will follow all safety procedures and guidelines of those institutions.
Keep your social group small and consistent.
While we are confident that we have implemented and are following effective health and safety protocols while on campus, collectively we also need to be mindful of our actions when we are not on campus.
- Public Health has identified that there are higher risks of infection when congregating with people outside our immediate social group without wearing well-fitting medical masks. Where possible try to minimize these occasions during this very challenging wave of the pandemic.
As always, please follow all Public Health guidelines and regularly check for updates as guidelines change regularly — and stay at home if you’re feeling even slightly unwell.

COVID-19 Supports

Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
EFAP Crisis Line: 1-844-751-2133
Student Health & Wellness
Dalhousie Remote Working: Mental Health Resources
Doctors Nova Scotia: Professional Support Program
Nova Scotia Mental Health Crisis Line: 1-888-429-8167
Nova Scotia Crisis Text Line: Text – NSSTRONG to 741741
Psychology works for COVID-19: Psychologists giving back to front line service providers
Fredericton Mental Health Crisis Line: 506-453-2132
Moncton Mental Health Crisis Line: 1-866-771-7760
Saint John Mental Health Crisis Line: 1-888-811-3664
New Brunswick Medical Society Wellness: msibbett@nbms.nb.ca or 506-875-6749

December 2021

December 7, 2021 Jason Bremner Leave a Comment

As the end of 2021 quickly approaches, I want to offer my sincere thanks to everyone in the Faculty of Medicine for your dedication and efforts during yet another challenging year.

Every time we thought we had a handle on COVID-19, we were confronted with a new wave and the corresponding obstacles that followed. Throughout it all, students, staff, and faculty approached their duties with professionalism, in-person educational opportunities continued, and clinical faculty and alumni provided care on the front lines of the pandemic.

Somehow, you have all made the extraordinary seem routine.

I can assure you that I am acutely aware that this is not the case, and I am grateful to each of you for your individual contributions that have contributed to our collective success.

I hope everyone has the opportunity to relax and spend time with your loved ones over the holiday break. I look forward to seeing you in 2022.

Dr. David Anderson
Dean, Faculty of Medicine

Faculty of Medicine Food Drive
In lieu of our traditional holiday gathering, the Faculty of Medicine has partnered with Feed Nova Scotia for a holiday food drive. Feed Nova Scotia distributes almost 2 million kilograms of food each year, with the pandemic only increasing the demand on food banks.

From now until December 17th, there will be a Feed Nova Scotia box at the main reception on the second floor of the Clinical Research Centre (5849 University Avenue) where you can place your donations for the food drive.

Feed Nova Scotia would especially appreciate nutritious food donations that help make up part of a main meal. They provide the following suggestions:

Soups and stews
Peanut butter
Cereal
Canned vegetables and fruits
Canned meat, fish, and beans
Rice, pasta, and pasta sauce
Baby food and formula
Meal replacement drinks
Canned and powdered milk

If you are unable to donate in person, please consider making a donation online at feednovascotia.ca or by calling 902-457-1900 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. For those in New Brunswick, donations can be made to Harbour Lights Campaign, for those in PEI, donations can be made to Upper Room Hospitality.

Strategic Planning
Over the past five years, the Faculty of Medicine’s strategic plan, #DalMedForward, has, in part, started our journey toward fulfilling our vision of becoming an international leader and being responsive to the health needs across the Maritimes.

On October 29, 2021, I was pleased to welcome Assistant and Associate Deans, Department Heads, and administrative leaders across the Faculty of Medicine for our first planning session as we develop our new strategic plan. I am pleased with the progress and achievements of our faculty over the past five years – and recognize there is much more that needs to be done.

To build upon #DalMedForward, meaningful engagement with faculty, students, staff, and our various external stakeholders, will be crucial. Over the coming months we will be consulting broadly with all areas and employment groups of the Faculty of Medicine to better understand your unique perspectives and understand of how we can better support you.

As we move forward, it is my commitment to keep you informed of our progress and remain open to new ideas that challenge the status quo. I encourage all faculty, staff, and students to participate. With your help, we look forward to continuing the tradition of training scientists and medical professionals with a commitment to lifelong learning, excellence in patient care, high ethical standards, and accountability to communities we serve.

RIM Research Day
Kudos to all for the success of the seventh Annual RIM Research Day, held virtually on September 10. The RIM program at Dalhousie is truly unique in that all our medical students have the opportunity to complete a research study over the course of their training: it’s a first of its kind in Canada, and it has produced exceptional student research. It is truly impressive to see the amount and breadth of research taking place at Dalhousie Medical School.

I would like to recognize the 2021 RIM Excellence in Mentoring Award winners, whose mentorship has played a pivotal role in offering RIM students insight into the importance of research in influencing clinical decision making. In Nova Scotia, Dr. Leah Cahill, Department of Medicine and Community Health and Epidemiology and in New Brunswick, Dr. Amanda Caissie, Department of Radiation Oncology. As well, I am proud to recognize Dr. Karthik Tennankore from the Department of Medicine, who was the 2019 recipient of the award. Thank you all for your continued support and commitment to the RIM program. I also want to thank to Dr. Anna MacLeod, the head of our RIM program, and Dr. Colleen O’Connell, our RIM Co-Chair in New Brunswick, and their staff for making RIM Research Day such a success.

I offer my congratulations to our Faculty of Medicine RIM students, mentors, and event organizers for all their hard work to make this event a success and to provide an excellent forum for our student researchers to share their important work. It is my hope that participating in RIM has inspired you all to continue your involvement in research throughout your professional careers.

Faculty of Medicine Leadership Awards
The 2021 Faculty of Medicine Leadership Awards took place virtually on September 21, where we recognized our leaders at all levels in the Faculty of Medicine for their continued commitment in supporting our departments, divisions and units across the Maritimes in achieving the Faculty’s academic mission.

The nominees chosen for these awards demonstrated significant accomplishments in their work directly related to Dalhousie’s leadership competencies, both as a team member or team leader. The 2021 Award Recipients included:

Valerie Chappe, Assistant Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (Academic Leadership Award)
Stephen Whitefield, Manager of the Cellular Microscopy and Digital Imaging (CMDI) core facility in the Faculty of Medicine (Professional and Managerial Leadership Award)
Mandy Morgan, Site Administrator (Leadership in Administrative, Clerical & Technical Support Award)
Shane LeBlanc, Director, Post-Graduate Medical Education

This year, the Faculty of Medicine was honoured to introduce the “Team Collaboration Award” in memory of Mr. Ryan Clow; a well-known, well-liked, and highly esteemed member of our team who passed away very suddenly on February 5, 2021. He was the Director of MedIT and an integral part of students’ education across both campuses. The first-ever recipient of this award was the MedIT team for the monumental effort they have put in as a team under Mr. Ian Taylor’s leadership throughout the pandemic and as they navigated the devastating loss of their co-leader and friend.

