By Andrea Di Ubaldo
Dr. Fiona Costello: photo provided
As Albert Einstein once said, “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.”
Indeed, Dr. Fiona Costello and Dr. Andrew Demchuk seem to have found their perfect balance by constantly moving. Both were recently named to the Caldwell Partners International’s Top 40 Under 40 list.
The award is given to individuals who have shown vision and leadership; innovation and achievement; impact; community involvement and contribution; and growth / development strategy. Out of approximately 1200 nominees, Costello and Demchuk are two out of six physician scientists awarded this honour as chosen by an independent advisory board.
Balancing, more like juggling
Dr. Andrew Demchuk: photo provided
For Demchuk, co-leader of the Attacking Stroke program at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute in the Faculty of Medicine, it’s all about the ‘Big 5’: education; administration; research; clinical care; and family. Not necessarily in that order.
“I try to do all things because I like all five,” Demchuk says. “I have a great wife who manages most of the day-to-day raising of our two boys; I’m a quality time kind of guy, so I get to do the fun stuff with the boys at night and on weekends.”
Demchuk is the director of the Calgary Stroke Program, chair of Pillar 2 (Acute Care and Emergency Services) of the Alberta Provincial Stroke Strategy, past-chair of the Board of Directors of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, NWT and Nunavut, and an associate professor with the Departments of Clinical Neurosciences and the Department of Radiology at UCalgary.
In addition to his teaching and clinical practice, Demchuk is also a world-renowned researcher whose primary research interests lie in the area of cerebral vascular imaging and its application in developing new treatments for those who have suffered from stroke. .
He admits to verging on workaholic status, as a director, teacher, researcher, physician, husband and father.
Kids keep things in perspective
“I have four kids aged eight, five, three and six-months. It’s often a gong show,” Costello laughs. “I’m married to a great guy, who has a very demanding career. It’s tough to balance, but we work well together.”
Costello is a clinician scientist and co-director of the NeuroProtection and Repair Evaluation Unit (NPREU) with the Arresting Multiple Sclerosis (MS) program at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute at the Faculty of Medicine and an associate professor in the Department of Clinical Neurosciences. Her research and clinical expertise are in the areas of neuro-ophthalmology and multiple sclerosis. Together with her collaborators, she has been awarded $2.5 million research grant funding to implement a novel experimental model of MS she has developed in ongoing studies.
“I use the visual system as a means of finding new ways to look at old problems.
The eye can give us many insights into mechanisms of brain injury, and help us better understand diseases like multiple sclerosis,” she says.
“It’s a great honour because this award isn’t restricted to the medical community,” 39-year-old Costello says. “Everyone goes in on an even playing field, all experts in their respective areas.”
Demchuk, also 39, believes it’s an honour for both him and his team. “It’s a bit of validation for all of the hours and days of work we put in. My CV would be miniscule without a team.”
Costello says her kids have made her a better physician and person and much better at time management. “My kids have forced me to be more focused and less self – indulgent with my time.”
“And kids don’t care what awards you’ve won,” she adds.
About the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary
UCalgary’s Faculty of Medicine is a national leader in health research with an international reputation for excellence and innovation in health care research, education and delivery. We train the next generation of health practitioners and move new treatments and diagnostic techniques from the laboratory bench to the hospital bedside, improving patient care. For more information visit http://medicine.ucalgary.ca. or follow us on twitter.com @UofCMedicine.
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Doctor Shortage Symposium: Controversially educational
April 30, 2009
By Andrea Di Ubaldo
Pick a hot topic, add some industry professionals, invite everyone you can think of. What do you get? A Medical Student Health Policy Symposium that is both educational and, as the organizers hope, a little bit controversial.
2nd Annual Medical Student Health Policy Symposium: Event poster
The symposium will be on May 7, 2009 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the Faculty of Medicine’s Libin Lecture Theatre at the Health Sciences Centre.
Alaina Aguanno, a third-year medical student, and Kevin Wasko, a first-year medical student at the University of Calgary, are co-organizers of this year’s symposium which will discuss Canada’s doctor shortage. The two also sit on the students’ council as Vice-Presidents of External Affairs for their respective classes.
“We hope that this symposium answers a few questions but stirs up many more,” Aguanno says. “The issues we are discussing are complex – contributing factors and management strategies will only scratch the surface of the potential for the topics surrounding this issue.”
“We hope attendees will gain a better understanding of the physician shortage in Canada and what is being done to address the issue,” Wasko adds.
The annual symposium was created last year by Aguanno, who holds a masters of science in the areas of health policy and health economics and wanted to share her passion for these topics.
“I created the symposium because I felt that health-care professionals, and especially medical students like me, could benefit from a greater understanding of the social, political and economic context of the system in which we work,” Aguanno says.
Only in its second year, the event will feature many high-profile speakers, including the Hon. Ronald Liepert, Minister of Health and Wellness along with the presidents of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and the Alberta Medical Association (AMA), Drs. Robert Ouellet and Noel Grisdale, and professors from UCalgary and the University of British Columbia.
“We invited the people who we thought were best-suited to answer our questions and they said yes!” Aguanno says excitedly. “Our speakers have been very enthusiastic about this event, both last year and again this year; we are fortunate to have such dedicated teachers and leaders.”
Last year’s symposium examined public, private and mixed models of health care financing and featured Dr. Brian Day, CMA president, and Dr. Darryl LaBuick, AMA president, along with Dr. Tom Noseworthy, professor and head of the Department of Community Health Sciences and director of the Centre for Health and Policy Studies at UCalgary.
“We’re really excited about this year’s event. With the enthusiastic support we received last year, the first symposium was at maximum capacity,” Aguanno smiles.
Learn more about the 2nd Annual Medical Students Health Policy Symposium.
About the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary
UCalgary’s Faculty of Medicine is a national leader in health research with an international reputation for excellence and innovation in health care research, education and delivery. We train the next generation of health practitioners and move new treatments and diagnostic techniques from the laboratory bench to the hospital bedside, improving patient care. For more information visit http://medicine.ucalgary.ca. or follow us on twitter.com @UofCMedicine.
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University mourns the loss of former dean of medicine
April 20, 2009
Dr. Grant Gall, 1940-2009
One of the driving forces behind the success of the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Medicine passed away suddenly this past weekend. Dr. Grant Gall, former Dean of the Faculty of Medicine from 1997-2007, died while vacationing with his wife of 49 years, Laurie. Dr. Gall had recently been awarded the Order of the University of Calgary for his distinguished service.
Under Dr. Gall’s leadership, the O’Brien Centre for the Bachelor of Health Sciences program was launched, the Faculty’s six research institutes were created and the Health Research Innovation Centre (HRIC) was constructed. He also spearheaded an international health program where University of Calgary doctors and medical students travel to developing nations such as Laos, Chile and the Philippines to deliver better health care and enhanced medical training.
“Dr. Gall’s passion for transformation and change, his ambitious vision for the Faculty and his dogged determination to make that vision a reality inspired many of his students, colleagues and friends,” said Tom Feasby, Dean, Faculty of Medicine in a message to all faculty staff and students this morning. “It is difficult to fully describe the imprint that Dr. Gall has left on us and on the Faculty as a whole, but in the coming days we will consider an appropriate way to recognize his significant contribution. “
Born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Dr. Gall attended school in Acme, Alberta where he graduated from Acme High School and moved on to the University of Alberta for med school. After graduating in 1965, and completing his internship and residency in Vancouver, Toronto and Boston, he then spent several years as a member of the Division of Gastroenterology for SickKids Hospital in Toronto. He also held appointments as an instructor in Paediatrics at Harvard and Boston universities. In 1979, Dr. Gall joined the University of Calgary and proceeded to make his mark here over the next 30 years.
Distinguished career in paediatrics
Prior to serving as dean, Dr. Gall was head of the Division of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, holder of the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation Chair in Paediatric Research, assistant dean (research), professor and head of the Department of Paediatrics, medical leader of the Child Health Program and head of the Regional Department of Paediatrics.
