Regina Campus Newsletter - September/October 2025 - FINAL
September/October 2025
Paving the Path to 2030
On October 30, Dean Sarah Forgie officially launched Paving the Path to 2030 — our college’s new strategic plan!
Paving the Path to 2030 is the University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine’s guide for the next five years, outlining our shared commitments, focus areas and goals that will help us shape a healthier future.
Feedback from across the college helped shape a plan that puts people first, and focuses on education and research that make a difference.
Read more about the new strategic plan here
Watch Dr. Forgie's presentation here
White Coat - Celebrating the Class of 2029
On September 27, family, friends, College of Medicine faculty, and staff gathered together in Regina to celebrate the MD Class of 2029 at the college's annual White Coat Ceremony!
The White Coat Ceremony is a time-honoured event celebrating the commencement of medical students' journey as they train to be physicians. The ceremony includes first-year medical students from both the Regina and Saskatoon campuses.
Held at the Conexus Arts Centre in Regina, the event was emceed by Dr. Meredith McKague, Associate Dean, UGME, and included greetings from Dr. Sarah Forgie, Dean, College of Medicine, MLA Kevin Weedmark, Moosomin-Montmartre Constituency, Legislative Secretary to the Minister of Health, and Student Medical Society of Saskatchewan current and past presidents, Shawn Silver and Ibrahim Al-Azem.
The keynote speaker for this year's ceremony was Dr. Helen Chang. Dr. Chang has been a Regina faculty member since 2013, and is the Year 1 Site Coordinator, Undergraduate Medical Education for the college.
For the full program, click here.
Regina Campus Year 1 Orientation and Highlights
Before the Class of 2029 received their white coats, they were immersed in Year 1 orientation, and then it was on to the classrooms and labs to begin their journey as medical students.
It was a busy orientation week for the newest cohort: From logging in for the first time as a USask medical student, hearing about policies, procedures and professionalism, a tour of the Regina Campus with our PLN leaders, working as a team in an escape room exercise, and finally enjoying a summer evening ‘Welcome’ barbecue hosted by SMSS Regina.
As the first few weeks came and went, the Year 1's got to dive in to their first anatomy / bone lab, under the excellent guidance and teaching from Dr. Don McCarville, Dr. Kyle MacDonald, and Dr. Afzal Siddiqui.
They also had the chance to enjoy lunch with Dean Sarah Forgie in mid-September, giving Dr. Forgie the opportunity to connect in person with our first year’s during one of her many visits to our campus. It also gave the students a chance to draw on Dr. Forgie for her experience and expertise in all things medicine, and on what is to come for the College.
Indigenous Health Experience
Year 1 Regina students had the opportunity to travel to Fort Qu’Appelle to the All Nation’s Healing Hospital for their MEDC 132 Indigenous Health Experience session.
As part of the Medicine & Society curriculum, this session introduces students to Indigenous health cultural teachings including traditional medicine and healing traditions.
Throughout the morning, the Y1's learned about traditional medicines and how they are used alongside Western medicine practices at the All Nations’ Healing Hospital including in their acute care centre, at the Pasikow Muskwa (Rising Bear) Healing Centre (dialysis centre), and White Raven Healing Centre (mental health and addictions services and therapies). Students were able to try 2 teas prepared by Rising Bear staff –one for the kidneys used alongside dialysis treatments and one for the lungs used following dialysis treatments. They also got to see the space where various medicines including cedar and sage were being stored for different preparations.
The morning visit concluded at the White Raven Healing Centre’s Ceremonial Room with a smudge prepared by Knowledge Keeper Margaret Keewatin. It provided an opportunity to learn about the benefits and purposes of smudging and how spiritual health is part of a holistic approach to overall wellbeing.
Thank you to All Nation’s Healing Hospital for a great morning of learning about Indigenous health cultural teachings.
Congratulations to M. Abdullah Shafiq on being selected as a 2025 Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Awardee!
Abdullah, a third year student at the Regina Campus, is the recipient of the Dr. Calvin R. Stiller Award for outstanding leadership, communication, and a strong commitment to advancing medical knowledge.
“Receiving the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame award for medical students is a tremendous honour for me,” he said.
His interest in clinical research began during his final year of undergraduate studies, and he now aims to integrate clinical research with patient care and promote health equity.
He is particularly interested in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among physician specialties to improve patient outcomes, as well as advancing equitable care through evidence-based research.
His paper, "Mental Health and Heart Failure: Updating Guidelines to Improve Patient Outcomes," explores how psychiatric conditions can exacerbate heart failure symptoms and highlights the importance of treating coexisting conditions simultaneously. This work was recognized with the 2024 Best Paper Award for Medical Students from the Canadian Organization of Undergraduate Psychiatry Educators.
