From best of friends set to skate into the international spotlight and a former Huskie heading to a remarkable fifth Olympics, to a pair of alumni preparing for the Paralympics, the University of Saskatchewan (USask) will be well-represented at the 2026 Winter Games in Italy.
Dr. Harini Aiyer (PhD) didn’t know quite what to expect when she left family and friends back home in Asia and headed overseas to North America more than a decade ago.
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.
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.
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.
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.
USask graduate Dr. Ron Shore’s (MD’70) creativity and ingenuity has led to innovations in the field of dermatology and golf.
Today, the University of Saskatchewan (USask) celebrates 60 years of training physical therapists.
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
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.
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.
USask graduate and veterinary toxicologist Dr. Barry Blakley (BSc’70, Sc’71, DVM’75, MSc’77, PhD) made a big impact in his profession and in the classroom. After passing away in March from pancreatic cancer, his legacy continues through ocular donations and student scholarships.
USask graduate and honorary degree recipient Dr. Richard Ehman (BSc’74, MD’79, DSc’00), a Mayo Clinic radiologist and researcher, reflects on his university education and his impactful career in medical imaging.
Dr. Jim Dosman (BA'59, MD'63, MA'69) has been recognized with a 2024 University of Saskatchewan (USask) Lifetime Achievement Award.
In the alumni ranks of the College of Medicine, certain narratives stand out, not only for the achievements earned, but for the familial bonds that intertwine graduating classes.
Eighty years ago today on June 6, 1944, the D-Day Allied assault on the Normandy beaches in France helped turn the tide of the Second World War. But the invasion came at a terrible cost of lives lived and lost – including former University of Saskatchewan student Major John (Jack) Vernon Love – and grieving loved ones left behind.
Dr. Simranjeet (Sim) Singh (BSc’18, MD’22) found a sense of community at the University of Saskatchewan
A significant transformation in the structure and approach of operations for the benefit of the entire community.
Connective Issue is the annual College of Medicine digital magazine.
Congratulations to Dr. Mark Inman (MD) on receiving the 2023 Louis Horlick Spirit of the College of Medicine Award!
Fifty years to the day after accepting an offer to the University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Medicine in 1973, Dr. John Conly (MD) accepted an Honorary Doctor of Science degree during the June 8 Spring Convocation ceremonies at Merlis Belsher Place.
This spring, the University of Saskatchewan (USask) will celebrate five remarkable individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to their communities throughout their careers.
Dr. Carl Zylak’s (MD’62) accomplished career in radiology began at the College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan (USask). Now, on top of numerous other professional achievements, he's looking forward to helping other students on their journey through the Dr. Carl J Zylak Bursary.
A family fund is a way to remember family members and their contributions to society, and to carry on the family name in a meaningful way for generations to come. There’s no limit to where family funds can be directed, from the education of future doctors and health practitioners to the advancement of research in a particular area of medicine.
Connective Issue is the annual College of Medicine magazine.
Dr. Alan Rosenberg (MD’74) has been presented with significant accolades on provincial and university levels, recognizing decades of patient care, research, teaching, and outstanding achievements.
On August 21, 2022, University of Saskatchewan (USask) alum Dr. Alika Lafontaine (MD’06) was named president of the Canadian Medical Association, and is the first Indigenous leader and the youngest person ever to hold the prestigious position.
I'm always questioning things; I'm always looking for meaning. I think that just naturally motivates me to keep going," says Reimer, a women's health physiotherapist with a focus on pelvic care.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February, an outpouring of humanitarian assistance has come from around the world to support Ukrainian refugees and displaced individuals. Two College of Medicine alumni are among the many University of Saskatchewan (USask) community members who are helping to make a difference at home and overseas.
Building a new division in the University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Medicine will be challenging, but it’s an aspect of the new role Dr. Janet Tootoosis (MD’99) is anticipating.
USask graduates have been recognized with the province’s highest honour.
The creation of a bursary that recognizes a group you feel strongly about is one of the most effective ways you can leave a legacy for generations to come. It’s a way to support a college or vocation while making a larger, more universal statement. It’s also a way to continue to make a difference in the lives of others, even after you’re gone.
For Drs. Erin Kot and Jackie Ferguson, graduates of University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Medical Doctor (MD) and Obstetrics and Gynecology programs, building their clinic in Regina was a clear choice. It’s their hometown and where they found support from their colleagues and career opportunities.
Dr. Sherine Gabriel (MD’82), proud College of Medicine alumna and current President of Rush University in Chicago, has been named a 2022 recipient of the prestigious University of Saskatchewan (USask) Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award.
To spread hope and cheer in Saskatoon, the Office of the Vice-Dean of Research typically runs a charitable donation campaign at the end of each year, during the Christmas break.
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) has announced the 2022 winners of the Alumni Achievement Awards, one of the university’s highest honours.
Matches Made in Medicine is a four-part series highlighting College of Medicine alumni couples who found love through medicine.
He would go on to have a celebrated career as a doctor spanning five decades of service on two continents.
Matches Made in Medicine is a four-part series highlighting College of Medicine alumni couples, who found love at medical school. Each week in February, a new alumni couple will be showcased.