During his two terms as dean, the Faculty of Medicine nearly doubled both the number of its faculty members and the number of students admitted into the MD program. The O’Brien Bachelor of Health Sciences program is now recognized nationally as an innovative training program preparing undergraduate students through inter-disciplinary education in diverse areas.
From vision to reality
A “builder” in all senses of the word, Dr. Gall forged long-lasting relationships with the corporate community, actively involving them in developing a blueprint for excellence through the Dean’s Advisory Council. In addition to the HRIC building, Dr. Gall was also instrumental in convincing politicians and decision-makers of the need for a new children’s hospital on the University of Calgary’s West Campus. He advocated for the creation of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, which was successfully launched this past September.
Dr. Gall was a visionary leader who will be greatly missed by all who knew him. His impact in life was large, and therefore, his loss will be felt far and wide.
The University of Calgary community sends wishes of comfort and sympathy to his family.
Details on funeral arrangements are not yet available but the family has requested that donations be made to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, in lieu of flowers.
By Laurie Wang
Dr. Martin Storr
Dr. Martin Storr loves your guts. Well, he certainly likes to study them.
Winning the Junior Investigator Research Award from the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD), the Faculty of Medicine clinician-scientist was thrilled when he found out.
“I opened a bottle!” Storr smiles.
The IFFGD recognizes active investigators who have a record of research interest in basic mechanisms or clinical aspects of functional gastrointestinal and motility disorders. The foundation honors young scientists who have done strong translational research, taking the basic science at the lab bench to the patient’s bedside.
“To me, the gut is central to the body. We start with the gut in the morning at the washroom and the breakfast and we end with a gut feeling at night,” he says. “That’s why it’s always attracted me.”
To date, Storr has published 77 peer-reviewed studies in his field.
“I study how the gut functions and how it protects itself. I’m looking specifically at the regulatory role of the endocannabinoid and endoopioid systems,” explains Storr, an associate professor in the Division of Gastroenterology.
Both the endocannabinoid and endoopioid systems are regulatory systems in our bodies that control gastrointestinal function. Storr is interested in developing potential therapeutics that target these systems in hopes of battling functional gastrointestinal disorders.
“Functional gastrointestinal disorders are associated with numerous symptoms like nausea, vomiting, bloating, difficulties swallowing, abdominal discomfort and pain, as well as altered bowel habits,” he says.
Storr thanks the people at UCalgary for supporting his ideas, protecting his time and encouraging his academic endeavours.
“I came here as a full-time member in 2007 because in this position, I have enough protected time to plan and perform sophisticated research and to develop concepts and strategic plans for my translational approaches,” he says. “I used to have to wait until nighttime to think academic thoughts, but now, I get to think about my studies during the day and I have time to do the research I like.”
Martin Storr will receive his award at the 8th International Symposium on Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in mid April.
About the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary
The U of C’s Faculty of Medicine is a national leader in health research with an international reputation for excellence and innovation in health care research, education and delivery. Through its educational programs, the Faculty of Medicine trains the physicians and scientists who will lead the next generation of health practitioners. Through its clinical work, continuing medical education programs, and close relationship with the Calgary Health Region, the Faculty of Medicine moves new treatments and diagnostic techniques from the laboratory bench to the hospital bedside efficiently and effectively, improving patient care.
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Dr. Lynn McIntyre (front row, third from left) with five other researchers awarded chair in New Perspectives in Gender, Sex and Health from CIHR.
A UCalgary Faculty of Medicine professor and researcher–whose passion for eradicating global food insecurity has taken her as far away as Bangladesh to study the issue–has been awarded a research chair in New Perspectives in Gender, Sex and Health by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).
As part of research chair program created by the CIHR’s Institute of Gender Health (IGH), Dr. Lynn McIntyre, professor, Department of Community Health Sciences, was awarded the chair along with five other leading health researchers from across Canada.
“The chairs are producing cutting-edge research with enormous potential to improve the health of Canadians, such as Dr. McIntyre’s research on hunger and food insecurity domestically and internationally,” says Dr. Joy Johnson, Scientific Director of the Institute of Gender and Health. “Her work focuses on women and children, the most frequent victims of food insecurity both in Canada and in other countries.”
McIntyre’s work–which is in line with the first Development Millennium Goal of halving world hunger by 2015–took her to Bangladesh where she studied hunger amongst both urban and rural populations.
During the in-depth study, McIntyre spoke to groups of highly vulnerable woman, living on less than one dollar a day and responsible for providing for their families. The intense field work included door-to-door recruitment and speaking to these women about food insecurity and hunger in various remote locations and in the slums of Dhaka.
In Bangladesh to present findings
Her principal finding was a need for a whole person development approach–a readjustment of available health care services to ensure they meet the needs of these women and others like them. McIntyre is currently in Bangladesh sharing her findings with government officials and non-profit agencies.
“The women have told me, ‘We knew when we met you that you were going to do something for us,’ and I am doing my best to bring improved understanding to those who really can do something for millions of women like them,” says McIntyre.
Closer to home, McIntyre is part of a study looking at social policies in Canada created between 1996 and 2006, focusing on their impact on national food insecurity. She’s also working with Alberta Health Services as they begin investigating the impacts of food insecurity on their patient population, the first clinical site in Canada to do this.
The IGH created the research chair program to expand and strengthen research capacity relevant to gender (socio-cultural experiences), sex (biological factors) and health in Canada. It is intended for health researchers who have developed a reputation for excellence in research, and to support outstanding research programs that enhance the health of Canadians.
By Jordanna Heller
A new study headed by Dr. Tom Feasby, Dean of UCalgary’s Faculty of Medicine, shows that while Canada lags behind other countries in the number of diagnostic imaging devices, more machines are not the only solution to long wait times. The study’s authors say it is critical to prioritize MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) requests effectively.
“This study shows there are important deficiencies in the current system. We hope this research will help health system decision-makers and managers improve the provision of this important service,” says Feasby, the senior author of “Management of MRI Wait Lists in Canada,” published in Healthcare Policy.
A MRI provides detailed images of the body, and is technology that is being used more frequently, especially in the areas of abdominal, pelvic, cardiac and breast imaging. The technology can be used to evaluate tumours, show abnormalities in the heart, brain and joints.
To determine how requests for MRI studies are managed the study’s authors surveyed public MRI facilities in Canada. Although almost all of the facilities have some methods to triage MRI requests, less than half documented their guidelines for prioritization, and none used quality assurance methods to ensure guidelines were followed. The report determined that despite wait times of up to several years in some facilities, strategies to reduce wait times are diverse, uncoordinated and largely ineffective.
Dr. Derek Emery, one of the report’s authors, says, “most MRI facilities in Canada have a substantial wait list problem. Improvement in wait list management will be necessary for better access, fairness and quality in the provision of MRI services in Canada. We do not currently know the extent of inappropriate overuse of MRI, nor do we know the extent of inappropriate underuse.” Emery is an Associate Professor in the Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging at the University of Alberta.
“This paper shows that many MRI centres do not employ effective and standardized processes to track and manage the appropriateness of the scans they perform. Such processes are crucial to ensure that patients in different regions of Canada have equitable access to MRIs, and that patients who really do need an MRI get one rapidly. This is a challenging problem, and needs the focused attention not only of radiologists, but particularly the physicians who are ordering the scans,“ says Dr. Andreas Laupacis, a general internist, the Executive Director of the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, and a professor in the Departments of Medicine and Health Policy Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto.
This study was supported by the CIHR (Canadian Institutes of Health Research).
Full text of the study available here.
About the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary
UCalgary’s Faculty of Medicine is a national leader in health research with an international reputation for excellence and innovation in health care research, education and delivery. We train the next generation of health practitioners and move new treatments and diagnostic techniques from the laboratory bench to the hospital bedside, improving patient care. For more information visit http://medicine.ucalgary.ca. or follow us on twitter.com @UofCMedicine.
MacQueen appointed Head, Department of Psychiatry
February 25, 2009
Dr. Glenda MacQueen
I am pleased to announce that Glenda MacQueen, MD, FRCPC, PhD has been appointed to the position of Head of the Department of Psychiatry for the Faculty of Medicine and Regional Clinical Department Head, Psychiatry for the Calgary Health Region, as of September 1, 2008.
