A message from the dean

I am delighted to share that we have received the CACMS/LCME Accreditation final report. The Max Rady College of Medicine UGME program received full accreditation with a status report due in Fall 2021. There were a total of nine areas of concern expressed which we have already begun to address (six satisfactory with monitoring and three unsatisfactory). This was an excellent result of which we can all justifiably be proud.

I want to sincerely thank all of the deans, department heads, faculty, senior administrators, support staff, learners and our many partners and affiliates who have contributed to our UGME program and to the accreditation process. This wouldn’t have been possible without everyone’s dedication and support.

I would like to invite you to a Town Hall on Wednesday, November 13, where myself and Dr. Aaron Chiu, associate dean, quality improvement and accreditation, will review the accreditation results and the action plan in place to address the identified issues. It takes place in Frederic Gaspard Theatre from 12-1 p.m. (complimentary pizza will be served at 11:30 a.m. on JA Hildes court.) I look forward to seeing you there. 

Dr. George Yee Laboratory of Anatomical Sciences opens

The state-of-the-art Dr. George Yee Laboratory of Anatomical Sciences opened October 18 on the Bannatyne campus ushering in a new era of how human anatomy will be studied.

Read the full story here

Palliative care researcher inducted into Canadian Medical Hall of Fame

Distinguished Professor Dr. Harvey Max Chochinov [MD/83, PhD/98], a leader in palliative care research, has been selected for induction into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame (CMHF).

Read the full story here

Manitobans are getting healthier overall, U of M study shows

The overall health of Manitobans is improving across the province’s five health regions, says a comprehensive study conducted by the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy (MCHP).

Read the full story here.

New book celebrates Manitoba’s Jewish doctors

The stories of generations of Jewish physicians who have influenced the course of health care, medical research and medical education in Manitoba are chronicled in a new book.

Read the full story here

University of Manitoba Journal of Medicine launches second volume

When Graham McLeod and Emma Avery were first-year medical students they tossed around the idea of creating a student-run medical journal. Now in their fourth year, the med students and their team just launched the second issue of the University of Manitoba Journal of Medicine (UMJM).

Read the full story here

Canada’s first department of immunology celebrates 50th anniversary symposium, accomplished alumni

The department of immunology marked its 50th anniversary with a symposium entitled “Immunology: Translating Creativity into Better Health,” an anniversary dinner and the celebration of immunology education and research at the U of M.

Read the full story here

Breaking Barriers: First Black Health Symposium encourages diversity in health care

The inaugural Black Health Symposium “Breaking Barriers – Making a Career in Health Care More Accessible for Black Students” was held September 8 at the Bannatyne Campus. It targeted black youth primarily between the ages of 15-26, interested in a career in the health professions at the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences.

Read the full story here.

Health gap between First Nations and other Manitobans widening, study finds

The health gap between First Nation people and all other Manitobans is growing. That’s a key finding of a joint study by the First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba (FNHSSM) and the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy (MCHP).

Read the full story here.

U of M researcher advancing HIV knowledge one cell at a time

Dr. Thomas Murooka is using his expertise in the study of how cells communicate with each other to advance the body of knowledge around HIV, hoping that one day it will help lead to a cure.

Read the full story here.

Family physicians learn about farm safety

The Parkland Family Medicine Residency program, led by unit director Dr. Scott Kish, ventured out to three farming operations in the Parkland area on September 29, 2019. The goal of traveling to farms is to teach rural family physicians about the day in the life of a farmer and the potential hazards that come along with the profession.

Read the full story here.

First class to graduate with MSc in Genetic Counselling Program

The MSc in Genetic Counselling Program is proud to acknowledge Rachelle Dinchong, Ashleigh Hansen and Angela Krutish as the inaugural students to complete the MSc Genetic Counselling Program.

The development and implementation of this program could not have been accomplished without the hard work of all supervisors and instructors who provided teaching, mentorship and support to the students both within the University of Manitoba and the Shared Health Genetics and Metabolism Program. 

A celebration of the accomplishments of the Class of 2019 was held on September 14, 2019, following the Annual Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors Conference, where they presented their master’s research. 

Dr. Ji Hyun Ko, assistant professor in the department of human anatomy and cell science, received one of five New Investigator Awards from Parkinson Canada. The $90,000 award goes to junior faculty at a Canadian university in the first five years of their career as a research scientist.

Dr. Marni Brownell, professor in the department of community health sciences, received the Canadian Paediatric Society’s Geoffrey C. Robinson Award for outstanding contributions to child and youth health through population health research.

Dr. Lorrie A. Kirshenbaumprofessor in the departments of physiology and pathophysiology, and pharmacology and therapeutics, received the 2019 Bohuslav Ostadal Award for Excellence in Cardiovascular Sciences. 

Dr. Ross Feldman, professor in the department of internal medicine, was inducted as Fellow into the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS). Read full story here.

Dr. Kurt Skakum, associate professor in the department of psychiatry, received the 2019 Manitoba Psychiatric Association Manitoba Psychiatrist of the Year Award. 

Dr. Samia Barakat, professor emeritus in the department of psychiatry, received an Honorary Lifetime Membership to the Manitoba Psychiatric Association. 

Dr. Trish Furer, associate professor in the department of clinical health psychology, recently became a Fellow of the Clinical Section, Canadian Psychological Association, in recognition of her clinical and scientific contributions.

Shannon Chin, adjunct professor in the department of biochemistry and medical genetics, received the 2019 AGCPD Supervisor of the Year award. She also received the Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors Professional Practice, Innovation and Advocacy Leadership Award, which recognizes a member who has worked to promote high standards of practice, encourage professional growth and increase public awareness of the genetic counselling profession in Canada.

Charity Fan, adjunct professor in the department of biochemistry and medical genetics, received the Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors New Leader Award, which recognizes a member within five years of graduation who has contributed substantially to the genetic counselling profession and shows great promise to contribute in the future.

Dr. Thomas Hack, Research Institute in Oncology and Hematology senior scientist, was awarded the 2019 Canadian Association of Psychological Oncology Lifetime achievement award for his commitment to patient-centered research, developing methods to help patients cope with their diagnosis and improving communication between patient and their clinical team.

Dr. Patricia Birk became the newly appointed head of the department of pediatrics and child health, and provincial specialty lead–pediatrics & child health on Aug. 1, 2019. Drawing from experiences and observations gleaned over the course of her 20-year career, she has a clear-eyed view of the future of the department under her direction. 

Read the full story here

Dr. Jude Uzonna became the associate dean (research) for the Max Rady College of Medicine on July 1, 2019. He is a professor in the departments of immunology, and medical microbiology and infectious diseases. 

His research focuses on understanding cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate induction, maintenance and loss of protective immunity against parasitic infections with a goal to develop effective vaccines and/or vaccination strategies against these infections. His research is currently funded by CIHR and NSERC.

Dr. Trish Furer is the new residency program director for the department of clinical health psychology, as of July 2019. Dr. Furer is the director of the Anxiety Disorders Clinic at St. Boniface Hospital, and has been actively involved in the residency training program for several years, including as a core rotation clinical supervisor. 

The department would also like to thank Dr. Mike Teschuk, outgoing residency program director, who served in the role for over a decade. Under his leadership, he initiated changes that have ensured the quality and relevance of training to professional practice and health system needs. He led the department through two successful residency accreditations, and provided leadership in national roles that have further enhanced the reputation of the residency program. 

Dr. Neil Watkins was appointed director of the Research Institute in Oncology and Hematology (RIOH) and chief of research for CancerCare Manitoba.

His work has focused on the role of aberrant developmental pathways in cancer in lung and brain cancer as well as osteosarcoma. These studies have led to high impact publications, funding from internationally competitive research grants, multiple research awards and the development of a rapid translational pipeline, resulting in the delivery of new therapeutic approaches to clinic.

He has played key leadership roles in Monash University’s strategic plan for cancer research, the formation of the Monash Comprehensive Cancer Consortium, and more recently, as an advisor to the Victorian Minister for Health on the Victorian Cancer Agency Council.

Twelve Days of Giving

Rady Faculty of Health Sciences is participating in the Twelve Days of Giving event with Winnipeg Harvest this year. Every day from November 1 – 18, one of the items from Winnipeg Harvest’s list of most-needed foods will be collected. On the final two donation days, please feel free to donate any non-perishable food items you wish.

Monday, November 11: Rice
Tuesday, November 12: Canned spaghetti sauce
Wednesday, November 13: Cereal
Thursday, November 14: Canned soup
Friday, November 15 and Monday, November 18: Any non-perishable food items

Drop off location: A-101 Chown, 753 McDermot Avenue

For more info, contact Margaret.Erickson@umanitoba.ca

Artist in the Atrium

Join in a writing session where poet, author and editor Maurice Mierau provides narrative prompts and encouragement. Open to all. No experience necessary.

November 12, 25; December 2, 9, 16

12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: Brodie Centre Atrium

United Way Bannatyne Launch

Attend the launch of the U of M's United Way campaign on the Bannatyne campus. Information about United Way Winnipeg's services to the community and the impact that Rady Faculty of Health Sciences faculty and staff make will be shared. 

Wednesday, November 13

10 a.m. 

Location: Brodie Centre atrium

U of M Ride for JDRF

The Sun Life Ride to Defeat Diabetes for JDRF is a high-energy stationary cycling event that will challenge Canadians to fundraise to accelerate the pace of research breakthroughs. Join a team to help find a cure for Type 1 diabetes. 

For pledge forms, to volunteer or for more information contact Barbara Shay (Barbara.Shay@umanitoba.ca) or Kerri Chase (Kerri.Chase@umanitoba.ca). 

Friday, November 15

12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: Brodie Centre atrium

Bannatyne Campus Holiday Art & Craft Sale 

Drop by the annual art and craft sale to check out handcrafted items created by faculty, staff and students from the Bannatyne campus. Vendors interested in participating on one or both days, please contact bannatyne.craft.sale@gmail.com

December 5 and 6

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: Brodie Centre atrium

Rabinovich-Nikitin I, Kirshenbaum LA. Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1 (HIF-1) regulates SERCA2 in the heart by modulating miR-29c levels. Am J Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.; 316(5)H1211-H1213 2019

Rabinovich-Nikitin I, Dhingra R, and Kirshenbaum LA. Activation of Mitophagy In High Fat Diet-Induced Diabetic Cardiomyopathy Circ. Res. 24(9):1288-1290; 2019

Yan W, Abu-El-Rub E, Saravanan S, Kirshenbaum LA, Arora RC, Dhingra S. Inflammation in myocardial injury: mesenchymal stem cells as potential immunomodulators. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol; 317(2):H213-H225 2019

Dhingra R, Guberman M, Rabinovich-Nikitin I, Gerstein J, Margulets V, Gang H, Thliveris J and Kirshenbaum LA. Impaired NF-kB Signaling Underlies Cyclophilin D Mediated Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore Opening in Doxorubicin Cardiomyopathy. Cardiovascular Research Accepted; 2019

Albensi BC. What is Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-κB) doing in and to the Mitochondrion? Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, Aug 2019 ; 7 doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2019.00154

Albensi BC. Dysfunction of mitochondria: Implications for Alzheimer's disease.Int Rev Neurobiol. 2019;145:13-27. doi: 10.1016/bs.irn.2019.03.001. Epub 2019 Mar 26. PubMed PMID: 31208523.

Adlimoghaddam A, Snow WM, Stortz G, Perez C, Djordjevic J, Goertzen AL, Ko JH, Albensi BC. Regional hypometabolism in the 3xTg mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Dis. 2019 Mar 14;127:264-277. doi: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.03.008. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 30878533.

Islam MI, Nagakannan P, Ogungbola O, Djordjevic J, Albensi BC, Eftekharpour E. Thioredoxin system as a gatekeeper in caspase-6 activation and nuclear lamina integrity: Implications for Alzheimer's disease. Free Radic Biol Med. 2019 Feb 12;134:567-580. doi: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2019.02.010. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 30769159.

Babulal GM, Quiroz YT, Albensi BC, Arenaza-Urquijo E, Astell AJ, Babiloni C, Bahar-Fuchs A, Bell J, Bowman GL, Brickman AM, Chételat G, Ciro C, Cohen AD, Dilworth-Anderson P, Dodge HH, Dreux S, Edland S, Esbensen A, Evered L, Ewers M, Fargo KN, Fortea J, Gonzalez H, Gustafson DR, Head E, Hendrix JA, Hofer SM, Johnson LA, Jutten R, Kilborn K, Lanctôt KL, Manly JJ, Martins RN, Mielke MM, Morris MC, Murray ME, Oh ES, Parra MA, Rissman RA, Roe CM, Santos OA, Scarmeas N, Schneider LS, Schupf N, Sikkes S, Snyder HM, Sohrabi HR, Stern Y, Strydom A, Tang Y, Terrera GM, Teunissen C, Melo van Lent D, Weinborn M, Wesselman L, Wilcock DM, Zetterberg H, O'Bryant SE. Perspectives on ethnic and racial disparities in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias: Update and areas of immediate need. Alzheimers Dement. 2019 Feb;15(2):292-312. doi: 10.1016/j.jalz.2018.09.009. Epub 2018 Dec 13. PubMed PMID: 30555031; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC6368893.

Snow WM, Oikawa K, Djordjevic J, Albensi BC. Strain differences in hippocampal synaptic dysfunction in the TgCRND8 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease: Implications for improving translational capacity. Mol Cell Neurosci. 2019 Jan;94:11-22. doi: 10.1016/j.mcn.2018.10.005. Epub 2018 Nov 4. PubMed PMID: 30404024.

Amiri S, Davie JR, and Rastegar M. Chronic ethanol exposure alters DNA methylation in neural stem cells: role of mouse strain and sex. Molecular Neurobiology 2019, Aug 14 (1-18), doi: 10.1007/s12035-019-01728-0

Liyanage VRB, Olson CO, Zachariah RM, Davie JR, and Rastegar M. DNA methylation contributes to the differential expression levels of Mecp2 in male mice neurons and astrocytes. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2019, 20 (8), 1845 (1-15); doi: doi:10.3390/ijms20081845 

Sheikholeslami K*, Ali Sher A*, Lockman S* (*equal contribution), Kroft D, Shojaei S, GanjiBaksh M,Nejati-Koshki K, Ghavami S, and Rastegar M. Simvastatin induces apoptosis in medulloblastoma brain tumor cells viamevalonate cascade prenylation substrates. Cancers 2019, 11 (7) (1-19). pii: E994. doi: 10.3390/cancers11070994 

Xu W, Liyanage VRB, Levy R, Zachariah RM, Olson C, Amiri S, Hicks G, Davie JR, and Rastegar M. Genome-wide transcriptome landscape of differentiating embryonic brain-derived neural stem cells exposed to alcohol with cross-examination in BL6 and CD1 mice. Scientific Reports 2019, 9:206: 1-17, doi:10.1038/s41598-018-36059-y 

Olson C, Pejhan S, Kroft D, Sheikholeslami K,Fuss D, Buist M, Ali Sher A, Del Bigio MR, Sztainberg E, Siu VM, Ang LC, Sabourin-Felix M, Moss T, and Rastegar M. MECP2 mutation interrupts nucleolin-mTOR-P70S6K signaling in Rett Syndrome patients. Frontier in Genetics 2018, 9, 635:1-17, doi: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00635