Department of Medicine News - College of Medicine

Innovative Hepatitis C Roadmap aims to boost access to care in the Prairies

A new evidence-based resource has been launched to help eliminate hepatitis C as a public health threat in the Prairie provinces.

USask researcher probing AI’s potential for health care

Many clinicians are anticipating the massive wave of impact Artificial Intelligence (AI) will have on the field of medicine. But instead of watching from the shore, Dr. Stephen Lee (MD) is jumping right in.

Town of Canora works with USask to develop RaDAR rural memory clinic

The town of Canora is supporting its rural older adults to live well by developing a local primary care memory clinic delivered by health providers in the community.

Alumnus receives USask Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. Jim Dosman (BA'59, MD'63, MA'69) has been recognized with a 2024 University of Saskatchewan (USask) Lifetime Achievement Award.

Driving MS Research Forward in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) and MS Canada’s $599,000 Investment.

USask farm shoulder study shows research in action at Ag in Motion

The Canadian Centre for Rural and Agricultural Health (CCRAH) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) partnered with industry to conduct much-needed research at the annual Ag in Motion outdoor agricultural show.

New USask-RUH cardiology pilot project saving time and muscle

Life-saving technology speeds heart attack response times.

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

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

Building a culture of appreciation at the College of Medicine

The College of Medicine is celebrating the staff and faculty recipients of its 2023-24 college awards.

USask doctor recognized for collaborative methods

The PESTA award recognizes scholars who excel in research that engages with the community to address issues related to social, environmental and economic impacts.

USask honours 2024 teaching award winners

Teaching excellence at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) will be celebrated on June 18 as part of the USask Staff and Faculty Awards event.

Nerve cell damage control

Every disease has a burning question, and multiple sclerosis (MS) is no exception. Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan take an innovative and collaborative approach to solving the enigma of disease progression in people living with MS – and how it can be slowed or stopped.

USask spearheads AI-driven detection of early Alzheimer’s through eye screenings

University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers Dr. Changiz Taghibiglou (PhD) and Dr. Sara Mardanisamani (PhD) are bridging biology and data science to develop a new, non-invasive AI screening tool for those at risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

Department honours outstanding achievements

The Department of Medicine's annual banquet is a chance to celebrate the accomplishments of faculty and residents.

Program admin earns national accolades

Janna Ethier recently received national recognition for her work supporting residents in the Department of Medicine's Core Internal Medicine program.

Getting to Know: Dr. Donna Goodridge

A Q-and-A with Dr. Donna Goodridge (PhD), a Saskatoon-based faculty member in the Division of Respirology, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine.

Getting to Know: Dr. Alex Rajput

A Q-and-A with Dr. Alex Rajput, a Professor in the Saskatoon Department of Neurology.

Nine USask faculty members named distinguished professors

The honorary title of distinguished professor recognizes exceptional achievements in research, scholarly, and artistic work.

USask researchers explore new cell target for cystic fibrosis treatment

A rare cell type in the airways of the lungs may lead to new and innovative cystic fibrosis treatments.

Dr. Sabira Valiani: Creating Connections in Critical Care

Dr. Sabira Valiani (MD) was one of the frontline physicians working inside Saskatoon’s critical care units four years ago, during the initial lockdowns of the COVID-19 pandemic.

USask breast cancer research targets post-treatment function, rehabilitation

Researchers with the Canadian Centre for Rural and Agricultural Health (CCRAH) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) are testing movement and functional abilities for patients’ post-surgical treatment of breast cancer.

Innovative USask health research projects receive $4.86 million from CIHR

Health care research projects at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) ranging from breast cancer treatments to pandemic preparedness have been awarded funding in the latest round of Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) grants.

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

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

Dr. Haissam Haddad: At the Heart of Patient Care

Dr. Haissam Haddad (MD) inadvertently horrified his family when he signed up for engineering courses in his first year of university. The teenager returned the next day to change his major to medicine – a move he's glad he made.

Dr. Angelica Lang: Shaping the future of shoulder health

Dr. Angelica Lang (PhD) knows most of the people she sees have to keep working, even if they have shoulder pain.

Celebrating a 44-year career on campus at USask

From seven presidents, nine chancellors, and dozens of deans, to visits from the queen, Iris Rugg has seen a lot during her time at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).

Vital multiple sclerosis research at USask to continue with $750,000 donation from Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation

A new gift of $750,000 from the Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation (SCHF) will provide funding to the University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Medicine to support the Saskatchewan Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Clinical Research Chair for the next three years.

