College News - Archive 2020 - College of Medicine

Leading by example

Nicole Shoaf stepped into a volunteer role to support other women to lead healthy lifestyles. Now, she has been honoured for her leadership and exceptional contributions to the sport of triathlon.

Hopkins advancing surgical care

For cancer patients, a quick recovery after surgery is an essential part of their treatment.

USask leads Canada’s medical universities in research income growth, moving up three places to 11th spot in overall national ranking

In the just-published Canada's Top 50 Research Universities 2020 rankings, the University of Saskatchewan (USask) is ranked first among the country’s medical universities for growth in total research income—an almost 40-per-cent gain in all external research grants and contracts

Saskatchewan’s first mental health court reduces recidivism, USask evaluation finds

A University of Saskatchewan (USask) evaluation has found that the first group of people to come through Saskatoon’s Mental Health Strategy Court were arrested less often for petty offences in the year following their participation in the program.

Remodelling project: Dave Cooper and the mysteries inside our bones

How closely does real life mirror the forensic science we see on television? As technology advances, Dave Cooper is using some of the world's highest-powered tools to peer inside our bones.

Indigenous wellness learning at USask supported by CMA and SMA

University of Saskatchewan (USask) fourth-year medical students will be able to take the national award-winning Indigenous wellness online course, The Role of Practitioners in Indigenous Wellness, at no cost with the generous support of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and the Saskatchewan Medical Association (SMA).

National Indigenous health research leader honoured with SHRF Achievement Award

SASKATOON - A prominent national leader, visionary and researcher in Indigenous health—Carrie Bourassa of the University of Saskatchewan (USask)—was honoured with an Achievement Award from the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) today.

USask partners on a made-in-Saskatchewan ventilator project

One hundred made-in-Saskatchewan ventilators will soon be available to support the needs of the province’s residents, thanks to an innovative collaboration among the University of Saskatchewan (USask), the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), and RMD Engineering Inc.

New physician training program at USask supports child mental health

SASKATOON – A new program at the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) College of Medicine is helping Saskatchewan physicians and nurse practitioners better support pediatric mental health needs in the province.

USask researchers lead national project to eliminate cervical cancer in Canada

University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers will play a lead role in a $1.6-million Urban Public Health Network (UPHN)-led national research project to help eliminate cervical cancer in Canada by 2040.

New cancer research chair established at USask

An endowment created by the late Jean E. Murray—daughter of USask’s first President, Walter C. Murray—will help build cancer research capacity in the College of Medicine and improve outcomes for cancer patients in Saskatchewan.

Giving back

Dr. Gary Groot (MD’82, PhD’11) knew early on that he wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. Now, a highly regarded surgical oncologist and researcher, Groot’s work is driving health services research and improving patient care in the province.

My disease does not define me: a patient’s perspective on research

Emma Linsley managed to power through fatigue and weight loss, but when her joints started to swell, she and her family knew something was wrong.

Imminent surge in new COVID-19 cases in Saskatoon: USask wastewater data

Data collected by the University of Saskatchewan (USask) wastewater surveillance team shows Saskatoon’s COVID-19 case numbers are likely to increase exponentially in the next seven days.

Stepping Up From The Sidelines

From raising tens of thousands of dollars for needed supplies in La Loche to helping health care workers from the sidelines, medical students felt called to help Saskatchewan communities during a global pandemic — the same communities they are being trained to serve as physicians.

Napper relishes research role and thirst for teaching

Even in the midst of a pandemic, University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers continue to make a positive impact through leadership and teaching.

The social significance of the global pandemic

When COVID-19 came to Canada, researchers knew its implications would go far beyond the direct effects of the virus.

New CT scanner gives USask’s VIDO-InterVac scientists a window on COVID-19 disease

New imaging equipment to help understand COVID-19 infection will soon be coming to the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization—International Vaccine Centre (VIDO-InterVac) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), thanks to a Canada Foundation for Innovation grant announced today by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

USask researchers find face masks don't hinder breathing during exercise

SASKATOON – A new University of Saskatchewan (USask) study has found that exercise performance and blood and muscle oxygen levels are not affected for healthy individuals wearing a face mask during strenuous workouts.

