ISSUE 10 | SUMMer 2013
MB medicine Magazine of the University of Manitoba Faculty of Medicine, Alumni and Friends
rural responsibility
Rural Week | Brandon Satellite Program | Convocation 2013
Photo: Grajewski Fotograph Inc.
dean’s message What is our Rural Responsibility? As one of 17 medical schools across Canada — and one of five in Western Canada — we play a broad and vital role in Manitoba engaging in research, community service and educating and training physicians, physician assistants and rehabilitation professionals to meet the health care needs of all Manitobans across the province. As you will read throughout this issue, we are engaged in many different programs to raise awareness among our learners and residents about the rewards of rural practice. We also conduct outreach programs to encourage rural students to consider a career in the health professions like partnering with the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame on Discovery Day. As well, in 2009, we introduced a new admissions process to increase representation of rural students in our medical school. It assigns positive value on applicants with rural roots, work experience, volunteer or leadership experience. Rural weighting of applicants is supported by findings that medical students with a rural background or rural connections are more likely to practice in rural areas after graduation. Since 2009, approximately 40 per cent of each medical school class is comprised of students with rural attributes. In 2011, the Manitoba government announced funding for the Brandon Medical Education Study to determine how medical education can support increasing the number of doctors in rural and northern Manitoba. The study, released in July 2012, reviewed three options: a freestanding medical school in Brandon; a satellite medical school in Brandon; and expanded rural medical training and residencies through the U of M. The study recommended creating more rural medical residencies. In May, the government announced eight new family medicine residency positions in Brandon, Morden/Winkler and Steinbach. We currently offer eight Family Medicine Rural Stream residency positions in Dauphin and Brandon; and 15 residency positions in Family Medicine Northern/Remote Stream. The Northern/Remote Stream is designed to address physician shortages and recruit and retain primary care physicians in rural and northern communities. Residents in this stream complete two years of family medicine training, 16 months in Winnipeg at the HSC-affiliated Northern Connection Medical Centre, and eight months of training in northern or remote communities in Manitoba, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.
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Upon graduation, these physicians must fulfill a two year Return-of-Service agreement with Manitoba Health in a remote or northern Manitoba community, after which they can apply to the specialty residency training program of their choice at the University of Manitoba. The Brandon Medical Education Study also recommended creating community campuses with clinical teaching units for third- and fourthyear medical students interested in rural practice. In light of the study, I have appointed two Brandon-based deans: Associate Dean, Charles Penner [MD/88] and Assistant Dean Joanne Maier [MD/84] to head the Faculty’s Brandon Satellite Program. They will be responsible for leading the implementation of an increased number of Brandon-area residency positions (including specialty training) and enhancing the availability of clerkship core rotation and elective learning opportunities for clerkship medical students. We are at a critical time in the delivery of medical education in Manitoba and our new Brandon Satellite Program offers an exciting opportunity for our students, residents and indeed for our rural physicians to take on academic roles in the Faculty of Medicine. A rural medical education working group is now being established including representatives from the University of Manitoba Faculty of Medicine, Brandon University and other partners to support implementing recommendations from the study. As we expand our distributed medical education sites around Manitoba, we are leading site visits across the province (including northern Manitoba) for Faculty of Medicine department heads and program directors in the upcoming academic year. I am confident our efforts, and those of the Province of Manitoba, will be a win-win for medical students, resident physicians, rural physicians and most of all patients in rural and northern communities throughout Manitoba.
Brian Postl [MD/76], Dean of Medicine
Keep up-to-date with faculty news. Follow my blog at:
http://blogs.cc.umanitoba.ca/postlnotes/
PHOTO: GRAJEWSKI FOTOGRAPH INC.
editor’s message Welcome to our summer issue of MB Medicine — emphasis on Manitoba! In this issue, we focus on the theme of rural responsibility. As the province’s only medical school, we know that Manitobans from Churchill to Winkler (and everywhere in between) are counting on us to graduate doctors who will deliver their community’s babies, tend to medical emergencies, treat infections, offer specialty expertise — essentially provide their community with the quality of medical care we take for granted in the city.
In this issue, you will discover how the Faculty of Medicine is addressing the challenge of physician shortages in rural and northern communities through a number of innovative strategies and programs from “rural weighting” during the admissions process to rural undergrad and postgrad educational opportunities. You will read about how Rural Week and Core Rotations in rural and northern communities can influence medical students’ future career paths. Med III student Nadine Kaefer had spent time with the Faculty’s Northern Medical Unit (NMU) in Repulse Bay after Med I and discovered a love for northern medicine. She completed her family medicine rotation in Norway House. “I got to know my patients really well, and it was an interesting experience to be immersed in a new culture and language within my home country,” she says. “I learned a lot about the social determinants of health and how important they are to an individual. Although we learn about them in school, it was really interesting to see how much of an impact they have on a community like Norway House.” You will also read about the Manitoba Office of Rural and Northern Health and how it raises awareness among medical students through its Rural Interest Group. We’ll introduce you to Brandon-based visionary alumna Joanne Maier [MD/84] and three trailblazing alumnae from the Class of 2013 who each overcame challenges to fulfill their dreams of becoming a physician. Remember your graduation? In a couple of months, we will welcome back alumni to the University of Manitoba for their milestone class reunions. This year, we have 10 Faculty of Medicine reunions taking place — most during Homecoming 2013 from September 27-29. All alumni are invited to join us for the Dean’s Homecoming breakfast and campus tours on Saturday, September 28. If you are celebrating a milestone reunion in 2013 or 2014 and want information or to help plan next year’s class reunion, please contact Darcy Routledge, Alumni Affairs Officer at darcy.routledge@med.umanitoba.ca or 204-955-5650. We also connect with alumni throughout the year at alumni receptions. If you are interested in an alumni event in your area, please contact us. Ilana Simon ilana.simon@med.umanitoba.ca
IN this issue: Inspires Med Students 04 WAG Eyes Wide Open
PHOTO: Katie Chalmers-Brooks
09 C lass of 2013 - Wonder Women Breathing life into big dreams
PHOTO: Mike Latschislaw
11 T ales from gimli hospital & Beyond MED I Rural Week Experiences
13 Kenyan Student exchange 17 Alumni Profile: Joanne Maier [MD/84] 18 alumni news Curriculum Renewal
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Teacher Recognition Dinner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 05 MedTalks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 06 Med III Rural Rotations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 New National CIHR Centre, CRC
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Medical Students’ Art Show. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Country Roads
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Faculty Awards & Honours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 EDITOR: Ilana Simon Director of Communications & Marketing Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba Tel: 204-789-3427 E-Mail: ilana.simon@med.umanitoba.ca CONTRIBUTORS: Keevin Bernstein, Melni Ghattora, Lindsay Hughes, Brian Postl, Ilana Simon PHOTOGRAPHY: Katie Chalmers-Brooks, Melni Ghattora, Grajewski Fotograph Inc., Dan Gwozdz, Ivan Landego, Mike Latschislaw and Andrew Sikorsky. Design: Guppy Graphic Design Cover Photo: Ivan Landego Printing: The Prolific Group
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Curriculum Renewal
Photo: DAN GWOZDZ
New Era in Undergrad Medical Education By Keevin Bernstein [MD/78], Director, UGME Curriculum Renewal Since 2010, the Faculty of Medicine has been undergoing an extensive UGME curriculum review and renewal process. We are excited to launch the new clerkship for the Class 2015 in August 2013. The new preclerkship will commence August 2014 for Class of 2018. With new governance in place, faculty development for pre-clerkship began in February followed by the course leaders presenting their overarching plans for their respective courses in April through June 2013. Faculty development will continue through January 2014 to facilitate the iterative process to build consensus on curricular content and learning strategies. Planning the new clerkship began in earnest June 2012. As reflected by our Curriculum Renewal (CuRe) foundation principles, our new curriculum expresses a commitment to the community highlighting the importance of social responsibility,
health advocacy, professionalism, while assuring the principles of scholarship and discovery, excellence and critical thinking are enhanced. Our commitment to the community is manifested by early and longitudinal exposure to individuals and their families in community clinics, agencies and activities. The curriculum renewal process has included: internal reviews, external consultations, establishment of specific task groups, stakeholder consultation, and faculty development. Through these processes, faculty and students have been actively participating. There are currently 55 faculty members appointed to UGME leadership positions, and another 75 on various course committees. We are very grateful to have these committed faculty and students working diligently to enhance our students’ educational experiences.
In summary, the CuRe process and developments to date include: 1. Current curriculum review process and needs assessment (introduced in 1997). 2. Principles extracted from 11 CuRe Task Groups (2011): these Task Groups had 110 participants. 3. Curriculum 21st century Framework: A four-year fully integrated (both vertically and horizontally) spiral scaffold curriculum which includes the following components: ·C omposite Clinical Presentations (CP4): Approximately 130-135 categorized presentations that students will be expected to “manage’ by the end of UGME curriculum in one of four areas: (1) Symptoms or Signs (2) Lab Abnormalities (3) Determinants of Health (4) States of Health, underpinning the four years; · L ongitudinal Courses (Professionalism, Clinical Skills, Clinical Reasoning, Indigenous Health and Community Health Sciences); included in all four years; Human Biology, Health & Disease Modules (replacing preclerkship). Modules 0-3: - Foundation Module (M0) - Human Biology & Health Module (M1) - Health & Disease Module (M2) - Consolidation Module (M3)
· Longitudinal Themes: Longitudinal “Themes” that are not “courses” (and will not have a separate learner assessment) have faculty appointed leaders and will have curricular content integrated throughout the four years (i.e. Diagnostic Imaging, Generalism, Geriatrics, Genetics, Health care systems/safety, Inter-Professional Activities, Health Psychology, Information Sciences, Pediatrics, Palliative Care and Social Accountability);
· Clerkship (Modules 4-7): A reorganized clerkship (M5), integrating some related specialty areas, accompanied by structured regular mandatory academic time. This is preceded by a completely revamped five-week Transition to Clerkship (M4). The CuRe Clerkship group has been deliberating since June 2012 with a formal faculty forum (held on June 20) to present the final plans. The fourth year electives period (M6) will not change but after the CaRMS match there will be a more structured curriculum Transition to Residency (M7). 4. G overnance and Revised Funding Model: Reorganized educational preclerkship and clerkship leadership to facilitate curriculum governance and transparency with hybrid funding model between UGME and academic departments. 5. Student Assessment: Every unit or module, including longitudinal courses, will have student assessment with more frequent exams in Modules 0-2 for each course. Each will require mastery in contrast to current high stakes post 12-14 week block exam. 6. F aculty Development: This spring course leaders presented their overarching plans for their respective preclerkship courses. This was followed by faculty development on learning strategies with the intention to create a consistent weekly template and pedagogical approach. The course leaders will then be allocated their respective hours to develop their course. Faculty development will continue through January 2014 to build consensus on curricular content and learning strategies for M0-M3. 7. A curriculum evaluation process: To measure the effects of these changes, and make recommendations for improvement on an ongoing basis.