In addition to his research interests, Abdullah is actively involved in medical leadership. As Co-Chair of the Student Curriculum Review Committee, he has advocated for a more student-responsive medical curriculum.
He also mentors first-year medical students and guides undergraduates through research projects, with some mentees achieving publication in peer-reviewed journals or presenting their work at international conferences.
In his free time, Abdullah enjoys playing sports, reading, traveling, and trying out new activities.
Alongside his fellow laureates, Abdullah will be inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame at the formal ceremony to be held in Calgary in June 2026.
Watch his award recipient video here!
Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Award for Medical Students:
Laureates of the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame cite qualities such as perseverance, collaboration and entrepreneurial spirit as contributors to their success as national and world health leaders. The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Award recognizes medical students who demonstrate these qualities and show outstanding potential as future leaders and innovators of health care in Canada.
Regina Campus student selected as Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Awardee
News and Upcoming Events
Timely Topics in Medical Education (T-TIME) | November 13
T-TIME is offered monthly and delves into essential topics within the Clinician Educator Diploma program’s core curriculum, providing insights and knowledge for clinician educators. The next session is Nov.13 featuring Dr. Derek Puddester (MD) who will discuss time management. Everyone welcome. More information
USask One Health Symposium – Nov. 15
Celebrate the outstanding One Health research conducted at USask! This symposium is student-focused, provides trainees an opportunity to present their research, and connects interdisciplinary researchers involved in One Health research at the university. The call for abstracts is open until Nov. 5. Lunch provided. Free registration. Learn more and register
AIMS-SK Substance Use Disorders Interactive Workshop | November 26
On Nov. 26, engage in interactive activities, collaborate with peers on different case studies presented by our esteemed panel of experts, and listen to guest speakers delve into critical topics and share valuable resources related to substance use disorders. More information
Save the Date: CME Webinar Series 2026 |January 2026
The sixth annual CME webinar series will return in January 2026! The series includes six months of distant learning from January to June 2026. Stay tuned for more details.
Anti-Racism Training for Physicians
Created by the Division of Social Accountability, this online course will share some key anti-racist concepts and equip physicians to begin or strengthen an anti-racist practice. More information
Applications open: Coaching and Mentorship Program for Saskatchewan Physicians (CoMPAS)
Be a part of CoMPAS and navigate your personal and professional growth as a Saskatchewan physician, as either a coach or mentee. Ensure that you can take Dec. 6 off from clinic to attend a full day of virtual training and participate in the matching process. A one-time $500 stipend is offered to support your attendance. More information
Faculty members needed for UGME accreditation
The College of Medicine UGME program will undergo accreditation in the spring of 2026. A diverse group of faculty members not in significant leadership roles (FTE greater than 0.2), is being sought to meet with the survey team at a virtual meeting on the afternoon of March 3 (approx. 1 hour). Ideally, the group will include both junior faculty (less than 5 years in role) and senior faculty (more than 5 years), with representation from Saskatoon, Regina, and distributed sites. Interested faculty should email their name, department, faculty status (junior/senior), and campus/site to med.quality@usask.ca by Nov. 5.
Call for applications: CoM General Trust Funds
The fall iteration of the CoM General Trust Funds is now open. We encourage all departments to take advantage of this opportunity for college funding. Submissions for both the Visiting Lecturer Fund and the Dr. Laurella McClelland Trust Fund will be accepted until Nov. 20. Further details are available on SharePoint (NSID and password required).
Call for submissions: MPAS Capstone Research Project
The Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) Capstone Research Project is scholarly experience of up to 12–18 months designed to immerse Physician Assistant students in applied health research. This initiative emphasizes mentorship, research literacy, and real-world impact, while accommodating the timeline and clinical demands of the MPAS program.
The call for submissions is now open. Project proposals are due Dec. 12. Student matching with projects, as applicable, will occur from late December 2025 to early 2026. Learn more
Call for Nominations: Canadian Association for Medical Education (CAME) Awards
Each year, the Canadian Association for Medical Education (CAME) presents recognition awards to individuals making significant contributions to medical education in Canada. Do you work with an inspirational medical educator? Would you like to recognize your colleague’s contributions to medical education?
We are seeking nominations for the following CAME awards:
1.CAME Certificate of Merit: to promote, recognize and reward faculty committed to medical education in Canadian medical schools.
2.CAME Rising Star – Certificate of Excellence: to recognize learners who have demonstrated a commitment and/or passion for health professions education.
