College News - Archive 2021 - College of Medicine

Creating a legacy: Nancy and Charles Weisdorff

For Nancy and Charles Weisdorff, supporting the College of Medicine was inspired by their own health challenges.

USask researchers tackle health issues raised by COVID-19 

As the pandemic rolls through another year, University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers continue to seek out timely responses to the crisis based on scientific discovery. 

Prep & Support: College prepares faculty, supports health system during pandemic

Dr. John Froh (MD) says the response from Saskatchewan physicians to a skills enhancement program developed by the College of Medicine’s Continuing Medical Education (CME) team shows its value extended far beyond simply preparing doctors who might be called upon to work in new care settings during the pandemic—including intensive care, emergency, even field hospitals.

An award that comes full circle

Barb Smith, administrative assistant in the Department of Academic Family Medicine, is the recipient of the 2021 Sydney Inskip Service Award.

Dr. Cory Neudorf: A public health perspective

Dr. Cory Neudorf (MD’89) has called COVID-19 the biggest professional challenge of his career. As a public health physician and epidemiologist, he has spent his career devoted to health equity and public health advocacy.

USask researchers among top scientists cited worldwide in Stanford list

On a recently published list, more than 130 University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers were featured prominently among the world’s top scientists, social scientists and academics, enhancing the university’s reputation as a world-class research university.

Queering the medical curriculum

We spent the summer reviewing literature and creating suggestions for best practices for including queer content in the medical curriculum.

Growing postgraduate medical education to meet Saskatchewan health-care needs

Dr. Preston Smith (MD) likes to remind people that medicine is unlike any other field—because learners graduate fully equipped to start practice the next day.

Supporting mental health in northern Saskatchewan communities during COVID-19

In Saskatchewan’s northern communities, COVID-19 has exacerbated the gaps in health care, including mental health. This became even more apparent during the pandemic with overall levels of stress increasing.

Treating diabetes with black bag medicine: Dr. Stu Skinner

Without a car, without childcare, without a grocery store, a pharmacy, or a place to get blood work done, how does a person with diabetes in rural Saskatchewan keep their disease in check?

USask biomedical researcher investigating what makes COVID-19 variants more infectious

A University of Saskatchewan (USask) biomedical scientist is leading a research team in investigating how COVID-19 variants function and interact with a host’s cells.

Pandemic worsens opioid crisis in Sask.

For people struggling with opioid and other addictions, COVID-19 hit swiftly with devastating results.

USask researchers pave the way to accessible health care for those with inflammatory bowel disease

University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers from the College of Nursing and the College of Medicine are collaborating to improve the virtual care experiences of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Saskatchewan.

Pewaseskwan at USask signs MOU with FSIN to create research alliance

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) and pewaseskwan—the Indigenous Wellness Research Group (IWRG) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask)—have signed a memorandum of understanding on Nov. 23 to commemorate the start of a research alliance.

Slips, trips and spills: preventing falls with Dr. Cathy Arnold

For senior citizens, fracturing a hip is more often than not a life-changing injury.

Upcoming conference on HIV and hepatitis C vital to addressing rising rates in Saskatchewan

Pewaseskwan - the Indigenous Wellness Research Group based in the University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Medicine, is hosting the Sask Stories Provincial Conference on HIV and Hepatitis C Wise/Promising Practices on November 25 and 26, 2021.

The Pride of Saskatchewan: Dr. James M. Campbell (MED’31)

One Saskatchewan alumnus applied his medical expertise to serve overseas during the Second World War.

Indigenous virtual conference to highlight lessons learned from COVID-19 to address viral hepatitis

The organizing committee of the World Indigenous Peoples’ Conference on Viral Hepatitis is hosting a virtual conference about lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic by global Indigenous communities that are also impacted by viral hepatitis.

Who is avoiding the COVID-19 vaccine in Saskatchewan? New USask research could help to target the holdouts

University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers have been studying why Saskatchewanians have been refusing or hesitating to get vaccinated for COVID-19.