The CuRe Framework, Project Map, Task Group Reports and updates are available on the Curriculum Renewal Website: www.umanitoba.ca/medicine/education/undergraduate/curriculum/curriculumrenewal.html
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FACULTY NEWS
Medical students study art at the Winnipeg Art Gallery to improve observational skills in clinical care, become better docs.
Med Students Discover the Language of Looking at WAG By Melni Ghattora
A group of med students walk around in complete silence. Clipboard in one hand, pen in the other, they observe and take in every detail: the shapes, the lines, the texture, the colour.
Student Oana Florescu agrees, noting it never occurred to her that visual literacy skills used to look at a painting or admire a work of art can be translated into medicine.
But it’s not patients they’re examining today. It’s art. More accustomed to doing rounds on a hospital ward, the group is now turning their analytic eye to art.
“When you’re looking at a patient you can just look at them and sort of diagnose, for example if they have one third of their eyebrow missing you think ‘that’s hypothyroidism’ or if they have clubbing it could be this or that,” she says. “So it reinforces how important it is to pay attention to our patients, not just look at them, but to really focus.”
Earlier this year the Faculty of Medicine partnered with the Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG) to launch a pilot workshop in art education, an offshoot of a course on medical ethics and humanities. In small groups, all 110 Med II students participated in an evening session at the downtown gallery. Guided by an art educator and an academic physician, the future docs learned how to improve their visual literacy (through a number of exercises) and then how to apply it to practice. “As they come into the room you can tell some of the students are puzzled and thinking ‘What are we doing in the art gallery? How is this going to apply to our clinical practice?’” says art educator Rachel Baerg, who led several of the workshops. She started each evening by encouraging the students to come into the space with an open mind, to be curious, and to be ready and willing to engage with one another. “It’s not like we’re buried deep into a text book. There is no right or wrong,” she says. Most of us view roughly 3,000 images daily, ranging from pictures on our mobile devices to ads on billboards yet “we don’t have time to really digest what we’re seeing,” Baerg says. “We have forgotten the language of looking and understanding what we are looking at. That’s really what we’re trying to relearn in many ways in this workshop.” Students tour the gallery and observe and talk about what they see. For one exercise they select a work of art and, without speaking, jot down the first five words that come to mind. They take turns reading out their first impressions, then second words until everyone has read all five words and it flows like a poem. “It’s beautiful and they’re all sort of amazed they’ve come up with this [poem] themselves,” says Baerg. “It’s a great example of how rich an interpretation of one work of art can be when there’s a group of people working together.”
Photo: Katie Chamlmers-Brooks
eyes wide open
Anna Wiebe, head of education at the WAG, explains that an individual’s personal knowledge, background, ideas and assumptions affect how they observe and interpret visual phenomena. “Whether it’s art or in a clinical environment, visual literacy skills can be applied. How do I observe a patient’s behavior and his or her symptoms? What am I expecting to find based on my own preconceived notions?” Wiebe says. During the second part of the workshop the students work closely with faculty members and apply the same skills to a health context by viewing medical images and identifying what they see. Dr. Martha Ainslie, acting section head of respiratory medicine in the department of internal medicine, says the skills the students require for rounds are similar to those used for the gallery exercise. “When we’re on the wards the questions we often ask are ‘What have you noticed about the patient? What do you think is going on? What makes you think that? What supports that and what goes against that?” says the respirologist, who worked with students at several workshops. Before the students go to the WAG they watch a video of a 2009 experiment by two researchers at Harvard University who conducted a selective attention test. Like the study’s actual participants, med students are asked to (silently) count how many times the people in white t-shirts pass the ball. As done in the actual study, they are told that a gorilla will walk by. Ainslie points out that similar to the research findings, half of the students failed to notice the gorilla. Why is this video shown to students? “It’s to remind ourselves that we do miss things,” she says.
STUDENT NEWS
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Photo: Andrew Sikorsky
Recognizing Faculty of Medicine Teaching Excellence
As a university, our mandate is education, research and service. But Jeffrey Simpson, Globe & Mail national affairs columnist, university lecturer and board member, provocatively wondered whether “we value teaching enough in this age where research seems to drive everything at universities.”
“The baby boomers began to turn 65 two years ago. Today 14 per cent of the population is 65 years of age or more; by 2020 that will probably be in the range of 20 percent by 2030 it will be in the range of 26 to 30 per cent. No cohort of Canadians has ever seen that kind of demography,” he said.
The Faculty of Medicine’s third annual Teacher Recognition Dinner was all about valuing faculty members, recognizing their contributions to education and honouring the Manitoba Medical Students’ Association (MMSA) award has for teaching excellence.
Simpson also cautioned that “the kind of money that our society poured into health care starting in 2004 has come to an end.” He said physicians will need to find new and less costly ways of delivering care while improving quality in the process.
The Faculty of Medicine has more than 1,600 faculty members (about 600 full-time) who contribute to medical education at the undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels.
“Change is going to mean a variety of things: scope of practices will have to change to allow more standardized procedures be to done by qualified individuals at lower cost be it pharmacists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants,” he said, adding change also means realizing that physicians in Canada by international standards are paid second highest for specialists and fifth highest for general practitioners.
Many faculty members also play leadership and administrative roles as associate and assistant deans, department heads, program directors, course coordinators, faculty supervisors, B.Sc. (Med.) supervisors, research directors or preceptors. Medical students lauded their University of Manitoba professors for sharing their clinical experience, teaching them to think critically and helping them to become caring and competent physicians. In his keynote address on the state of Canada’s health-care system, Simpson warned the students that the environment in which they will practice will be very different from today given that we are on the cusp of an aging population where there will be fewer working people to tax and costs are increasing to meet the expanding health-care needs. He noted that from 2004 to 2011 health-care spending across the board in Canada has gone up about seven per cent a year, that is way beyond the population growth and inflation; way beyond the increase in government revenues; and way beyond the spending in any other government program.
Simpson impressed upon the students the responsibility that goes along with their future roles as physicians in this new, changing environment: “Almost by definition in any walk of life those just setting forth on their careers have fresh perspectives …physicians can be a force for positive change,” he said.
Congratulations to all nominees and to the 2011/12 MMSA Teaching Award Winners: Teaching Excellence, Medicine I: Dr. Adrian Gooi Most Outstanding Course, Medicine I: Cardiovascular Teaching Excellence, Medicine II: Dr. Maria Vrontakis-Lautatzis Most Outstanding Course, Medicine II: Nephrology Most Outstanding Resident: Joann James [MD/10] Most Outstanding Clinician: Dr. Faisal Al-Somali
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FACULTY NEWS
By Terry Klassen [MD/82] Associate Dean, Academic and Dr. Heather Dean, Assistant Dean, Academic
MedTalks
Demystifies Health and Healing Issues
By Melni Ghattora
Nancy Lockhart stood up in room full of strangers and told the story of how she watched her friend die.
“It’s not a hard and fast rule [and] as a result of that they’re often delivered differently between each region,” said Embleton.
“We were like sisters and we did everything together. This was the first time I had to say to her ‘this is one journey I can’t accompany you on, you have to go without me,’” the 73-year-old shared.
According the Harlos, medical director of Adult and Pediatric Palliative Care (WRHA), a provincial working group he chairs is looking at these inequities of palliative care throughout the province because “it shouldn’t be the way it is.”
The retired operating room nurse wanted to know why her friend (who was in the final stages of her life) had a strong will to live some days but most of the time was in denial that her life was nearing its end. On March 20 MedTalks, a medical lectures series hosted by the U of M’s Faculty of Medicine, helped answer Lockhart’s questions through back-to-back sessions on palliative care. Led by Harvey Chochinov [MD/83], distinguished professor, Faculty of Medicine (with appointments in the departments of community health sciences psychiatry and family medicine), Canada Research Chair in Palliative Care, and Dr. Mike Harlos, professor and section head of palliative medicine in the Faculty of Medicine, the discussion addressed some of the myths and misunderstandings surrounding end-of-life care. The series’ format is relaxed, as is the atmosphere, and the informal “talks” are each followed by a Q&A session. Something Lockhart is grateful for. “The issues presented have been very topical to things I face in these years of life.” The panel included Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) Palliative Care Program experts Lori Embleton (program director), Brenda Hearson (clinical nurse specialist) and Fred Nelson (psychosocial specialist). Embleton talked about the availability of end-of-life care in rural areas; explaining that while every region in Manitoba has a responsibility to provide palliative care and a designated palliative care coordinator, it is up to each health authority to determine how they deliver those services.
With a new look and name for 2013 MedTalks, formerly called Mini Med School, continues to meet its promise of offering stimulating and interactive lectures given by Faculty of Medicine professors and healthcare professionals. “The information isn’t presented in ways that I wouldn’t understand,” said 15-year-old Oreofe Okunnu, “I really like the talks.” The Grade 10 student knows she wants to pursue a career in medicine. She started attending the series in 2009 and was joined by her sister, Anu Okunnu, the following year. “The series is important because it shows how the physicians in our society today are getting trained and it sort of enlightens the public to what the physicians undergo in their years in medical school,” she added. MedTalks launched its sixth year with talks on neuro-ophthalmology and multiple sclerosis. The series has covered a variety of topics related to health and wellness that include tips on how to avoid becoming a germ-a-phobe and addressing the misconceptions surrounding eating disorders. The topic for the final talk of the session was managing foot and ankle problems with surgery and/or physiotherapy.