Adjusting to Medical School in a Pandemic

The first three months of medical school have gone by quickly. As we stop to catch our breath in between midterms and finals, we have a lot of milestones to reflect on.

USask doctor volunteers to support COVID-19 efforts in Bolivia

SASKATOON – Helping the community where he was born, Dr. Ivar Mendez has decided to take a six-month unpaid leave as department head of surgery at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) beginning Jan 1, 2021, to provide pandemic support in Bolivia.

Motorcycles for maternal care: Ron Siemens makes the links in northern Mozambique

After raising five children of his own, including two sets of twins, Dr. Ron Siemens brings an empathetic, pragmatic approach to infant and childrens’ medicine.

USask researcher and Métis partners collaborate to jig away cardiac woes

SASKATOON – In a first-of-its-kind Canadian study, University of Saskatchewan (USask) researcher Heather Foulds will assess the physical, mental, cultural, and social benefits that result from performing traditional Métis social dances—something she says can narrow the health gap between Métis and non-Indigenous people.

His father's son: Nazeem Muhajarine connects the coronavirus and human behaviour

The way people perceive threats in a pandemic affects the spread of Covid-19, according to social epidemiologist Nazeem Muhajarine.

Imaging inflammatory bowel disease with ultrasound microbubbles

A University of Saskatchewan (USask) researcher is developing ultrasound microbubbles to create a non-invasive, painless, and fast way to identify inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

USask researcher building new model for MS care

As the search for a cause and a cure for multiple sclerosis (MS) continues around the world, Dr. Sarah Donkers (PhD) is exploring new ways to improve the lives of individuals living with the disease here in Saskatchewan.

Dr. Irene Evans: Helping students in need succeed

University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Medicine students receive generous support through the Doctors Gwilym and Irene Evans Award, thanks to the $3-million legacy gift from Dr. Irene (Puetz) Evans (MD’63).

USask researcher targets aggressive breast cancers with new drugs

More than 5,100 women in Canada—about 75 a day—will die from breast cancers this year, a dismal statistic that University of Saskatchewan (USask) radiopharmacist Dr. Humphrey Fonge (PhD) aims to sharply reduce with potent new drugs that specifically target two aggressive types of cancer.

USask unites: The unintentional influencer

At a time when the world was saturated with misinformation, a USask alumna took it upon herself to set the record straight.

CMHF recipient an advocate of harm reduction, trauma-informed care

Third-year medical student Jessica Froehlich was named as one of this year’s Canadian Medical Hall of Fame (CMHF) recipients.

USask community to honour residential school survivors and their families with Orange Shirt Day

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) community is getting ready to participate in Orange Shirt Day on Wednesday, Sept. 30, to acknowledge and remember residential school survivors and their families.

While We Learn, They Die: Why We Need Immediate Action in the Drug Crisis

I’ve always been told to never discuss politics with family. I broke that rule unwittingly when I went back home during the September long weekend and my dad shared that one of his friends overdosed due to cocaine cut with fentanyl.

Exploring technology use with Indigenous elderly for health and well-being

University of Saskatchewan (USask) post-doctoral fellow Dr. Cari McIlduff (PhD) has been awarded $45,000 from AGE-WELL and the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) to learn which technology and telehealth services older Indigenous people would like to use for support in leading a healthy lifestyle.

Innovation Saskatchewan awards $1M to USask research projects

Developing new therapies for the HIV virus, creating artificial substitutes for human tissue and organs, and predicting cyberattacks are some of the University of Saskatchewan (USask) research projects made possible through Innovation Saskatchewan’s Innovation and Science Fund (ISF).

USask unites: Virologist discusses the realities of research amid COVID-19 pandemic

Since the first cases of COVID-19 were announced in the province, members of the USask community have come together to support one another in these uncertain times.

Why did I choose the MD/MBA program?