Congratulations to this year’s recipients. A special thank you to our selection committee, and those that took the time to recognize and nominate your colleagues.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
On September 30th, Dalhousie Medical School joined the Dalhousie community and the rest of the country in observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a day for remembrance and reflection and to honour survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities.

Dalhousie’s observance of this day aligns with our commitment to using the medical school’s platform and resources to make the Faculty of Medicine a catalyst for change and an inclusive and welcoming place for all to learn. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s call to action was a reminder that we need to do our part in redressing the colonial history of residential schools and attempts to decimate the identity, education, and life chances of Indigenous peoples. Acknowledging that Dalhousie University is located in Mi’kma’ki — the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq, and that DMNB is sits on traditional unceded and un-surrendered Wolastoqey lands— is just the beginning.

In preparation for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Global Health Office’s Indigenous Health in Medicine program offered a Preparing for a Day of Truth and Reconciliation speaker series. I would like to acknowledge both Ms. Hannah Asprey, the Faculty’s Indigenous Health in Medicine Program Manager, and Dr. Brent Young, Academic Director of Indigenous Health, for their incredible work and efforts to pull this seminar series together so we could learn how to better encourage and support Indigenous members of our Dalhousie community and think about the society we want to be as we work together toward a more respectful and inclusive campus community and society.

Dr. Gail Darling Appointed Head, Department of Surgery
Dr. Gail Darling has been appointed as the Head for the Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University for a five-year term. This position also serves as the Central Zone Department Head of Surgery at Nova Scotia Health. This appointment is effective January 1, 2022.

Dr. Darling was previously a Professor of Surgery in the Division of Thoracic Surgery and in the Department of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation at the University of Toronto. Dr. Darling held the Kress Family Chair in Esophageal Cancer at the University of Toronto and University Health Network and was also an affiliate scientist at the Toronto General Hospital Research Institute.

Dr. Darling holds the position of Clinical Lead for Thoracic Cancers and High-Risk Lung Cancer Screening for Ontario Health Cancer Care Ontario and is the Esophageal Disease Site co-chair for the Canadian Clinical Trials Group and is a member of the Thoracic Surgery Oncology Group.

Dr. Darling is the President Elect of the Canadian Association of Thoracic Surgeons and secretary of the International Society of Diseases of the Esophagus. Dr. Darling is the Editor-in- Chief of Pearson’s Textbook of Thoracic Surgery.

In announcing Dr. Darling’s appointment, The Faculty of Medicine would like to thank Dr. David Kirkpatrick for his steady leadership in the Department of Surgery since 2009.

Dr. Brent Johnston Appointed Head, Department of Microbiology & Immunology
Dr. Brent Johnston has been appointed Head of the Department of Microbiology & Immunology for a five-year term. Dr. Johnston’s appointment is effective September 15, 2021.

Dr. Johnston completed his PhD at the University of Calgary and a CIHR fellowship at Stanford University before being recruited to Dalhousie University in 2004 as the Canada Research Chair in Inflammation and Immunity. Dr. Johnston has served on several Faculty level committees and as Graduate Coordinator for the Department of Microbiology & Immunology. He is currently Secretary Treasurer for the Canadian Society for Immunology.

Dr. Johnston has been serving in the role as Interim Head of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology since August 1, 2020, and holds a joint, tenured appointment as a Professor in the Departments of Microbiology & Immunology and Pediatrics.

Dr. Christine Chambers elected as 2021 Canadian Academy of Health Sciences Fellow
The Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS) recently announced Dr. Christine Chambers is among the list of individuals who were elected as Fellows for 2021.

The Canadian Academy of Health Sciences brings together Canada’s top-ranked health and biomedical scientists and scholars to make a positive impact on the urgent health concerns of Canadians. Our Fellows, drawn from all disciplines across our nation’s universities, healthcare, and research institutes, evaluate Canada’s most complex health challenges and recommend strategic, actionable solutions.

Election to Fellowship in the Academy is considered one of the highest honours for individuals in the Canadian health sciences community and carries with it a covenant to serve the Academy and the future well-being of the health sciences irrespective of the Fellow’s specific discipline.

For more information, please visit Dal Med News.

DMAA Awards
On November 25th, the Dalhousie Medical Alumni Association (DMAA) recognized nine deserving members of the alumni community during a virtual ceremony.

For the first time ever, the Alumnus of the Year award was co-presented to four individuals. All four are provincial chief medical officers of health (CMOH): Dr. Janice Fitzgerald (PGM ’96), Newfoundland & Labrador; Dr. Bonnie Henry (MD ’90), British Columbia; Dr. Heather Morrison (MD ’99), Prince Edward Island; and Dr. Jennifer Russell (PGM ’01), New Brunswick.

Other recipients include:

Honorary President Award: Dr. K. Thomas Robbins (MD ’74)
The 2021 Family Physician of the Year Award: Dr. Michael Fleming (MD ’78)
2021 Young Alumnus of the Year Award: Dr. Ian Epstein (MD ’04, PGM ’09)
Resident Leadership Award, Royal College Specialties and Subspecialties: Dr. Marissa LeBlanc (MD ’17)
Resident Leadership Award, Family Medicine (including enhanced skills programs): Dr. Colin Boyd (MD ’18)

For more information on this year’s recipients, please visit Dal Med News.

Doctors Nova Scotia Awards
Congratulations to the Faculty of Medicine clinical faculty who were recently recognized by Doctors Nova Scotia with their annual awards.

The association’s annual achievement awards are one way that Doctors Nova Scotia (DNS) celebrates the dedication of its members, physicians who go beyond the call of duty, but are rarely acknowledged for their hard work.

This year, Doctors Nova Scotia honoured eight physicians for exemplary achievement.

For the full list, please visit the Doctors Nova Scotia website.

Nova Scotia’s Family Physician of the Year
Congratulations to Dr. Joan Salah, Co-Director of the Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship Program in Cape Breton; and Curriculum Coordinator for the Family Medicine Residency Program in Cape Breton, for being named Nova Scotia Family Physician of the Year by the Nova Scotia College of Family Physicians.

Dr. Salah is a community family physician at Northside Collaborative in North Sydney. She works in all areas of community family medicine. In addition to her family practice, she has multiple other roles such as caring for patients in long term care, assisting in the OR, and working at the youth health clinic.

For more information, please visit the Nova Scotia College of Family Physicians website.

2021 Michelle Harkness Mentorship Award
Congratulations to Dr. Lori Connors, Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine, for being the recipient of the 2021 Michelle Harkness Mentorship Award (MHMA) Mentorship Development Grant by the Allergy, Genes and Environment Network. Dr. Connors is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine and a clinical immunologist and allergist with an academic and a community practice.