Dr. MacQueen joins us from McMaster University where she is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences and the Academic Director of the Mood Disorders Program at St. Joseph’s Health Care Centre in Hamilton, Ontario. She is a founding member of the Brain Body Institute and an associate member of the Intestinal Diseases Research Program.
Dr. MacQueen is the Coordinator for Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences Clinical Investigator’s Program for the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University. She is very involved in graduate and postgraduate training programs and she recently received the 2008 award for Excellence in Research Mentoring from the Dept of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at McMaster.
Dr. MacQueen’s research interests are on structural and functional brain changes associated with mood disorders and the factors that predict outcome in mood disorders. Her work has been funded by national and international funding agencies including the Canadian Institutes for Health Research, the Canadian Psychiatric Research Foundation, the National Alliance for Research in Schizophrenia and Affective Disorders, the Stanley Medical Research Foundation, the Ontario Mental Health Foundation, the Scottish Rite Foundation and the National Centre of Excellence AllerGen Inc. Dr MacQueen received the Innovations in Neuropsychopharmacology Research Award for 2008 from the Canadian College of Neuropsychopharmacology.
She is currently serving as the Scientific Officer for the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Behavioral Sciences B committee. She is also a member of the Canada Research Chairs College of Reviewers and sits on the Editorial Board of the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry and the Chronicles of Neurology and Psychiatry. She is a clinical editor of the Current Medical Literature Psychiatry series.
Glenda MacQueen is an outstanding addition to our Faculty and will take the lead in positioning UCalgary’s Faculty of Medicine as a leader in mental health education, management and research. Please join me in welcoming her to Calgary and to her new role.
Tom Feasby, MD
Dean, Faculty of Medicine
2008 University of Calgary – Faculty of Medicine. All rights reserved.
Kellner appointed Head, Department of Paediatrics
February 13, 2009
Dr. Jim Kellner
I am pleased to announce that James Kellner, MD, M.Sc, FRCPC has been appointed to the position of Head of the Department of Paediatrics for the Faculty of Medicine and Regional Clinical Department Head, Pediatrics, Calgary Health Region, as of October 1, 2008.
Dr. Kellner is currently Head, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Deputy Head (Research and Administration), Department of Paediatrics and Associate Director of the Institute of Maternal and Child Health. He is a professor in the departments of Paediatrics; Microbiology and Infectious Diseases; and Community Health Sciences.
He received his MD degree from the University of Calgary (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) and his M.Sc (Clinical Epidemiology) from the University of Toronto (Toronto, Ontario, Canada). He trained in pediatrics in Calgary and Toronto, where he was Chief Resident at the Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto, Ontario, Canada). After a fellowship and practice in Emergency Pediatrics for five years, he received training in Infectious Diseases in Toronto.
Dr. Kellner’s main research interest is in the the epidemiology and prevention of Streptococcus pneumoniae infections. He has authored close to 60 peer-reviewed papers in and his research has been funded by the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research, the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Canadian Infectious Diseases Society.
“I am very honoured and excited to be given the opportunity to lead the Department of Pediatrics. The Department has grown tremendously over the last several years to provide increased specialty and sub-specialized clinical services to children and families throughout Calgary and southern Alberta,” says Dr. Kellner.
“In addition, we are training more undergraduate and postgraduate health care workers and researchers, and our researchers are tackling an increasing array of health issues to increase knowledge and develop solutions that will promote, restore and retain the health of children.”
“I look forward to working with colleagues and staff in the Department and with our partners to meet this challenge!”
Please join me in welcoming Dr. Kellner to his new leadership role.
Tom Feasby, MD
Dean, Faculty of Medicine
Faculty of Medicine celebrates excellence
February 5, 2009
By Laurie Wang
Posted February 5, 2009
Recognition, excitement and pride. These are some of the things more than 300 people felt at the inaugural Celebration of Excellence on Wednesday.
Faculty, staff and students gathered in the Health Research Innovation Centre (HRIC) atrium at noon to celebrate the 23 faculty who won prestigious external prizes and awards in 2008—from the Gairdner International Award, to the Globe and Mail’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women, the Family Physician of the Year award and more.
“We have more people here than we expected,” says Wee Yong, PhD, with a grin. “It is great to see so many people here celebrating the success of our faculty.” Yong was the emcee for the event. He is chair of the Awards and Recognition Committee, whose function is to facilitate the process in which appropriate nominees are put forth for various awards.
The committee was created by Dr. Tom Feasby, dean, Faculty of Medicine. “I knew that leading universities take a systematic approach to nominating their faculty members for awards and I knew we were missing opportunities. So, I approached Wee with the idea of forming a committee and asked him—the most ‘can-do’ person I know—to lead it,” says Feasby. Yong was also a winner in 2008, named one of the 20 Compelling Calgarians by the Calgary Herald.
Dr. Rosie Goldstein, Vice President, Research, UCalgary, was also in attendance. “Today we recognize your innovations and drive for scientific achievement, your mentoring, dedication and talent in education, educating the next generation of health care providers and researchers, and your service to community.”
She couldn’t help but mention 2008 Gairdner Laureate Samuel Weiss, PhD, in her speech, poking a bit of fun at him. “Over the past year, many people have mentioned to Sam Weiss that roughly a quarter of Gairdner award recipients also go on to receive a Nobel Prize, but I won’t mention it. I won’t add to the pressure,” Goldstein smiles.
Besides a faculty member winning a Gairdner in 2008, the Faculty of Medicine boasts a member who had an award named after him: Dr. John D. Reynolds. Reynolds received the first John D. Reynolds Award from the Canadian Society for Immunology.
“It’s very rare for an award to be named after a living individual. Congratulations John!” says Yong as the crowd chuckles.
The Celebration of Excellence will be an annual event at the Faculty of Medicine, and each year, the Faculty hopes to add even more people to the list of individuals to celebrate.
“Our members are some of the best and brightest in their fields. I look forward to celebrating even more successes with everyone next year,” says Feasby.
2008 Faculty of Medicine external award recipients
Dr. Jenn Brenner
One of the Top 5 Canadians to Watch by World Vision
Dr. Norm Campbell
Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada’s Leadership Award in Heart Healthy Policy
Dr. Linda Carlson
William E. Rawls Prize in Oncology
Dr. Rod Crutcher
Award for Improvement of Social Infrastructure/Condition (for the Sudanese Physician Reintegration Program) by the Canadian International Development Agency
Dr. Tyrone Donnon
Certificate of Merit Award from the Canadian Association for Medical Education
Dr. Kathryn J. Hannah
Canadian Nurses’ Association Centennial Award
Dr. David Hart
Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences
Dr. Jennifer Hatfield
One of the Globe and Mail’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women
Dr. Robert Herman
2008 Osler Award from the Canadian Society of Internal Medicine
Dr. Deirdre Jenkins
Certificate of Merit Award from the Canadian Association for Medical Education
Dr. Renee Martin
Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada
Dr. John Parboosingh
Duncan Graham Award from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons
Dr. Man-Chiu Poon
World Federation of Hemophilia 2008 International Healthcare Volunteer Award
Dr. John Reynolds
John D. Reynolds Award created in his name by the Canadian Society for Immunology
Dr. Robert Sheldon
Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences
Dr. Mark Sosnowski
Family Physician of the Year by the College of Family Physicians of Canada
Dr. Garnette Sutherland
Calgary Awards Signature Award
Dr. Roger Thompson
Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada’s Henry J.M. Barnett Scholarship
Dr. John Wallace
Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada &
BioAlberta’s Award in Scientific Achievement and Innovation
Dr. Sam Weiss
2008 Gairdner International Award
Dr. George Wyse
Canadian Cardiovascular Congress Annual Achievement Award
Dr. Voon Wee Yong
20 Compelling Calgarians Award from the Calgary Herald
Dr. Gerald Zamponi
Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada/
About the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary
UCalgary’s Faculty of Medicine is a national leader in health research with an international reputation for excellence and innovation in health care research, education and delivery. We train the next generation of health practitioners and move new treatments and diagnostic techniques from the laboratory bench to the hospital bedside, improving patient care.