When I started medical school on August 8, 2018, I was a proud member of the Class of 2022. Throughout the next two years, my classmates and I often talked about how we couldn’t wait to get onto the wards to start working with “real patients.”

Beginning Second Year with a Greater Sense of Balance

I was in term two of my first year of medical school when the COVID-19 pandemic first hit.

Unusual beginnings in unprecedented times: Starting medical school during a pandemic

As two long-time friends in first year medicine, the word on our minds when we think about starting medical school during a pandemic isn’t “unprecedented”--it’s “privileged.”

USask respirologist offers tips for wearing masks, and why they work

Wearing a mask is now mandatory indoors for those on campus, and a University of Saskatchewan (USask) respiratory expert says there are plenty of good reasons why they help protect you and others around you.

New research measures how anesthesiology residents develop ultrasound skills

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has emerged as a safe, non-invasive tool for physicians to optimize many types of care at the bedside — from a heart examination to lessening the pain of a total joint knee replacement.

USask awarded $1.2M to advance health, agriculture and environmental research

SASKATOON – Creating artificial substitutes for human tissue and organs, discovering the best diet to help bacteria break down oil spills, and using high-powered computing to develop next-generation materials are some of the University of Saskatchewan (USask) projects made possible by new research infrastructure funded by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI).

USask provides virtual care during pandemic

When an outbreak of COVID-19 caused travel restrictions to be instituted in northern Saskatchewan in May, residents’ access to health care services were limited—especially for expectant mothers.

USask researchers explore therapeutics to fight COVID-19

With COVID-19 ravaging the globe, the race is on to accelerate therapeutics research and find effective treatment options.

Tracking pandemic public health responses

The rampant spread of COVID-19 south of the border and the increasing number of localized cluster outbreaks in areas of Saskatchewan are clear warning signs to researchers like Dr. Cory Neudorf (MD) that we must remain diligent in the face of the global pandemic.

Data drives decisions to contain COVID-19

After finally emerging from months of working and sheltering at home, with the majority of the population following pandemic prevention measures, Dr. Nazeem Muhajarine (PhD) knows the last thing people want to think about right now is a potential second wave.

USask-led Indigenous health research network finds home at Station 20 West

In a significant step for Indigenous health research in Saskatchewan and nationally, a new University of Saskatchewan (USask)-led network dedicated to improving health and wellness in Indigenous communities will be moving into Station 20 West in a core neighborhood of Saskatoon’s west side.

USask researchers awarded $715,000 to tackle mental health and addictions, MS, and other health issues

Six University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers have been awarded a total of more than $715,000 by the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) to lead new health research programs, half of which are related to mental health and addictions.

College of Medicine Alumni Association president looks forward to new role

The new College of Medicine Alumni Association president is no stranger to taking on leadership roles.

University and city study food reclamation

What if unwanted food from grocery stores and restaurants could be repurposed to not only save money, but potentially create jobs?

Medical students, residents receive emergency financial support from Canadian Medical Association Foundation

The financial support will give a boost to medical learners impacted by COVID-19.

Building next generation ‘smart pill’ gut-imaging device with AI sensors for improved cancer detection

A team led by University of Saskatchewan (USask) researcher Dr. Khan Wahid (PhD) has been awarded $250,000 from the federal New Frontiers in Research Fund to create a new pill-sized capsule that uses artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled sensing to diagnose gastrointestinal cancers and bleeding earlier and more precisely than is currently possible.

USask unites: Student steps up to help home community during COVID-19

Since the first cases of COVID-19 were announced in the province, members of the USask community have come together to support one another in these uncertain times.

USask medical researchers awarded $900K to help fight COVID-19

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) has awarded three University of Saskatchewan (USask) research teams a total of $900,000 to help strengthen Canada’s rapid response to the COVID-19 pandemic which had killed more than 450,000 people worldwide.

USask researchers to develop saliva-based COVID-19 home testing kit

University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers are part of two COVID-19-related projects awarded major federal funding today—one to develop a unique saliva-based test for COVID-19 detection and the other to track COVID-19 incidence rates among Canadian dentists.