The MHMA Mentorship Development Grant does not recognize past mentoring achievements but rather supports activities by which applicants seek to strengthen their mentoring skills. The 2021 grant facilitated Dr. Connors’ participation in a Canadian Women in Medicine Leaders Course, and in the Canadian Women in Medicine Annual Conference, both of which will enable the achievement of her goal: to develop a Women in Allergy and Immunology conference as a means to develop and mentor upcoming and current women in allergy.

Congratulations, Dr. Connors!

2021 Discovery Awards
Congratulations to several faculty members who were recognized at the 2021 Discovery Awards and celebrated as outstanding innovators who make Nova Scotia a leader in scientific discovery.

Of particular note, Dr. Noni MacDonald was this year’s inductee to the Discovery Centre’s Science Hall of Fame. Dr. MacDonald is a renowned global health advocate and researcher. She was the first pediatrician to be certified in pediatric infectious diseases in Canada and became the country’s first female dean of medicine when she assumed the role at Dalhousie from 1999 to 2004.

Dr. MacDonald is highly deserving of this prestigious honour and the Faculty of Medicine is incredibly proud of her achievements.

For the full list of recipients, please visit Dal Med News.

2021 Sophia B. Jones Mentorship Program
On November 9^th, I was pleased to provide opening remarks for the launch of the 2021 Sophia B. Jones Mentorship Program. This program, developed for African Nova Scotian/Canadian students in the Faculty of Medicine, was established to enhance connections for Black students in medicine with physicians by providing guidance through academic and professional development.

Having the right mentors can be a critical component to one’s success and it was reassuring to see that Dalhousie medical students will receive capable and understanding mentorship, built on the foundation of shared experience.

My sincere thanks to all the physicians and residents in attendance that evening who understand the importance of this program and who are graciously offering their time and expertise to provide mentorship to the next generation of physicians.

In Memoriam: Dr. Sohrab Lutchmedial
The Faculty of Medicine and Dalhousie University are deeply saddened to announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Dr. Sohrab Lutchmedial, Assistant Professor in Medicine at Dalhousie University and part-time lecturer at Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick (DMNB), on November 8, 2021 at the age of 52.

Dr. Lutchmedial made Saint John, New Brunswick home and became, in his words, a “born-again Maritimer” when he joined the New Brunswick Heart Centre (NBHC) as an interventional cardiologist in June 2000, dedicating more than 20 years of his life to the care of patients suffering from heart disease.

A passionate advocate of promoting equity in health education and support for the early prevention of cardiovascular disease, Dr. Lutchmedial was a brilliant scholar and beloved mentor to Dalhousie University Research in Medicine (RIM) students and clinical research professionals.

For the full In Memorandum for Dr. Lutchmedial, please click here.

Remembering Chancellor Emeritus Richard Goldbloom
Finally, the entire Dalhousie community was again saddened by the passing of a giant in the field of pediatrics and a towering figure in medical education at Dalhousie University, Dr. Richard Goldbloom. As head of the Department of Pediatrics at Dalhousie Medical School and physician-in-chief at the IWK Health Centre, Dr. Goldbloom went on to become one of the most influential pediatricians in the world. Named a Dal Med Innovator to commemorate the 150^th anniversary of Dalhousie Medical School, his presence and impact will be felt for generations to come.

The following In Memoriam was shared by Dalhousie President Deep Saini on November 22, 2021:

“Since news broke Friday night that Richard Goldbloom had passed away, many Nova Scotians have been sharing memories and stories of someone who was a founding father of modern pediatrics, a beloved community leader and Dalhousie chancellor emeritus.

These tales focus less on Dr. Goldbloom’s stature as a towering figure in health care and education in our region and around the world, and instead speak to the warm, kind and generous man whose love and care for others informed all the great things he achieved in his 96 years. He would surely be humbled by the outpouring of kindness he and his family are receiving right now.

Dalhousie offers our utmost condolences to his family and all who had the pleasure of knowing or working with him.”

For the full In Memoriam, please visit Dal News.

Summer 2021

August 31, 2021 Jennifer Lewandowski Leave a Comment

I hope you have all been able to enjoy some summer vacation and time spent with family and friends in our beautiful part of the country. It feels good to know that many Nova Scotians have already received (or will be receiving soon) their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, allowing us to travel around more freely and regain a sense of normalcy in our everyday routines.

I would like to extend my congratulations to Premier Tim Houston and the Progressive Conservative government in Nova Scotia on a successful election campaign. With a focus on improving health care in the province, I look forward to meeting with members of government to discuss the role Dalhousie Medical School can play to address this important issue.

I am delighted to welcome our new learners to medical school and a huge “welcome back!” to our returning students. After a long time working remotely, I look forward to seeing everyone on campus. Please stop and say hello.

Many around the world celebrate Pride Month in June, but here in Nova Scotia and at Dalhousie we celebrate our LGBTQ2SIA+ communities in July and, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and health and safety, Pride Month was commemorated in Halifax in August this year. At Dalhousie Medical School, we encourage our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and administrators to pause, celebrate and reenergize. The full acceptance, safety, and practice of inclusiveness for our LGBTQ2SIA+ community is critical to all our successes.

On September 30, Dalhousie Medical School will join the Dalhousie community and the rest of the country in observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a day for remembrance and reflection and to honour survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities.

We will share details about local community events and other opportunities to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation closer to the date. I hope all students, faculty, and staff use this time to learn and reflect on the history, culture, and lived experiences of Indigenous peoples.

Faculty of Medicine Return to Campus Update

As faculty, students, and staff prepare to return to campus, there are understandably questions on health and safety guidelines and protocols. Recently, Dalhousie University announced their plans to prioritize our collective safety and well-being as many of us return to campus. These updated requirements include:

Students, faculty, and staff will be asked to provide proof of their vaccination status prior to accessing university campuses.
Students, faculty, and staff who are not fully vaccinated, or choose not to provide proof of vaccination, will have to undergo COVID-19 testing twice a week and will be required to provide proof that the testing has taken place. (Testing will also continue to be encouraged for fully vaccinated individuals.)

As well, Horizon Health has shared more information regarding vaccination and testing requirements that will apply to all physicians and medical learners studying at Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick.

This is a complex issue, and the university continues to work to finalize the details of how these vaccine requirements will be implemented and operationalized. The Faculty of Medicine supports these updates to vaccination and testing. We will continue to work with Dalhousie University to ensure our faculty, students, and staff are in compliance with this directive. Dalhousie has also addressed many of the key questions being asked in their recent announcement and revised FAQ. Faculty, students, and staff are encouraged to carefully review the memo and links, the Dalhousie fall return plan, the PSE/LAE framework, and Dalhousie’s COVID-19 information page before returning to campus.

Dean’s Welcome Ceremony

On August 22nd, we held our annual Dean’s Welcome Ceremony to welcome our first-year med students to Dalhousie Medical School and to the practice of medicine. In case you missed it, a video of the ceremony can be found online. I would like to thank our hard-working team in the Student Affairs office, in particular Ms. Sharon Forward and Ms. Carolyn Doyle, for putting together a successful welcome to our incoming Class of 2025.