USask rural health centre announces two distinct milestones: a new name, and a ‘transformative’ $1.5 million gift to develop a mobile unit for rural health and wellness

The newly renamed Canadian Centre for Rural and Agricultural Health (CCRAH) is celebrating its new name along with a $1.5 million gift that will help ensure the safety and health of rural people and their families.

USask helps lead promising Parkinson’s disease research

Like many Canadians, Dr. Changiz Taghibiglou (PhD) has seen first-hand the devastating effects of Parkinson’s disease.

USask shoulder motion study nets NSERC support

The same tools used for creating special effects in film and video games are being harnessed by a University of Saskatchewan (USask) researcher determined to better understand shoulder function.

USask researchers receive more than $8.7 million in NSERC funding

SASKATOON - University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers from a variety of colleges and departments have received funding for projects through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada (NSERC) Discovery Grants program.

Renewed support for Cameco Chair in Indigenous Health and Wellness at USask

Since 2017, the Cameco Chair in Indigenous Health and Wellness at the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) College of Medicine has carried out extensive and innovative research to improve the health outcomes of Indigenous people in Canada. A new commitment of $1.25 million from the Royal University Hospital Foundation (RUHF) will ensure that work continues for an additional five years.

USask researchers receive $7 million in CIHR funding

Research on new ovarian and pancreatic cancer diagnostics and therapeutics among the projects to receive funding.

USask cancer researchers, patients come together at CIHR community event

A group of the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) top cancer researchers spoke at a community gathering of medical professionals, researchers, and patients hosted by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Institute of Cancer Research (CIHR-ICR).

USask experts sound warning over wildfire smoke, drought conditions

A record year of wildfires is threatening communities and leaving trails of devastation through forests in British Columbia and Alberta and across the country as far as Nova Scotia, while also creating dangerous air quality conditions from smoke drifting across the Prairie provinces.

Overcoming the odds to receive one of Canada’s highest honours

When he arrived in Canada, Dr. Haissam Haddad (MD) was told he had less than a one per cent chance of ever working in the country’s medical system.

Scratching That Itch: Dr. Rachel Asiniwasis Targets Atopic Dermatitis

When Dr. Rachel Asiniwasis (MD) returned to the prairies after her dermatology residency in Toronto, she noticed a pattern among many of her pediatric patients. Hundreds of them were coming to her with itchy, raw patches of skin, the result of atopic dermatitis — eczema.

Clinical trial planned for novel Alzheimer’s disease therapy at USask

A novel therapy developed for Alzheimer’s disease — previously shown to significantly slow the progression of the disease and, in some instances, reverse cognitive decline — will be tested in a Phase II clinical trial at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).

Leaders in discovery: five USask researchers honoured with top provincial health awards

College of Medicine researchers have received Santé Awards from the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation for research excellence.

Pewaseskwan at USask supports Nehiyawak (Cree) language and culture revitalization on Saskatchewan First Nation

Nehiyawak (Cree) language echoes through the auditorium at Sakāskohc High School on Onion Lake Cree Nation (OLCN) on a cold December evening. Four male Elders sit in armchairs at the front of the auditorium taking turns sharing knowledge, memories, and language. Their stories are being recorded for others in the community to access and they will be archived for future generations.

New connections advance health and wellness at USask

While experts in music and immunology may not typically have much in common, an unlikely pair of researchers are leading a new area of research focus for the University of Saskatchewan (USask).

Decolonizing institutional approaches to research from the inside

King is changing the way research is done with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities

USask study links reconstructive surgery after breast cancer to changes in upper limb movement

A recently published study authored by a pair of University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers shows that reconstructive surgery after breast cancer treatment has a demonstrable impact on arm and shoulder function.

Pewaseskwan at USask to work with The Key First Nation and Yorkton Tribal Council on researching heart disease and Kennedy’s Disease

Pewaseskwan Indigenous Wellness Research Group (pewaseskwan) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) has partnered with The Key First Nation and the Yorkton Tribal Council to support research on heart disease and spinal-bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), also known as Kennedy’s Disease.

Using CBD Oil to Treat Severe Epilepsy in Children, with Dr. Richard Huntsman

As a pediatric neurologist, Dr. Richard Huntsman sees children with the most medically complex forms of epilepsy.

USask teams to establish research programs to better understand and treat serious diseases

University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers have received more than $930,000 in provincial funding support from the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) for research addressing pressing health challenges faced by the people of Saskatchewan and impacting global communities.

USask College of Medicine alumni supporting Ukraine

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.

Saskatchewan HIV, HCV education program continuing at USask College of Medicine

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Medicine’s Division of Continuing Medical Education (CME) has taken over the delivery of education on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) for primary care providers. Funding of nearly $100,000 from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health will support the program for one year.