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2008 University of Calgary – Faculty of Medicine. All rights reserved.
Our Residents Are Professionals
February 3, 2009
Part 7 of 7
Ben Thomson
PGY2 Internal Medicine Resident
Dr. Ben Thomson
As an international medical graduate from Ireland, I have been incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by world-class residents and medical and nursing staff. They have taught me that being a professional means giving back more than we get, whether it be by going beyond standard patient care, providing exceptional teaching, encouraging ground breaking research, or simply by being a caring and decent colleague who provides a superb working environment.
University of Calgary is full of professionals who give back more than they can get, and in so, truly make this a world-class place to enjoy working in everyday. As a PGY-2 resident in internal medicine, I’m always moving forward in my internal medicine training. I recognize now that the professional must learn to be moved and touched emotionally, yet at the same time stand back objectively. This balance is an integral part of every resident and staff member here at UCalgary, making this a wonderful place to work!
———————-
The role of Professional describes the societal responsibility of each physician that is guided by codes of ethics, a commitment to clinical competence and personal well-being, the embracing of appropriate attitudes and behaviors, integrity, altruism, and the promotion of the public good. Our residents:
1. Demonstrate a commitment to their patients, profession, and society through ethical practice;
2. Demonstrate a commitment to their patients, profession, and society through participation in profession-led regulation;
3. Demonstrate a commitment to physician health and sustainable practice.*
*Copyright The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
About the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary
UCalgary’s Faculty of Medicine is a national leader in health research with an international reputation for excellence and innovation in health care research, education and delivery. Through its educational programs, the Faculty of Medicine trains the physicians and scientists who will lead the next generation of health practitioners. Through its clinical work, continuing medical education programs and close relationship with Alberta Health Services, the Faculty of Medicine moves new treatments and diagnostic techniques from the laboratory bench to the hospital bedside efficiently and effectively, improving patient care.
For more information visit http://medicine.ucalgary.ca.
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2008 University of Calgary – Faculty of Medicine. All rights reserved.
ON THE MOVE: Dr. Anthony Schryvers
November 14, 2008
Posted November 13, 2008
Photo by Trudie Lee, used with permission from AHFMR
The Faculty of Medicine is pleased to announce the appointment of Anthony Schryvers, MD-PhD, to the position of Associate Dean, Undergraduate Science Education effective November 1, 2008.
Dr. Schryvers is currently a professor in the Departments of Microbiology & Infectious Diseases and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and director of the O’Brien Centre for the Bachelor of Health Sciences at the University of Calgary.
He received his PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Alberta in 1981 and graduated with an MD from the University of Calgary in 1984.
Dr. Schryvers has been involved in the Bachelor of Health Sciences program since its inception in 2005, responsible for overseeing the laboratory facilities and serving as associate director of the program for two years.
Dr. Schryvers was supported through AHFMR Scholar, Senior Scholar and Scientist awards to establish himself as an internationally recognized leader in the study of bacterial iron acquisition systems that complemented his efforts in vaccine development.
Dr. Schryvers spearheaded the formation of an AHFMR Interdisciplinary Team Grant Program in Vaccine Design and Implementation last year. Alongside team members from the University of Calgary, University of British Columbia, University of Alberta, University of Toronto, and University of Saskatchewan, Dr. Schryvers is developing an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach for the prevention of childhood infections caused by host-restricted, bacterial respiratory pathogens.
As Associate Dean, Dr. Schryvers will ensure that Undergraduate Science Education provides our Bachelor of Health Sciences students with a well-rounded background in health sciences that will enable them to pursue further opportunities in the global health care sector.
Please join me in welcoming Dr. Schryvers to his new role.
Tom Feasby, MD
Dean, Faculty of Medicine
2007 University of Calgary – Faculty of Medicine. All rights reserved.
Faculty of Medicine internist receives national Osler Award
November 25, 2008
By Andrea Di Ubaldo
Perched high on the wall, as if keeping watch over Dr. Robert J. Herman’s office, is his 2008 Canadian Society of Internal Medicine (CSIM) Osler Award.
As is etched on the wooden plaque, the CSIM Osler Award is “in recognition of excellence in the field of General Internal Medicine in clinical practice, research, medical education, specialty development or health promotion.” Herman was presented with the annual award at the CSIM Annual Scientific Meeting’s gala dinner this past October.
“I feel very honoured because it’s the highest award that you can get from your colleagues (in the field of general internal medicine),” Herman says with an air of humility, looking a little embarrassed. He was nominated for the award by fellow colleagues here at the University of Calgary.
Herman joined the Faculty of Medicine in 2000 as a professor and head of the Division of General Internal Medicine. He is an active physician at Foothills Medical Centre, Peter Lougheed Centre and Rockyview General Hospital.
“What I value most is being a physician and being involved in research and education,” he says. “General internal medicine is about looking after sick people, helping them get better and managing their illness.”
Herman realizes it’s the support from co-workers, family, students and those before him that help make him successful in his field.
“It’s not just one person that contributes. We grow on the accomplishments of the people before us,” Herman says.
Herman was nominated for the award by fellow colleagues at UCalgary because he is a highly respected clinician and educator who is dedicated to his patients, clinical and academic teaching. As well, he is a researcher with ongoing publications and an ambassador for general internal medicine locally, regionally and nationally.
Herman’s leadership of the Division of General Internal Medicine at Alberta Health Services and at UCalgary has led to its expansion resulting in a five-fold increase in ambulatory clinic visits and a tripling of the number of full-time academic internists.
The development of a new general internal medicine inpatient unit, a second internal medicine consultation service, teaching units at all hospital sites in Calgary, an internal medicine training program for foreign medical graduates and the placement of an internist in the emergency room to aid patient flow are also among his many contributions.
Busy planning the Rocky Mountain American College of Physicians Internal Medicine meeting in Banff in mid November, Herman doesn’t take a break from all things Osler award worthy – educating, developing and promoting his specialty. He has been Chair of the organizing committee for the past eight years and has been part of the move to evolve general internal medicine as a specialty for it to gain more respect in health care.
“I am particularly proud of this specialty because it’s come a long way in the last 10 years. People thought it would disappear,” he says. “Now we have three to six fellows training every year at UCalgary. It’s changing across Canada to become a major specialty.”
UCalgary doctor named Family Physician of the Year
November 25, 2008
by Andrea Di Ubaldo
Photo by Andrea Di Ubaldo
Baryshnikov. Nureyev. Sosnowski?
Had Dr. Mark Sosnowski, this year’s Alberta winner of The College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) 2008 Family Physician of the Year award, not become a physician he would have pursued his other passion – ballet.
“I love to dance,” Sosnowski grins. “I don’t have much skill, but I have a lot of enthusiasm. My wife would agree with that for sure.”
It’s a good thing Sosnowski, clinical assistant professor, Department of Family Medicine, University of Calgary, chose medicine, because he’s obviously very good at it. He will be honoured with the CFPC award for his commitment to family medicine at the CFPC’s annual Family Medicine Forum in Toronto during the CFPC’s 5th Annual Family Doctor Week Nov. 24 to 29.
Family Doctor Week proudly acknowledges the outstanding contributions of Canadian family doctors for their dedication to patients and the delivery of high quality health care, and Sosnowski fits that description—or rather, fills that prescription—perfectly.
“I didn’t expect it would go this far when I found out I was nominated. It’s overwhelming and exciting,” he says shaking his head in disbelief.
Each year, the The Reg L. Perkin Awards (the Family Physician of the Year awards) are presented to one physician from each province.
Learning from patients
Sosnowski has known a lot of his patients their whole lives. He has seen the young ones grow into adults. Some have even gone on to marry each other and he is glad he has been a part of those experiences.
“Our experiences shape us and my patients have taught me how to be a good family physician. I think they’ve taught me more than I’ve taught them. They’ve helped develop my character and my compassion,” Sosnowski smiles. “There’s something about knowing your patients for a long time – it’s a huge strength for family medicine.”
