March 2025
Sim FUNdamentals Workshops at the DSC
On December 12, the Dilawri Simulation Centre (DSC) hosted its first in-person Sim FUNdamentals workshop.
The workshop was the second of a 2-part course developed by the College of Medicine Simulation team in collaboration with the DSC and the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Nursing program.
Part 1 of the course is an online module available to everyone via MyConnection-Thinkiffic.
Participants were from varied disciplines (Anesthesia, Family Medicine, Respiratory Therapy, Rural and Tertiary Nurse Educators, and Paramedics), all of whom attended with the goal of honing their debriefing skills in an interprofessional setting.
Since September 2024, there have been 5 workshops hosted across the province with 43 participants!
For more information, email dilawri.simulationcentre@saskhealthauthority.ca.
Research News
Hospitals of Regina Foundation Invests in Research Through the Clinician Research Support Program (CRSP)
Research Impacts – January 2025 Edition
Research that makes a difference occurs daily in the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA). The knowledge gained has advanced treatment and has informed SHA policies and program delivery. Fostering research in Saskatchewan benefits patients, teams, and communities, while helping to attract and retain some of the best clinicians in the country.
One area of focus was research, which eventually lead to the establishment of the Clinician Research Support Program (CRSP). Since 2021, Hospitals of Regina Foundation (HRF) has been supporting CRSP, providing nearly $400,000 in support of the initiative. This very successful program is led by the SHA Research Department.
“Hospitals of Regina Foundation understands the importance of research in order to see improvements in clinical care. We have been pleased to invest in a variety of research initiatives in the past ten years, including the CRSP program.”
- Dino Sophocleous, President & CEO
The CRSP program aids promising, early career Regina-based researchers in achieving successes that can assist them in strengthening their applications to provincial, national and international funding opportunities.
Dr. Sarah Smith, an Assistant Professor in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, is a 2023-25 recipient of the CRSP award. Her research is focused on improving maternal and neonatal health care.
Recently, along with Dr. Tim Bradley, she received an Align Grant from the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation ($10,000). The grant will help support the establishment of a provincial maternal database for Saskatchewan (MatSK).
The database will enhance maternal and infant health outcomes through robust data collection, analysis, and evidence-based decision-making. Dr. Smith has supervised the research of numerous Dean’s summer students from 2022-24.
These projects have focused on diverse topics but share the goal of improving healthcare practices, optimizing resource use, and enhancing reproductive health outcomes in the province.
Dr. Smith recently took some time to reflect on her research and the role that HRF’s support has played.
What sparked your interest in doing research?
“I started doing research in my first year of medical school. I was involved in a project on coping mechanisms for women with gynaecological cancers. I was amazed at how honest the participants were with me in interviews and I really appreciated their passion for improving the experience of other patients. This experience led me to believe that research could improve patient experience and outcomes. I’ve been involved since then.”
What is one study that you have been involved with that has made an impact on the care your patients receive?
“Choosing just one example is difficult! I think the project that I am involved in that will make a large difference to our patients is studying iron infusionsin pregnancy. This project aims to demonstrate monoferric is a safe and effective option in pregnancy. This will decrease the number of visits for patients (from 3 to 1) as well as decrease the time spent for the infusion. If our study proves successful, it will open this drug to pregnant patients across Canada!”
What has the support from HRF meant to your research?
“The support from HRF has been incredibly valuable! I have had a research coordinator for 2 days/week who has helped me in project management as well as project development! The support has allowed me to mentor additional Dean’s summer student projects, while ensuring that the studies I am involved in continue to run smoothly.”
Click here to read the most recent edition of the Research Impacts newsletter.
To subscribe to the Research Impacts newsletter, email researchinfo@saskhealthauthority.ca
RISE 2025 - SAVE THE DATE
RISE 2025 will be held virtually on June 13, 2025 featuring plenary speaker Dr. Sarah Forgie (MD), Dean of Medicine. This year's theme is "Health Professions Education in a Digital World."
