College News - Archive 2020
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 spo...
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 growt...
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...
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 o...
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 Indi...
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 Aw...
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 ...
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...
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 ...
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 improv...
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 drivi...
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...
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 commu...
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 t...
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...
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 (U...
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...
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 livin...
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...
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...
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 survivor...
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...
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 lea...
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 (USa...
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 wa...
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...
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 p...
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 devel...
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 expe...
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....
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 ...
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...
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...
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-size...
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...
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 ...
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 c...
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...
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 s...
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 ...
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-InterV...
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.<br/><br/>
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...
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...
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.<br/><br/>
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.<br/><br/>
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 communi...
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 part...
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 COVI...
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 ...
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 ...
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.<br/><br/>
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...
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 emergenc...
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 comf...
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.<br/><br/>
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.<br/><br/>
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 o...
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.<br/>
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) a...
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 saf...
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 a...
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 s...
USask health science students create task force to help amid COVID-19 pandemic
About 200 University of Saskatchewan (USask) health science students in the province are volunteering to help in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
USask unites: USask counsellor offers tips on staying mentally healthy 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 on another in these uncertain times.
USask unites: A USask student has launched a website tracking all cases of COVID-19 in Canada
Since the first cases of COVID-19 were announced in the province, members of the USask community have come together to support on another in these uncertain times.