Helping family doctors through the Mosaic PCN
Since graduating from UCalgary with an MD in 1978 (Minks), Sosnowski spends his time heading a full family practice and visiting Calgary hospitals and nursing homes providing palliative and long-term care to patients. He is also one of the leaders of the new Mosaic PCN (Primary Care Network) in northeast Calgary, a program that gives family doctors in the community more help to deal with the increasingly complex variety of illnesses they must look out for.
“This program will offer family doctors more tools to provide better care overall to their patients from birth to death,” he says proudly.
Teaching the doctors of tomorrow
Sosnowski is a teacher and mentor. He is thrilled to be connected to faculty residents in community practice, providing advice where needed. He sat on a search committee for the current Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and was very flattered and pleased to be a voice for community family doctors in that process.
“Students are great and challenging. They all seem way smarter than I was around that age,” Sosnowski chuckles. “They’re all well-rounded, great individuals.”
For current and upcoming medical students Sosnowski says family medicine is a great choice.
“You are challenged and get to do something different every day, and maybe most importantly, you make great relationships,” he says proudly.
A compassionate physician, active program leader and caring mentor, it’s no wonder Sosnowski has been named Family Physician of the Year in Alberta. And to think, Sosnowski says he never thought he’d make it into medical school. “I thought the other guys were geniuses and I’d snuck in under the wire. One of my biggest accomplishments was actually graduating!”
About the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary
The U of C’s Faculty of Medicine is a national leader in health research with an international reputation for excellence and innovation in health care research, education and delivery. Through its educational programs, the Faculty of Medicine trains the physicians and scientists who will lead the next generation of health practitioners. Through its clinical work, continuing medical education programs, and close relationship with the Calgary Health Region, the Faculty of Medicine moves new treatments and diagnostic techniques from the laboratory bench to the hospital bedside efficiently and effectively, improving patient care.
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2007 University of Calgary – Faculty of Medicine. All rights reserved.
World renowned heart expert at UCalgary receives national award from the Canadian Cardiovascular Society
November 26, 2008
By Andrea Di Ubaldo
Dr. George Wyse: Photo courtesy of CCS
A wise man once said, “There’s never a better time to do things. It gets more complicated the longer you wait, so it’s best to just get it done right away.”
That wise man is Dr. George Wyse, world renowned heart expert at the Faculty of Medicine and the recipient of the 2008 Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) Annual Achievement Award.
Heeding his own advice, Wyse doesn’t wait to get things done; he sometimes does things three at a time. As the principal investigator for a study on atrial fibrillation (irregular and often rapid heart rhythm) – the most common cardiac arrhythmia requiring treatment, he conducted that study while also leading in two other overlapping trials over almost 20 years to change the way that condition and other cardiac arrhythmia problems are now treated around the world to improve patients’ survival and quality of life.
The award recognizes a lifetime of achievement of Canadians who have made outstanding contributions in their career to aid the growth of the cardiovascular field.
“What do you do after you get an award like this? It’s like they’re telling you to get out, but I’m on the work-till-you-die plan,” he smiles.
After taking the time to think about what the award means, he says recognition is important and plays a big role in the lives of those that strive to achieve.
“It’s important to inspire, so young people can aspire,” Wyse says. “Recognition is always good.”
Surrounded by friends and others getting awards at the awards ceremony on Oct. 26, Wyse was treated to a very pleasurable honour.
“I got to meet and talk to Ross McLean again. He was one of my first teachers here at the Faculty of Medicine in 1970. He made a big impression on me. He’s 87 years old now.”
A few of Wyse’s other awards include a 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal, an Alberta Centennial Medal and the Heart Rhythm Society’s 2007 Distinguished Scientist Award. He is also a Serving Member of the Order of St. John.
He was a graduate of the Faculty of Medicine Class of 1974 and joined the Faculty of Medicine at UCalgary in 1978. Wyse’s research has resulted in over 200 peer reviewed publications, along with book chapters and invited publications. He has served on boards, numerous committees, and was president of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta and director of the Cardiology Training Program at the University of Calgary. He is a past Alumnus of Year Award of the University of Calgary (2005) and one of the Top Forty Alumni on the occasion of the 40th Anniversary of the University of Calgary. He’s also chair of the International Experts Advisory Committee of the Strategic Advisory Board of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta.
“I’ve been here (UCalgary) for a long time and it’s gratifying to see how things have progressed,” he says. “We need good people to keep it going.”
When asked what his advice for success is, Wyse says, “Be prepared to work hard, set realistic goals, and reevaluate them periodically. Be comfortable with change. Things change fast – get used to it.”
About the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary
The U of C’s Faculty of Medicine is a national leader in health research with an international reputation for excellence and innovation in health care research, education and delivery. Through its educational programs, the Faculty of Medicine trains the physicians and scientists who will lead the next generation of health practitioners. Through its clinical work, continuing medical education programs, and close relationship with the Calgary Health Region, the Faculty of Medicine moves new treatments and diagnostic techniques from the laboratory bench to the hospital bedside efficiently and effectively, improving patient care.
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2007 University of Calgary – Faculty of Medicine. All rights reserved.
Faculty of Medicine home to one of Canada’s Most Powerful women
November 27, 2008
By Andrea Di Ubaldo
Dr. Jennifer Hatfield: Photo provided
How does one make their way onto a list of the top 100 most powerful women in Canada?
Well, it doesn’t hurt to have talent, but for Dr. Jennifer Hatfield, named one of the Women’s Executive Network’s (WXN) Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 this year, it’s about learning from those who have helped her along the way.
The award is given to those who “have had a major impact or made a great contribution to Canadian society.”
“When I heard the news I felt very grateful for the support and mentorship I have had from fellow faculty members at the university. I have been given remarkable opportunities to pursue rewarding work here in Canada and overseas.”
Hatfield, director of both the Health and Society and the Global Health Program at the O’Brien Centre for the Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) program at UCalgary and former psychology clinician, is leading many innovative research projects around the world on behalf of Canada and the University of Calgary.
“My colleagues at UCalgary really enable and support each other and open up opportunities to take a leadership role,” Hatfield says. “People like Dr. Billie Thurston, Dr. Tom Noseworthy and Dr. Benedikt Hallgrímsson have been incredible supporters as has the Faculty of Medicine, which has allowed me to follow my passion for undergraduate education and global health research.”
“Powerful” accomplishments
Hatfield continues to be a leader and contributor in the global health community. Her many roles have certainly earned her the title of one of the Top 100, a list published annually in the Globe and Mail:
- Mentor, UNITAR
As a mentor for a division of the United Nations called UNITAR (United Nations Institute for Training and Research), Hatfield has participated in post-conflict reconstruction leadership development projects for civil service and NGO professionals in Afghanistan for the past three years along with a team from UCalgary; this year she traveled to India and Japan to mentor a new group focused on gender and equity, supporting women leaders in the country.
- Leader and facilitator, BHSc program
Her work in global health research, education and training at UCalgary where she is leader of the Health and Society Major and facilitator of the development of the BHSc Global Health Program, a new and innovative program; the first of its kind in Canada.
- Co-chair, Canadian Global Health Coalition Task Group
As co-chair of the Canadian Global Health Coalition Task Group on Global Health Research Partnerships, funded by the International Development Research Council, Hatfield is responsible for leading and facilitating an international team of researchers who are working toward promoting and improving partnerships between researchers in Canadian and low and middle income countries.
A thoughtful mentor
Hatfield’s work mentoring young men and women with leadership aspirations from Canada and abroad is very rewarding for her. She works with them on a variety of research, capacity building and training projects focusing on malaria and HIV in Tanzania and Ethiopia.
“I’ve had a wonderful opportunity to build and work with a team of outstanding young researchers, Lisa Allen and Erin Hetherington in particular, working with students to build their understanding in the field,” she smiles.
“I attribute my opportunity to lead these students to the O’Brien’s – David and his wife Gail,” Hatfield says proudly. “They are leaders in creating leaders in global health research. It would not be possible for me to demonstrate this leadership without all of these leaders around me.”
About the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary
The U of C’s Faculty of Medicine is a national leader in health research with an international reputation for excellence and innovation in health care research, education and delivery. Through its educational programs, the Faculty of Medicine trains the physicians and scientists who will lead the next generation of health practitioners. Through its clinical work, continuing medical education programs, and close relationship with the Calgary Health Region, the Faculty of Medicine moves new treatments and diagnostic techniques from the laboratory bench to the hospital bedside efficiently and effectively, improving patient care.