RISE is an annual event organized by the office of Faculty Development. The event celebrates medical education research and scholarship conducted in medicine and across the health professions throughout Saskatchewan. Starting in June 2017, RISE has provided a platform for staff, faculty, and learners to showcase their work.
More: medicine.usask.ca/facultydev/fdevents/Conferences
Registration is now OPEN for MS Beyond Diagnosis: Building Bridges to Wellness Forum in Regina, on May 14!
MS Canada, in partnership with the College of Medicine, SHRF and SHA, is hosting a full day forum featuring expert-led talks on MS research, brain health, and wellness. There will also be plenty of opportunities to connect and network!
Space is limited-so secure your spot now! Don't miss out before registration closes on May 4th.
Register here.
MS Beyond Diagnosis: Building Bridges to Wellness Forum - SAVE THE DATE
Regina Campus Appreciation Night 2025
Please join us on Thursday, May 15th, 2025 for the annual USask College of Medicine Regina Campus Appreciation Night at the Conexus Arts Centre.
The evening is an opportunity to appreciate the College faculty, learners, staff, alumni, volunteers and other supporters who help make the Regina campus perform at its best.
RSVP’s can be sent by scanning the QR code on the below invite or click this RSVP link. The deadline to indicate if you will be attending is Friday, April 25th, 2025.
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Click here for highlights from the 2024 Regina Campus Appreciation Night
Get to know Regina's Teaching Coordinators
Dr. Brittany Waller, Assistant Professor and Program Director of Dermatology
Dr. Waller is the Program Director for the newly-launched Dermatology Residency Program. She also participates in other committees, UGME teaching and supervision of medical students and residents on elective. She was a medical student at USask College of Medicine before moving to Toronto for a decade for both her dermatology residency and fellowship at the University of Toronto. During this time, she was actively involved in both UGME and PGME initiatives while at the U of T. She returned to Saskatchewan in October 2022 and says the close knit community at the USask Regina Campus cannot be beat.
What drew you to wanting to be a medical education teacher? Prior to medicine, I was a dance teacher and found it very fulfilling. I enjoy sharing my expertise about dermatology, as it’s such a fascinating specialty that not many individuals know a lot about.
What is your favourite part about teaching medical students, and what is the biggest challenge in teaching students about your area of specialization? Teaching medical students is refreshing, as their enthusiasm reminds me how interesting medicine is! Limited exposure to our specialty in undergraduate curriculums across the country can be a challenge, something we hope to improve with time.
How do you balance your time between clinical practice and teaching? With a shortage of dermatologists in this province, effective time management is key to fulfilling responsibilities and avoiding burnout. Realizing you can't say yes to everything in all aspects of life is important.
What does a typical day look like for you? Blistering disease, eczema, psoriasis, skin cancer, drug eruptions, genodermatoses, acne, procedures… no day is ever the same! As a true morning person, my typical day starts early with coffee and paperwork, followed by outpatient clinic. However, depending on the day, I may also have inpatient consults and/or meetings.
In your teaching experience, do you find students are interested in being a medical educator or is their focus more on the clinical side? Tough question! There is so much material to learn in medical school that knowledge acquisition is often the focus. Many trainees become interested in medical education in residency, but this varies person to person.
Is there anything you do to make classes more fun or interesting for your students? Dermatology is a visual specialty, so I try to include a lot of images, skin models or do hands-on teaching to keep things interesting.
Outside of work, Dr. Waller enjoys staying active, traveling the world and spending time with friends/family. She is also quite the floral enthusiast.
Fun Fact about Dr. Waller: "As a child, I truly thought my Beanie Baby collection was my ticket to retirement!"
Dr. Joelle McBain, Assistant Site Director for the Regina Anesthesia Program
Dr. McBain has been an active faculty member for over 15 years. She was initially very involved in the undergraduate Clerkship program and then transitioned to post-graduate education when the Regina Campus began its new Anesthesia residency program.
