USask remembers: The service of the McNab brothers

From the Prairies to Passchendaele, from the Land of Living Skies to the skies over London in the Battle of Britain, the McNab brothers from the University of Saskatchewan (USask) answered their country’s call in both world wars.

Challenging Disparities: MD Student Advocates for Queer Health Equity

Jess Klaassen-Wright (they/them), MD Class of 2027, is an advocate both nationally and internationally for queer health in Canada. Recently, they helped organize the Trans Health Bootcamp that took place in Saskatoon on October 18, 2025. The bootcamp was funded by the Social Accountability Lab for Learning and Teaching (SALLT) Fund. Klaassen-Wright sat down to talk about how they became involved in the initiative, and the success of the day.

Strengthening community health

Pressure on the health-care system – from factors including workforce shortages, rising costs and an aging population – takes a prominent and hard-to-shift position among Canada's top challenges.

An advocate for women physicians

USask alumna Dr. Alanna Danilkewich (MD’75), one of this year’s Golden Grads, is known for her dedication to students, patients, and the medical profession.

Student-led clinic improves access to care for rural and remote patients

A new School of Rehabilitation Science student-led clinic on the USask Prince Albert campus supports clinical education and interdisciplinary learning opportunities for Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) students, highlights rural and remote physical therapy opportunities, and improves access to care for Prince Albert and surrounding communities.

USask researchers receive CIHR funding for cancer research

Two research teams from the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) College of Medicine have received funding from the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) for projects related to cancer. The funding was part of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s (CIHR) 2025 Spring Grant Competition.

Health and data at heart of USask congress

Now in its seventh year, the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) People Around the World (PAW) international congress will bring together community members, researchers, industry partners and students for data-driven discussions about global challenges.

Giving Day 2025: Supporting research that could revolutionize the future of medicine

On September 10, the University of Saskatchewan (USask) community will come together in support of Giving Day, an annual 24-hour fundraising initiative. Among the researchers that could benefit from donor support that day is Dr. Stephen Lee, an associate professor, infectious disease and internal medicine physician, and member of the College of Medicine’s artificial intelligence (AI) education committee, who is exploring how AI could fundamentally change health care.

Episode 2: How do Physicians and PAs work together?

The Saskatchewan Physician Assistant Podcast was created by the University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine with the goal of providing listeners with information about the physician assistant (PA) profession. This limited series podcast we will cover topics such as What is a physician assistant? What training is required to become a physician assistant? What is it like to work in a physician/PA dyad? and more.

Bringing AI into the classroom

Sundus Zia, a third-year medical student at the University of Saskatchewan, is exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can play a role in medical education.

Relationships and Community: A Conversation with Dr. Jae Newton, Lindsay Gold Medalist

On June 5, 20205, Dr. Jae Newton received the Lindsay Gold Medal at the University of Saskatchewan’s Convocation ceremony. This medal is annually awarded to the graduating MD student with the most outstanding academic achievement in each year of training in the College of Medicine. Dr. Newton sat down with us to talk about her medical journey and how she got to where she is today.

Verge, Yang, Lang honoured as top USask researchers

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is honouring groundbreaking neuroscientist Dr. Valerie Verge (PhD), a professor in the College of Medicine’s Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, with its top academic honour of Distinguished Researcher. The award will be presented June 5 during Spring Convocation at Merlis Belsher Place.

2025 - Year of milestones for physical therapy graduate

After completing the Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) program in December 2024, Henry Francisco started his career as a physical therapist at St. Paul's Hospital in Saskatoon with the inpatient acute care team but that is not the only big change for this graduate so far in 2025.

Episode 1: What is a Physician Assistant?

The Saskatchewan Physician Assistant Podcast was created by the University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine with the goal of providing listeners with information about the physician assistant (PA) profession. This limited series podcast we will cover topics such as What is a physician assistant? What training is required to become a physician assistant? What is it like to work in a physician/PA dyad? and more.

Celebrating Diversity in Medicine

In honour of Asian Heritage Month, three medical students speak about their journey into medicine and what diversity in medicine means to them.

Five USask faculty members honoured with distinguished professorship

The honorary title of distinguished professor is an award that celebrates lifetime achievement in research, scholarly, and artistic work. Three University of Saskatchewan (USask) faculty members and two professors emerti were selected to receive the honorary title this year.

Two USask medical students develop t-shirts to raise awareness for Red Dress Day

Rebecca Seifried and Terri Thunder, two University of Saskatchewan (USask) medical students, came together to support and bring awareness to Red Dress Day by creating a special Red Dress Day t-shirt. Thunder and Seifried emphasized that “hope and strength” are the key messages that they want people to gather from their design.

In the trenches: Dr. James Stempien on Emergency Medicine

Dr. James Stempien (MD) has navigated some of the most challenging corners of emergency medicine, from the frigid isolation of Inuvik to the bustling corridors of Saskatoon’s emergency departments. His experience in low-tech outposts has shaped his approach to modern emergency care.

Strategic Plan

This year the University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine will conclude its Strategic Plan (2017-2025).

Celebrating faculty and staff achievements

Twenty individuals and two teams from across the College of Medicine have been honoured for their outstanding dedication and contributions through the 2025 Faculty and Staff Awards.

'Turning curiosity into action'

Award-winning USask graduate Dr. Monique Simair (BSc’04, PhD’09) has leveraged her passion for science, innovation, and problem-solving into two successful environmental consultancy businesses

Dreams, Determination, and Legacy: Honouring Dr. Geraldine Kurz

In December 2024, the College of Medicine bid farewell to an alumna whose life story reflects determination and ingenuity that will not soon be forgotten. In celebrating Dr. Geraldine Kurz (MD’73), the Alumni and Community Program remembers not only an accomplished physician but also a determined and generous soul who embodied the very spirit of our college community.

Supporting our students

Completing a degree in medicine is a major achievement and a huge responsibility. It requires a significant investment of time, money, and dedication. Support in the form of scholarships, bursaries and awards can be critical in ensuring students have the resources they need to achieve their educational goals.

Standing the Test of Time: Four Decades of the Highlights in Medicine Conference

The College of Medicine invites alumni, former faculty, deans, students, and researchers to join us for the 2025 Highlights in Medicine Conference from June 19 to 21, 2025. The theme is, “Care in Matters of Life and Death: Collaborative learning for the enhancement of patient care in all stages of life and circumstance.” Don’t miss this chance to reconnect, contribute, and celebrate.

Margaret Cotton Memorial Bursary

The late Dr. David Cotton’s (MD) legacy lives on through the Margaret Cotton Memorial Bursary, a tribute to the mother who first inspired his journey into medicine. 

Indigenous Achievement Week: Celebrating three exceptional College of Medicine Learners

The College of Medicine is proud to celebrate Cameron Bird, Sheila Naytowhow, and Terri Thunder, who were honoured with USask Indigenous Achievement Week (IAW) Awards. These awards recognize the outstanding accomplishments of Indigenous students at USask and were celebrated at the awards ceremony on March 13. To further highlight their achievements, we asked Cameron, Sheila and Terri a few questions about their award and to provide words of advice to other Indigenous students pursuing similar fields of study.

Rare Disease Day 2025 spotlights children's health

There are over 7,000 rare diseases worldwide, with more being discovered every year. One in 12 Canadians has a rare disease, with children representing two-thirds of those cases. Unfortunately, the lack of treatment options means that 75 percent of children with a rare disease will not live to see their tenth birthday.

Prince Albert site clerkship

Two former University of Saskatchewan medical students reflect on their clerkship experiences in Prince Albert.