For more information visit: umanitoba.ca/medicine/medtalks.
faculty NEWS
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Thinking “Outside the Perimeter”
Core Rotations Showcase Rural Medicine Each year, 85-90 per cent of Med III students will complete their core family medicine rotation in a rural or northern location. The experience gives them unparalleled insight into what it might be like to practice primary care medicine in a rural or northern community — and inspires some students to consider careers “outside the perimeter.” Students also have opportunities to spend time during other core rotations in rural or northern communities. Approximately 10 students per year spend two to six weeks of their Obstetrics/Gynecology (OB/GYN) rotation in Thompson. About eight students a year complete two weeks of their surgery rotation in Portage la Prairie. Timothy Gosselin, Class of 2014, was thrilled to be placed in Churchill for his five-week family medicine core rotation. “I am considering family medicine, and I wanted to experience rural northern medicine,” he said. “I was impressed by the rugged beauty of Churchill and by the resilience and resourcefulness of the inhabitants.” Compared to the anonymity of urban placements, Gosselin felt he had the opportunity to experience community life, including “running into my patients in the grocery store or waving to them around town.” Ashleigh Sprange, Class of 2014, had two memorable rural and northern experiences during Med III: she spent two weeks in Thompson during her OB/GYN rotation and six weeks in Dauphin for family medicine rotation. In Dauphin, Sprange said she worked with very supportive family physicians that were keen on teaching and she was exposed to a variety of situations and interesting medical cases. “I found that the rural settings provided opportunities for a much more varied practice. In Thompson, we did outpatient clinics, deliveries, colposcopy clinics, and gynaecological surgeries all in one day,” she said. “I interacted with patients from northern Manitoba and and the Northwest Territories and learned about the various cultural traditions involved with pregnancy and child birth. It was also very interesting to see the challenges that face physicians working in rural communities. In both Thompson and Dauphin, we had situations where we would have to send patients to Winnipeg because we did not have the resources to provide the proper care.”
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FACULTY NEWS
By Ilana Simon
Medically, Gosselin felt privileged to participate in a premature birth, and subsequent medical evacuation, where both mom and baby did well. What stands out for Sprange in Dauphin was the sheer diversity of clinical experience from standard appointments to minor procedures such as circumcisions or biopsies to a shift in the ER. “Each day was different and provided new experiences for learning,” she said, adding as the only students in both locations, she received one-on-one teaching and was treated as a colleague or member of the medical team. Both Gosselin and Sprange appreciated the warm reception and personal interest they received from their communities. “People in rural Manitoba are friendly, welcoming, and hospitable. Some of my new-found friends took me dog-sledding, or invited me over to watch some hockey, which I greatly enjoyed,” Gosselin said. During Sprange’s first week in Dauphin, she attended the community musical theatre production, watched a Dauphin Kings’ playoff game, and joined the local gym. By the second week, community members were saying “hi” and asking her when she’d be moving to Dauphin. “I really enjoyed the lifestyle that Dauphin had to offer. The clinic and hospital were close by and there were great parks within the city and the amazing [Riding Mountain] National Park only 20 minutes away,” she said, adding she would like to do electives this year in Dauphin and Thompson. As well, she has spoken with the Office of Rural and Northern Health about the different opportunities that exist for physicians interested in working in rural and northern Manitoba. For Gosselin, the Churchill experience could be a game changer. “I felt really blessed by my preceptors who took an interest in me as a person, invested time, modeled continuity of care, and mentored me during my time there. I have no doubt that rural practice would suit me well,” said Gosselin.
“People in rural Manitoba are friendly, welcoming, and hospitable. Some of my new-found friends took me dog-sledding, or invited me over to watch some hockey, which I greatly enjoyed.”
U of M to host National Research Institute The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) named University of Manitoba professor Hani ElGabalawy as the new Scientific Director of the Institute for Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis (IMHA). This appointment marks the first time the U of M will be home base for a national research institute. “I’m pleased to welcome Dr. El-Gabalawy to the CIHR leadership team,” said CIHR president Alain Beaudet. “His outstanding work in joint inflammation and arthritis, coupled with his proven experience and leadership working with health charities, research institutions and professional health organizations will be instrumental in taking the institute and CIHR’s Inflammation in Chronic Disease Signature Initiative forward. His experience working with Aboriginal communities on health issues will also be invaluable.” El-Gabalawy is an internationally-recognized leader in rheumatoid arthritis research. He is a professor of medicine and immunology in the Faculty of Medicine and holds a Rheumatology Research Chair. He has published landmark studies on synovial biology, the pathogenesis of early arthritis, and has recently established a unique First Nations cohort to study geneenvironment interactions in the pre-clinical phase of arthritis. His research has been dedicated to understanding the mechanisms involved in initiating and sustaining rheumatoid arthritis and helping patients with this disorder.
El-Gabalawy feels privileged to lead the institute at this time as “there has never been a better opportunity to develop effective strategies for detecting and preventing lifelong progressive diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis at their earliest stages.” During his time at the University of Manitoba, El-Gabalawy has held a number of administrative positions including serving as an academic Division Head of Rheumatology and Arthritis Centre Director for three terms, Clinical Director of the Rheumatology Research Laboratory, Residency Program Director, and Chair of the Grants and Allocations Committee for the Health Sciences Centre Foundation in Winnipeg. He has served as a member and Chair of CIHR peer review committees, and has held key leadership positions in The Arthritis Society, the Canadian Arthritis Network Centres of Excellence, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. He is also a former member of the CIHR-IMHA Institute Advisory Board. Over the span of his career, El-Gabalawy has published more than 100 peer reviewed papers, as well as multiple book chapters and editorials. He has received academic awards and recognitions including an NIH Bench to Bedside Award, fellowship in the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, and a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Award for service to the arthritis community. CIHR-IMHA supports research to enhance active living, mobility and movement, and oral health; and addresses causes, prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, support systems, and palliation for a wide range of conditions related to bones, joints, muscles, connective tissue, skin and teeth.
Left to right: President David Barnard, Dr. Digvir Jayas, Minister Vic Toews, Dr. Salah Mahmud, Dr. Warren Cariou, Dr. Grant Hatch and MP Rod Bruinooge.
Photo: Dan Gwozdz
New Canada Research Chair Investigates Role of Infections in Cancer Dr. Salah Mahmud, assistant professor, department of community health sciences, was recently appointed Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Pharmacoepidemiology and Vaccine Evaulation. Mahmud will receive $500,000 over five years as a Tier 2 chair holder. Evidence shows 20 per cent of cancers worldwide are caused by preventable or treatable infections such as H. pylori, the human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B.Mahmoud uses epidemiological methods to find ways to reduce the risk of developing and dying from these common cancers and infections by studying the use of widely used medications like aspirin, cholesterol lowering drugs and anti-depressants in preventing major cancers, such as prostate, colon and cervical. Mahmud’s CRC appointment was announced in March at the U of M by Minister of Public Safety Vic Toews, coinciding with the national announcement in Ottawa. Renewed support for four existing U of M Chairs was also announced. Chair holders are research leaders or rising stars in natural sciences and engineering, health sciences, or social sciences and humanities.
The two other renewed Canada Research Chairs in Medicine are Michelle Driedger and Grant Hatch. Michelle Driedger, associate professor, community health sciences, Canada Research Chair in Environment and Health Risk Communication examines how health risks are communicated in situations of uncertainty — when the experts do not have all of the answers — and yet policy decisions about health still has to be made. Driedger will receive $500,000 in funding over the next five years as a Tier 2 chair. Grant Hatch, professor, pharmacology and therapeutics/biochemistry and medical genetics, Manitoba Institute of Child Health), Canada Research Chair in Molecular Cardiolipin Metabolism is conducting research into cardiolipin metabolism that will potentially lead to new therapies for heart disease, diabetes, obesity, neurological disorders and Barth Syndrome (a rare genetic disorder). Hatch will receive $1.4 million over the next seven years as a Tier 1 chair. There are currently 45 CRCs at the University of Manitoba, 16 in the Faculty of Medicine. FACULTY NEWS
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PHOTO: Mike Latschislaw PHOTO: DAN GWOZDZ
Breathing life into big dreams By Melni Ghattora
Donna Neufeld and her husband Erv are driving down the highway, heading home to Winnipeg after a road-trip to Calgary, when they spot a semi-trailer on its side. Erv instinctively pulls over to see if the pair can help while Neufeld rehearses in her mind what she’s going to say when she approaches the scene. Before she can finish her thought, “Erv throws open the door and yells ‘Does anyone need a doctor?’” Neufeld recalls with a laugh. She had just finished her CaRMS (Canadian Resident Matching Service) interview and although it was a few weeks premature of officially becoming a doctor, it was a proud moment for her husband. For 48-year-old Neufeld her proud moment came a few weeks later at the Faculty of Medicine’s Convocation ceremony for the class of 2013. When Neufeld stepped onto the stage to accept her degree, it was her son who was heard shouting “Way to go mom!” The mother of four is one of 105 MD graduates heading into their residency this July. Another is Tito Daodu, a role model from the city’s core area; and Megan Jack, a deaf student who pioneered a change in how education is delivered in the Faculty of Medicine.
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No such thing as “it’s too late.” Born in Manitoba, Neufeld grew up in Steep Rock, a tiny hamlet on the shore of Lake Manitoba. She married at 19 and had four kids in five years.“You get into your 30s and it starts nagging at you, you know? I never really answered the question ‘what do you want to be when you grow up’?” she says. At 40 years old the high-school graduate enrolled in university. Initially she wanted to become a teacher. Unable to find a family doctor, Neufeld personally tried to recruit her kids and university classmates into the profession. When someone turned around and suggested she go into this field, it finally hit her. She never spoke as passionately about education as she did when talking about medicine. Applying to med school was still on the horizon when Neufeld went on an early morning run through the historic Elmwood Cemetery. “It was around 6:30 in the morning and there were lit candles in the graveyard. I cut across the grass to see what it was,” she recalls. Neufeld found herself at the grave site of Katherine Klassen. “I didn’t know who she was at first but I figured she was from around this neighborhood,” she says. “I read her tombstone and beside it was somebody else the family had lost. I prayed for the family when I went home and when I learned more about her, the story just resonated with me.” Klassen was a med student. She began her studies in the fall of 2005 but became ill three months into the program, forcing her to withdraw in order to start active treatment. She completed one year of studies. The Klassen family established a memorial award (in the Faculty of Medicine) to carry on her legacy. Fast forward to May 16, 2013. Sitting in a sea of tasseled caps and black gowns, Neufeld is listening to the awards being presented, when her name is called. She is the recipient of the 2013 Katherine Klassen Memorial Award in recognition by her peers and instructors for demonstrating a high level of compassion, humanism and a patient-centered approach to care. “How serendipitous to actually have stood at her grave site, and consider her story, having felt for the family and then four years later to have that come around,” she says.