Dr. McBain was inspired to become a teacher of medical education by educators that she herself had during her time in medical school and residency.
What is your favourite part about teaching medical students, and what is the biggest challenge in teaching students about your area of specialization?
I love it when students are excited to learn, both anesthesia and in general. I am passionate about my specialty and hope it rubs off! Challenges include students who come ill prepared or disengaged.
How do you balance your time between clinical practice and teaching? I do more clinical work now, but always welcome medical students and residents in my operating room. Additionally, I run the simulation sessions and journal club for our residents.
Describe what a typical day looks like for you. A regular day begins early with me arriving before 0730 to set up my OR. I then see the first patient of the day. If I have a medical student, they can see the first patient of the day and then present them to me. We then come up with an anesthetic plan together which we carry out. This repeats throughout the day, depending on how many cases we have. While the patients are asleep, we can discuss many different teaching topics related to anesthesia. My day ends somewhere around 16:00, unless I am on call.
Do you find that students are interested in being a medical educator or are they solely focused on the clinical side? I think medical students are too immersed in learning the clinical side to think about teaching others, but once they become residents and have the opportunity to a little teaching on their own, they become more interested in “paying it forward”.
Is there anything that you do to make classes more fun or interesting for your students? When I have given the lectures for the Year 2 students, I have tried to keep it very interactive using PollEverywhere. I also add in interesting vignettes about cases I have come across.
When Dr. McBain isn't working, she loves to travel! There are only three continents she says she has not set foot on yet (Australia, South America, and Antarctica) and she plans to hit them all. She also skis (downhill and water), is an avid crocheter, "and a total foodie!"
Fun Fact about Dr. McBain: She says those that know her well know she is a bit of a crazy cat lady. “While we only have 2 cats, I am obsessed with them! This has led to cat socks, cat t-shirts, cat pillows, and my newest acquisition – a robotic litter!”
“It’s easy to get caught up in the demands of medical school, but having a creative outlet can make you a better student and future physician. Prioritize what brings you joy and find ways to integrate it into your routine.”
Regina Campus student Samantha Leech understands it can be difficult to manage her time between the demands of medical school and her love of music, but she works hard to find time for both. In fact, for her, having music as a creative outlet helps her stay more focused and mentally refreshed in her studies.
While currently navigating her first year as a medical student, Samantha is also an accomplished musician and plays with the Regina Symphony Orchestra (RSO). She was just 13 years old when she first joined the RSO following a blind audition where the panel only judges based on sound. Much like medical school at times, she found the experience to be both nerve-wracking and exciting.
“I prepared extensively and was thrilled to earn a spot in a professional orchestra where I was able to learn and perform some of my favourite repertoire,” she said, adding that it was both humbling and inspiring to perform in a professional setting at such a young age.
Samantha started piano at age 4 and took up violin at age 7. Violin quickly became her passion as she was drawn to its expressiveness and technical challenge. Her initial fascination for music came from watching her babysitter play the cello.
As she got older, Samantha performed with the RSO throughout high school. When she moved east for her post-secondary education, she continued to play in high-level orchestras. This included the Queen's University Chamber Orchestra as the concert master during her undergraduate studies in Engineering at Queen's University, followed by a spot as principal violinist with the Calgary Civic Symphony while pursuing her PhD in Engineering at the University of Calgary.
“When I returned to Regina for medical school, word got out that I was back, and I was quickly offered a position with the RSO. It’s been an amazing way to stay connected to music while balancing my studies.”
Samantha notes that balance is key when it comes to combining her commitments to music and to her medical school journey. “Balancing both can be challenging, but I’ve learned to be strategic with my time. Music and medicine complement each other well—both require focus, discipline, and adaptability,” she said. “Playing with the RSO helps me decompress from the demands of medical school, so I see it as a form of self-care rather than an added burden.”