Pewaseskwan at USask signs MOU with SFNWC to support research with Indigenous women

The Saskatchewan First Nations Women’s Commission (SFNWC) at the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) and pewaseskwan—the Indigenous Wellness Research Group (IWRG) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask)—are signing a memorandum of understanding on June 24 to commemorate the start of a research alliance.

Researchers at USask providing Indigenous leadership in $5M grant for national heart failure research network

Leading Indigenous researchers at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) will play a critical role in a new national, patient-driven network addressing the challenges of heart failure (HF), a common condition that is often fatal and on the rise in Canada and which disproportionately impacts Indigenous people.

USask research team to establish community-informed program to help smokers quit

A University of Saskatchewan (USask) research team is creating a provincial program framework to help community organizations better implement smoking cessation programs. The community-informed approach aims to streamline and coordinate existing supports for smokers.

USask teams funded to breathe new life into lung health research

Three transdisciplinary research teams from the University of Saskatchewan (USask) have been awarded almost $350,000 to discover solutions to lung health challenges.

'I'm Going To Do This': with Dr. Veronica McKinney

When Veronica McKinney was a little girl, she vividly remembers going to the Saskatoon Public Library, borrowing a Time-Life book about the human body.

USask teams awarded $600,000 to find innovative solutions to addictions

University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers have been awarded more than $600,000 to catalyze innovative ideas and move research into real-world settings in the face of the growing challenge of addictions in the province.

Physician in the field: Niels Koehncke on the 'flip side' of medicine

Most patients at a hospital or a clinic walk in sick. Doctors do their best to treat their ailments.

World Sleep Day: Why we should make sleep a priority

Sleep is one of the most important routines to maintain to keep the rest of your life balanced.

USask collaboration key to research funding success

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) has awarded $810,000 over five years to a diverse team of University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers who are embarking on an ambitious, three-part project to advance the understanding of cystic fibrosis (CF).

USask researchers collaborate with Indigenous communities to address health inequities with new federal funding

Two University of Saskatchewan (USask) research teams have been awarded more than $2.8 million in federal funding to address systemic inequities in the lives of Indigenous people in the areas of home life, mental and sexual health.

USask selects three new signature areas of research

Researchers embrace exploration — responding to emerging questions and needs as they arise in the pursuit of new knowledge. The renewal process for the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) signature areas of research is taking place with this spirit of responsiveness in mind.

Dr. Alex Wong on Sask's rush to drop Covid rules

As Saskatchewan drops its proof-of-vaccine requirements and masking orders, doctors and nurses are angry and frustrated, as they care for record numbers of COVID patients.

Rewards of teaching and research go beyond sharper clinical skills for USask medical faculty

Dr. Rob Woods (MD) recalls working a shift with a fifth-year emergency medicine resident about a year ago. A new staff physician who’d been a resident the year before was just finishing his shift and was handing off patients to Woods, an emergency medicine and transport physician in Saskatoon and director for the emergency medicine residency program in USask’s College of Medicine. The three of them sat down together.

How a summer research project with pewaseskwan turned my curiosity into a passion

When I was presented with the opportunity to do a 2021 Dean’s Summer Research Project with Dr. Alexandra King (MD) and her research team, pewaseskwan – the Indigenous Wellness Research Group, I did not understand the extent of the wonderful experience that was in store for me.

The importance of meaningful, community-led research projects

This past summer, I had the privilege of participating in a community-based participatory research project with the pewaseskwan (The Sky is Clearing) research group.

Internationally recognized Parkinson’s disease researcher honoured with Achievement Award

The Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) announced the winners of the 18th annual Santé Awards to celebrate top health scientists in the province.

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.

Pandemic worsens opioid crisis in Sask.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

Women in Leadership: Karen Ho

In her experience as the chief resident of the Internal Medicine program at the Regina campus, Dr. Karen Ho (MD) talks about the important qualities within a leader, and how those can be used to build respect.

The burden of lung disease and lightening it, with Erika Penz

Respiratory disease now accounts for one in four hospital admissions, with lung cancer killing more patients than any other cancer.

Collaboration key in USask oncology research

A career in research and academia wasn’t what Dr. Monique Mayer (DVM) envisioned for herself when she graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) in 1995.

Indigenous wellness through 'slow' research, with Alexandra King

Like the "slow food" movement, Dr. Alexandra King promotes "slow research" when it comes to Indigenous people's health and wellness.

USask partners on a made-in-Saskatchewan ventilator project

One hundred made-in-Saskatchewan ventilators will soon be available to support the needs of the province’s residents, thanks to an innovative collaboration among the University of Saskatchewan (USask), the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), and RMD Engineering Inc.