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2007 University of Calgary – Faculty of Medicine. All rights reserved.
New study says Alzheimer’s drug may be key to stop spread of aggressive brain cancers
December 4, 2008
By Kyle Glennie
Posted December 4, 2008
Photo by Chris Kindratsky
Researchers working jointly for the University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services have discovered a way to help stop aggressive brain tumours from spreading by using an existing drug that is being tested for Alzheimer’s patients. The findings are published in the scientific journal Public Library of Science Biology.
Dr. Peter Forsyth, and Donna Senger, PhD, along with their colleagues identified a “switch” that enables brain cancer cells to journey outwards from the primary tumour. They first discovered the switch in August 2007, which is a mechanism that allows brain tumours to invade and spread within the brain. Their research focused on malignant gliomas-highly invasive tumours that are extremely resistant to conventional treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy.
Forsyth and Senger found the switch is activated by a protein that is already present in the brain. Now, with the laboratories of Stephen Robbins, PhD, a member of the Alberta Cancer Research Institute and Samuel Weiss, PhD, the Director of the Hotchkiss Brain Institute at the Faculty of Medicine, they’ve found a way to stop this protein from activating the switch.
“We’ve basically found this switch is turned on when it is cut by “a pair of scissors” found in our brains. What’s exciting is that we’ve discovered there is a family of drugs that block these scissors from cutting the protein and it’s already being tested in Alzheimer’s patients,” says Forsyth. “We’ve also found this process is present in cancer stem cells which many believe accounts for failures of our treatments in many patients.”
With these drugs already in clinical testing, Forsyth and Senger are optimistic they will be able to further their effectiveness on malignant gliomas in their own clinical trials much faster.
“A lot of background work has been done with these drugs already in terms of understanding their dose and side effects, so we’re hopeful that we can move this rapidly into the clinic,” says Forsyth.
Partnerships made it possible
Ken Hughes, chair of the Alberta Health Services Board, says the research demonstrates the value of partnership between universities and health care. “It’s exciting to see these researchers planning to take discoveries like this to clinical trial here in Alberta, where Alberta patients can be the first to benefit.”
“One of my ministry’s priorities is bringing technology to market, and technology often starts with research” said Doug Horner, Minister of Advanced Education and Technology. “In the coming years, Albertans will hear more about our province’s leadership in research and innovation, including research to create new drugs to treat cancer, new devices to diagnose it and, as in this case, new ways to repurpose today’s medical advances for tomorrow’s patients.”
The next step for the researchers is two-fold: to find a specific drug within the drug family to test in a clinical setting, and to make the drug as effective and as safe as possible. They also have another funding grant in place that allows them to try and redesign these drugs to better suit their purpose, something they are also investigating.
Patient says the treatment gives new hope
Rob Evans was not part of the study but as someone who was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumour 15 years ago he says the research provides patients with new hope and the potential of less invasive treatment. Evans’ treatment regiment included surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. “Any time you can do reduce the stress for someone dealing with cancer and provide a better chance of survival you’ve hit a home run.”
While the team’s research focused on brain tumours, the findings could also have an impact on the treatment of other types of cancers. Skin cancer is also spread through the activation of a switch by this type of protein, and Forsyth would like to try this new approach on melanoma.
“It’s an interesting idea that you can use a drug to block the invasion of cancer cells into normal human tissue, but to have that drug already being used in clinical trials is a dream come true,” he said.
Dr. Peter Forsyth is a professor in the departments of Oncology, Clinical Neurosciences, and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at the Faculty of Medicine. He is also the southern Director of ACRI (the Alberta Cancer Research Institute), the Associate Director of Research at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, and is a former director of the Clark H. Smith Brain Tumor Centre.
Donna Senger, PhD, is a research assistant professor in the department of Oncology at the Faculty of Medicine, and has been a part of Dr. Forsyth’s research group since 2000. Senger has contributed regularly to numerous studies and publications that are directly focused on increasing our understanding of brain tumour progression and therapeutic intervention.
Stephen Robbins, PhD is an associate professor in the departments of Oncology and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Faculty of Medicine. He is a scientist of the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR) and currently holds a Canada Research Chair in the Cancer Biology.
Samuel Weiss, PhD, is a professor in the department of Cell Biology and Anatomy at the Faculty of Medicine. He is the Director of the Hotchkiss Brain Institute and is a scientist of the AHFMR. Weiss was a recent recipient of the very prestigious Gairdner Award for his discovery of neural stem cells.
Their work is supported in part by a generous donation from the Clark H. Smith family, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Alberta Health Services–(Alberta Cancer Board) and the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
A copy of the study can be downloaded at:
http://biology.plosjournals.org/archive/1545-7885/6/11/pdf/10.1371_journal.pbio.0060289-L.pdf
UCalgary Medicine wins at 2008 MarCom Awards
January 8, 2009
by Jody MacPherson
UCalgary Medicine’s Communications and Media Relations Department has won platinum and gold awards at the 2008 MarCom Awards, which is an international creative competition that recognizes outstanding achievement by marketing and communication professionals, as judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals based in Texas.
* The Faculty of Medicine’s Research Report 2007/2008 won a Platinum Award, which is the highest level award. Laurie Wang, Manager, Internal Relations was the editor of this publication.
* The “Your Faculty” magazine (a Faculty of Medicine publication) also won a Platinum Award. Note: This magazine has just been renamed this to “UCalgary Medicine.” Laurie was also the managing editor at the time of the award.
* The recent announcement of the Boone Pickens Centre for Neurological Science and Advanced Technologies won a Gold Award in the category of writing/media kits. Jordanna Heller, Manager, Media Relations was the lead writer on this.
* The UCMG Member Portal Communications Plan also won a Gold Award. That plan was also put together by Laurie Wang.
* The department also received Honourable Mentions for the neuroArm media reel which was a labour of love for Jordanna and for the writing in one of the articles in Your Faculty magazine authored by Marta Cyperling, Advisor, Media Relations (Summer, 2008 issue).
Of course, none of this work is done without support from fellow U of C communicators, especially Colleen Turner and her team who’ve given input, advice and encouragement to the Medicine communications team.
About the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary
The U of C’s Faculty of Medicine is a national leader in health research with an international reputation for excellence and innovation in health care research, education and delivery. Through its educational programs, the Faculty of Medicine trains the physicians and scientists who will lead the next generation of health practitioners. Through its clinical work, continuing medical education programs, and close relationship with the Calgary Health Region, the Faculty of Medicine moves new treatments and diagnostic techniques from the laboratory bench to the hospital bedside efficiently and effectively, improving patient care.
If you like this story and think others should read about it–why not spread the word!? Use the links below to let others know!
By Karen Thomas, AHFMR
Marc Poulin's study on exercise and aging shows improved cognition.
New research published in the international journal Neurobiology of Aging by Marc Poulin, PhD, DPhil, finds that being physically fit helps the brain function at the top of its game. An Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research Senior Scholar, Poulin finds that physical activity benefits blood flow in the brain, and, as a result, cognitive abilities.
“Being sedentary is now considered a risk factor for stroke and dementia,” says Poulin, a scientist in the Faculties of Medicine and Kinesiology at the University of Calgary. “This study proves for the first time that people who are fit have better blood flow to their brain. Our findings also show that better blood flow translates into improved cognition.”
The study, Effects of Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Cerebral Blood Flow on Cognitive Outcomes in Older Women, compares two groups of women whose average age was 65 years old. From a random sample of 42 women living in Calgary, the study observed women who took part in regular aerobic activity, and another group of women who were inactive. Poulin’s team recorded and measured the women’s cardiovascular health, resting brain blood flow and the reserve capacity of blood vessels in the brain, as well as cognitive functions. The team included scientists, doctors and graduate students, with MSc student Allison Brown taking a lead role.
The scientists found that compared to the inactive group, the active group had lower (10 per cent) resting and exercising arterial blood pressure, higher (5 per cent) vascular responses in the brain during submaximal exercise and when the levels of carbon dioxide in the blood were elevated, and higher (10 per cent) cognitive function scores.