PHOTO: Mike Latschislaw
PHOTO: WAYNE GLOWACKI, WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Inner-city hero
Fostering change
Tito Daodu chokes up as she speaks; pausing to take a breath, she wipes away a tear from her cheek.
Megan Jack knew from a young age that she wanted to study medicine; though she admits she came close to writing-off the idea.
“I feel like it was a miracle that I got to [St. Mary’s Academy],” says 26-year-old Daodu. “I was on really, really, heavily subsidized bursaries. That year in Grade 7 was the first time I felt maybe I don’t have the potential. I don’t have the same resources as all of these girls… my uniform is from the used uniform sale.”
Growing up in Altona, with her parents Brian and Kathryn, and younger brothers Colin and Blain, she remembers moments when she had doubts. “I would think ‘I don’t know…can I get into medical school? I’m deaf. Am I smart enough?’”
Nigeria-born Daodu moved to Canada as a young girl; she had lived in Jamaica and the U.K. before settling in Winnipeg. When she was 10, her family traveled back to her native country to attend her grandmother’s funeral. During this trip, Daodu’s dad showed her the hospital where she was born. That’s when Daodu first declared she wanted to become a doctor. “My dad tells me that I told him that day that I would one day go back to that hospital to help.” Daodu says as a kid she was easily discouraged by things she saw growing up in the inner city. “In my neighborhood there were low expectations for what you can achieve.”
Jack was the first deaf student admitted into the U of M’s medical faculty and today is its first deaf MD graduate. When Bruce Martin met Megan Jack, his first thought was, “This young lady is amazing.” But that quickly shifted to, “How are we going to make this happen?” Martin says through implementing new and improving upon existing accommodations for learners with disabilities, the Faculty’s accommodations committee had learned a lot. But if it wasn’t for Jack’s acceptance into medical school, the Faculty would not have had this opportunity to evolve. “Everyone involved embraced the challenge and we’re all really grateful to have been able to learn from Megan and from this experience, not only as a faculty but as individuals and educators.”
She was eight when she first joined West Broadway Youth Outreach (WBYO). She would head to the centre to participate in after-school programs or get help with her homework. “It was nice to have these heroes around me that would inspire me and show that I was totally capable of achieving what I wanted to.”
Jack dismisses the idea that she is the one worthy of gratitude. “I would say no, I want to thank you because really [the Faculty] has been willing, flexible and accommodating. That’s what made it possible for me and for the experience to be so smooth through my education and training,” she says through an American Sign Language interpreter.
Throughout medical school, Daodu maintained her relationship with WBYO and she is seen as a role model by the kids she mentors during Homework Club, the same program she attended. Many of them cheered her on at Convocation, joined by a large entourage of friends and family, including her great-uncle who flew in from Nigeria.
Once she was accepted into medicine, a full-time team of interpreters was hired and Lindsay Duval [MD/80] was appointed to facilitate Jack’s clerkship rotations. Jack deferred by one year so that three of the four interpreters could develop their medical vocabulary. “If I had interpreters that came and went, there would be no continuity and their knowledge would have gaps,” she signs.
“It’s always a little bit shocking to me when somebody says that I’m an inspiration. I hope that I can inspire the kids I work with at West Broadway to do more or to feel compelled that the status quo isn’t good enough.” And who inspires her? Daodu says she admires Dr. Bruce Martin, Associate Dean, Students for his longtime commitment to health care. “If I could just have one eighth of Dr. Martin’s presence and his career,” Daodu says. She admires Martin for his passion towards his work, teaching and patients. “That’s the kind of doctor I want to be. It doesn’t matter the subspecialty that you go in, you can still embrace that spirit of just helping people.”
Martin says it was important the Faculty provide Jack with dedicated interpreters skilled in translating the medical language and complex subject matter to support Jack with her studies and clinical exposure. “Our Student Affairs Office worked closely with Brandy Usick, Director of Student Advocacy and Accessibility at U of M and the WRHA to ensure Megan’s experiences throughout medical school were just like every other student.” And they have been. “I’ve never had any situation where a patient has refused to work with me because I’m deaf or because there was an interpreter in the room. They’ve all been very accepting,” she signs. When asked if there’s anything she’d like people to know about her journey, Jack replies “It could be nice if you could emphasize my appreciation to the staff and all the physicians and everyone I’ve worked with so far for the open-mindedness and support.” STUDENT NEWS
MB medicine | summer 2013
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TALES FROM GIMLI HOSPITAL AND BEYOND:
PHOTO: ANTONIO PALETTA
MED I RURAL WEEK EXPERIENCES
Antonio Paletta Location: Gimli, MB with Med I classmate Trevor Angus. Focus: Shadowed in both the family medicine clinic and in the hospital, which were both part of the same building at Gimli Hospital. What I learnt: The most interesting thing I learnt about Gimli was that it served as the major site of immigration for people coming to Canada from Iceland. Highlights: The best part of rural week was being able to observe physicians work in not only their family practices, but also in the emergency rooms and on the ward, all of which were interconnected within the Gimli Hospital. Everyone who I met had great admiration and appreciation for the physicians and their commitment to the people of the community of Gimli, and this was something that stood out to me. Most surprising: The most surprising thing I learnt was that physicians in Gimli will “wear many hats” so to speak. You can often find physicians visiting the care homes early in the morning, seeing patients in their family practice, and then whipping over to the ER to check on a patient that had just arrived and was in need of care. The ability and willingness of the physicians to play so many different and integral roles was truly admirable. Is Rural Practice in Your Future? Based on my brief experience in Gimli, I would certainly consider returning for an elective to the area and would definitely give consideration to residency and practice in the area at some point down the road.
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Priya Sharma Location: Carman, MB with Med I classmate Jessica Enns. Focus: Shadowed a doctor in the clinic along with in the adjacent hospital. What I learnt: Carman is an extremely friendly and welcoming town. They are very supportive in recruiting more doctors to their town. It is very peaceful and there are many activities to do if you would like to keep busy! The clinic and hospital were very resourceful, and if anyone needed to be re-directed, they were sent to Boundary Trails Health Centre which was just 30 minutes away, so there were many options. Highlights: Being able to interview patients on our own before the doctor numerous times, visiting Vanderveen’s greenhouses, and visiting Hutterite colonies for the first time. Is Rural Practice in Your Future? Both before and after this experience, a rural practice is something that attracts me and is something that I am considering for my future.
Rural Week is a one week hands-on learning experience for all first-year University of Manitoba medical students. It is coordinated through the Manitoba Office of Rural and Northern Health and provides students with an opportunity to receive clinical experience and exposure to not only rural and northern medicine but also rural and northern life. It is also an opportunity for participating communities to showcase themselves and promote the benefits
PHOTO: IVAN LANDEGO
and rewards of rural and northern medicine.
Patrick Boreskie Location: Rankin Inlet, Nunavut with Med I classmate Ivan Landego. Focus: Mainly Health Centre, but also the home care, community health, and mental health buildings What I learnt: Being so remote, I think that I got to experience something unique. The most obvious lessons I learned up north were the challenges in connecting with the health system in the big cities of the South. Some common lab tests have to be shipped out and results will only return six weeks later. Furthermore, it’s common to have to medivac patients to or from Rankin, and each time it costs healthcare tens of thousands of dollars. I can’t help but attribute remote health centres to the Wild West of medicine... So much we take for granted here in Winnipeg is unavailable. The docs there have to adapt to what they’ve got. Highlights: My most memorable moment of the week was talking to a local Inuit woman about the history of their culture and the immense respect they have for their elders. This was a very humbling conversation, and certainly one I’ll remember when working with aging populations in a clinical setting. Most surprising: The most surprising thing I learned in Rankin was that locals hunt and eat polar bear. Apparently it tastes just like pork chops. I mentioned that I thought polar bears were becoming more endangered, but they laughed and said they’re doing just fine. Now I’m not sure who to believe! Is Rural Practice in Your Future? I never thought remote rural medicine would be something I’m interested in before this week, but I must say it would now be the top of my list of interests. The family docs I worked with also had to act under expanded roles of anesthetist, emerg doc, surgeon, and paediatrician. That’s the kind of diversity I can see myself devoting my life to. Equally as engaging is the fact you’re working amongst a completely different and fascinating culture. Needless to say, I’ll be brushing up on my Inuktitut over the next few years.
STUDENT NEWS
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Out of Africa: Student Experiential Learning By Melni Ghattora
PHOTO: DAN GWOZDZ
Kenyan exchange students Olela and Kamau share traditional foods and life experiences with women living in Winnipeg’s inner city. When Kenyan exchange students Carol Olela and Immaculate Kamau embarked on their journey to Canada, they wanted to interact with people who share similarities with the disadvantaged populations they work closely with back home. “It’s not very easy for women in our community to talk about their challenges because they fear being labeled and being outcasts in the community,” says Olela. The pair met with a group of five women at the North End Women’s Centre who are living at the centre’s emergency housing units. The Kenyan students, each working in a health-related field and pursuing a Master’s of Public Health, studied at the Faculty of Medicine through a four-month exchange program developed by the Centre for Global Public Health. The project: “Students for Global Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health: a Canadian-Kenyan Partnership,” is a collaboration between the Universities of Manitoba and Nairobi and received $150,000 in funding from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).