Dr. Scott McLeod: A lifetime of service

Dr. Scott McLeod (MD'93) has never been one to shy away from an opportunity. After receiving his biochemistry degree in his hometown of Regina, McLeod journeyed north to pursue a medical degree from the University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Medicine, which he completed in 1993.

USask assistant professor serving his country

Major Dr. Nabeel Samad (MD) doesn’t know when the order will come, but the University of Saskatchewan (USask) assistant professor is anxiously awaiting the day he is called to duty to serve his country.

Unchanged over two decades: Marek Radomski calls for boost to biomedical spending

Dr. Marek Radomski says research pays off, in attracting dollars to post-secondary institutions, in creating healthier citizens, and in lowering health costs.

USask physical therapy graduate inspired by family

For Enzo Yutuc, the decision to pursue physical therapy was inspired by his grandmother’s battle with Parkinson’s disease, and seeing the way the illness impacted her.

USask research aims to increase cervical cancer screenings with at-home HPV testing

A USask researcher has received $280,000 for a pilot project intended to lower and remove barriers to cervical cancer screening for women living in under-served or remote areas.

USask researchers take steps to develop new multiple sclerosis treatments

Research from a University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Medicine team will help develop medications that can inhibit the nerve cell damage that occurs due to diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS).

USask surgeon nationally recognized for educational excellence

University of Saskatchewan (USask) surgeon Dr. Trustin Domes (MD, MEd) has been awarded the John Provan Outstanding Surgical Educator Award.

USask to celebrate distinguished honorary degree recipients

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) will honour two individuals who have made major contributions to their communities and the country, with special tributes during this year’s virtual Fall Convocation online celebration.

Wearing a surgical face mask as protection from COVID-19 does not affect performance of youth hockey players: USask study

A University of Saskatchewan (USask) research team has found that wearing face masks to protect against COVID-19 during play does not affect the sport performance of youth hockey players aged 9-14. Parents of a hockey player under the age of 12 can rest assured that their child can be protected from COVID-19 while still playing at their best.

Science with an armchair and a drink: Julia Boughner and Café Scientifique

Julia Boughner knows primates carry a deep-seated instinct to gather together.

USask research, published in major journal, contributes to understanding of Cystic Fibrosis

Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) are hopeful new understanding of cellular defects related to Cystic Fibrosis (CF) could help pave the way for treatment of the disease.

Michael Levin and the race to reverse MS neurodegeneration

Dr Michael Levin is a neuroscientist unravelling the mysteries of nerve degeneration in Multiple Sclerosis patients.

USask events planned for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The University of Saskatchewan community is observing September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, to commemorate the impact of residential schools in Canada.

USask researchers awarded more than $4.45 million for six health-related projects

A pair of University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers will receive in excess of $2.4 million for two projects using Indigenous ways of being and doing to influence change in the justice system and delivery of mental health and addictions services.

Young Innovators: USask researcher crosses biological boundaries to discover insights into multiple sclerosis

PhD candidate Cole Libner and his research team have tackled the question of how to decelerate or halt the devastating neurodegeneration caused by MS.

USask’s revamped biomedical sciences program proves popular with students

The revamped biomedical sciences (BMSC) degree program at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) is attracting significant attention from prospective students from around the world.

Training doctors for southeastern Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan’s residency training program is being expanded in the southeastern part of the province, the Department of Academic Family Medicine (DAFM) within the University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Medicine and Saskatchewan Health Authority announced today.

What I Did Last Summer: Kyra Ives on neuromuscular disease

One of the trickiest parts of treating patients with neuromuscular diseases such as Parkinson's and Multiple Sclerosis is figuring out how to keep them active and moving.

Distributed medical education boosts number of rural doctors

In her third year of medical school back in 2018-19, Lindsay Richels spent 10 months in Estevan as part of the first cohort of the Saskatchewan Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship (SLIC).

USask researchers, Ovarian Cancer Canada and Province of Saskatchewan team up to improve testing and treatment options

A University of Saskatchewan (USask) project will create the province’s only tumour bank and—for the first time in Canada—offer ovarian cancer patients testing to learn if biologic drugs can control their illness.