One study participant, Calgarian Merceda Schmidt, 91 years old, walks about six kilometres per week to her volunteer schoolteaching and piano playing commitments. “It’s just in my nature – the batteries I got when I was born. My legs want to go,” says Schmidt. “I have to admit, I was nervous before the bike test. I could’ve done better if my shoe hadn’t fallen off.”
“The take home message from our research is that basic fitness – something as simple as getting out for a walk every day – is critical to staying mentally sharp and remaining healthy as we age,” says Poulin, a member of the Department of Physiology & Biophysics, and the Hotchkiss Brain Institute.
Poulin’s research is supported by AHFMR, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, NWT & Nunavut, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, and the Strafford Foundation.
About the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary
The U of C’s Faculty of Medicine is a national leader in health research with an international reputation for excellence and innovation in health care research, education and delivery. Through its educational programs, the Faculty of Medicine trains the physicians and scientists who will lead the next generation of health practitioners. Through its clinical work, continuing medical education programs, and close relationship with the Calgary Health Region, the Faculty of Medicine moves new treatments and diagnostic techniques from the laboratory bench to the hospital bedside efficiently and effectively, improving patient care.
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U of C remembers Doc Seaman, philanthropist
January 12, 2009
The Faculty of Medicine was saddened to hear of the passing Sunday of Daryl K. Doc Seaman. He was 86.
Seaman was one of Calgary’s biggest philanthropists and a huge supporter of the University of Calgary. Oh, and he was also instrumental in bringing the National Hockey League to Calgary in 1980 as one of the original owners of the Calgary Flames!
Though he shied away from publicity, his time, effort and funds did not go unnoticed, particularly at the University of Calgary.
In 2001, along with his brothers, B.J. and Don, Doc provided $2 million in funding for the establishment of the Seaman Family MR Research Centre at the Calgary Health Region/University of Calgary Faculty of Medicine. In 2007, the centre became home to the neuroArm, the world’s first MRI-compatible surgical robot, which revolutionized neurosurgery and other branches of operative medicine by liberating them from the constraints of the human hand.
Seaman supported other student awards and was a Chancellor’s Club member since 1992. He received a U of C honorary degree in Law in 1993 and a Faculty Association Recognition Award in 2005. His most recent gift to the U of C came this summer in the form of $500,000 to fund scholarships for student-athletes in football, hockey, basketball, volleyball, soccer and women’s field hockey.
Seaman will be missed greatly. The University of Calgary and the Faculty of Medicine express condolences to the family and friends of Doc Seaman.
Read a more in-depth story at: http://www.ucalgary.ca/news/january2009/seaman-memoriam
About the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary
The U of C’s Faculty of Medicine is a national leader in health research with an international reputation for excellence and innovation in health care research, education and delivery. Through its educational programs, the Faculty of Medicine trains the physicians and scientists who will lead the next generation of health practitioners. Through its clinical work, continuing medical education programs, and close relationship with the Calgary Health Region, the Faculty of Medicine moves new treatments and diagnostic techniques from the laboratory bench to the hospital bedside efficiently and effectively, improving patient care.
If you like this story and think others should read about it–why not spread the word!? Use the links below to let others know!
Our Residents Are Medical Experts
January 13, 2009
Part 1 of 7
Melissa Jack
PGY2 Anesthesia Resident
Dr. Melissa Jack, 2nd Year Anesthesia Resident
As residents, some of our most memorable stories come from our patients and their families. I was able to finish work in the operating room early one day and spend time with a patient’s anxious mother. I discussed her fears with her and reassured her that her child was in good hands. A few months later when I saw her again in the emergency room, she immediately came across the room and gave me a huge hug and thanked me. She told me that the time I took to comfort her and listen to her made all the difference. These are things you don’t forget. Of course, my first successful intubation at a code and my first unsupervised epidural—all of these were exciting moments in being trained as well!
Residents are medical experts. A medical expert is one who has a full understanding of the disease process (pathophysiology), its diagnosis and options for treatment. As well, a medical expert has the experience and training to be able to educate and offer patients available options and discuss outcomes. A medical expert not only applies knowledge, but also communicates important information to their team of colleagues, the patient and the patient’s family in a manner that assists in understanding and dealing with complex medical issues.
I am grateful for mentors here in Calgary. An incredible teacher allows learning that is invaluable and often not available in a textbook. There is a unique combination of young, new-to-practice physicians and veteran practitioners here. Through my training, I hope to become the kind of doctor my mom and dad would want looking after them. I also want to teach one day—to give my time as so many amazing mentors are currently doing for me.
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The role of Medical Expert is central to the function of the physician and illustrates how residents learn to:
1. Function effectively as consultants, integrating all of the other roles to provide optimal, ethical, and patient-centered medical care;
2. Establish and maintain clinical knowledge, skills, and attitudes appropriate to their practice;
3. Perform a complete and appropriate assessment of each patient;
4. Use preventive and therapeutic interventions effectively;
5. Demonstrate proficient and appropriate use of procedural skills, both diagnostic and therapeutic;
6. Seek appropriate consultation from other health professionals, recognizing the limits of their expertise.*
*Copyright 2005 The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
Dr. Sheila Malm, 1943-2008
January 14, 2009
The Faculty of Medicine is saddened to report the passing of Dr. Sheila Malm and her husband Gerrit Maureau in a plane crash. The couple was travelling from Pueblo, Colorado, heading to Santa Fe, New Mexico just before Christmas. Maureau was piloting the small plane, and Dr. Malm was a passenger.
Dr. Malm graduated from the University of Calgary medical school and was later part of the Faculty of Medicine. Her colleagues describe her as a leader among family physicians in Calgary. She was instrumental in developing the low risk obstetrics clinic at the U of C, which exists today. She was also a key part of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, where she served as its president and as a member of council. Most recently Dr. Malm was working part time at the Valley View Clinic in Calgary.
Dr. Malm was 65, her husband Gerrit Maureau, 67, was a prominent local oil engineer.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, January 25, 2009 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Calgary Petroleum Club, 319 5th Ave. S.W. If friends and family so desire, memorial tributes to the Dr. Sheila Malm Memorial Scholarship may be made by phone (403-220-3716) or by cheque made payable to the University of Calgary, Dr. Sheila Malm Memorial Scholarship, c/o U of C Central Development Office, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 or online at netcommunity.ucalgary.ca/DrSheilaMalm.
About the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary
The U of C’s Faculty of Medicine is a national leader in health research with an international reputation for excellence and innovation in health care research, education and delivery. Through its educational programs, the Faculty of Medicine trains the physicians and scientists who will lead the next generation of health practitioners. Through its clinical work, continuing medical education programs, and close relationship with the Calgary Health Region, the Faculty of Medicine moves new treatments and diagnostic techniques from the laboratory bench to the hospital bedside efficiently and effectively, improving patient care.
If you like this story and think others should read about it–why not spread the word!? Use the links below to let others know!
Our Residents Are Communicators
January 15, 2009
Part 2 of 7
Mike Monument
PGY3 Orthopaedic Surgery Resident
Dr. Mike Monument
It was a great experience to complete my undergraduate medical education at the UCalgary and since then I’ve been privileged to pursue specialized training within orthopaedic surgery, also at UCalgary.
Residents are communicators. Communication is, undoubtedly, one of the most important skills in medicine and a skill-set used every day as a resident. Effective communication enhances the delivery of patient care, develops cohesion within the medical team and is an integral component of resident education here.
I have a particular interest in musculoskeletal trauma and I’m always impressed at the level of care that is provided to patients and their families here in Calgary. There is no doubt residency is challenging in many ways, but the surgical training we receive here is exceptional and I’m proud to take part in it.