Exchanging learning spaces: While the mothers left their families behind to study in Canada, to expand their knowledge of maternal, neonatal and child health in a developed country, a group of Canadian students were en route to Kenya to achieve the same goal. Three U of M students have completed the internship to date, and another five are in Kenya this summer. An additional two U of M students are set to head out in September. One of the students, Elsabé du Plessis, spent three months in Kenya through the same CIDA funded Students for Development program, administered through the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC). “The maternal child health project I participated in as an intern involved doing a baseline assessment to see what the needs are of people living in this area and the existing services and infrastructure looks like,” explains du Plessis, a PhD candidate in Community Health Sciences. As part of a team of four from the U of M (but the only intern), du Plessis worked with local partners: World Renew Kenya (formerly Christian Reformed World Relief Committee) and Pwani Christian Community Services to set up the field-work side of the research project.
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Barriers broke down at the Women’s Centre the moment the Kenyan women started talking about life in East Africa. “We shared our experiences back at home in Kenya and we learned how we are alike in some ways and the differences that we face in various areas,” says Olela. The women covered topics like drug use, domestic violence, rape, genital mutilation, poverty, access to education and maternal and child health. While Olela and Kamau shared things they have learned or witnessed, the stories they heard from the Winnipeg women were real-life accounts of what each has endured. “It was such a valuable visit for me. Above all, the thing that I learned is that women only need to be empowered and they develop their wings by themselves and take off and fly again,” says Kamau. “Women go through all sorts of abuses such as rape, female genital mutilation… such shelters would be very helpful to such women [in Kenya] if they are to be rolled out in our country. It is my hope that we can see that in the near future.”
The group trained 28 enumerators to conduct door-to-door surveys on nutrition, health status, and food security for children and pregnant mothers. The survey collected data from approximately 900 people. As well, du Plessis helped set up focus groups to gather additional information.“We talked to men and women about food security, nutrition during pregnancy and breast feeding because we wanted to get an idea of what was going on in the area; what people know; and what is the social context in which we had to work in if we were to implement interventions,” she says, adding there are a number of health care facilities in surrounding areas but some of them are difficult to reach. “You have situations where women have to get to these facilities to give birth and it’s not that easy. If it’s after dark, they likely wouldn’t go because there are elephants and other wild animals on the roads and it’s not safe.” Despite the harsh realities surrounding maternal and child health in rural areas of Kenya, du Plessis remains positive. “Some of the difficulties people have to deal with,” she pauses, “it’s quite a lot. But when you speak to these people they discuss the challenges but it’s just their lives. What I find remarkable is how people just carry on… the human spirit.”
Looking Back, Moving Forward Med Students Show Hidden Talents By Melni Ghattora
From the moment medical students start their training they hit the ground running. And when they get a chance to take a break from it all, some opt to turn off the scientific part of their brain to tap into their creative side. “I drew this while listening to Coldplay’s CD X&Y which inspired the piece’s blue theme. I did not have much of a plan going into this drawing but Coldplay’s hypnotizing melodies inspired me to create this scene,” notes Loni Cheng, when talking about one of her three first-place winning piece. The untitled oil pastel on blue construction paper, along with two more of Cheng’s pieces, were voted audience favourite at the annual Med Student Art Show, organized by a committee of Med II students. Events like the art show give medical faculty, staff, and learners an opportunity to showcase their “hidden” talents. The idea behind Med II student Ryan Chard’s eye-catching “I’m no superman” acrylic painting on canvas was society tends to idolize the role of doctors and view them as heroes. “It also carries the burden on the person behind the mask,” explained Chard, who placed 2nd this year. “I wanted to portray the classic story of the superhero that is given power to do good, but also feels the pressure, in this case, to be superman.” Each year organizers come up with a different theme for the art show; this year “Looking back, moving forward,” collected entries from med students, alumni and faculty in the form of paintings, drawings, written pieces and photographs.
Left to right: Michelle Senez, Loni Cheng, Ryan Chard
Med II student Ashley Bhuller, director of the Art Show committee, says this year’s theme reflected the idea that medicine is constantly moving forward through new technologies, and the career development of individual physicians and health-care professionals. “At the same time, medicine is aware of its past and looks back onto its treatments and patient care. Moving beyond medicine, we reflect on our past while striving to move forward in all areas of our lives because one can inform the other,” Bhuller explains. Though the event is largely student driven, Merril Pauls [MD/91], UGME pre-clerkship director, is on-hand to lend his support. It is after all one of the many art-focused initiatives he’s with which he’s involved — some are even part of the UGME curriculum — including a pilot art literacy workshop (read more on page 4). Pauls believes art is a beautiful expression, even pointing out that many of the participants create pieces around the human condition or illness. “It’s the same people who are studying and memorizing volumes and reams that are taking a beautiful picture or creating an amazing art piece of art,” he said.
First place Loni Cheng (Med I) “Lauren” Oil painting on canvas on loan from Oak Park High School (the painting of a girl reading a book) “This is a painting of my good friend in high school. In our senior year, our art teacher let us come and go into the art room as we pleased and let us use as many art materials as we wanted. It was a precious, gifted time. We would spend many hours during our spares in the art room working on our own projects. Other times, I would be painting and I would look over, and see her quietly reading a book. It was a time to get away and enjoy what we both loved doing. The title was initially a joke because I could not think of a title at the time, but the name stuck and now it hangs in my high school library.”
SECOND PLACE Ryan Chard (Med II) ”I’m no superman” (acrylic on canvas) “I created this piece with the idea that although society has a tendency to idolize the role of the doctor, and in a way view them as heroes, it also carries the burden on the person behind the mask. I wanted to portray the classic story of the superhero that is given power to do good, but also feels the pressure, in this case, to be superman.”
third place Michelle Senez (Med II) “Life” (sketch) “Life is a composition of five sketches. Each sketch is a different representation of the stages of life, as well as an expression of the many emotions that can be experienced during those stages from suffering and pain to joy and innocence. My inspiration came mostly from prior personal life experiences as well as the experiences I have gained since entering medical school.” STUDENT NEWS
MB medicine | summer 2013
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Country
Roads
Leading Learners, Professionals to Rural & Northern Health
By Ilana Simon
One of the first introductions many first-year medical students have to health care delivery outside of Winnipeg is Rural Week, organized by Manitoba’s Office of Rural and Northern Health (ORNH) in conjunction with the Faculty of Medicine’s Undergraduate Medical Education (UGME) Program. But that’s just the beginning. “We lead a number of initiatives with all University of Manitoba health faculties across the continuum of learning with the objective that after gaining rural and northern career experience, health professionals will return to practice there,” said Don Klassen [MD/76] medical director, Office of Rural and Northern Health and Associate Head, Distributed Medical Education, in the Faculty’s Department of Family Medicine. Established in 2003 by the Province, the ORNH partners with Regional Health Authorities (RHAs) across the province to link students, recent graduates and practicing health professionals with educational and career opportunities in rural and northern health care. As medical director at the ORNH, Klassen also sits on many Faculty of Medicine committees to bring a rural and northern perspective to policy making and develop strategies to recruit and retain rural physicians in Manitoba. One of the ways is through Rural Week. Widely anticipated by Med I students, Rural Week is co-ordinated by Holly Hamilton [MD/06] of Notre Dame and Winnipeg-based Anne Durcan [MD/92], UGME Longitudinal Leader for Social Accountability. [Read about students’ Rural Week experiences pages 11-12.]
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FACULTY NEWS
Rural Interest Group Another initiation to rural practice for medical students is the Rural Interest Group(RIG), supported by the ORNH. Rural Interest Group (RIG) holds events throughout the year including lunchtime presentations by Regional Health Authorities throughout the province (except Winnipeg) highlighting educational and practice opportunities, and providing an overview of the rural area’s health system, lifestyle, fields of medicine and workplace environment. The Rural Interest Group co-hosts with the Department of Family Medicine “Dinner with the Docs” that features half urban and half rural family doctors to interact and enlighten students about rural family practice. Last year, RIG organized a new event to highlight rural specialists and show students that rural practice offers many options. Medical students lead the RIG. Med II student Sheila Felsch grew up on a farm near Ridgeville, MB 10 miles from the nearest medical clinic in Emerson and 45 minutes away from the closest hospital and emergency room in Morris. “I got involved in the Rural Interest Group because I wanted to make more people aware of both the challenges of rural medicine and the shortage of rural physicians here in Manitoba,” said Felsch, who served as co-president of the RIG in 2012-13 with Med II student Kelby Treloar, “We serve not only to help in recruiting future physicians but also to increase understanding in non-rural doctors of what rural medicine entails to enhance health care in general for patients in rural Manitoba,” she explained. RIG also hosts day trips to rural communities where students participate in a half-day of clinical skills stations, interact with the local medical community and enjoy a fun social activity. “Many people have never had the opportunity to visit a rural community and through activities such as RIG trips we make those visits possible,” Felsch said. Felsch said students are made aware of these RIG events via email, Facebook groups, and simply talking in the hallways. “Overall the events have been very well attended, many with long waiting lists,” she noted. Felsch noted that the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority provides consult services to rural areas so it is important that even urban doctors are aware of challenges faced by rural communities such as diagnostics availability, transportation limitations, and treatment options so their instructions can lead to the best care possible.
PHOTO: Nadine Kaefer
Home for the Summer
Outreach
Rural university students enrolled in a health sciences professional program such as Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, and School of Medical Rehabilitation can also take advantage of the Office of Rural and Northern Health’s “Home for the Summer” program.
The Office of Rural and Northern Health’s outreach programs begin well before students enter med school or another professional health sciences program. The MB Rural Health Mentorship Program is aimed at university students interested in pursuing a career in the health professions. Nine undergraduate medical students are selected for the five-day program held each May in Selkirk, Portage, Dauphin, Gimli or Boundary Trails. The participants — mainly urban youth — spend the week shadowing rural physicians and allied health professionals and spend time with all members of the facility’s health-care team. Student participants in the mentorship program take the lead in organizing the next year’s event.