USask researcher named a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada

University of Saskatchewan (USask) researcher Dr. Malcolm King (PhD) has been named a fellow in one of Canada’s oldest and most prestigious national institutions.

USask research discovers that concussion recovery times may be longer than previously known

A University of Saskatchewan (USask) research team has identified that concussion recovery can take much longer than many people think, due to a series of biological events following a blow to the head that can take upwards of four weeks to resolve.  

USask research team aims to predict aging-related diseases, Alzheimer’s disease

A University of Saskatchewan (USask) research team is investigating a gene variant that could be used as a blood test marker to anticipate aging diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), diabetes and cancer.

What I Did Last Summer: Christianne Blais on corticosteroid research

Taking a daily puffer with inhaled corticosteroids is a given for millions of people who have eosinophilic asthma.

USask research team finds new potential path to combat aggressive cancers

University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers have uncovered a potential new pathway to fight rapidly growing, oxygen-starved cancerous tumours, including an aggressive form of breast cancer.

USask medical student part of an inspiring new generation of health leaders and innovators

University of Saskatchewan third-year medical student Amira Muftah has been selected to receive the 2021 Canadian Medical Hall of Fame (CMHF) Award.

USask researcher uses innovative imaging techniques to determine blood clot composition

An innovative new project by a U of S graduate student used synchrotron-based imaging techniques to examine what blood clots are made of.

A Mini Integration Weekend in Regina

Being a University of Saskatchewan medical student in Regina has always felt like being in on a best kept secret.

What I Did Last Summer: Cutting C-section infections with Belma Kamencic

Did you know our podcast host, Jen Quesnel, has undergone two Caesarian sections -- lifesaving interventions that deliver babies safely. She's not alone.

USask research labs to get new, souped-up equipment, thanks to major federal funding

Four University of Saskatchewan (USask) research teams have been awarded nearly $678,000 by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) for equipment and labs to support leading-edge research in big data analytics, high-speed imaging of heart development, modernizing electrical networks, and expanding computer capacity to process huge volumes of historical data related to Indigenous sovereignty.

Research reveals extraordinary rates of rare neuromuscular disorder in Indigenous people in Saskatchewan

Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) and University of Calgary have found unusually high rates of Spinal Bulbar Muscular Atrophy, also known as Kennedy’s Disease, a rare neuromuscular disorder, among Indigenous people in Saskatchewan.

What I Did Last Summer: Shivani Tauh and End-of-Life care

Highlights from undergraduate summer research projects at the University of Saskatchewan's College of Medicine

Number of First Nations people living with IBD in Saskatchewan has doubled

SASKATOON – The number of First Nations people in Saskatchewan living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) more than doubled from 1999 to 2016, according to research recently published by University of Saskatchewan (USask) community health and epidemiology researchers.

Shishkin serving as physiotherapist for Olympic basketball team

She has been to the Pan-Am Games, Commonwealth Games and the World University Games, but this month Rhonda Shishkin (PT'95) gets to experience the pinnacle of sport.

Nature is Medicine: Launching PaRx in Saskatchewan

When we first heard about Park Prescription, or PaRx, we were excited about the health benefits it could offer patients in Saskatchewan, and the greater purpose it served within the climate change movement.

Building health care leaders at the College of Medicine

After months of work and collaboration, a USask College of Medicine (CoM) employee has received the Certified Health Executive (CHE) designation to help guide the college and better support its partnerships.

Physician, heal thyself: Doctors’ mental health suffers during pandemic

Physicians in Saskatchewan saw their own rates of depression and anxiety soar as they worked to treat patients during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Grant funds community-engaged diabetes research

A College of Medicine research team is improving health care for individuals with diabetes in Regina and nearby Indigenous communities, thanks to a Research Connections grant from the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation.

USask research: Improving cardiac surgery recovery

A multidisciplinary University of Saskatchewan (USask) research team is working to improve recovery for patients of cardiac surgery when faced with limited health care resources during the pandemic.

