Dr. Jawahar (Jay) Kalra PhD, MD, FRCPC, FCAHS
Professor Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

What are your current projects?

• Laboratory Utilization in Healthcare
• Medical Error & Disclosure of Adverse Events
• Total Quality Management in Laboratory Medicine
• Quality Assessment – Discrepancy rate between clinical and autopsy diagnosis

What are possible projects that you are interested in pursuing?

• Quality Proficiency Testing
• Laboratory Utilization in Healthcare
• Medical Error & Disclosure of Adverse Events
• Total Quality Management in Laboratory Medicine

How should/can a trainee contact you to inquire regarding research?

Via telephone (306-655-2152) or email jay.kalra@Saskatoonhealthregion.ca

Biography

Dr. Jay Kalra, an educator, researcher, and quality health care advocate, is a Professor of Pathology in the College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan and has served as Head of the Department of Pathology (1991-2000) and Head of the Department of Laboratory Medicine, Saskatoon District Health (1994-2000). Dr. Kalra received his Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Biochemistry and Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's. After finishing his internship in St. John's he completed his residency training for Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Specialty in Ottawa to receive Certification in Medical Biochemistry from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCPC), the Canadian Academy of Health Science (FCAHS), and an Elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine, UK.

Dr. Kalra is a member of various National and International Societies. Dr. Kalra has been active in Pathology and Lab Medicine on both National and International levels. He has lectured widely and held numerous visiting Professorships both in Canada and abroad. He has been active within the Royal College serving on a number of Committees of the College related to Pathology and Lab Medicine practice and Postgraduate education. Dr. Kalra has served as the President of the Canadian Association of Medical Biochemists (CAMB 1993-95), President of Intersociety Council of Laboratory Medicine of Canada (ICLMC 1994-96), President of Canadian Chairs of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (CCPLM 1995-2000), President of Canadian Association of Pathologists (CAP 1999-2000) and President of American College of Angiology (ACA 2004). Dr. Kalra served on Council of the Canadian Society for Clinical Investigation (CSCI 1995-2001) and has chaired its Bylaws Committee. Dr. Kalra has been the founding member (1991) and Director of Saskatchewan Stroke Research Centre (1998-2000). Dr. Kalra has also been actively involved in various committees of College of Medicine and University of Saskatchewan including chair of Faculty Council, College of Medicine (2005-11), Chair of University Planning and Priority Committee (2008-10). At present, he serves as a member of the Board of Directors (Treasurer) on the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, Chair of the University of Saskatchewan Representative Council and a member of the Editorial Board of two journals.

Dr. Kalra's major research work is in the area of applied biochemistry related to oxygen-free radicals in various clinical diseases, including heart failure and atherosclerosis. He has been a pioneer in establishing guidelines for thyroid-function testing, total quality management programs, quality care and patient safety, and laboratory utilization in health care. He has also served as a Chair of American Society of Quality (ASQ), Saskatchewan division (2009-11). He is a recipient of several research grants and has over 200 research communications to his credit. Also, Dr. Kalra is an author of a book entitled “Medical Errors and Patient Safety – Strategies to Reduce and Disclose Medical Errors and Improve Patient Safety”.

Dr. Kalra is an active volunteer in the community. He has been involved in the community for many years and has served as a Chair and also as a member of the various committees. He has served on the Board of Directors (1993-2000), an Executive member (1995-98) of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan, Chair (1997-98) and member (1994-97) on the Board of Trustees of the Hindu Society of Saskatchewan. He has been the President (1998-99) and Vice-President (1997) of Saskatoon Folkfest Inc. an organization which showcases a multicultural event for the City of Saskatoon. He served as the Chair (1998-99) of the Planning Committee and President for celebrating the 20 years of Culture and Harmony in Folkfest 1999. He has also served as a President of Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan (2006-08) and Saskatchewan Intercultural Association (2009-13).

Dr. Kalra is a Rotarian who has been involved in various community activities, serving as a member of Saskatoon Nutana Rotary Club committees including Membership Development, and World Community Service. Dr. Kalra served as President of the Saskatoon Nutana Rotary Club (2001-02). He had also participated as a Word Whiz Committee member in a fund raising event held in Centennial Hall in 1996, 1997, and 1998 for the Saskatchewan Literacy Foundation. In addition, he has been an active member of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Equity Issues Advisory Committee and has served on the Task Force on Equity Issues, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. He has served on several committees of the College of Medicine and University of Saskatchewan including as Chair of the 90th Saskatchewan Anniversary Conference Planning Committee (1995-96) and has been an elected member of the University Council (1999-2001). He has also served as a member of the Medical Advisory Committee (1994-2000), as a member of the executive of the Medical Advisory Committee (1994-96) of Saskatoon District Health Board along with several other committees including member of the Clinical Review Panel (1992-94) and has served as a member of the Legislative Committee of the Saskatchewan Medical Association (1995-2000).

Dr. Kalra has been a member of the Board of Directors (1998-2001) of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (Saskatchewan Division). He has been the Chair of Vision 2000 and Vision 2001 Luncheon committee and coordinator of the Board Planning session. Dr. Kalra has also served as Chair of the CNIB (Saskatchewan Division) and as a member of the National board of the CNIB.

Dr. Kalra has been the recipient of several awards and honours, some of which include: Schering Traveling Award, Canadian Society for Clinical Investigation, 1988; "Golden Wheel Award for Excellence in Science and Technology 1994", Rotary Clubs of Saskatoon; "Excellence of Research Award 1994", Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists; Saskatchewan Heath Research Foundation Achievement Award in Clinical Research 2005; “Global Health Travel Award” for International Exchange Program to visit India, Nepal and Bangladesh, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 2011-12; “Outstanding Speaker Award from1997-2012”, American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC); 2012 CAME/ACÉM Certificate of Merit Award” for Outstanding Contributions to Medical Education, Canadian Association for Medical Education (CAME); “Graduate Student Association (GSA) Champion Award”, University of Saskatchewan, 2013; “Saskatchewan Centennial Leadership Award” for outstanding contribution to province, Regina, 2005; “American Society for Quality (ASQ) Service Award 2010-2011”; “Dedicated Service Award”, Canadian Association of University Teachers, 2011; The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, 2012; RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards, 2013 Winner; SaskCulture Volunteer Award for Culture, Saskatchewan Culture, Regina, 2003; Physician Recognition Award “Community Spirit”, Saskatoon Health Region, 2004; Certificate of Appreciation, Province of British Columbia for participation with Canadian Eyesight International, 2004; “Living in Harmony” Recognition Award for Cultural Diversity and Race Relations, City of Saskatoon, Saskatoon, 2004; Saskatchewan Equity and Diversity Association (SEEDA) Award as Pioneer for Advancing Multiculturalism and Diversity in Saskatchewan, 2006; Honorary Ambassador, Mosaic (40th Anniversary) – A Festival of Cultures, Regina, Saskatchewan, 2007; and Honorary Ambassador, Saskatoon Folkfest- Annual Multicultural Festival, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, 2010. Dr. Kalra has also been recognized for his contributions to Education, Research and Medicine by his citation in the International Who's Who in Medicine, International Who's Who of Intellectuals, and by receiving Man of the Year Award from the American Biographical Institute for his outstanding community and professional achievements.