“The point of ‘Home for the Summer’ is to keep health-care trainees from rural areas or who are connected to a rural area engaged in their home community through summer work experience in their field,” said Klassen, noting the program is cost-shared with Regional Health Authorities, clinics, Diagnostic Services of Manitoba or pharmacies. This summer, student positions are available from four to 16 weeks in all regions (including Churchill) and across the spectrum of health professions: medicine, nursing, pharmacy, lab work, occupational therapy, physical therapy, respitratory therapy, kinesioloyg and health administration. “It’s a positive experience and many students want to return to home for summer work so this program creates meaningful summer jobs and is an early recruitment opportunity for communities,“ Klassen said. Wayne Heide, Administrative Director, ORNH notes that this year “Home for the Summer” will provide 243 weeks of employment to 28 students (some of them studying in other parts of Canada) worth $273,000 in estimated wages and benefits.
ORNH also provides interview preparation for medical school or allied health school interviews and MCAT preparation sessions in Brandon each winter led by current medical and allied health students. The past year, more than 30 rural undergraduates attended the sessions. For the past five years, ORNH has partnered with U of M’s ACCESS Program, University College of the North and Frontier School Division to create a health career exploration camp for northern First Nation high school students. The two-week camp (one week in the Pas and the other in Winnipeg) included hands-on activities, life skills, academic assessment and remediation, and recreation. This year, ORNH will partner with the Faculty of Medicine’s Biomedical Youth Camp and U of M’s St. John’s College to sponsor a group of northern Aboriginal youth to attend the camp. The youth will experience the week-long camp as a group and will have their travel, meal and accommodation costs covered. They will also be provided supervision and additional programming (recreation, life skills and academic assessment and remediation). Each partner is contributing cash and in-kind resources to support this project.
FACULTY NEWS
MB medicine | summer 2013
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“ My dream has always been to develop a distributed medical education centre in Brandon.”
Joanne Maier [MD/84]
Rural Advocate & New Assistant Dean by Lindsay Hughes
Joanne Maier [MD/84] always knew she wanted to work in Manitoba’s rural communities. Her father was in the Canadian military and she spent her youth living in different communities in Manitoba, Canada and Germany, eventually settling down in Brandon. There, she developed a passion for medicine and teaching. Today, Maier is an accomplished family physician and new Assistant Dean for the University of Manitoba Faculty of Medicine Brandon Satellite Program.
“I have been a preceptor for medical students since early in my career and it has been very fulfilling to me. I feel that it is our responsibility as physicians to support, mentor and teach students, residents and new physicians,” says Maier. “My dream has always been to develop a distributed medical education centre in Brandon that would provide longitudinal training for medical students and residents. This has finally come to fruition.”
When Maier’s father retired from the military, their family relocated to Brandon where she attended middle school, high school and eventually Brandon University. She received her undergraduate science degree with a zoology major and math and chemistry minors. But Maier had always envisioned herself teaching.
Maier should justifiably take pride in the branching out of residency training to Brandon. The Western Medical Clinic now has two secondyear residents who have completed their first year of residency in Brandon and four new students who will complete the majority of their residency training in Brandon. Maier and the rest of the team have brought their passion for education to life by providing their students with broad clinical experience and an abundance of one-on-one learning opportunities as the small number of residents allows a higher level of attention from teachers.
“I planned to be a teacher and developed an interest in medicine in Grade 12. I job shadowed some of the physicians in Brandon at that time and my interest was really solidified,” Maier recalls. “I have been very fortunate to have many wonderful mentors throughout my education and medical career.” Maier moved to Winnipeg where she graduated from the University of Manitoba medical school in 1984 and completed her family medicine Residency at U of M. Her fondest memories of her time at the U of M are playing bridge at Mary’s Diner, helping establish the Health Sciences Students’ Association and advocating for the Joe Doupe Recreation Centre. Despite the draw of opportunities in Winnipeg, Maier was determined to return to Brandon and the surrounding rural communities to make a difference in their medical institutions. She started her family medicine practice in Brandon at the Western Medical Clinic in 1986, and has been there ever since. She also became involved in the Medical Education Committee at the Brandon Regional Health Centre, creating educational opportunities for physicians and, since 2004, has served as Chief of the Department of Family Practice, Brandon Regional Health Centre. Her commitment to fill the need for physicians in Brandon and rural communities has been a rewarding journey that has lasted her entire career.
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alumni profile
Thirty percent of Maier’s patient population is from rural Manitoba and 70 percent from Brandon. She has worked with the Regional Health Authority, Manitoba Health and University of Manitoba to advocate for rural and Brandon-based educational and health care services. Her accomplishments haven’t gone unnoticed: in 2011, she received the Manitoba Family Physician of the Year award from the Manitoba College of Family Physicians and the Reg L. Perkin Award from the College of Family Physicians of Canada; and in 2010, received the Award of Excellence from the College of Family Physicians of Canada. Maier has two children, a daughter Catherine, and son Cameron who both attend Vincent Massey High School in Brandon. Her partner, Ray Foreman, is a civil engineer for the government. She’s looking forward to this new chapter with the Faculty of Medicine as Assistant Dean, Brandon Satellite Program and continuing to give back to her community. “I really enjoy the smaller community life that Brandon offers, and having family and friends here and nearby,” she says.
PHOTO: SUE SIRI, THE CANADIAN MEDICAL HALL OF FAME
Arnold Naimark [MD/57B] CMHF Laureate University of Manitoba President Emeritus and Dean Emeritus Dr. Arnold Naimark was inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame in May in Halifax in the builder (innovative leadership) category. He was feted later in May at a reception at the University of Manitoba by his colleagues and friends.
Their achievements bring to mind an observation that Margaret Laurence made in her installation address as Chancellor of Trent University. She said: ‘The seeds of man’s freedom and his captivity (and I would add: his creativity and dedication) can be found anywhere - even in the microcosm of a prairie town.’
Following are excerpts from Dr. Arnold Naimark’s engaging remarks:
As I stand before you this evening I sense the presence of all those mentors and colleagues who are gone now. In their day, they exhibited a level of commitment, a standard of conduct and a steadfastness of principle rarely found at any time – and especially now in this fevered age of the transient and the ephemeral.
“I have been extraordinarily fortunate in the important things in professional life; among them, good friends, the company of brilliantly talented and congenial colleagues, without whom nothing much of what I ventured would have been successful and the deep satisfaction of being engaged in interesting and challenging work. Progress in medicine depends not only on scientists, clinicians and administrators but also on the government and community leaders and public-spirited citizens who create the conditions in which progress can flourish. All of these estates are amply present in this city and province. I am enormously proud of the contributions they and the faculty and graduates of our medical school and university have, over the generations, made here and around the world to the search for objective knowledge and its application for the common good. I can think of no better examples of the scope of these contributions than those made by the remarkable Manitobans who have preceded me as laureates in the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame.
They imbued us with an independence of mind that shields us against the tyranny of transient fashion in medicine or the vagaries of political sentiment and ideology; and, that prevents us from becoming mere peddlers of scientific gossip. They also taught us to be attentive to what Faulkner called the fundamental truths of the human heart and spirit. In short they gave us the incentive to strive for the fusion of science and humanism that is the hallmark of medicine at its best and that is, and I hope will forever be, the brand of this medical school. When I was in my sophomore year as a medical student, Joe Doupe called me into his office to review the draft of a report I’d prepared on a summer research project. He said: “You can do better”. That admonition has reverberated often in my memory ever since, and each time it does, including this evening, I silently repeat the promise I made to myself those many years ago — ‘I will try.’”
Doc hits your funny bone
Earlier this year Donovan Gray [MD/87] released his first book titled, “dude, where’s my stethoscope?”
The med alumnus who enjoys writing (even considered it a career option before medicine) shares true stories from his life as medical student, resident, to his role of family doctor and emergency room (ER) physician.
“When I left to go rural my friends said ‘You’ll be back in three months!’ I didn’t plan on staying as long as I did.” He stayed for 13 years.
He even writes about the time a patient stole his stethoscope. Gray tracked the light-fingered perpetrator to a crowded hospital cafeteria and vividly describes how he rummaged through the man’s bag, admitting it was a rash decision but in the end he had his scope in hand and (unbeknownst to him at the time) a book title. The self-published compilation of true and sometimes outrageous stories has sold so well at McNalley Robinson that it’s about to head into a second edition. The 255-page collection of vignettes draws primarily from Gray’s experiences working in a rural community. A chapter in his life that is very important to him.
By Melni Ghattora
What drove him to share some of his most intimate and even embarrassing moments with…well everybody? “I wanted to talk about the bad things that happen, the sad things and the burnout faced by so many physicians,” explains the full-time ER physician at Victoria General Hospital (with regular locums in Northern Ontario). “I find, as a group, we kind of hunker down and deal with it ourselves rather than communicating with each other.” He thinks things are getting better with the training of new grads. “But back 20, 30 or 40 years ago it was sort of like ‘Deal with this on your own. Don’t talk about it and don’t acknowledge it ever happened.’ I thought writing this type of book might encourage some dialogues about bad events or bad outcomes.”
FACULTY NEWS
MB medicine | summer 2013
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FACULTY AWARDS & HONOURS
Compiled by Lindsay Hughes
Judith Bartlette [MD/87], associate professor, dept. of community health
Dr. Kent HayGlass (7) professor, departments of immunology, medical
sciences, Faculty of Medicine received the YMCA – YWCA Women of Distinction
microbiology, pediatrics and child health; director, CIHR National Training
Award for Education, Training and Mentorship. In addition to being a professor,
Program in Allergy and Asthma Research; Canada Research Chair in
Dr. Bartlette was Founding Director of the Manitoba Metis Federation’s health
Immune Regulation was this year’s recipient of the Dr. John M. Bowman
and wellness department, and co-founder of the Aboriginal Health & Wellness
Memorial Winnipeg Rh Institute Foundation Award and delivered the
Centre of Winnipeg.
Rh Lecture. The Dr. John M. Bowman Memorial Winnipeg Rh Institute Foundation Award was established in 1997 and is awarded to a senior
James Blanchard [MD/86] (1), professor of community health sciences & medical microbiology received the Scholastic Award from Doctors Manitoba. Dr.
University of Manitoba faculty member in recognition of outstanding research accomplishments.
