Dr. Ayo Bolaji is a newly appointed assistant professor in the department of biochemistry and medical genetics. She is also a computational biologist at the National Microbiology Laboratory. Her research focuses on leveraging bioinformatics to advance our understanding of rare diseases.
Dr. Prakashen Govender was appointed interim department head of anesthesiology, perioperative and pain medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, and interim provincial specialty lead – anesthesia, Shared Health, effective Feb. 17, 2025.
Dr. Nick Hajidiacos was appointed department head of internal medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, and provincial specialty lead – internal medicine, Shared Health, effective May 1, 2025, for a five-year term.
Dr. Jodi Jones was reappointed as department head of otolaryngology, Max Rady College of Medicine, and provincial otolaryngology representative, Shared Health, effective April 1, 2025, for a five-year term.
Dr. Padma Mongru, program director for undergraduate education in the department of family medicine, will be taking on the role of pre-clerkship curriculum director, UGME.
Joining UM is Dr. Mina Nouredanesh, assistant professor of community health sciences, Manitoba Centre for Health Policy research scientist, and UM Canada Research Chair in AI for complex health data. She has a doctorate in mechanical and mechatronics engineering from the University of Waterloo and completed her postdoctoral fellowship at McMaster University’s School of Rehabilitation Science. Her research focuses on using AI models and machine learning to enhance the functioning and quality of life for older adults and their caregivers.
Bill Stefura retired at the end of February 2025 after an incredible 43 years in the department of immunology supporting faculty, staff and students. He started as a research technician in 1982. There was a farewell reception, where his work was celebrated, fond memories were shared and a new annual Bill Stefura Citizenship Award was established in his honour.
Dr. Sarah Turner has joined the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy as a post-doctoral fellow. A 2020 Vanier Scholar, Turner previously earned a PhD in community health sciences as part of Dr. Meghan Azad‘s THRiVE Lab. Her research focuses on supporting women, children and families to breastfeed when it is a desired choice. She has published, collaborated and taken on international leadership roles supporting maternal and child health.
Dr. Jeffrey Wigle was appointed department head of biochemistry and medical genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, effective March 1, 2025 for a five-year term.
Staff changes at the Department of Medical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases:
- Dr. Kevin Coombs retired from his professor appointment on December 31, 2024, and was appointed senior scholar as of January 1, 2025
- Dr. Corby Fink started his assistant professor appointment on April 1, 2025
- Thank you to Megan McDonald, and welcome Sheila Gathuma to the role of program administrator for the PGME and UGME programs and research grant support on April 7, 2025
- Dr. Hannah Wallace was successful in her thesis and officially joined the Kindrachuk Lab as a post-doctoral fellow
New staff members at Family Medicine – PGME:
- Maria James, program administrator
- Jolly Ann Dela Pena, program administrator
Staff changes at the Office of Continuing Competency & Assessment:
- Update to Staffing – Directors
- Dr. Nermin Gergis, director of continuing professional development (CPD), renewed her appointment for November 1, 2024, for a one-year term
- Dr. Natalie Schur, director of clinician assessment program (CAP), started her appointment on November 1, 2024, for a one-year term
- Dr. Ada Man, director of research, started her appointment on November 1, 2024, for a one-year term
- Dr. Betty Jean Hancock, director of advanced trauma life support (ATLS), started her appointment in March 2024
- Update to Staffing – Support Staff:
- Hires:
- Karen Lee – accreditation and professional development consultant, started her position on December 2, 2024
- Vicky Bui – program and clinical exam coordinator, started her position on February 18, 2025
- Amber Klassen – program and clinical exam coordinator, will start her position on April 7, 2025
- Resignation:
- Danna Arciniegas – program and clinical exam coordinator, her last day was on March 7, 2025
- Sarah Harvey – technology program lead, her last day was on March 21, 2025
- Hires:
Staff changes at the THRiVE Discovery Lab:
- Laura Noël-Romas, bioinformatician and data manager, began maternity leave in February
- Sam Lee, bioinformatician and data manager, is covering Laura Noël-Romas’ maternity leave
- Christina Loeppky, administrative coordinator, started in January
- Read more about the THRiVE Discovery Lab team members