During ceremony, we listened to the Drummers from Home and were welcomed by Ms. Catherine Martin who greeted us with the Mi’kmaw Welcome before students collectively read their code of conduct and listened to the Hippocratic Oath, setting the stage for the next four years of intense medical education and the career in medicine that will follow.

To all our students, new and returning, I wish you the best of luck with your studies.

Welcoming New Residents

As some residents were wrapping up their training at Dalhousie, we welcomed a new group of 173 residents on July 1st. This is an exciting time for our new postgrad trainees, and I encourage them to take full advantage of their educational experiences – including getting involved in teaching of our medical students, who will benefit from their experience and wisdom. I want to thank our residents, program directors and staff at Dalhousie, as well as the Maritime health authorities, for creating a seamless start to residency training.

Emancipation Day

Earlier this year, Canada’s House of Commons voted unanimously to designate August 1, 2021, as Emancipation Day. The longstanding history of racial harassment and discrimination in the Maritime Provinces is well documented, and the COVID-19 pandemic further exposes how systemic racism has caused health inequities that are harming Black people and communities.

The Faculty of Medicine is committed to using our platform and resources to create an all-inclusive and welcoming place to work and learn. Placing the James R. Johnston Chair in Black Canadian Studies within the Faculty of Medicine was an important step to strengthening the Faculty of Medicine’s priority of enhancing diversity and fostering community outreach – but there is much more to be done. Focusing on diversity, equity, community representation, and disrupting racism and colonialism in all its forms will lead to improved and more inclusive health care for all. It will also result in a better educational experience for our learners.

Strategic Planning

Carrying forward the momentum and successes of #DalMedForward, work has already begun on our new strategic plan. It is incredibly exciting to see what we can achieve as a team and I look forward to supporting further achievements in our three strategic pillars: Education, Research, and Serving and Engaging Society. This will be a collaborative effort and the engagement and support of the medical school community will be critical to the success of our planning. I encourage all faculty, staff, and students to participate. With your help, we look forward to continuing the tradition of training medical professionals with a commitment to lifelong learning, excellence in patient care, high ethical standards, and accountability to communities we serve.

Nova Scotia Standing Committee on Health

In July, I, alongside Dr. Kath Stringer, Head of the Department of Family Medicine, and Dr. Roop Conyers, Site Director of the Annapolis Valley Training site, as well as our colleagues from Nova Scotia Health, had the pleasure of speaking to Nova Scotia’s Standing Committee on Health regarding Dalhousie Medical School’s role in recruiting and training medical students in rural Nova Scotia. We rely on the excellent collaboration and support of our partners to train physicians, and this was a great opportunity to share with the committee the actions Dalhousie Medical School has undertaken to train medical students to meet the needs of rural areas, including producing physicians that reflect the diversity of our region and meeting the health care needs of the Maritimes.

2021 Clinical Research Mentorship Colloquium

I am pleased to announce the launch of the Clinical Research Mentorship Colloquium. This is a new program created to provide expertise and training support to early career clinical researchers to take a clinical question and design a research project.

Models for merging patient care and research are growing in number and sophistication around the globe and being further recognized and solidified as an integral part of the research success at research-intensive institutions. Inherent in the integrated approach to research is the need to combine clinical medical practice and clinical research. This program is a partnership between the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University, NS Health and the IWK who collectively recognize that the path to continued success in the area of clinical research is through continued collaboration.

I am excited to see the contributions to research which will be borne via this program, and I encourage all early career clinical researchers to get involved. Any questions can be directed to Sara Lavender, Director of the Medical Research Development Office at sara.lavender@dal.ca.

Appointment of Dr. Paola Marcato, Interim Assistant Dean, Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

On behalf of the Faculty of Medicine, I am pleased to announce that Dr. Paola Marcato has been appointed Interim Assistant Dean, Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Dr. Marcato’s appointment is effective September 1, 2021.

Dr. Marcato obtained her PhD in Medical Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Alberta in 2004. Dr. Marcato went on to complete postdoctoral training on cancer research with Dr. Patrick Lee at Dalhousie University. In 2012, Dr. Marcato joined the Department of Pathology as an Assistant Professor and started a breast cancer research laboratory. She was promoted to Associate Professor in 2018. Dr. Marcato has an active CIHR-funded cancer research program with four graduate students, three postdoctoral fellows, and a research technician. The research projects in Dr. Marcato’s laboratory have the long-term goal of developing improved therapeutic strategies for breast cancer.

Since becoming a faculty member at Dalhousie in 2012, Dr. Marcato has been actively involved in graduate student training, supervising 14 graduate students, serving on the graduate student supervisory committees of over 30 students, and serving as the Department of Pathology’s Graduate Coordinator since 2020. Dr. Marcato’s commitment to trainee mentorship was recognized in 2021 by being awarded the inaugural Faculty of Medicine Award for Excellence in Research Mentorship of Trainees. As the Interim Assistant Dean Graduate and Postdoctoral studies, Dr. Marcato will represent the interests and perspectives of graduate and postdoctoral fellows in the Faculty of Medicine.

Dr. Marcato is replacing Dr. Valerie Chappe, who has been seconded to the position of Associate Dean in the Faculty of Graduate Studies for Dalhousie University. The Faculty of Medicine thanks Dr. Chappe for her leadership in her previous role as the Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies in the Faculty of Medicine over the past three years.

Appointment of Dr. Janie Wilson, Director, School of Biomedical Engineering

On behalf of the Faculties of Engineering and Medicine, Dr. John Newhook, Dean, Faculty of Engineering, and I are pleased to announce that Dr. Janie Wilson has been appointed Director, School of Biomedical Engineering, for a five-year term. This appointment is effective September 1, 2021.

Dr. Wilson has recently returned to Dalhousie as a Professor in the School of Biomedical Engineering after three years at McMaster University (2018-2021), where she was a Professor in the Department of Surgery with cross appointments in biomedical and mechanical engineering and ran an interdisciplinary research program in translational clinical biomechanics for orthopaedic surgery and healthy mobility and aging. Dr. Wilson’s expertise is in biomechanics and statistical modeling for human movement, and the integration of technology into clinical outcomes for musculoskeletal disease and orthopaedic surgery.

She will continue to build her collaborative research program at Dalhousie in the fields of osteoarthritis biomechanics, orthopaedic surgical innovation, and mobility for healthy aging. Dr. Wilson is the current President of the Canadian Society for Biomechanics and a Past President of the Canadian Orthopaedic Research Society.

The School of Biomedical Engineering at Dalhousie University was established in 1999 as a collaborative effort of the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Engineering, and with significant assistance from the Faculty of Dentistry. We would like to thank Dr. Geoffrey Maksym for his two terms of dedicated service as Director of the School of Biomedical Engineering.