———————-
The role of Communicator includes the varied dynamic exchanges that occur with patients and their families before, during, and after a medical encounter. During their training our residents will:
1. Develop rapport, trust, and ethical therapeutic relationships with patients and families;
2. Accurately elicit and synthesize relevant information and perspectives of patients and families, colleagues and other professionals;
3. Accurately convey relevant information and explanations to patients and families, colleagues and other professionals;
4. Develop a common understanding on issues, problems and plans with patients and families, colleagues and other professionals to develop a shared plan of care;
5. Convey effective oral and written information about a medical encounter.*
*Copyright The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
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2008 University of Calgary – Faculty of Medicine. All rights reserved.
Our Residents Are Collaborators
January 20, 2009
Part 3 of 7
Mark Lee
PGY4 Radiology Resident
Dr. Mark Lee
Collaboration is vital to practicing medicine. In fact, the collaboration process begins the moment a person seeks help from a medical professional. Sometimes we need to consult a number of specialists, sub specialists, and many other members of the health care team in order to solve a problem. In a teaching hospital such as the Foothills Medical Centre, it is not uncommon for a resident to be the first physician a patient meets. From there, the collaborative process begins as the patient’s concerns are addressed by a large team of health-care professionals and hospital staff.
Life as a radiology resident is exciting not only because the most advanced technology is always at your fingertips, but because you have the opportunity to interact and collaborate with specialists from a wide scope of practice: surgery, oncology, obstetrics, cardiology, nephrology, orthopedics, neurology, pediatrics – and that’s the short list. Sometimes the radiologic findings are merely a snapshot of a patient’s experience and the rest of their story is a mystery. However, as diagnostic imaging services play an ever increasing role in patient care, the collaborative experience becomes richer as each specialty pools their resources towards a common goal.
—————————
The role of Collaborator is increasingly important in the modern multiprofessional environment, where the goal of patient-centred care is widely shared. Therefore, our residents:
1. Participate effectively and appropriately in an interprofessional health-care team;
2. Effectively work with other health professionals to prevent, negotiate, and resolve interprofessional conflict*
*Copyright The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
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2008 University of Calgary – Faculty of Medicine. All rights reserved.
Our Residents Are Managers
January 22, 2009
Evan Matshes
PGY5 Anatomic Pathology Resident
Dr. Evan Matshes
Despite the fact that pathologists deal with an abundance of somber stories, I’ve had incredibly positive experiences with family members of patients, and felt as if I have been afforded the opportunity to effectively communicate complex findings to people during difficult times in their lives, while offering solace and compassion.
Residents are managers. A manager is someone who successfully balances both professional and social aspects of the workplace while serving as a reliable resource for those colleagues he or she serves. The most valuable thing I’ve learned as a resident is that people (whether they be patients or co-workers) are far more complex than they may initially appear; there may be a much greater depth of emotion, understanding and comprehension than is readily visible on the surface.
The University of Calgary affords incredible opportunities, rewards and program flexibilities that are not readily found elsewhere. Combined with the beautiful growing city and splendid surrounding areas, Calgary is a fantastic place to live and train.
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The Manager role describes each physician’s requirement to run a sustainable medical practice and participate in the decision-making of health-care organizations. Our residents learn to:
1. Participate in activities that contribute to the effectiveness of their health-care organizations and systems;
2. Manage their practice and career effectively;
3. Allocate finite health-care resources appropriately;
4. Serve in administration and leadership roles, as appropriate*
*Copyright The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
About the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary
UCalgary’s Faculty of Medicine is a national leader in health research with an international reputation for excellence and innovation in health care research, education and delivery. Through its educational programs, the Faculty of Medicine trains the physicians and scientists who will lead the next generation of health practitioners. Through its clinical work, continuing medical education programs and close relationship with Alberta Health Services, the Faculty of Medicine moves new treatments and diagnostic techniques from the laboratory bench to the hospital bedside efficiently and effectively, improving patient care.
For more information visit http://medicine.ucalgary.ca.
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2008 University of Calgary – Faculty of Medicine. All rights reserved.
Our Residents Are Health Advocates
January 27, 2009
Part 5 of 7
Sunita Chacko
PGY2 Family Medicine Resident
Dr. Sunita Chacko
One of the most valuable things I have learned as a family medicine resident is the importance of counseling patients on health promotion and disease prevention. Taking the time to help patients understand how lifestyle and behavioural changes can lead to healthier outcomes has great potential to change both the patient and the environment in which we work. Family medicine has given me the opportunity to train in many settings, from obstetrics to palliative care, and everything in between. I have met many patients—whether they are two or 92, people’s stories are always interesting!
A health advocate is someone who assists their patients in navigating a sometimes complex and overwhelming health care system. A health advocate takes the time to learn about available resources and connects their patients with these resources. A health advocate also recognizes that advocacy can often go beyond the realm of the medical system. Health is intimately tied to socioeconomics, culture and social networks, and advocacy incorporates that understanding into patient care. Equally as important is advocacy in the realm of policy change, on governmental levels spanning from municipal to federal. We have a unique opportunity to bring our experiences at the bedside or at the front lines of primary care to the forefront to negotiate change.
Calgary is a dynamic and growing environment with many opportunities. No matter what area you are interested in, there is someone to support you in that interest. I hope to practice in both the community and acute care setting so that I can serve a wide variety of patients as a family doctor.
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In their role as Health Advocates, physicians learn to responsibly use their expertise and influence in order to advance the health and well-being of patients, communities, and populations. We train our residents to:
1. Respond to individual patient health needs and issues;
2. Respond to the health needs of the communities that they serve;
3. Identify the determinants of health of the populations that they serve;
4. Promote the health of individual patients, communities, and populations.*
*Copyright The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
About the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary
UCalgary’s Faculty of Medicine is a national leader in health research with an international reputation for excellence and innovation in health care research, education and delivery. Through its educational programs, the Faculty of Medicine trains the physicians and scientists who will lead the next generation of health practitioners. Through its clinical work, continuing medical education programs and close relationship with Alberta Health Services, the Faculty of Medicine moves new treatments and diagnostic techniques from the laboratory bench to the hospital bedside efficiently and effectively, improving patient care.
For more information visit http://medicine.ucalgary.ca.
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2008 University of Calgary – Faculty of Medicine. All rights reserved.
Our Residents Are Scholars
January 29, 2009
Part 6 of 7
Naminder Sandhu
PGY2 Pediatrics Resident
Dr. Naminder Sandhu
The beauty of medicine is that there is such a wide array of fields of practice to pique the interest of students and residents. I’m very happy with my decision to pursue pediatrics, but even as a second year resident, I can’t say there is one particular subspecialty that I know I’m supposed to be in, for I love all aspects of medicine.
Residents are scholars. To me, a scholar is a person who has dedicated themselves to study and pursue mastery in an area of interest. It’s not a term we think of routinely, but we as residents are definitely part of the world of scholars who try to find answers and solutions to problems, with a special focus in medicine. I think the boundaries of what defines medicine are vast and can be interpreted in various ways to encompass research and academia; ethics and psychosocial and cultural principles; or clinical skills.
As a resident, you become conditioned to hard work, managing an impressive learning curve, and facing the struggles of balancing work and play (for the sake of sanity!) But the most valuable point I’ve learned and carry with me on a regular basis is the appreciation of how privileged I am to be allowed into the personal and private lives of other human beings who trust me to make a difference.
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In the Scholar role physicians demonstrate a lifelong commitment to:
1. Maintain and enhance professional activities through ongoing learning;
2. Critically evaluate information and its sources, and apply this appropriately to practice decisions;
3. Facilitate the learning of patients, families, students, residents, other health professionals, the public, and others, as appropriate;
4. Contribute to the creation, dissemination, application, and translation of new medical knowledge and practices.*
*Copyright The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
About the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary
UCalgary’s Faculty of Medicine is a national leader in health research with an international reputation for excellence and innovation in health care research, education and delivery. Through its educational programs, the Faculty of Medicine trains the physicians and scientists who will lead the next generation of health practitioners. Through its clinical work, continuing medical education programs and close relationship with Alberta Health Services, the Faculty of Medicine moves new treatments and diagnostic techniques from the laboratory bench to the hospital bedside efficiently and effectively, improving patient care.
For more information visit http://medicine.ucalgary.ca.
Digg it! | Reddit.com | del.icio.us | facebook
2008 University of Calgary – Faculty of Medicine. All rights reserved.
