November 2018 Newsletter

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    Shining a spotlight on research

    Research took centre stage in November as were featured at a number of events including the Taylor Symposium, Killam Prize Lecture and Leaders in Innovation Dinner.

  • decorative imageJack Cowin Chair in Epilepsy announced
    Jack and Susan Cowin donated a $2.5 million gift to create the Jack Cowin Chair in Epilepsy. Congratulations to Dr. Jorge Burneo, the inaugural chair holder.

  • decorative imageNew UME curriculum unveiled
    With physicians expectations changing, the needs, interests, and learning styles of medical students changing, and societies expectations for a greater inclusion of cultural safety in the delivery of health care increasing – medical education must change. Schulich Medicine is embarking on a curriculum renewal for the MD Program to meet the changing needs of society. This transition will begin to be implemented in September 2019 and will continue through phases in the coming years

  • decorative imageSchulich Dentistry recognizes faculty and students at annual Fall Awards Reception
    More than 20 awards were presented to faculty and students at the annual Schulich Dentistry Fall Awards Reception on November 27. Congratulations to the recipients.

  • decorative imageCommunity partnership takes centre stage
    For the past six years, Tachycardia has been partnering with the Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (RHAC) while raising more than $120,000 in total for the agency. It's a partnership valued by the students and welcomed by the RHAC.

  • decorative imageCampaign feasibility study provides important insights
    During the first six months of 2018, Schulich Medicine & Dentistry worked with consulting firm Grenzebach Glier and Associates (GG+A) on a feasibility study focused on a capital fundraising campaign totaling $30 million, which would support significant infrastructure renewal for the School.

  • decorative imageAn innovative approach to teaching teamwork
    The heart of this lab isn’t an elaborate experiment with a petri dish or a microscope. Instead, it’s a locked box covered in puzzles, with students working in teams to get it open. The ‘escape box’ was developed by Nicole Campbell, PhD, and John Kelly, a master’s student in clinical anatomy, to help teach BMSc students about teamwork.

  • decorative imageFrom ideas to action: Supporting clinician researchers
    From kidney transplantation to stigma reduction, the Academic Medical Organization of Southwestern Ontario (AMOSO) recognizes the value of physician involvement in research. The organization supports a start-up funding program called the Opportunities Fund to facilitate research success.

  • decorative image A legacy of excellence in teaching
    “My goal was to create opportunities for students, to show them that everyone is a learner. To make it fun to learn,” said Dr. Marjorie Johnson, a beloved anatomy and cell biology instructor who retired this past September after almost 25 years, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional clinical anatomy teaching in the department.

  • decorative image Grad trainees bring home top prize in case competition
    How might artificial intelligence help to categorize the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to opinions online? That was the thrust of the question put forward by Thales Canada in its latest Student Innovation Championship. This question was answered by competition winners, Megha Verma, Kartik Pradeepan and Fan Liu.

  • decorative imagePollen DNA provides potential new window for forensic information
    Bogumil Karas, PhD, is using synthetic biology techniques – the design and construction of new biological entities – in order to develop a method to efficiently capture DNA from pollen grains. Because different plant species are endemic, scientists use pollen to identify their place of origin. In this way, pollen can be used as a forensic tool to link suspects to crime scenes, or to determine the movement of narcotics, for example

  • decorative imageDr. Mithu Sen appointed Acting Vice Dean of Faculty Affairs
    Dr. Mithu Sen has been appointed as Acting Vice Dean, Faculty Affairs, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University effective October 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019. This will be in addition to her current role as Assistant Dean, Faculty Equity and Wellness.

  • decorative image Dr. James Calvin re-appointed as Chair/Chief, Department of Medicine
    We are pleased to announce Dr. James Calvin has been re-appointed as Chair/Chief, Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University and its teaching hospitals, London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph's Health Care London, effective November 1, 2018 to October 31, 2023.

  • decorative imageAli Khan, PhD, named Canada Research Chair in Computational Neuroimaging
    Ali Khan, PhD, was named the Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Computational Neuroimaging. Khan is an Assistant Professor with the Department of Medical Biophysics and Scientist at Robarts Research Institute.

  • decorative image A Q&A with Dr. Davy Cheng, Acting Dean
    Dr. Davy Cheng began his tenure as Acting Dean on October 1. Throughout his term as Acting Dean, Dr. Cheng plans to do a series of interviews focused on topics of interest to faculty, staff and learners in hopes of communicating achievements, project advancements and news of School activities

  • decorative imageCelebrating your achievements
    Congratulations to Rochelle Dworkin, Jorge Burneo, Patrick Colquhoun and Luke Hartford, Vipin Bhayana and Stan Dunn for their outstanding achievements this month.

  • decorative imagePay it Forward
    Commitment to the Community: Once a month, Ann Varallo and her colleagues — can be found preparing baked goods for families living at Ronald McDonald House.

  • decorative imageThe Next Generation: Andrea Barker, MSc Candidate
    The Next Generation: Andrea Barker, MSc Candidate; has long benefited from the mentorship of women. So, when it came time to pursue her master's degree, Barker jumped at the opportunity to have a female supervisor.

  • decorative imageRapid test for E.coli keeps contaminated food off grocery store shelves
    Robarts Research Institute: Rapid test for E.coli keeps contaminated food off grocery store shelves. A new rapid testing kit is revolutionizing food safety testing by producing results in hours rather than days.

  • decorative imageDr. Rochelle Dworkin named Regional Family Physician of the Year.
    Distributed Education: Dr. Rochelle Dworkin named Regional Family Physician of the Year.

  • decorative imageResident Spotlight: Abdul Naeem - Neurosurgery
    Resident Spotlight: Dr. Abdul Naeem — a PGY5, Neurosurgery, is making a difference in the lives of so many people — and he’s just getting started.

  • decorative imageSupporting today’s students
    Fundraising: Supporting today's students — Alumni in medicine and dentistry provided increased funding to support today’s students.

  • Schulich Medicine and Dentistry Admissions website
    The Office of Admissions recently launched a new website. This new site offers quick and easy access to essential information for prospective students.

  • Door Decorating Contest – Submit by December 10, 2018
    This year, Schulich Medicine & Dentistry is ringing in the holidays with a door decorating contest. It’s easy to participate: gather your supplies, decorate your door and submit your photo. You can decorate solo or team up; just remember, the competition is on. There will be prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Winners will be announced on December 14, 2018.

  • Candy Grams for United Way
    Show someone you care by sending them a Holiday Candy Gram. Proceed will go to the United Way. A toonie can make a big difference. Santa will personally deliver them on December 12, 2018. Help make someone else's holiday bright. Order by December 7, 2018. Order now.

  • Awards of Excellence - Nominations open soon
    Schulich Medicine & Dentistry is home to many outstanding staff and faculty. Help celebrate all that they’ve accomplished with an Award of Excellence. Nominations open soon, so start thinking about who you’d like to recognize. More details arriving in your inbox next month.

  • decorative imageSocial Media
    Catch up on the best Twitter thoughts from our faculty, staff and students, including support for epilepsy research, faculty achievements and a new ‘student’ in the Edgell Lab.

  • decorative imageWebsite Updates
    Looking to create a new website or refresh the old one? The Communications & Marketing Team needs to approve new website requests prior to you opening an ITS ticket. Please contact Communications with your request.

  • decorative imageEvents
    Each Discover Robarts Community Presentation features a group of scientists and clinicians who share the latest research advancements on an accessible and relatable level, and includes a tour of research labs and facilities at Robarts.