Office of Military Academic Medicine opens
A new Office of Military Academic Medicine (OMAM) has been established at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. Dr. Vivian McAlister, Angus McLachlin Professor of Surgery, will serve as the Director. Dr. McAlister will be supported by the teams in medical education.
The establishment of OMAM builds upon a long-standing relationship between the School and the Canadian Armed Forces, and brings together current education, research and partnership activities. It also positions the School to work more strategically with ongoing programs and to identify new opportunities for collaboration and expansion of current activities. Dr. McAlister will advise the Dean on matters of military academic medicine and manage the relationship with the Canadian Forces.
“It is a privilege to be asked to undertake this task", said Dr. McAlister. “The office will facilitate interactions between Western and the Canadian Forces. We will grow the relationship, which is already more than 100 years old, so that Western becomes a world leader in military medicine and humanitarian care."
Currently, the School partners with the Canadian Forces on the Military Officer Training Program for undergraduate medical education students, on postgraduate medical education training and provides clinical rotations for training in the Physician Assistant Program. Research collaborations include a Chair in Military Critical Care Research, currently held by Dr. Raymond Kao, and extensive research in military trauma care; trauma resuscitation and injury patterns; and the management of civilian trauma.
A physical office has been designated for OMAM, and it is located in the Dean’s suite of offices on the third floor of the Clinical Skills Building.
Dr. McAlister is looking forward to working with the team across the School to raise the profile of the ongoing programs, and to reaching out across campus to explore new opportunities.
To connect with the OMAM, please email military.medicine@schulich.uwo.ca or visit their webpage.
