A look back: Insulin's centenary - the birth of an idea
October 30, 2020
At 2:00 a.m. on October 31, 1920, Dr. Frederick Banting, a surgeon practising in London, Ontario, conceived of an idea to isolate the internal secretion of the pancreas - an idea that culminated in the discovery and clinical use of insulin. Dr. Rob Hegele takes a look back at this important moment in a new publication for The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.
Award: Summer Research Training Program students recognized for their strong research projects
October 29, 2020
Five medical students received internal and national awards for their outstanding research projects. Congratulations to Delaney Cosma who was awarded the Morrison Finlayson at the 2020 Canadian Association of Neuropathologists conference, and to Jacob Houpt, Lisa Liu, Ziad Sabaa-Ayoun and Kelsey Ambrose who received annual School awards.
News: From one Dean to another
October 29, 2020
In recognition of his contributions and service as Acting Dean, Dr. John Yoo recently presented Dr. Davy Cheng with a small token of appreciation.
Resident Spotlight: Dr. Nadine Khalil, Infectious Diseases
October 29, 2020
As a resident in Infectious Diseases, Dr. Nadine Khalil, PGY5, is helping lead education initiatives for fellow residents and medical students at the School.
Resident Spotlight: Dr. Gordon Ngo, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
October 29, 2020
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation resident Dr. Gordon Ngo, PGY3, is pursuing his passion for bridging technological innovation and medicine through Western’s Medical Innovation Fellowship.
Announcement: Dr. Elizabeth Osuch re-appointed as the Dr. Joseph Rea Chair in Mood Disorders
October 27, 2020
Dr. Elizabeth Osuch has been re-appointed as the Dr. Joseph Rea Chair in Mood Disorders at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, effective August 1, 2020 to July 31, 2025.
Research News: Biomarkers could be used in a quick, inexpensive COVID-19 blood screening tool
October 27, 2020
A new study suggests that COVID-19 affects the human body’s blood concentration levels of specific metabolites which could one day be measured through an inexpensive blood test to quickly screen patients for the disease and predict which patients will become most critically ill.
Expert Explainer: Greta Bauer, PhD, on celebrating a COVID-19-safe Halloween
October 26, 2020
As cases of COVID-19 continue to rise across Ontario, parents are grappling with how and if they can continue with Halloween traditions in a safe way. Greta Bauer, PhD, explains how we can enjoy this annual tradition in a way that keeps the health of our kids and each other in mind.
Feature: Online course on mindful social innovation aims to build pandemic resilience
October 26, 2020
To help educate and inspire the leaders of tomorrow to make meaningful change to improve global mental health, Dr. Arlene MacDougall has developed a unique six-week online course on mindful social innovation as part of the Global MINDS Collective.
Feature: BMSc graduate reflects on lessons learned beyond the classroom
October 24, 2020
Jocelyn Kerr, BMSc’20, reflects on her undergraduate experience at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, from finding her professional passions to her efforts in kidney health advocacy to the impact of her work with residence life at Western.
In the Media: Taking action on physician wellbeing
October 23, 2020
"It quickly became apparent to me that while it was important to explore and understand the emotional distress faced by physicians and healthcare workers, a solutions-focused approach was an immediate priority," writes Dr. Andrea Lum in this article for Healthy Debate.
Feature: Paving the way for change
October 22, 2020
In their roles as special advisors on anti-racism, Dr. Bertha Garcia and Nicole Kaniki, PhD are laying the foundation for an interim advisory council on equity, diversity and inclusion at Western.
In Memoriam: Dr. John (Jack) McLister
October 16, 2020
The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry is saddened by the passing of Dr. Jack McLister, remembered for his commitment to teaching and his impact on organized dentistry.
News: New graduate program in Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences prepares students to solve wicked problems
October 14, 2020
The Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance has approved the new Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences program at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry. The one-year, course-based program uses a multi-faceted approach by integrating various fields of study.
News: Lorelei Lingard named Honorary Fellow of the Royal College
October 14, 2020
Lorelei Lingard, PhD, has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in recognition of her pioneering and transformative research on communication in medical practice.
Feature: Preparing trainees for life after graduation
October 14, 2020
Thomas Drysdale, PhD, started his term as Associate Dean, Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, on July 1. In this role, he is focused on opportunities for career preparation and networking.
