Top News Stories of 2025
We're sharing the top news stories from the College of Medicine for 2025.
By College of Medicine CommunicationsThis year, the College of Medicine celebrated numerous milestones, advanced research in critical areas, and our learners continued to excel in programs across the college.
Below are the top news stories of 2025. These stories reflect the college's mission to cultivate the health and well-being of all peoples of Saskatchewan through service, education, scholarship and research that matter.
From student athletic trainer to physical therapist
Joanne Lavoie (MPT’24) earned multiple awards during her time as a Master of Physical Therapy student. She shares what drew her to the profession and what she enjoyed most about her studies.
Challenging disparities: MD student advocates for queer health equity
Jess Klaassen-Wright (they/them) is an advocate both nationally and internationally for queer health in Canada. They helped organize the Trans Health Bootcamp that took place in Saskatoon in fall 2025. They shared about how they became involved in the initiative and the success of the day.
The MD-PhD path: Bridging medicine and research
Kirk Haan is one of two students pursuing Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees at the University of Saskatchewan. He reflects on why he chose this path and his goal of becoming a clinician-scientist.
USask researchers receive CIHR funding for cancer research
Dr. Franco Vizeacoumar (PhD) and Dr. Linda Chelico (PhD) were awarded funding through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s 2025 Spring Grant Competition to lead projects targeting pancreatic and breast cancer.
Relationships and community: A conversation with Dr. Jae Newton, Lindsay Gold Medalist
Dr. Jae Newton (MD'25) received the Lindsay Gold Medal at USask's Spring Convocation ceremony, awarded annually to the top graduating MD student for outstanding academic achievement. She reflected on her medical school journey and how she got to where she is today.
Health care collaboration: USask’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies program
The MPAS program welcomed its first cohort of students this fall. The two-year graduate program is the first-of-its-kind in Saskatchewan and will prepare physician assistants to be key contributors to health-care teams across the province.
Indigenous Achievement Week: Celebrating three exceptional College of Medicine learners
Cameron Bird, Sheila Naytowhow, and Terri Thunder were honoured during USask’s Indigenous Achievement Week for their outstanding accomplishments. Each student reflected on what inspired their choice of program and shared advice for other Indigenous students interested in pursuing similar fields of study.
USask researchers exploring brain-gut connection in new Alzheimer’s disease treatments
Could a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease be sitting in the dairy cooler of your local grocery store? Dr. Ana Mendes-Silva (PhD) is leading a new research project that aims to answer that question while gaining deeper insight into the connection between our gut and our brain.
Past, present and future: Celebrating 60 years of rehabilitation science at USask
Since its humble beginnings at the Saskatoon airport, the School of Rehabilitation Science at the University of Saskatchewan has been a cornerstone of high-quality physical therapy education and research for students from across the province.
An advocate for women physicians
USask alumna Dr. Alanna Danilkewich (MD’75) has helped pave the way for women in medicine in Saskatchewan and beyond. Known for her dedication to students, patients, and the profession, she is also a longtime supporter of the College of Medicine.