Blanchard is also Canada Research Chair in Epidemiology & Global Public Health. Dr. Yoav Keynan assistant professor in the departments of medical Dr. Peter Cattini (2), professor and head, department of physiology was presented with the Mentorship Award by the Health Sciences Graduate Students’ Association at the 2013 Canadian Student Health Research Forum.
Harvey Max Chochinov [MD/83] (3) was the recipient of the 2012 Prose Award for Clinical Medicine for his work Dignity Therapy: Final Words for Final Days. Prose Awards are publishers awards for professional and scholarly excellent. Dr. Chochinov is director of the Manitoba Palliative Care Research
microbiology and internal medicine was awarded the Aubie Angel Young Investigator Award for Medical Research at the 2013 Canadian Students’ Health Research Forum.
Lorrie Kirshenbaum [B.Sc./86, M.Sc./88, PhD/92] (8) received the Ronald Duhamel Innovation Fund Award. He is the principal investigator, Cardiac Gene Biology at the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences at St. Boniface Hospital Research. He is also director of research development, Faculty of Medicine.
Unit, Canada Research Chair in Palliative Care and a Distinguished Professor Edward Lyons [MD/68] was awarded with an Honorary Membership
at the University of Manitoba.
in the Canadian Medical Association (CMA). Dr. Lyons is a professor in Dr. Patrick C. Choy (4) Professor Emeritus, special advisor to the Dean of Medicine and to the President, University of Manitoba was presented with the Outstanding Contribution to Research Award at the 2013 Canadian
the department of radiology, Faculty of Medicine, and was formerly the department head. He is also President of the Canadian Association of Radiologists.
Student Health Research Forum. Patricia Martens [M.Sc./94, PhD/99] (9) was named in June to the Order Juliette Cooper [BOT/79, PhD/87, M.Sc./82] (5) was awarded the YMCA – YWCA Women of Distinction Award for Science, Technology, and the Environment. Dr. Cooper has practiced as an occupational therapist for 50 years, and taught at the University of Manitoba for 40 years. She has also
of Canada, the country’s highest civilian honour. She is being recognized for her contributions to health policy, population health and public health research. She is the third Director of the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy to receive this honour following Drs. Noralou Roos and Evelyn Shapiro.
served as an associate dean in the Faculty of Medicine, and the School
Dr. Martens was presented with the R.D. Defries Award by the Canadian
of Medical Rehabilitation and has established a Juliette Cooper Lectureship
Public Health Association at the association’s national annual conference.
in Rehabilitation.
The R.D. Defries Award is the highest award of the Canadian Public Health Association, presented annually in the form of a medal and citation for
Dr. Douglas Craig (6) was awarded with an Honorary Membership in the Canadian Medical Association (CMA). Dr. Craig was the founding member of the University of Manitoba Department of Anesthesia.
Denis Fortier [MD/85] was named Physician of the Year by Doctors Manitoba for his significant contributions to medicine and the community. He is a member of Doctors Manitoba.
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FACULTY NEWS
outstanding contributions in the broad field of public health and carries with it an honorary life membership. Dr. Martens, professor, department of community health sciences, is director of the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy in the Faculty of Medicine.
Doug Maguire [MD/82] received the Dr. Jack Armstrong Humanitarian Award from Doctors Manitoba for outstanding contributions in humanitarian efforts in Canada or abroad.
FACULTY AWARDS & HONOURS Dr. Cheryl Rockman-Greenberg (10), professor and head, department of pediatrics and child health, professor in department of biochemistry and medical genetics was named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100. She is also the medical director of the child health program at Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, and a scientist at the Manitoba Institute for Child Health.
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Allen Ronald [MD/61] (11) has been inducted into the Order of Manitoba. One of Canada’s foremost experts in infectious diseases, he is internationally respected for his work with HIV-AIDS in Africa.
Brent Schacter [MD/65] (12) received the Distinguished Service Award from Doctors Manitoba in recognition of devoted service to patients and the community, enhancing the image of physicians. Dr. Schacter is a professor in the department of internal medicine. He was also recognized by the Canadian Friends of Hebrew University in April for his long standing commitment to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Barbara Shay [BMRPT/83, MP7/93, PhD/03] (13) was presented with the Susan A. MacDonald Award by the Manitoba Physiotherapy Association for significant contributions to her profession. Dr. Shay has been practicing physiotherapy for over 25 years and is associate professor and department head, department of physical therapy in the School of Medical Rehabilitation.
Dr. Leisha Strachan [BPE/97, B.Ed./99] received the St. Mary’s Academy Marian Award for her professional and athletic accomplishments. She is assistant professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management.
Dr. Ryan Zarychanski [B.Sc./00] (14) assistant professor, department of internal medicine, researcher at George & Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare Innovation, and hematologist at CancerCare Manitoba had a study on hydroxyethyl starches, a common blood-volume expander, published February in the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association that received international attention. The study’s findings showed a higher mortality rate in people who received starch solutions compared with those treated with other products.
FACULTY NEWS
MB medicine | summer 2013
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Compiled by Angela Peloquin
obituaries Robert Leighton Elliot Cooke [MD/49] (Med. Hons.), MD, FRCS Eng, FRCSC On February 8, 2013, Robert (Bob) Cooke died at the age of 98 years. He was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Ruth Elizabeth Cooke (Grahame) and his three older siblings. He is survived by four children, as well as 11 grandchildren. Bob was born in 1914 in Wolseley, Saskatchewan. He was the fourth child of a teacher and a country doctor with whom he did winter house calls in a horse-drawn sleigh. He obtained his B.Sc. at the University of Saskatchewan, and MD at the University of Manitoba with a Gold Medal in 1939. In 1941 he joined the R.C.N.V.R. serving four years as a surgeon in England and on board the hospital ship HMHS Oxfordshire in Sierra Leone and South Africa. He was discharged in 1945 as Surgeon Lieutenant Commander and completed further postgraduate surgical training in London (FRCS Eng.) in 1947 before returning to Winnipeg (FRCSC 1948) where he married Ruth in 1949. Robert, Ruth and their first born went to New York in 1951 for his surgical oncology training at Memorial Sloan Kettering. With a second child, they returned in 1954 to Winnipeg where two more children were born. Robert joined the Manitoba Clinic in 1955 where he practiced until age 66 in 1980. Bob was on the surgical staff of Health Sciences Centre, and was associate professor in surgery, University of Manitoba. He served terms as Postgraduate Surgery Training Director, as examiner in surgery for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and as president of the Winnipeg Medical Society. Upon retirement from surgery, Bob joined Manitoba Health, first as an assessor and then as Chief Medical Consultant for 10 years. He served on boards and committees of the Manitoba Medical Services (predecessor to Medicare), the Manitoba Medical Association, CancerCare Manitoba, Canadian Cancer Society, and as President of the University of Manitoba Alumni. He was an admired surgical teacher and mentor and was awarded the Distinguished Medical Educator Award by the Manitoba Provincial Association of Interns and Residents. The family cabin at West Hawk Lake was a focal point in his life, and despite the lack of a phone or road at the cabin, patients still arrived by boat for emergency stitches and dressings produced from his black bag which was always at hand. At home dinner table conversation with the children would be a critique of their homework, medicine, politics, finance or current affairs. The children benefited from the scrutiny with one obtaining a MBA and three a MD. In retirement, Bob and Ruth travelled extensively and enjoyed their beloved grandchildren. Bob died three weeks after Ruth’s wake. His life was one of success and great happiness.
We extend our condolences to all family and friends of our University of Manitoba Faculty of Medicine Alumni and Colleagues who have recently passed away.
Ruth Elizabeth Cooke [MD/49], M.Sc. On December 19, 2012, Ruth died at the age of 87 years from breast cancer. Ruth was born in 1925 and raised in Stony Mountain and Winnipeg. She was survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Robert (Bob) Leighton Cooke, a brother and four children and 11 grandchildren. Ruth attended Laura Secord and Gordon Bell Schools where she developed lifelong friendships. She graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba in 1949. On a class ski trip to La Riviere, she broke her leg and while attending hospital rounds in a wheel chair, caught the eye of a young surgeon who returned from the war. Ruth and Bob were married in December 1949. In the mid-1960s Ruth returned to university to earn a Master of Science. She resumed her medical career in the Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy where she rose to associate professor and taught Gross Anatomy, Neuro-Anatomy and Embryology. She also supervised Masters and PhD candidates and was Undergraduate Curriculum Coordinator for the medical school. She served on innumerable university committees, co-authored several anatomical text books, and was voted Professor of the Year by the Class of 1974. She retired in 1988. In her personal life, Ruth loved to cook, entertain, and dance. She was an avid reader and a devoted patron of opera and Dixieland jazz. In the summertime, usually on her own, she would ferry her four children in a small open boat to a remote cottage with neither phone nor electricity where she dealt with a cranky propane fridge, a wood stove and nosy bears in her kitchen. After retirement, Ruth continued to travel the world with her husband, enjoy her grandchildren and participate in the University Women’s Club and The Twenty Club. She and Bob took great pride in their children.