USask College of Medicine campus in Regina set to expand

SASKATOON – The University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) College of Medicine will expand its teaching and learning presence in Regina in August 2022 when that campus will become home to about 40 first-year medical students.

New simulation equipment to enhance family medicine training in Saskatchewan

Simulation (SIM) based medical education is an important part of learning for many healthcare professionals in Saskatchewan. For family medicine residents training in the province, simulation technology allows learners to engage in a variety of medical scenarios that they may not be exposed to in real life.

SHRF announces $720,000 in funding support for USask early-career researchers to address health challenges

Six University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers will tackle a wide variety of health challenges—from developing new therapeutics for cancer to creating a culturally responsive research framework that supports Indigenous people in navigating their healing and wellness journeys—thanks to an investment of $720,000.

A light touch: Dr. Katherine Knox on Multiple Sclerosis research

When Dr. Katherine Knox first arrived in Saskatchewan more than two decades ago, the province covered one prescription drug for patients with multiple sclerosis.

First Indigenous neurologist graduates from Saskatchewan

One of the country’s newest neurologists is Dr. Landon Perlett (MD’15), a Métis man from rural Saskatchewan. He is also the first Indigenous neurologist to graduate from the College of Medicine.

President's Statement on National Indigenous Peoples Day

Today is June 21st, National Indigenous Peoples Day—the day we recognize and honour the rich and diverse history, cultures, and achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis across this country.

New USask-based Indigenous centre for research on HIV, HCV and STBBI launches in Saskatoon

A new regional centre for Indigenous research on HIV, Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and sexually transmitted blood-borne illness (STBBI), based at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), was officially launched on June 21.

USask researchers awarded over $5 million in NSERC Discovery Grants

University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers have been awarded nearly $5.7 million from Canada’s Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council’s (NSERC) Discovery Grants Program to support 32 wide-ranging projects.

USask faculty recognized for exemplary teamwork

The University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Office of the Vice-President Research has honoured two recipients, Dr. Pamela Downe (PhD) and Dr. Carrie Bourassa (PhD), and their respective research teams, with the inaugural Publicly Engaged Scholarship Team Award this year.

Regina faculty members honoured as YWCA Women of Distinction

Two College of Medicine faculty received Nutrien Women of Distinction Awards at YWCA Regina’s virtual awards gala on May 29. These awards honour women for their community contributions and leadership.

Smartphone survey to collect Saskatchewan residents’ perception of COVID-19

Saskatchewan residents can give input about COVID-19 public health measures by using their smartphones to respond to a series of five-minute surveys.

'In a war zone': Dr. Alex Wong looks back at the Covid-19 pandemic

In personal protective equipment, beard shaved under his N95 mask, Dr. Alexander Wong remembered forcing himself to hide his fear, as he treated his first Covid-19 patients.

Investment in 'hungry young wolves' yielding dividends

In 2016, the health of health research at the USask College of Medicine was failing. The school occupied the bottom rung in the Maclean’s university rankings for medical and science grants for medical/doctoral programs in Canada. And it accounted for just nine per cent of the university’s total research productivity, when the national average was closer to 40 or 50 per cent.

AstraZeneca second dose: Should I get the same vaccine or choose Pfizer or Moderna?

Many people have questions about the changing guidelines for the use of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine. Here are some answers from University of Saskatchewan (USask) infectious disease specialist Dr. Alexander Wong.

Gomez-Picos pursues PhD in a pandemic

For many Saskatchewan residents, a trip to a tropical destination is a winter ritual. But Dr. Patsy Gomez-Picos (PhD) traded in the mild temperatures of Mexico and moved to Canada for her doctoral program at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).

USask researchers funded to tackle MS, osteoporosis, and plant health

Three interdisciplinary, multi-institutional projects led by University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers have each been awarded $250,000 over two years under a federal funding program that fosters innovative high-risk research with the potential for significant and impactful results.

Statement on burial site found at former residential school in Kamloops

A statement from Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann.