USask medical students elected to support student advocacy, wellness

Second-year medical students Lucas King and Sehjal Bhargava know they are in the best positions to support and advocate on their classmates’ behalf in Saskatchewan and across the country.

USask celebrates virtual Pride Week

This year’s Pride Week format may have changed, but its importance remains the same for the University of Saskatchewan (USask) campus community.

Schell excels in final season with Huskies

There are superb student-athletes all across the country, but few can match what Alex Schell accomplished in her Huskie Athletics career.

USask Colleges of Medicine, Arts and Science partner on revamped biomedical sciences degree

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) will begin offering a revamped biomedical sciences degree program (BMSC) starting in May 2021.

USask physiology and pharmacology graduate awarded Governor General’s Silver Medal

A University of Saskatchewan (USask) student who achieved an impressive 96.65-per-cent cumulative average during her undergraduate studies has been honoured with a Governor General’s Silver Medal.

Statement from USask President

President Peter Stoicheff addresses the University of Saskatchewan campus community.

USask Métis student celebrates MD degree on family farm

Like any student in their last year of medical school, Métis student Lacey Jurke has been keeping busy—though not in the way she had envisioned.

Connecting Generations in a Time of Disconnect

Social distancing measures and visiting restrictions at long-term care homes have helped curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, but they also mean isolation and loneliness for some.

USask asks community to help celebrate spring 2020 graduates online

SASKATOON – Graduation ceremonies and powwow at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) are a time to acknowledge academic achievements and a time to celebrate with family, friends and members of the community.

Promising pre-clinical results for USask VIDO-InterVac COVID-19 vaccine

SASKATOON – A COVID-19 vaccine candidate developed by the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-International Vaccine Centre (VIDO-InterVac) has cleared another major milestone in moving towards human clinical trials: the novel vaccine has proven highly effective in ferrets, one of the commonly used animal models for COVID-19.

USask researcher helping design improved mask for pre-symptomatic COVID-19 patients

A University of Saskatchewan (USask) researcher is helping design personal protective masks for pre-symptomatic COVID-19 patients.

12 Tips for Promoting Mental Health and Well-Being During COVID-19

Reading all the articles and studies getting published on COVID-19 inspired me to create something that would help others do just that. A practical framework for supporting our own and others’ psychological needs for motivation and wellness.

Developing microbeam radiation therapy for inoperable cancer

An innovative radiation treatment that could one day be a valuable addition to conventional radiation therapy for inoperable brain and spinal tumors is a step closer, thanks to new research led by University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers at the Canadian Light Source (CLS).

USask unites: Medical students connecting with isolated seniors

Since the first cases of COVID-19 were announced in the province, members of the USask community have come together to support one another in these uncertain times.

USask unites: Medical students double fundraising goal to send supplies to northern Saskatchewan communities

Since the first cases of COVID-19 were announced in the province, members of the USask community have come together to support one another in these uncertain times.

President addresses USask community

President Peter Stoicheff addresses the University of Saskatchewan campus community during these uncertain times, applauding the immense efforts of all members of the USask community to flatten the COVID-19 curve.

Oosman honoured with Provost’s Award for Outstanding Teaching

A School of Rehabilitation Science associate professor has been recognized for her teaching excellence.

USask College of Medicine hosts Indigenous language training

Cree is one of the most widely spoken Indigenous languages in the province. A new course offered by the College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) now gives participants the opportunity to learn the language.

Dr. Michael Goldney: Making a difference

One of the founders of Lucky Bastard Distillers said everyone should make the effort to regularly wash their hands with soap and water as the first line of defence against the COVID-19 virus. Consider it doctor’s orders.

USask Indigenous health leader appointed to national COVID-19 Immunity Task Force

University of Saskatchewan (USask) Indigenous health research leader Dr. Carrie Bourassa has been appointed as the Indigenous Engagement Lead on the federal COVID-19 Immunity Task Force. The leadership group will oversee national efforts to measure the scope and scale of SARS-CoV-2 immunity across Canada.