Reappointment of Dr. Sarah Wells, Assistant Dean, Medical Sciences

On behalf of the Faculties of Medicine, I, alongside of Dr. Chris Moore, Dean, Faculty of Science, am pleased to announce that Dr. Sarah Wells has been reappointed Assistant Dean, Medical Sciences, for a five-year term. This appointment is effective July 1, 2021.

Dr. Wells has served as Assistant Dean, overseeing the Medical Sciences BSc program since 2016. The Medical Sciences program at Dalhousie is unique, and the first of its kind in Atlantic Canada. It connects the Faculties of Medicine, Science, and Arts & Social Sciences, offering graduates the opportunity to explore a wide range of subjects and builds the foundation that medical schools, and many other health-related professional programs across Canada require.

Dr. Wells is an Associate Professor at Dalhousie University in the School of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Physics & Atmospheric Science with a cross-appointment in the Department of Physiology & Biophysics.

President’s Research Excellence Awards

Established in 2018, these awards recognize the research achievements of Dalhousie faculty members. The award for Emerging Investigators recognizes early-career researchers (within seven years of their first academic appointment) who have demonstrated a high level of achievement in their field, while the award for Impact celebrates researchers at any career stage who are having substantial, current impact on their field of research. Congratulations to the follow individuals from the Faculty of Medicine:

Dr. Jeanette Boudreau, Emerging Investigator Award
Dr. Leah Cahill, Emerging Investigator Award
Dr. Shashi Gujar, Emerging Investigator Award
Dr. David Kelvin, Research Impact Award

For more information on individual award winners, please click here.

Faculty of Medicine Resident Research Awards

The Resident Research Awards are presented to residents who have demonstrated excellence in research and to honor and publicly recognize their achievements. Presentation of these awards also aims to encourage participation in research activities. Each department submitted a nominee based on the Best Resident Research project winner(s) from their departmental research days. The abstracts were then being reviewed by a panel of expert researchers who determined this year’s award winners:

Dr. Jasmine Mah, Best Overall Award
Dr. Abraham Nunes, Best Work in Clinical Research
Dr. Erdit Celo, Best Work in Fundamental Science
Dr. Ahmed Mokhtar, Best Research Award for a senior resident (PGY3 or PGY4+)
Dr. Robert Dunfield, Best Research Award for a junior resident (PGY1 or PGY2)

Congratulations to all the 2021 award recipients.

College of Physicians & Surgeons of Nova Scotia Gold-Headed Cane Award

The recipient of the 2021 Dr. G.W. Archibald Gold-headed Cane award in the Humanities is Dr. Thomas F. Baskett, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Individuals are nominated for their notable combination of scholarly attainments in the humanities, humanism, integration of the humanities into their life and profession, and service as an effective role model for others in the medical humanities. Dr. Baskett clearly exemplifies the criteria for the award. He demonstrates evidence of humanistic care and mentorship and has worked in different ways to integrate the humanities into his professional life and has made significant contributions to the literature.

Congratulations to Dr. Baskett!

Canadian Cardiovascular Society Recognition Awards

I am pleased to share that Dr. Martin Gardner, Professor, Division of Cardiology, was recently selected as the 2021 Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) Distinguished Teacher/Mentor Award recipient. This award was created to acknowledge an individual’s excellence in teaching over the long term in any of the cardiovascular fields and recognition of a deep commitment to fostering the professional development of CCS Members or Members-in-Training. A panel of peers selected Dr. Gardner from amongst several worthy nominees to recognize his outstanding contribution to Canadian cardiovascular health and care.

Congratulations, Dr. Gardner!

2021 Meritas Tabaret Award for Alumni Achievement

Congratulations to former Dean of Dalhousie Medical School, Dr. Noni MacDonald, for receiving the 2021 Meritas Tabaret Award for Alumni Achievement from the University of Ottawa. The 2021 Meritas Tabaret Award for Alumni Achievement recognizes an alumna who has distinguished herself professionally, demonstrated leadership in her field and career, contributed to the promotion of the University of Ottawa and exercised a strong positive influence in the community.

An international leader in pediatric infectious disease, development of children’s vaccines and global health research, Dr. Noni MacDonald (MSc ’71, MD ’75) has been a pioneer in the medical community. She was the very first pediatrician to be certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in the emerging field of pediatric infectious disease, in 1983. Dr. MacDonald has over 400 research publications to her name, and her contributions have been recognized through a myriad of prestigious honours. In 2019, she was named an officer of the Order of Canada and a member of the Order of Nova Scotia.

Congratulations, Dr. MacDonald!

Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Award

I am pleased to announce that Ms. Kathleen MacMillan (MD Candidate, Class of 2023) is this year’s CMHF Award recipient from Dalhousie University. Second year medical students with an established track record of community leadership, superior communication skills and demonstrated interest in advancing knowledge were recognized on August 25, 2021, with the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame (CMHF) Award.

Ms. MacMillan serves as Co-President of the Dalhousie Medicine Class of 2023. A licensed pharmacist who obtained her degree from Dalhousie University, Ms. MacMillan received several awards during pharmacy school, including the Canadian Pharmacists Association Centennial Leadership Award. She currently juggles several responsibilities from leading the Canadian Federation of Medical Students Atlantic Task Force to serving on the Dalhousie Medicine Admissions Committee –as well as positions with the Canadian Association of Radiologists Medical Student Network and various networks within the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada. You can read more about the award and Ms. MacMillan’s accomplishments in Dal Med News.

Dalhousie Professional & Managerial Group (DPMG) Awards

I am very pleased that several Dalhousie Faculty of Medicine members have been recognized by Dalhousie University for their achievements at the Dalhousie Professional & Managerial Group (DPMG) Awards. The DPMG Awards recognize employees who belong to the DPMG for their exemplary contributions to the university. In addition to the regular awards, this year included an award to honour those who have shown excellence in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Congratulations to Mr. Paul Bourgeois (COVID-19 Pandemic Award), Ms. Alexandra Fournier (Early Career Award), and the family of the late Mr. Ryan Clow who was awarded posthumously for the 2021 Career Award.

For a list of recipients and their considerable accomplishments, please visit the DPMG Awards website.

DMRF’S 4th Annual Impact Reception

On Tuesday, July 29, the Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation hosted its fourth annual Impact Reception – a celebration of our donors and the health research they support. Once again, because of the limitations placed on in-person gatherings due to the ongoing pandemic, this year’s event took place virtually. The online event was hosted by Dr. Christine Chambers (Canada Research Chair in Children’s Pain and Professor in the departments of Psychology & Neuroscience and Pediatrics) and featured some fascinating presentations and conversations featuring Dr. Daniel Boyd (Associate Professor in the School of Biomedical Engineering), Dr. OmiSoore Dryden (James R. Johnston Chair in Black Canadian Studies and Associate Professor in the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology), and Dr. Gabriela Ilie (Endowed Soillse Research Scientist in Prostate Cancer Quality of Life Research and Assistant Professor in the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology.) In case you missed it, you can view a recording of the virtual event here.