Health studies degree prepares new USask graduate for further education in medicine

When Rachel Silverberg became a University of Saskatchewan (USask) student in 2017, she knew she wanted to eventually study medicine.

’Good Troublemaker': Manuela Valle-Castro roots out bias in medicine

Manuela Valle-Castro remembers growing up in a home where social justice was frequently part of the dinner-table conversation.

Graduating medical student ready to start residency

Fourth-year Regina-based medical student Balsam Arwini has always been interested in learning about science and advocating on the behalf of others.

The inventor: Ron Geyer harnesses the power of nature, to fight disease

Dr. Ron Geyer is the man behind the Saskatchewan Therapeutic Antibody Resource, the Advanced Diagnostics Research Laboratory, and the Centre for Biologic Imaging Research and Development.

How a Pandemic Sparked a Passion for Planetary Health & Climate Change

I’ve always loved getting outdoors and have made conscious efforts to bring reusable bags to the grocery store. However, I was never one to try and practice minimalism or compost, and definitely not one to try and keep up with the news on climate change.

Indigenous communities guide research

By nurturing relationships over time, and working collaboratively, researchers in the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) College of Medicine (CoM) are ensuring Indigenous communities and people shape the types of research we do. Meet four CoM researchers who embody our commitment to working with Indigenous people to improve health outcomes.

Waniska Centre holds pipe ceremonies to establish relationships with partner organizations

Newly formed research relationships at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) were honoured and blessed with virtual pipe ceremonies on April 6 and 13, 2021.

‘It made all the difference’: A patient perspective on research, with Lois Miller

When she was in third grade, Lois Miller remembers her school raising money, to support multiple sclerosis research.

Young at Heart

At 102 years old, the College of Medicine’s oldest living alumna continues to inspire.

Making the cut: Adam Baxter-Jones on teen athletes and growth

As a young man finishing his biology degree, Adam Baxter-Jones remembers being far more interested in the punk movement, than being a professor.

USask professor answers AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine FAQs

Many people have questions about the changing guidelines for the use of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine. Here are some answers from infectious disease specialist Dr. Alexander Wong.

Research by Regina physicians could directly improve patient access

Dermatologist Dr. Rachel Asiniwasis knows first-hand how expensive it can be for some of her patients to access her services.

Creating Safer Spaces: Trans and Gender Diverse Health in Primary Care

For trans and gender diverse (TGD) patients, access to primary healthcare can be intimidating, but TGD care is an increasingly important part of family practice.

'Wa sati wa nhenha:' Women strengthening health Jessie Forsyth and Nazeem Muhajarine team up in Mozambique

In Mozambique, the Xitswa phrase, "wa sati wa nhenha" means "strong women" or "women's strength."

USask researchers help lead $9-million Coronavirus Variants Rapid Response Network

University of Saskatchewan (USask) and University of Regina (U of R) researchers are joining forces with scientists across the nation to undertake surveillance, sequencing, tracing and research-driven action on the COVID-19 virus variants that have been identified in Canada.

New USask radiotracers could be key for new treatments and early detection for Parkinson’s

University of Saskatchewan (USask) nuclear medicine researcher Chris Phenix has been awarded US$150,000 by The Michael J. Fox Foundation to develop diagnostic radiotracers for early detection of Parkinson’s Disease, a chronic degenerative brain disorder that affects more than 100,000 Canadians. The project is eligible for supplemental funding after one year if progress warrants additional pursuit.

USask researchers seek to prevent liver disease, high blood pressure, and understand lifelong impacts of Zika virus

Three University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers have been awarded a total of $1.87 million by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR) for projects involving fatty liver disease, high blood pressure, and long-term impacts of Zika on babies born without tell-tale microcephaly signs of the viral disease to mothers with “silent” infections.

USask researchers receive SHRF funds for projects with a virtual focus

Virtual follow-up with discharged intensive-care patients and the development of culturally sensitive treatment for chronic musculoskeletal issues are just two of the 10 University of Saskatchewan (USask) research projects recently awarded funding from the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF).