Faculty
Dr. Kevin Coombs has been granted the title professor emeritus. This distinguished honour acknowledges Dr. Coombs’s remarkable career of excellence in research, teaching and service in the department of medical microbiology and infectious diseases.
Dr. Julie Lajoie has received a tenure-track appointment in the department of medical microbiology and infectious diseases. Her dedication, leadership and scholarly contributions have been truly inspiring, and the department looks forward to the continued impact of her work within the department and broader research community.
Dr. Daniel C. O’Brien joined the University of Manitoba as an associate professor of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery in January. His practice focuses on inflammatory and neoplastic nasal, sinus and skull base conditions. He is the second fellowship trained rhinologist in Winnipeg. Dr. O’Brien completed advanced subspecialty training in neuro-rhinology and skull base surgery at the University of Alberta, and his residency at West Virginia University. He comes most recently from Creighton University/Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha Nebraska, were he served as co-director of their skull base centre.
Dr. Andrea Piotrowski, assistant professor of clinical health psychology, was appointed head of clinical health psychology, Max Rady College of Medicine, and provincial medical specialty lead, clinical health psychology, Shared Health. Read more
Dr. Chi Yan, assistant professor of immunology, and his lab have relocated from Vanderbilt University to the University of Manitoba in late 2025. Lab manager Nicole Wilson led the setup of the new space and continues to support trainee onboarding and operational readiness.
Staff
Farewell to Tanis Everard after nearly 10 years of dedicated service. Everard played a vital role in establishing the Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship in Brandon – the first of its kind in Manitoba, setting a high standard for its operational success. Her attention to detail and dedication to the program, in addition to her unwavering support of the students, have been hallmarks of her time with the UM Brandon Satellite Program.
Laura Peña, department of medical microbiology and infectious diseases finance and office assistant, has had her position reclassified to a higher level. Peña has consistently demonstrated exceptional professionalism and commitment in a role that is central to the department of medical microbiology and infectious diseases’ operations. Her strong knowledge of UM administrative processes, paired with her initiative and efficiency, has greatly strengthened departmental workflows.
Courtney Slater joined Dr. Meghan Azad’s THRiVE Discovery Lab as a qualitative research consultant in December.
Carmen Young is the new program administrator for undergraduate medical education at the UM Brandon Satellite Campus. Her has experience as a program coordinator in medical education at the University of Calgary. Her familiarity with undergraduate medical education, including academics, evaluations, and scheduling, will be an asset, as will her familiarity with PMH where she has been working.
The department of medical microbiology and infectious diseases congratulates the following team members on their significant career milestones at the University of Manitoba:
Stephen Wayne – 35 years
Angela Nelson – 35 years
Pamela Orr – 35 years
Denice Bay – 10 years
Lyle McKinnon – 10 years
Zulma Rueda – 5 years
Leah Buermeyer – 5 years