Announcement: Dr. Karin Hahn appointed Interim Chair/Chief of the Department of Oncology
October 14, 2020
Dr. Karin Hahn has been appointed as the Interim Chair/Chief of the Department of Oncology effective October 1, 2020 until March 31, 2021, pending appointment of a permanent Chair/Chief.
Feature: Exploring fantastic life forms
October 13, 2020
With a mission to “investigate some of nature’s coolest organisms,” a newly established outreach initiative is inspiring high school students to consider STEM disciplines.
Announcement: Dr. Michelle Marlborough appointed Assistant Dean, Postgraduate Learner Experience
October 13, 2020
Dr. Michelle Marlborough has been appointed as the Assistant Dean, Postgraduate Learner Experience, effective November 1, 2020 to October 31, 2025.
Feature: Public health graduate focuses on big picture
October 12, 2020
“Suddenly everything we were learning was unfolding in real life.” Shabi Ullah and her classmates were thrust into a global pandemic while completing their master’s degrees in public health – an experience she says helped her appreciate the importance of big picture thinking.
Feature: Research a ‘safe haven’ for PhD graduate
October 10, 2020
Faced with major health challenges, Steven Gameiro, PhD’20, had to pivot his research focus with only two years remaining in his PhD studies. He says research helped him through the dark days
Research News: Global study finds ‘COVID-19 free’ hospital areas could save lives after surgery
October 07, 2020
As the second wave peak approaches, a new global study suggests hospitals should set up ‘COVID-19 free’ areas for surgical patients – and that doing so could reduce the risk of serious complications and death from lung infections associated with coronavirus
Feature: Pandemic adds new dimensions to health systems research
October 07, 2020
Dr. Faiza Rab is completing her PhD focused on the fragility of health systems. Experiencing the pandemic and applying an epidemiological lens has provided her with an unprecedented learning opportunity.
Announcement: Learner Equity & Wellness Office changes name to serve learners
October 07, 2020
Effective October 2, the Learner Equity & Wellness (LEW) Office at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry will be renamed to Learner Experience. The decision to change the Office name comes after consultation and feedback from faculty, staff, students and School leadership.
Feature: The forgotten ones: Untold and unseen consequences of COVID-19
October 06, 2020
As he continues work on a COVID-19 vaccine, Eric Arts, PhD, is concerned about the virus’ consequences for developing countries and their ability to treat other infectious diseases. His long-term research on HIV/AIDS informed him of the deep inequalities in health care and disease prevention – issues he and other Western researchers say remain significant barriers during the pandemic.
Feature: ‘Inside-the-box’ technology solves organ and vaccine transport issue
October 05, 2020
A team of researchers has designed, developed and constructed a new portable temperature regulating device, which can be used to transport a wide array of temperature-sensitive items including organs, vaccines and pharmaceuticals.
Announcement: New School leadership structure announced
October 02, 2020
An important step to achieving excellence and differentiation at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry is the creation of a new leadership structure, which expands focus on research, scholarship, education and wellness.
Announcement: Dr. Gary Tithecott appointed as Acting Vice Dean, Undergraduate Medical Education
October 02, 2020
Dr. Gary Tithecott has been appointed as the Acting Vice Dean of Undergraduate Medical Education at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, effective September 1, 2020 for a one-year period.
Announcement: Dr. Chris Watling appointed as Acting Vice Dean, Education Scholarship and Strategy
October 02, 2020
Dr. Chris Watling has been appointed as the Acting Vice Dean, Education Scholarship and Strategy at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, effective September 1, 2020 for a one-year period.
Feature: Global epidemiologist sounds cautious note on COVID-19
October 01, 2020
Dr. Gabriel Leung, MD'96, Dean of Medicine at Hong Kong University, is one of the world's leading epidemiology and global health experts. He provided early and accurate predictions on the initial trajectory of COVID-19, and says we need to plan for the worst, and hope for the best.
Expert Explainer: Dr. Nitin Mohan on the Second Wave
October 01, 2020
“With the weather getting colder and now with schools and other sectors reopening, it’s predictable to see a second wave. What we really watch for is how high that wave gets - we want to keep that peak of the wave lower than the first time,” explains Dr. Nitin Mohan.
In Memoriam: Dr. Paul Harding
October 01, 2020
The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry mourns the loss of Dr. Paul Harding, MD’85, remembered as a pioneer of neonatal research in Canada.