My View From The Sidelines During COVID-19

The last few weeks have been a crazy whirlwind of news headlines from across the world, an abundance of information, and disruptions in almost every aspect of life.

Campus remains closed during COVID-19

This is a reminder that the University of Saskatchewan campus remains closed to our faculty, staff and students, as well as the general public.

The Student Voices of COVID-19

We are medical students. For the past several years, we have dedicated innumerable hours to the learning and practice of our trade. Our physicians and other mentors have guided us on this journey, providing us with their valuable time as well.

USask unites: USask doctor aims to dispel COVID-19 myths via video sharing

Since the first cases of COVID-19 were announced in the province, members of the USask community have come together to support one another in these uncertain times.

USask researchers offer online support program for people with MS, Parkinson’s and spinal cord injury

During the COVID-19 pandemic, University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers in physiotherapy, rehabilitation science, and neurology are combining their expertise to provide a free online, virtual program to people with neurological conditions.

USask unites: Psychiatry professor teams up with church to offer support for health-care workers

Since the first cases of COVID-19 were announced in the province, members of the USask community have come together to support one another in these uncertain times.

USask engineering team designing 3D-printed N95 masks to help combat COVID-19

Using 3D printers, a University of Saskatchewan (USask) engineering team is designing a comfortable, reusable and sanitizable N95 class respirator mask aimed at protecting emergency room doctors and nurses from COVID-19 in the midst of a global shortage of medical-grade masks.

USask therapy dogs go virtual amidst COVID-19 pandemic

SASKATOON – The University of Saskatchewan (USask) PAWS Your Stress Therapy Dog program is live online. Students and other members of the community can now connect and receive comfort and support from St. John Ambulance therapy dogs while learning pandemic-specific mental health self-care tips.

USask unites: CLRC and university health science programs join forces with the SHA to combat COVID-19

Since the first cases of COVID-19 were announced in the province, members of the USask community have come together to support one another in these uncertain times.

USask unites: Indigenous student dancers share videos made in self-isolation to help others get through the pandemic

Since the first cases of COVID-19 were announced in the province, members of the USask community have come together to support one another in these uncertain times.

USask researchers team up with companies to make hand sanitizer

SASKATOON – University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers and three local companies are helping to address a provincial shortage of hand sanitizer using a bioprocessing facility on the USask campus to temporarily produce sanitizer and key ingredients, while the business group gears up for larger-scale production.

USask unites: USask psychologist offers free counselling to health-care workers during COVID-19 pandemic

Since the first cases of COVID-19 were announced in the province, members of the USask community have come together to support one another in these uncertain times.

SHA and USask’s VIDO-InterVac partner to help ensure supply of N95 respirator masks

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) and the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-International Vaccine Centre (VIDO-InterVac) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) are partnering on a way to safely decontaminate and reuse N95 respiratory masks that are normally thrown away after each use.

USask health researchers make ‘exceptional’ discovery

A discovery by a group of University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers may change the way we model how a human body processes drugs.

Health risks of vaping: USask respirologist

Vaping and the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has exploded in popularity. While some see it as a way to transition from smoking, there are many questions about the safety of the devices and the long-term effects of vaping.

Amendments to legislation protect vulnerable and Indigenous women

Indigenous women are three to four times more likely than other women to be sexually assaulted or murdered, and seven times more likely to be targeted by serial killers.

Webinar answers key COVID-19 questions for healthcare professionals

With the overwhelming amount information about COVID-19 making headlines every day, it’s important for healthcare professionals to have accurate, current information.

USask awarded $5 million to lead new CIHR Indigenous health research networks to address health disparities

University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers have been awarded $5 million from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) as part of a major new national initiative that aims to create a network of Indigenous research centres driven by and grounded in Indigenous communities.

Morning Star Lodge and USask health research leader launch “Protecting Our Home Fires” strategy for COVID-19 prevention

University of Saskatchewan (USask) health research leader Dr. Carrie Bourassa and Morning Star Lodge, an Indigenous community-based health research lab in Regina, are launching a strategy to inform Indigenous communities about the risks of COVID-19 infection and how to prevent its spread.