The impact of music has shaped Samantha’s life in so many ways, and has taught her discipline, resilience, and
Regina Campus Profile - Samantha Leech '28
the value of collaboration—skills that are just as important in medicine. She is also thankful for the incredible opportunities she’s been given from international performance tours in China, Scotland, Portugal, and Spain to meeting musicians from around the world. On a deeper level, she has found it to be a powerful way to connect with her Métis and Celtic heritage through fiddle music.
As for what comes next, Samantha plans to keep music as a lifelong passion. She will continue to perform and connect with other musicians, and grow artistically. “Whether it’s classical music with the RSO, chamber music, or fiddle music for fun, I see music as something that will always be a part of my life.”
She is still determining what her future as a physician will look like as she explores the options available to her. With her background in biomedical engineering and radiology research, she has a strong interest in fields such as radiology. “I’m particularly drawn to specialties that integrate advanced technology and research to solve complex medical challenges,” she said.
When it comes to down time, Samantha enjoys staying active with fitness being an essential part of her routine. “I especially love yoga for staying balanced and focused. Spending time with friends is equally important to me—whether it’s trying out new restaurants, catching up over coffee, or just unwinding after a busy week.”
Samantha highlights that she also engages in side research, including coding projects in engineering and music therapy research, which bridges her passion for music and medicine.
Indigenous Experience
We’d like to thank Rachael Heiser, USask Indigenous Experience (Electives) Coordinator, for taking time once again to visit the Regina Campus last week and connect with our students.
The sessions with Rachael give students an opportunity to get to know her through casual conversations over some bannock and tea, and to discuss the Indigenous Health elective opportunities available.
Rachael says meeting with medical students shows the importance of building a strong sense of community. “When we support one another and create meaningful connections, we grow together and make a lasting impact. We are always stronger when we lift each other up.”
Regina students, if you haven’t had a chance to connect with Rachael during one of these sessions, she will be back on campus for another visit on April 12. Watch your email inbox for more.
Orange Shirt Day art commission
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) Indigenous Space & Visual Symbols in the Health Sciences Committee is seeking work samples and brief concept proposals from local emerging or established Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, and Inuit) artists interested in helping acknowledge Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation on Sept. 30, 2025. The preferred medium for this commission is an original physical painting or digital graphic design.
Since 2019, this committee has worked with Shop USask to make non-college-specific orange shirts available to the USask and external community, with proceeds directed toward a fund supporting the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and to the artist responsible for
the featured artwork. To date, over $49,000 has been raised. The deadline to declare interest in this Call for Artists is Monday, April 14, 2025. To learn more, visit shop.usask.ca/call-for-artists
Members of our Regina Campus staff donned Black History Month t-shirts in support of the USask Black Faculty and Staff Caucus Student Leadership and Community Engagement Award.
We continue to work towards listening to and learning about the accomplishments and lived experiences of the Black community.
Call for Artists
Black History Month
Black History Month
Black Medical Student Series: Celebrating Excellence & Resilience | Meet Aluk, a first-year medical student at the University of Saskatchewan.
Could you introduce yourself & share who or what inspires you in your journey?
‘‘I am a first-year medical student at the University of Saskatchewan (Regina Campus). I moved to Canada in 2016 from Ghana however I am Liberian and South Sudanese ethnically.
I completed a B.Sc. (Hons) in Biochemistry at the University of Regina prior to starting medical school.
During my undergraduate degree, I was a member of South Sudanese Youth of Canada’s (SSYC) Organizing Committee as well as RaiseHer Community’s Youth Advocacy Panel (YAP), because I am passionate about community programming and advocacy.
On my journey to medical school, I had the privilege of working alongside many amazing women who have influenced my perspective as a medical student. I always tell my family that “studying medicine is amazing, however being a person, sister, daughter, friend and so on while studying medicine is very difficult”.
I have watched my mentors identify what they want out of life and define success by their own terms. This has inspired me to find and listen to my voice in order to skillfully navigate my journey in medicine.’’
