Top News Stories of 2024

We're sharing the top news stories from the College of Medicine for 2024.

By College of Medicine communications Dec 19, 2024

This year, the College of Medicine celebrated numerous achievements, from welcoming a new dean to launching a new master's level program and pioneering new technology in the province.

Below are the top news stories highlighting our people, programs and research, which reflect the college's mission to improve the health and well-being of the people of Saskatchewan and the world.

New USask-RUH cardiology pilot project saving time and muscle

Derek Lamb pictured shortly after his heart attack. (Photo: Jeanette Neufeld)

A life-saving technology is speeding heart attack response times in Saskatoon thanks to a College of Medicine research pilot project.

New dean brings a people focus to USask’s College of Medicine

Dr. Sarah Forgie (MD) is the new dean of the University of Saskatchewan's College of Medicine. (Submitted photo)

A pediatrician, scholar, and esteemed educator, Dr. Sarah Forgie (MD) is the new dean of the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Medicine.

USask’s College of Medicine launches Master of Physician Assistant Studies program

Graduates of the two-year program will work collaboratively with physicians and health-care teams in clinics and hospitals. (Photo: Tammy Zdunich Photography)

The new Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program at USask is one of the few of its kind in Canada and is set to begin in September 2025.

It's personal for donor Jim Berry

Alzheimer’s hits close to home for Jim Berry, who wife is fighting the the disease. His support of Dr. Ron Geyer’s (PhD) groundbreaking Alzheimer’s research is inspired by struggle.

Global training fellowship improves care across the globe

Dr, Anurag Saxena (MD), Dr. Peterly Philippe (MD) and Dr. Huw Rees (MD). (Submitted photo)

A new surgical fellowship at the University of Saskatchewan is helping address health needs across the world.

Dermatology residency training to begin at USask College of Medicine Regina campus this summer

USask medical residents at Regina Centre Crossing Family Medicine Unit in 2021 (Photo: Kristen McEwen)

Following years of collaborating with other universities to train dermatology residents for Saskatchewan, the College of Medicine will welcome its first resident into its newly accredited dermatology program in July 2024.

The Keegans: One family’s generational impact on medicine

From left: Dr. Mark Keegan (MD '94) and Dr. David Keegan (MD '64) at the College of Medicine's Highlights in Medicine Reunion in Saskatoon. (Photo: Dave Stobbe)

The story of father Dr. David Keegan (MD ’64) and son Dr. Mark Keegan (MD ’94) exemplifies a legacy. Both are College of Medicine alumni, renowned physicians and distinguished educators.

Cuts Like a NanoKnife: Dr. Mike Moser

Dr. Mike Moser (left) and graduate student Yuyi Liu show off the University of Saskatchewan’s first NanoKnife, which is now used for research in conjunction with the College of Engineering. (Photo: Jen Quesnel)

Dr. Mike Moser (MD) has become one of Saskatchewan's top kidney transplant surgeons and led the charge to bring NanoKnife technology to the province.

Gold Medal grad inspired to serve others

From left: Dr. Teagan Holt (MD) and Dr. Marilyn Baetz (MD), interim dean, College of Medicine, at the 2024 USask Spring Convocation. (Photo: Dave Stobbe)

A childhood diagnosis transformed Dr. Teagan Holt’s (MD) life. Inspired to care for others, Holt has now received her medical degree at the University of Saskatchewan, graduating at the top of her class.

USask honours MS researcher

Dr. Sarah Donkers (PhD) is an associate professor in the School of Rehabilitation Science. (Submitted photo)

Dr. Sarah Donkers (PhD) was named USask's 2024 New Researcher awardee for her sustained and widely acclaimed contributions to neurorehabilitation and multiple sclerosis rehabilitation.