Dal Med Human Body Donation Program Memorial

On June 25, 2021, the Department of Medical Neuroscience hosted a virtual annual memorial and interment service for Dalhousie University’s Human Body Donation Program, honouring those who contributed to medical education. This emotional yet inspirational service provides an opportunity for Dalhousie students from many health disciplines who work in the anatomical laboratory to express their gratitude for the gift of knowledge bestowed by the donors and their families.

As a graduate of Dalhousie Medical School, I have experienced first-hand the benefit of working with and learning from the human body. The gift of the human body transcends being an educational aid. What is learned in the anatomy lab has a direct impact on patient care in our hospitals and clinics throughout the Maritimes. In this way, a donation becomes, quite literally, the gift of life.

In Memoriam: Dr. Brian Hennen

It is with great sadness that we share the news that Dr. Brian Hennen, a retired faculty member, passed away on August 30, 2021.

Dr. Hennen earned his medical degree in 1962 from Queen’s University and his master’s degree in educational psychology from Michigan State University in 1969. In 1969, he was one of the first 12 physicians to receive the Certification in the College of Family Physicians (CCFP) designation.

Among his many accomplishments, Dr. Hennen served as president of the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) and as chair of the board of the Canadian Council of Health Accreditation. He was the first chair of the Section of Teachers for the College in 1978, and the first recipient of the D.I. Rice Fellowship. During his practice career, Dr. Hennen was a member of the Independent Living Nova Scotia Board and the Eastern representative of CFPC’s national committee on developmental disabilities – one of his key areas of expertise and advocacy.

Dr. Hennen was an influential family physician and academic who made significant contributions to Dalhousie University as professor and head of the family medicine department at Dalhousie University from 1974 to 1987, then professor and chair of family medicine at Western University from 1987 to 1999, before joining the University of Manitoba as dean of medicine. Dr. Hennen sat on the boards of St. Boniface Hospital and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba.

He felt strongly that medical schools should be responsive to the concerns of students, residents, and graduate students. “They need to have influence on their learning programs,” he said. “They need to be able to provide feedback . . . and it needs to be listened to.”

In 2014, Dr. Hennen received a Lifetime Achievement in Family Medicine Research Award from the CFPC. The award honours individuals who are trailblazers and leaders, and who have made a significant career contribution to family medicine research.

He will be remembered in the hearts of many who have been helped by his skills, kindness, and selflessness. The Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine and the entire Dalhousie University community extend condolences to Dr. Hennen’s family.

In Memoriam: Dr. Scott Murray

It is with great sadness that we share the news that Dr. Scott Murray, a retired faculty member at Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Medicine, passed away on August 28^th, 2021.

After graduating in 1980 from Dalhousie Medical School, Dr. Murray went on to practice family medicine in Elora, Ontario. He then returned to Dalhousie to pursue the specialty of Dermatology and completed his studies in 1987 from the University of Ottawa. He practiced Dermatology in Halifax for 34 years and was an Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Clinical Dermatology and Cutaneous Science at Dalhousie University, throughout which he spent many fulfilling years imparting his knowledge and experience. He was an accomplished and astute physician but was best known for his caring approach, his genuine interest in the lives of his patients, his quick wit, and ability to find the humour and joy in all situations.

Dr. Murray was also known for his musical skills, in particular his ability as a pianist. His natural ear and eclectic taste in music led him from classical studies to rock and roll as a member of the doctor group MD5 with whom he took great pleasure in performing for several decades. Unprompted and in great testament to his skill, he often delighted his children with farcical renditions of well-known songs, adding to the incessant rollicks of the household, with him leading the way.

On behalf of Dalhousie University, we extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to Dr. Murray’s family.

A full obituary can be read here.

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I wish all of you a wonderful beginning to the new academic year. I look forward to seeing you, virtually or in person, back on campus.

May/June 2021

June 15, 2021 Jennifer Lewandowski Leave a Comment

We just finished a busy time of year with convocation and virtual grad celebrations wrapping up but taking the time to look back at our faculty’s accomplishments makes me extremely proud.

Before I get into recent highlights, I would be remiss if I did not mention the tremendous grief our nation is experiencing over the deaths of the 215 Indigenous children from the Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc First Nations at the site of a former residential school in Kamloops, British Columbia. On behalf of the medical school, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to all whose anguish has been caused by residential school violence against Indigenous peoples.

June is National Indigenous History Month. For generations, Indigenous peoples in Canada have been activists and advocates for their communities and loved ones. We all have something we can do to honour the lives impacted by the violence of colonization and to support our Indigenous community partners in respectful ways.

The past two weeks have been especially difficult for Canadians. The horrific aftermath the recent attack on a Muslim family in London, Ontario compounds this hardship and is felt deeply by our learners, staff, faculty, and patients. For many of our peers, especially those who have experienced racism here in Nova Scotia, this attack has hit close to home and has had an enormous impact on our learners, staff, faculty, and patients.

While we make gains to diversify our medical school community and celebrate our successes, we must remember that racism and oppression still exist, and we all need to work together to eradicate these forms of hatred. I hope you will join me in taking the time to pause, reflect, and better education ourselves on this unimaginable loss experienced by the families and communities who have been targeted and directly affected by racism.

Congratulations to the Class of 2021

On Friday, May 14, 2021, Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick held its Virtual Launch Ceremony, which recognized the completion of four years of undergraduate medical education for medical students in their home province of New Brunswick. One week later, we celebrated the accomplishments of the entire graduating class with a live stream of the Virtual Convocation and Awards Ceremony and, despite celebrating remotely, cheered loudly as 106 graduates received their medical degrees from Dalhousie Medical School.

These two events would not have been possible without the hard work of Ms. Sharon Forward and the Student Affairs Office for the Virtual Convocation, and Ms. Alexandra Fournier at DMNB for the Launch Ceremony. Thank you and well done to you all!

As we celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates and wish them well as they begin their residencies on July 1st, work within the Faculty of Medicine continues. To all our undergraduate students, graduate students, and residents, you have all done exceptionally well to have managed your affairs throughout this incredibly challenging year and I would like to commend all of our students for the encouragement and support they have been providing to one another. As we move through these uncertain times, it is especially encouraging to see everyone working so well together.

Convocation Honours and Awards

The Class of 2021 was an outstanding class. Many students were recognized for academic achievement this year. You can see the complete list of awards here.

This year’s recipient of the DMAA Silver Shovel Award is Ms. Wanda White. Ms. White is a Registered Nurse and coordinator of the DMNS procedural skills program who is known for her great compassion and sensitivity as a clinician and a mentor. The silver shovel is given each year to that very special educator whom the students select as most influential in their undergraduate medical training.

The Resident Teaching Award is awarded annually by the graduating class in recognition of teaching excellence from among the residents of the Faculty of Medicine. This year’s winner, as voted by the class of 2021, is Dr. Jessica Pinkham.

The Faculty of Medicine Convocation also saw the graduation of nine students receiving Masters’ degrees and eight students receiving their PhDs. Congratulations to all our graduating students.

Honorary Member of the Graduating Class

This award was established to recognize an individual who has gone above and beyond their duties and in doing so has contributed significantly to various aspects of student life at Dalhousie Medical School. By a landslide, the Class of 2021 voted the late Mr. Ryan Clow and the MedIT Department as honorary members of the graduating class. As some of you may know, Ryan tragically passed away very suddenly on February 5, 2021. He was the Director of MedIT and an integral part of students’ education across both campuses. On behalf of the entire medical school community, I am grateful to the Class of 2021 for selecting Ryan for this honour.

Annual Faculty Meeting

At our Annual Faculty Meeting on June 8, 2021, I had to opportunity to speak to how, throughout the ups and downs of this year, we have made the most of unforeseen opportunities. Dalhousie’s Faculty of Medicine has demonstrated a sustained resolve to serve and engage society and inspire and enable excellence in health and healthcare through medical education and research programs. You can read about some of the highlights over the past year in my annual report. For more details, I refer you to the Faculty Council webpage.

2021 marks the completion of the strategic plan of the Faculty of Medicine #DalMedForward. I want to acknowledge the leadership of our executive sponsors on the implementation of #DalMedForward: Dr. Jennifer Hall, Associate Dean, Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick, who has lead Education; Dr. Roger McLeod, Associate Dean, Research, who has lead Research; and Senior Associate Dean, Dr. Darrell White, and more recently Dr. Gaynor Watson Creed, who have led Serving and Engaging Society.

This plan has paved the way to fulfilling our vision to be internationally leading in medical education and research and being responsive to the health needs across the Maritimes. You can learn more about highlights and details of our strategic plan goals, success stories, and updates on how things have proceeded with our priority initiatives in our progress updates.

2021 Faculty of Medicine Awards

During our Annual Faculty Meeting, we recognized a number of faculty members with our annual Faculty of Medicine awards for education, research, clinical practice, and community service. We also recognized our leaders at all levels in the Faculty of Medicine for their continued commitment in supporting our departments, divisions, and units across the Maritimes in achieving the faculty’s academic mission.

Faculty of Medicine Awards of Excellence [PDF]
Faculty of Medicine Awards of Excellence in Medical Research [PDF]
Promotions [PDF]

A special thank you to our 2021 selection committee, and those that took the time to recognize and nominate your colleagues.

Appointment of Dr. Eileen Denovan-Wright, Associate Dean, Research

On behalf of the Faculty of Medicine, I am pleased to announce that Dr. Eileen Denovan-Wright has been appointed Associate Dean, Research, for a five-year term. This appointment is effective July 1, 2021. Dr. Denovan-Wright joined the Department of Pharmacology as a scholarship-funded postdoctoral fellow in 1995 and was appointed as an Assistant Professor in 2000 and as a Professor of Pharmacology in 2010.

In announcing Dr. Denovan-Wright’s appointment, I would like to offer my sincere thanks to Dr. Roger McLeod for his tireless efforts and dedication to the research community over the past four years. Dr. McLeod has been instrumental in managing the successful operation of the Faculty of Medicine’s research programs throughout the COVID-19 outbreak and we wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.

Dr. Andrew Lynk reappointed as Head/Chief of the Department of Pediatrics

I am pleased to announce that Dr. Andrew Lynk has been reappointed as the Department Head for the Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, and Chief of Pediatrics at the IWK Health Centre. In this joint appointment, Dr. Lynk will continue to direct and manage the clinical and academic affairs in the department, be responsible for administering and developing the clinical, teaching, and research programs, and will be a key member of the senior leadership team. This appointment is effective July 1, 2021, for a five-year term.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Lynk on his reappointment.

Resident Match

Another very successful residency match took place last month. We are pleased that 100% of our new entry-level residency positions have matched and will be ready to go for July 1st, 2021, and that 63% of our graduating students are choosing to stay at Dalhousie for their residencies.

We are also pleased that the number of students matching to family medicine increased this year from 37% in 2020 to 46% in 2021. As many of you are aware, under the leadership of our Department of Family Medicine, increased emphasis throughout our undergraduate medicine curriculum has been put into place to make our students aware of the importance of (and great career opportunities available to) family physicians.

Virtual Graduate Student Research Days

Congratulations to all those involved in planning the 2021 Virtual Graduate Student Research Day held on June 1, 2021. I would like to acknowledge that this event would not have been possible without the extraordinary ingenuity and collaboration between the Medical Research Development Office, MedIT, the various departments throughout Dalhousie, and the students and presenters, who have all stepped up to make this event a success.

Special mention to Prathyusha Konda, from the Department of Microbiology & Immunology, who was the recipient of the 2021 Faculty of Medicine Excellence in Research Award. This major award is given to the graduate student within the Faculty of Medicine who has demonstrated excellence in research. Each department within the Faculty of Medicine nominates one student, who is then evaluated on the basis of scientific merit by a review committee.

A wrap on Euphoria! Through the Ages

Thank you to everyone who helped support this year’s virtual production of Euphoria! Through the Ages. The Dalhousie Medical Students’ Society is proud to announce that it has raised a grand total of $20,465.49 and counting for this year’s chosen charity, Brunswick Street Mission. The DMSS will be offering a long term digital access/DVD option which will continue to increase their fundraising total over the coming weeks. For more information, please contact dmss@dal.ca.

Dalhousie IMPACT Awards

Every year at the Dalhousie IMPACT Awards, dozens of different awards are presented by the university and the Dalhousie Student Union to recognize the many ways individual students and student groups improve our communities every day.

Congratulations to the Individual Award winners, Mr. Eric Poon, MD Candidate, Class of 2023 (Student Entrepreneur of the Year Award), Ms. Emma McDermott, MD Candidate, Class of 2023 (Green Award), and Mr. Keegan O’Shea, Master’s Student, Department of Medical Neuroscience (Intramurals & Sports Club Award). Congratulations as well to the Faculty Leadership Award winners, Mr. Bright Huo, MD Candidate, Class of 2023, and Mr. Brett Ells, MD Candidate, Class of 2023. These students have exemplified the highest level of passion for their discipline, take initiative in creating new opportunities and encourage their peers to engage in faculty initiatives.

Read more about their work and the work of other IMPACT award recipients here.

2021 Doctors Nova Scotia Award Winners

Congratulations to the faculty members whose work was recently recognized by Doctors Nova Scotia with their 2021 annual achievement awards. The awards celebrate the dedication of Doctors Nova Scotia’s members, physicians who go beyond the call of duty, but are rarely acknowledged for their hard work. This year, Doctors Nova Scotia honoured eight physicians for exemplary achievement.

For the full list, and a description of achievements, please visit the Doctors Nova Scotia website.

Dr. Sarah Manos named 2020-2021 RDoC Award recipient

Dr. Sarah Manos, Director of Postgraduate Medical Education and Associate Professor at the Department of Pediatrics at Dalhousie University, is being honoured nationally for her contributions to improving the wellness of resident doctors in Canada. Dr. Manos is receiving the Resident Doctors of Canada Puddester Award for Resident Wellness, staff category.

Dr. Christine Chambers named 2021 Dennis Drotar Distinguished Research Award recipient

Dr. Christine Chambers, a Professor in the Departments of Pediatrics and Psychology and Neuroscience, and Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in Pain and Child Health has been named the recipient of the 2021 Dennis Drotar Distinguished Research Award by the Society of Pediatric Psychology Division 54 of the American Psychological Association. Formerly known as the Logan Wright Distinguished Research Award, this award recognizes excellence and significant contributions in establishing the scientific base of pediatric psychology.

Dr. Sharon Clarke receives CAR Young Investigator Award

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Sharon Clarke for winning the CAR Young Investigator Award from the Canadian Association of Radiologists. This award is presented to a CAR member in the early stages of their career and recognizes exceptional contributions to medical imaging-related research. Dr. Clarke is the first woman to receive the award in Canada and faculty members of Dalhousie University have won the award more than any other university.

Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation’s 2021 Scholars

Congratulations to Dr. Jasmine Mah, who has been selected as one of fifteen leading doctoral researchers from across Canada and around the world who have been selected for the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation’s leadership program as 2021 Scholars.

Dr. Mah is a resident doctor who is passionate about caring for older adults. She holds an MD from the University of Ottawa and an MSc from the London School of Economics and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. As part of the Clinician Investigator and Internal Medicine Programs at Dalhousie University, Dr. Mah’s doctoral research uses epidemiology and statistics to better understand how social vulnerability and frailty influence health outcomes, use of healthcare resources, and long-term care placement.

Dr. Amanda Caissie Appointed Interim Head, Department of Radiation Oncology

I am pleased to announce that Dr. Amanda Caissie has been appointed Interim Head of the Department of Radiation Oncology. Dr. Caissie is a radiation oncologist and assistant professor in Dalhousie’s Department of Radiation Oncology. Dr. Caissie’s contributions to national and international radiotherapy QI initiatives include Chair of the Canadian Association of Radiation Oncology (CARO) Quality and Standards Committee and Steering Committee member of the Canadian Partnership for Quality Radiotherapy (CPQR) including working groups of Big Data and Patient Reported Outcomes.

In announcing Dr. Caissie’s interim appointment, I would like to thank Dr. Jean‑Philippe Pignol for his strong leadership in the Department of Radiation Oncology over the past three years. He recruited additional specialists, co-supervised graduate students, advanced capacity for original and translational research as well as clinical trials, directly impacting clinical care.

On-campus asymptomatic COVID-19 rapid testing clinic

COVID-19 testing is an important part of stopping the spread of COVID-19 and keeping one another safe. As Nova Scotia’s reopening strategy gets underway, and as more faculty, staff and students prepare to return to campus, regular testing becomes even more important. To make access to testing even more convenient for the Dal community, Dalhousie University has collaborated with Nova Scotia Public Health to launch a self-swab COVID-19 rapid screening program for faculty, staff, and students on the Carleton campus. For more information on hours and location, and to book your appointment, please visit Dalhousie’s COVID‑19 information and updates website.

Volunteers will play a key role in this important public health initiative. I know that the medical school community is caring and engaged, and I encourage anyone who is able to consider whether this is something that they can do to assist the province. For information about available positions, please check out these volunteer activities.

In Memoriam: Dr. Arnold Mitnitski

It is with great sadness that I share the news that Dr. Arnold Mitnitski, a retired faculty member and Professor Emeritus of Medicine, passed away on May 26, 2021, after a brief illness. Dr. Mitnitski joined the Geriatric Medicine Research team at Dalhousie Medical School as Assistant Professor in 2002 and devoted his work to the mathematical aspects of aging. As part of a longstanding collaboration with Dr. Kenneth Rockwood (Department of Medicine), he developed an integrated measure of human health known as the Frailty Index, which now has numerous applications in a variety of areas, including epidemiology, clinical medicine, biology, and most recently even in macro-economics.

Dr. Mitnitski was honoured to have been acknowledged as Professor Emeritus of Medicine. He had a special love for Dalhousie, and especially the opportunities afforded to him by the Department of Medicine. Donations in his memory can be made to the QEII Research Foundation, or the Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation, both long-time supporters of his outstanding contributions to science and to health care.

In Memoriam: Dr. Bernard (Bernie) Badley

It is with deep sorrow that I share the news that Dr. Bernard (Bernie) Badley, a retired faculty member, passed away on April 30, 2021, at the age of 87, surrounded by his loving family. Dr. Badley began his career with Dalhousie Medical School and the (now) Nova Scotia Health Authority in 1965 – a journey that would continue for the next 50 years. As one of the first gastroenterologists in Atlantic Canada, Dr. Badley revelled in his role as teacher to generations of medical students and postgraduates who trained under his tutelage. Dr. Badley held several administrative roles within Dalhousie’s Faculty of Medicine (including Vice-Dean) and the Royal College of Canada where, for several years, he served as Chief Examiner of Gastroenterology. Dr. Badley was the founder and Medical Director of Nova Scotia’s Colon Cancer Prevention Program, the most comprehensive in Canada, in 2009. Under his supervision, the novel program ultimately decreased the number of Nova Scotians being diagnosed with and dying from colon cancer.

Dr. Badley’s commitment to the Tupper Band was a role he held for over 40 years serving as the band’s conductor. As part of the Tupper Band’s 30th Anniversary Spring Concert that took place in April 2010, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, then Dr. Thomas Marrie, presented the first ever Dr. Bernard Badley Music in Medicine Scholarship. This was to honour both Dr. Badley and his dedication over many years as a faculty member of Dalhousie University and 30 years as the conductor of the Tupper Concert Band. A full obituary can be found online here.

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As this extraordinary academic year draws to a close, I want to remind us all of the complexities and challenges faced by our students and residents as they have proceeded with their educations, and those of our staff and faculty as they continue to work remotely in a consistently changing environment. All faculty, staff, and students should feel incredibly proud of the way you have navigated your way through these unprecedented times together.

For those if you returning to Dalhousie in the fall, please stay well, get a COVID-19 vaccine when the opportunity becomes available, and thanks again for all you are doing. I look forward to welcoming you back in September.

Best wishes to all and take care of yourselves and your families.

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