June 2020 Newsletter

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    2020 Alumni of Distinction

    Eleven Schulich Medicine & Dentistry alumni have been recognized with a 2020 Alumni of Distinction award, including current faculty members Brad Urquhart, BSc’01, PhD’06, and Drs. Cindy Hutnik (resident alumna) and Abdel Lawendy, MD’03, PhD’14. Congratulations to all the recipients.

  • decorative imageAfter brain injury: An optimist’s approach to treatment
    Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to rewire itself after injury. Through research, Arthur Brown, PhD, is harnessing this power in order to develop new ways to treat concussion. The final video in the four-part series, Brainstorm: Straight Talk on Concussion.

  • decorative imageWestern creates new leadership role, advisory council to chart a path forward for anti-racism
    Western released the Anti-Racism Working Group report and the University’s response and actions. The University will create a new leadership role and an advisory council that will guide university-wide efforts to develop a sustained strategy for tackling racism on campus and in the world.

  • decorative imageWelcome to our new resident doctors
    More than 200 new resident doctors are beginning their training at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry in July. Drs. John Yoo, Lois Champion, Terri Paul and Karishma Desai provide a warm welcome to the newest members of our School community.

  • decorative imageTransition to Residency Program
    The 2020 Transition to Residency Program gets underway with weekly sessions beginning July 8. Connect with your peers and experience interactive sessions focused on topics ranging from shock and hypotension to neurological emergencies.

  • decorative imageMental health is fundamental to health during the pandemic: A Q&A with Dr. Chandlee Dickey
    As one of 17 Psychiatry Chairs in Canada, Dr. Chandlee Dickey is calling for more support for vulnerable populations in the midst of the pandemic. The group is specifically concerned about people with serious mental illnesses or addictions, vulnerable populations in violent living situations and frontline health care providers.

  • decorative imageCOVID-19: The latest research and innovations
    Faculty and learners at the School are developing innovative new technologies and devices to support health care providers, exploring important lessons from countries who have successfully managed COVID-19 and focusing on youth mental health during the pandemic.

  • decorative imageCelebrating your achievements
    Congratulations to the 13 recipients of the Internal Graduate Awards, Jonathan Michaels, Shawn Whitehead and many others on the recognitions and honours you recently received.

  • decorative imageDentistry Class of 2020: Amr Alsabbagh
    Amr Alsbbagh says nature and nurture led him to the dental profession. His parents, alumni of the School’s Internationally Trained Dentists program, continue to inspire and guide him.

  • decorative imageGraduate Studies Class of 2020: Alex Levit
    Alex Levit, MD/PhD, sees the entire scientific process as a creative endeavour. He is grateful for the opportunities to pursue independent discovery as part of his degree.

  • decorative imageBachelor of Medical Sciences Class of 2020: Megan Van Gorp
    Inspired by a young swimming student, Megan Van Gorp, BMSc, refocused her career aspirations on audiology. She says her experience at the School helped her grow personally and professionally.

  • decorative imageResidency Class of 2020: Drs. Ally Istl, Martina Mudri, Elaine Tang and Lucy Yang
    Drs. Ally Istl, Martina Mudri, Elaine Tang and Lucy Yang are making history as the Division of General Surgery’s first all-female graduating year. “It’s a family like no other.”

  • decorative imagePhoto Gallery: Class of 2020
    Unlimited. Transformative. Community. Belonging. Members of the Class of 2020 shared meaningful words and photos in celebration of their experience at Western.

  • decorative imageVideo: Dr. John Yoo celebrates the Class of 2020
    “You are poised to make tremendous contributions to our community and to shape the collective futures for your generation and generations to come.”

  • In the news: Research with global impact
    Faculty members at the School made international headlines for their expert opinions and important contributions to research. The Irish Sun reported on new research from Ravi Menon, PhD, showing repetitive mild impacts in contact sports cause changes in the brain. Dr. Javeed Sukhera shared insights on supporting the mental health of youth during the pandemic. Dr. Saverio Stranges explained what can be learned from other countries about fighting the pandemic in the community and Charles Weijer was featured in an article in The Washington Post on human challenge studies for COVID-19.

  • Antioxidants in the brain linked to improved treatment for psychosis
    Patients who experience their first episode of psychosis will have better overall outcomes if they respond early to treatment. A research team led by Dr. Lena Palaniyappan studied antioxidant levels in the brain and found that these chemicals may improve outcomes of early intervention in psychosis.

  • New institute pushes neuroscience research forward
    The Western Institute for Neuroscience will provide a framework that coordinates and unifies neuroscience expertise at Western, Lawson Health Research Institute, London Health Sciences Centre and other campus and community collaborators by creating an entity that provides academic leadership related to a shared vision, program alignment and advocacy.

  • Western moves up in QS World University Rankings
    Western researchers were top in Canada for research output for the second year in a row, according to the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University 2021 rankings, released on June 10.

  • New office elevates Indigenous presence across campus
    The Office of Indigenous Initiatives is the next step in the University’s commitment to stronger Indigenous considerations in all aspects of its operations. It sits within the Office of the Provost because of its strong links with the University’s teaching and research mission. In addition, it houses the Indigenous Student Centre, formerly Indigenous Services.

  • Western partners with Bell on 5G research initiative
    Western has partnered with Bell Canada to create an advanced 5G research centre. Bell will invest $2.7 million and deploy 5G network equipment and infrastructure throughout the Western campus. The partnership will also fund research and development initiatives, training opportunities, and technological innovations.