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Two UCalgary clinician scientists named Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 2008
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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Gutsy research: UCalgary GI doctor receives international award
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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Faculty of Medicine celebrates excellence
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.
UCalgary Medicine wins at 2008 MarCom Awards
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.
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Faculty of Medicine home to one of Canada’s Most Powerful women
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.
World renowned heart expert at UCalgary receives national award from the Canadian Cardiovascular Society
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.
UCalgary doctor named Family Physician of the Year
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.
Faculty of Medicine internist receives national Osler Award
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 Medicine 