Dr. Norman McDuffie (PhD) may not have thought of himself as a trailblazer or pioneer in his field, but his efforts forged a new path for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) to follow at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).
Matches Made in Medicine is a four-part series highlighting College of Medicine alumni couples, who found love at medical school. Each week in February, a new alumni couple will be showcased.
Matches Made in Medicine is a four-part series highlighting College of Medicine alumni couples, who found love at medical school. Each week in February, a new alumni couple will be showcased.
For Nancy and Charles Weisdorff, supporting the College of Medicine was inspired by their own health challenges.
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.
Barb Smith, administrative assistant in the Department of Academic Family Medicine, is the recipient of the 2021 Sydney Inskip Service Award.
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.
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.
For people struggling with opioid and other addictions, COVID-19 hit swiftly with devastating results.
One Saskatchewan alumnus applied his medical expertise to serve overseas during the Second World War.
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.
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.
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.
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.
At 102 years old, the College of Medicine’s oldest living alumna continues to inspire.
Dr. Adam McInnes (MD) isn’t afraid to jump into things with both feet.
Strengthened by her past, Ashley Tshala builds a solid foundation for her future
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 driving health services research and improving patient care in the province.
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 communities during a global pandemic — the same communities they are being trained to serve as physicians.
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 Dr. Irene (Puetz) Evans (MD’63).
At a time when the world was saturated with misinformation, a USask alumna took it upon herself to set the record straight.
The new College of Medicine Alumni Association president is no stranger to taking on leadership roles.
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 COVID-19 virus. Consider it doctor’s orders.
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 safety of the devices and the long-term effects of vaping.
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.
Improving end-of-life care for people experiencing homelessness
USask helped Cyprian Enweani chase his Olympic dream.
USask roots run deep for Riders medical staff.
A health emergency changed the trajectory of Melinda Richter’s career, launching her from telecommunications into medical innovations.
College of Medicine student Kaishan Aravinthan is looking for ways to improve Saskatchewan’s hospitals. Thanks to the support of donors, he’s hopeful his research will help people across the province.
Dr. Vicki Holmes (MD'73) is now retired from her medical career and is taking advantage of her free time by spending it with family, golfing and painting. Although she describes her retirement life as “nothing exceptional,” her 43-year career was just the opposite.
“I always wanted to be a country doctor,” said Dr. Joe Golumbia (MD’48), reflecting on his career as a family physician, which took him to communities across the prairies.
Support between a donor alumnus and student blossoms into a friendship
One alumnus is on the front lines helping to battle the opioid epidemic.
The Humboldt Broncos bus accident rocked the hockey world and beyond. What role did alumni in the Saskatchewan Health Authority take in the face of the tragedy?
A College of Medicine alumna and clinical professor brings her health care experience to her rural family medicine practice and the Saskatchewan Health Authority Board of Directors
Drs. Suzanne Yip (MD'60) and Ivan Jen (MD’60) will be recognized for outstanding contributions to the medical profession and the community
From the family farm in southwestern Saskatchewan 70 years ago, to a mountaintop wedding in beautiful British Columbia in June, the Kimber family has been connected to the University of Saskatchewan for four generations.
Dr. Charles Simpson (MD’71) is a Saskatoon-based obstetrician and gynecologist. Retired from clinical practice, he continues to teach as a clinical professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the College of Medicine.
A staff member's spirit is kept alive thanks to the generousity of two alumni
Dr. Vincent Matthews' legacy lives on in the College of Medicine.
Not many budding physicians envision themselves one day joining the military, moving halfway around the world and being deployed to Middle East war zones. But that’s exactly the path Commander Ian Young (MD’92) took.
Presented annually, the Alumni Achievement Awards recognize the outstanding achievement of University of Saskatchewan graduates
An alumnus' donation has established a research fund named for his daughter
An alumni panel discussed the impact on First Nations communities at the 2017 Highlights in Medicine Conference
As part of the University of Saskatchewan’s Alumni Association Centennial, the university is creating profiles on some notable alum volunteers.
College of Medicine student Troy Appleton never shies away from a challenge
In a press release last week the Ministry announced that since 2007 nearly 650 doctors began practicing in the province
Dr. Vivian Ramsden has been recognized by the College of Family Physicians of Canada as one the Top 20 Pioneers in Family Medicine Research in the country.
Alexandra Akinfiresoye has found that General Internal Medicine was a bit like doing everything
Through my residency here in P.A. I found out the more I stayed and practiced here, the more this was the right fit for me.
Rural practice the perfect balance for Dr. Funk
Carl Zylak awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science
When Dr. Lucy Nickel was completing her medical training at the University of Saskatchewan, she was doing so without the numerous Aboriginal role models a lot of current students have to look up to in the medicine program.
Dr. Petty recently returned to the CoM and Royal University as a visiting lecturer presenting and teaching sessions to faculty, students, patients and their families.
When you talk physician recruitment and retention in Saskatchewan, and in Canada for that matter, the term “rural and remote” is often used, but what does it actually mean? In Saskatchewan places like Saskatoon and Regina and their outlying communities would not fall into this category, which begs the question, which ones would?
Aboriginal health and scope of practice key to Dr. Schindel's decision to stay in rural Saskatchewan.