Cornelius William Fast [MD/61] Cornelius (Neil) Fast passed away June 23, 2012. Neil was born in Winnipeg, MB, the eldest son of Cornie and Mary Fast. He spent his youth on a farm in Manitou, MB. He graduated from the M.B. Collegiate in Winnipeg and then spent a year at the M.B. College. After working at Swift’s Meat Packing plant, selling magazines and taking a year of engineering at the University of Manitoba, he chose a medical career. As a medical student he worked at Concordia Hospital. In 1961, he graduated with his MD and that same June married Betty Stoesz. He did his internship at St. Boniface Hospital and did post grad training and work at the General and Deer Lodge hospitals in Winnipeg. In 1965, Neil and Betty moved to Vancouver, B.C., where he was the Chief Resident at Shaughnessy Hospital. He took further training in respiratory diseases in San Francisco, Calif. On returning in 1969, he was in charge of the ICU at Shaughnessy and St. Vincent’s hospitals for many years. He finished his medical career with the Workers Compensation Board. Neil loved horses and dogs, cars and sports. He will be sadly missed by Betty, his wife of 51 years, his two sisters his brother, and many cousins. He was also special to numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
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Ashley Edwin Thompson [MD/45], F.R.C.P. (C) Professor Emeritus, Medicine University of Manitoba, beloved husband of the late Muriel B. Thomson, passed away peacefully at the age of 91 years on January 12, 2013. Ashley was born in Regina, SK to Edwin Ernest Thomson and Mary Ashmore Thomson. He was predeceased by his brother Donald Thomson. Ashley spent his childhood on the family farm outside of Sintaluta, SK. He went to grade school in Wolseley and later attended school in Assiniboia. Ashley’s initial goal was to study Mathematics, but finding it unavailable, pursued Biology, with a French minor. He first attended Regina College, and completed his B.A. (pre-med) at the University of Saskatchewan. With just enough money for train fare he travelled to Winnipeg to attend the University of Manitoba, graduating in 1945, and was awarded the Chown Prize in Surgery. Conducting cardiac research in an era of limited technology, Ashley lacked the equipment to carry out his work. He recruited help from a machinist and an electrical engineer to build his own blood pressure monitor; a project that earned him his Master’s Degree in 1946. From 1949 to 1951 Ashley worked in Manchester, England, on a travelling fellowship from the National Research Council of Canada, at the Manchester Royal Infirmary. Of the over 30 publications to his credit, those from this time period stand out and were very highly regarded by his peers. Returning to Winnipeg, Ashley served as Director, Clinical Investigation Unit DVA, at Deer Lodge Hospital from 1951 to 1959, and Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology and Medical Research for the University of Manitoba. It was one of many appointments as a Professor in Medicine, Pharmacology, and Therapeutics, culminating as Professor Emertius in 1990. At a time when no dialysis machines existed in Manitoba, Ashley treated ICU patients with acute renal failure at the Department of Veteran Affairs (CVA). He built his own machine in 1954, and in 1957/1958 the first Hemodialysis in Manitoba took place, followed by the Chronic Dialysis program in 1963, Central Dialysis Unit Health Sciences Centre 1967, Transplant Program 1969, and Home Care Dialysis 1972. In 1969 Ashley was instrumental in the formation of the Manitoba Branch of The Kidney Foundation of Canada. Through all the years, coffee with the crew from the Kidney Foundation remained a regular event dear to his heart. Although Ashley retired in 1984, he remained active and attended rounds at Health Sciences Centre and St. Boniface Hospitals. Ashley was always busy building something; working on the cabin, building furniture, sailboats for adventures on Lake Winnipeg, and later, dozens of wooden toys for the grandchildren. He loved to take his family on adventures; canoe trips, camping trips, cross country skiing, skating, and tobogganing. In the more than 60 years Ashley shared with his wife Muriel they travelled to the four corners of the world. Now Ashley and Muriel are together again, and can continue their journeys. He is survived by his seven children, and their families, including 17 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Ashley will be missed by his loving sister, her children and their families, and his brother’s children and their families.
Dan Reid Bigelow MD/48 | November 20, 2012 at Winnipeg, MB Gerald H. Bonham MD/56 | January 20, 2013 at Delta, BC Brian Randall Brooker MD/80 | October 5, 2012 at Winnipeg, MB Max Cham MD/45 | November 23, 2012 at Sherman, Texas John Desmond O’Gorman Devlin MD/51 | November 6, 2012 at Vancouver, BC Kenneth B. Duncan MD/50 | June 4, 2012 at Quathiaski Cove, BC Howard Chapman Green MD/48 | February 22, 2013 at Melford, SK Sherman Aubrey Hershfield MD/60 | April 14, 2013 at Winnipeg, MB Kenneth W. Hodgins MD/61 | May 14, 2012 at Edmonton, AB Ian Hugh Holmes MD/53 | August 19, 2012 at Saskatoon, SK Harold G. Hurst MD/41 | February 2, 2013 at Winnipeg, MB John W. Jowsey MD/55 | September 23, 2012 at Calgary, AB Morton C. Knazan MD/63 | November 21, 2012 at New Westminister, BC Amandus (Manny) Christian Kohlmeier MD/49 | March 25, 2013 at Sarnia, ON Leonard A. Leboldus MD/66 | April 7, 2012 at Winnipeg, MB Ian MacMorran MD/65 | December 24, 2012 at Palm Springs, California Biswajit Andrew Mallick MD/88 | September 12, 2012 at Winnipeg, MB John G. McKenzie MD/45 | January 11, 2013 at Prince George, BC Neil S. McLeod MD/65 | April 9, 2013 at Newmarket, ON James Campbell Menzies MD/1949 | December 31, 2012 at Morden, MB Donald S. Mestery MD/74 | July 1, 2012 at Moorhead, MN Dietmar Meyer MD/64 | July 12, 2012 at Midhurst, ON Telford Wilson Miller MD/50 | September 12, 2012 at Burnaby, BC George William Mulligan MD/55 | June 2012 at West St. Paul, MB William J. Pidde MD/54 | October 23, 2012 at Westerose, AB Elaine Margaret Sigurdon MD/79 | May 3, 2013 at Karise, Denmark Edward D. Tomchuk MD/85 | May 6, 2012 at Winnipeg, MB Mark Ben Zion Wall MD/44 | December 27, 2012 at Phoenix, AZ Glenn Nevill Willson MD/42 | July 16, 2012 at Tsawwassen, BC Harry Wong MD/61 | January 8, 2013 at Montreal, QC
MB medicine | summer 2013
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homecoming
2013
welcome back! Memories abound for Faculty of Medicine alumni of unforgettable professors, classmates, labs, lectures, social events and all of the Winnipeg attributes that make coming home so special…Now is your chance to reconnect with fellow alumni, old friends and your alma mater at a Medicine class reunion. Many Faculty of Medicine milestone class reunions will take place over the University of Manitoba Homecoming Weekend September 27-29, 2013. All Faculty of Medicine alumni — including those not celebrating reunions — are invited to join us for the Faculty of Medicine Dean’s Homecoming Breakfast and Tours at Brodie Centre Atrium,
Classes of 1948 and 1953 | 65th and 60th Reunions
September 27 & 28, 2013 | Winnipeg September 27 | Reunion Luncheon on Bannatyne Campus September 28 | Dean’s Homecoming Breakfast & Tour
Class of 1955 | 58th Reunion
September 18-20, 2013 | Winnipeg September 18 | Welcome Reception September 19 | Reunion Dinner September 20 | Brunch at the Fort Garry Hotel
Class Leaders: Dr. Fletcher Baragar, Dr. Jerry Barwinsky, Dr. Bob Handford, Dr. Philip Katz
Class of 1958 | 55th Reunion
September 28 & 29, 2013 | Winnipeg September 28 | Dean’s Homecoming Breakfast & Tour / Dinner at Amici’s September 29 | Brunch at the Fort Garry Hotel
Class of 1968 | 45th Reunion
September 27-29, 2013 | Winnipeg September 27 | Welcome Reception at home of Dr. Bill Rennie September 28 | Dean’s Homecoming Breakfast & Tour / Dinner at Sidney’s at the Forks September 29 | Farewell Brunch Class Leaders: Dr. Bill Rennie, Dr. Bob Ramsay, Dr. Ron DeVere, Dr. Mary Lou Ozohan-Camacho, Dr. Ted Lyons
Publications Mail Agreement Number: 40063171
Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: University of Manitoba Faculty of Medicine Office of the Dean 260 Brodie Centre, 727 McDermot Ave. Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5 Contact us:
Editor: Ilana Simon Phone: 204-789-3427 E-mail: ilana.simon@med.umanitoba.ca Web address: umanitoba.ca/medicine
727 McDermot Ave on September 28, 2013. The Breakfast begins at 9:00 a.m. (registration opens at 8:30 a.m.) with tours at 10:15 a.m. The Clinical Learning & Simulation Facility and Neil John Maclean Health Sciences Library will be highlights of the tour.
For more information about the 2013 Medicine reunions, Homecoming Breakfast, or becoming involved in organizing your own class reunion for next year, please contact: Darcy Routledge, Alumni Affairs & Events Officer at 204-977-5650 or darcy.routledge@med.umanitoba.ca.
Class of 1973 | 40th Reunion
Class of 1993 | 20th Reunion
September 8-11, 2013 | Penticton, BC September 8 | Welcome Reception September 9 | Optional Tours / Fashion Show / Dinner at Currie’s September 10 | Scientific Session/ Wine Tour Lunch/Reunion Dinner September 11 | Farewell Breakfast
September 27-29, 2013 | Winnipeg September 27 | Welcome Reception September 28 | Dean’s Homecoming Breakfast & Tour / Reunion Dinner September 29 | Family Activity
Class Leaders: Dr. William Currie, Dr. Rick Ross
Class Leader: Dr. Andy MacDiarmid
Class of 1983 | 30th Reunion
September 28, 2013 | Winnipeg September 28 | Dean’s Homecoming Breakfast & Tour / Scientific Session/ Golf / Reunion Dinner at Glendale Golf & Country Club Class Leaders: Dr. Leslie Henderson, Dr. Wayne Manishen
Class of 1988 | 25th Reunion
September 27-29, 2013 | Winnipeg September 27 | Welcome Reception at the home of Dr. Stephen Brodovsky September 28 | Dean’s Homecoming Breakfast & Tour/ Scientific Session / Dinner at Bergmann’s on Lombard September 29 | Brunch at the Fort Garry Hotel
Class Leaders: Dr. Elske Hildes-Ripstein, Dr. Eliza Chan, Dr. Karen Klym, Dr. Elizabeth Rea, Dr. Nobby Woo, Dr. Roger Suss
Class of 1998 | 15th Reunion
September 27-29, 2013 | Winnipeg September 27 | Welcome Reception at home of Dr. Shelley Zieroth September 28 | Dean’s Homecoming Breakfast & Tour / Reunion Dinner at Mise September 29 | Family Activity at Assiniboine Park
Class Leaders: Dr. Sherry Gard, Janey Harding, Monique Andrew
Class of 2003 | 10th Reunion
September 27-29, 2013 | Winnipeg September 27 | Welcome Reception September 28 | Dean’s Homecoming Breakfast & Tour/ Reunion Dinner September 29 | Family Event Class Leaders: Dr. Leah Watson, Dr. Colin Kazina