Profile on Regina student Aluk Geu by the Black Medical Student Association of Canada
Black History Month at the University of Saskatchewan honours the legacy and contributions of members of the university’s Black community. It is a time to listen to and learn about the accomplishments and lived experiences of the Black community. Join us every February for activities and learning opportunities about Black History Month.
This year, USask collaborated with the Pan-African Students' Association to explore the Black History Month theme: Radiant Roots: Honouring our Heritage. Together, we will engage our collective power to shape the future by exploring and celebrating the diverse backgrounds and contributions of the Black community across Canada.
Throughout the month of February, USask held various events from in-person events to those offered virtually. Below you will find two presentations that were recorded and available for viewing.
The Department of Community Health and Epidemiology hosted a Black History Month Panel Discussion, 'What do healthy Black futures look like for people in Saskatchewan?'
Panel participants were:
• Councillor Senos Timon, Saskatoon Ward 2
• Vibya Natana, Social Worker
• Dr. Judy White, former Dean of Social Work, University of Regina (password: 7g8gwSQ+)
View the Panel Discussion
Another recording available for our faculty and students is the Cultural Conversation with Dr. Jacob Alhassan on Variegated Racism. Dr. Alhassan is an assistant professor in Community Health and Epidemiology at the University of Saskatchewan's College of Medicine. (password: vRrAker3)
Listen here
Mores stories from the USask community can be viewed at: spotlight.usask.ca/blackhistory-month/black-history-month.php
International Women's Day | Canadian Women Physician's Day
In celebration of International Women’s Day (March 8) and Canadian Women Physicians Day (March 11), six medical (MD) students from the College of Medicine spoke with the College's of Medicine's UGME team about their journey into medicine.
They highlighted how they first became interested in health care and their views on the importance of woman in medicine. Regina students featured were third-year student Genevieve Dietrich, and fourth-year students Danielle Gaultois and Syndey Murray.
These stories are inspiring for anyone who is looking to pursue a MD.
Genevieve Dietrich (she/her) is a third-year medical student in the MD program. All the way from Oakville, Ontario, she is now pursuing medicine at the College of Medicine Regina Campus.
Prior to medical studies, Dietrich completed an undergraduate degree in molecular biology at McMaster and then a master’s in biomedical engineering at the University of Toronto. Read more
Danielle Gaultois (she/her) is a fourth-year student in the MD program. While she’s originally from Snow Lake, Manitoba, her pursuit of a career in health care led her to study in both Alberta and Saskatchewan. Gaultois first completed an undergraduate degree in biochemistry before going into nursing at MacEwan University.
After practicing for a few years, she decided to take a new direction and chose to study medicine at the USask Regina Campus. Read more
Sydney Murray (she/her) is a fourth-year medical student in the MD program. She is from Saskatoon but has completed her studies both in Saskatoon and at the College of Medicine Regina Campus.
Before coming into medicine, Murray completed an undergraduate degree in toxicology at USask. Read more
We celebrate the amazing women across our College of Medicine and School of Rehabilitation Science community, honouring their valuable contributions and leadership.
On International Women’s Day, quotes from our inspirational women leaders across the province were shared.
To view all the quotes, click here.
Did you miss our last edition?
If you missed an opportunity to check out our December 2024 edition of the Regina Campus newsletter, it is available to read online here.
If you would like to be added to the email list to receive the newsletter link when new editions are available, please email aisling.gamble@usask.ca
Submit your news and events for consideration
The College of Medicine Regina Campus Newsletter will be a quarterly publication available to our students, faculty and staff. The purpose of the newsletter is to provide information on Regina campus news as well as highlights of past events and information on upcoming events that are relevant to our campus members.
If you have news or events you would like to have considered for a future edition of the Regina Campus Newsletter, please email our Communications Specialist, Aisling Gamble at aisling.gamble@usask.ca
Content due dates:
• June 2025 Newsletter - content is due May 15
• September 2025 Newsletter - content is due August 15
• December 2025 Newsletter - content is due November 15