Nomination is easy: submit a paragraph outlining why someone should get the award. Find more information and nomination forms on the CoM Awards page. Please sent nominations to marla.davidson@usask.ca by Nov. 16.
Distinguished professorship nominations open
The Offices of the Vice-Provost, Faculty Relations, and Vice-President Research invite nominations for the Distinguished Professorship Program, part of the USask Chairs Program. This honour recognizes senior faculty or emeriti for exceptional career achievements in research, scholarly, or artistic work, with national and international impact and sustained excellence. More information
Global Health Equity Travel Award
The Department of Community Health and Epidemiology offers the Global Health Equity Travel Award to support travel linked to global and local health equity initiatives. The award is designed to foster educational and scholarly engagement in activities that align with the college’s commitment to social accountability, Indigenous health, and health equity.
This funding is open to medical residents, students (undergraduate and graduate), staff, post-doctoral fellows, and community partners working in collaboration with CoM-affiliated initiatives. More information
Applications open: CMPA Equity Scholarship
The Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA) is offering an Equity Scholarship to help physicians and physician trainees who self-identify as Black, Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis), or racialized attend national medical conferences. The scholarship covers conference registration fees, helping remove barriers to participation for equity-deserving groups. More information
Visit the College of Medicine online calendar for more details on upcoming events.
Please note: We are working to have more Regina-specific events included on the online calendar, and also more virtual options for events taking place in locations other than Regina.
Dean's Summer Research Project - Ally Clarke
Third-year Regina medical student Ally Clarke was excited, yet a little nervous when she received news she'd be taking on a Dean’s Summer Research Project.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect and how difficult it would be,” she said, “I didn’t know anything about clinical research as my previous research experiences had been more lab/biology focused. As clinical research is an important part of residency and future learning and practice, I wanted to gain some experience early.”
Ally will be working with College of Medicine faculty member Dr. Tahereh Haji and research specialist, Sabiha Sultana on the impact of emergency department preventative strategies on acute asthma revisits in pediatric patients.
Based on a previous study done in Ontario by Dr. Haji, she found that current emergency department preventative strategies (EDPS) may be insufficient in preventing repeat asthma emergency department visits, and wanted to do a similar study in Regina to determine if the EDPS are sufficient here. A Regina-focused study, Ally noted, will help with the development of local tools for acute asthma management.
The clinical research experience has been great so far said Ally, and both Dr. Haji and Sabiha have been extremely helpful with everything, and with calming her nerves about doing this kind of work.
As for her expectations on what she will gain from her Dean’s Summer Research project, Ally said it’s about knowledge and understanding. “I hope to learn more about conducting clinical research and also broaden my understanding of pediatric-based management for asthma.”
For others looking to apply and gain valuable clinical experience through a research project, Ally said it's important to attend the research pizza lunches. “Talk to the doctors to hear their research ideas and make sure to ask for their email if you are interested so you can reach out.”
In addition to her research project, Ally volunteers on the pediatric unit and NICU at the Regina General Hospital. She was the SMA student rep for year 1 and 2, and is also involved in mentoring and tutoring with the College.
Outside of medical school, Ally is a mentor with the Big Brother’s and Sister’s of Regina.
Dean's Summer Research Project - Dylan Turner
“Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, even if you’re new to research,” said second-year Regina student, Dylan Turner in advising future applicants to put their proposals forward.
“It doesn’t have to be a huge or groundbreaking project. Sometimes, smaller quality improvement ideas can make the biggest difference for patient care.”
He admits the process is competitive with many great proposals but it’s exciting when your project is selected.
So why did Dylan apply for the summer research project program?
“I wanted to expand my skillset in research and being able to dedicate time to this in summer relieved some stress of balancing research during the semester when there are other competing priorities,” he said.
It’s been a great experience so far for Dylan as he has learned how much detail and planning goes into every step of research, and gaining an appreciation for the work that goes into research advancements.
Connecting with mentors and team members who are passionate about what they do, Dylan said, will serve as important connections throughout his medical training. “A Dean’s project is also a great place to get a clearer picture of how collaboration drives research within the health system.”
Working with Dr. Payam Dehghani and a talented research team, the project looks at sex-specific outcomes of patients with aortic stenosis following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and the implications of hemodynamic parameters.
TAVI is a minimally invasive approach to treat patients with aortic valve stenosis. Major or life-threatening bleeding and vascular complications are higher in women, as is the likelihood of the occurrence of a stroke within 30-days. No research has identified the differences in the catheterization lab-derived hemodynamic parameters between men and women.
Through his project, Dylan is looking to gain practical exposure to research methodologies and further understand the process of how a study moves from an idea to implementation.
Outside of some other research projects, Dylan took time to enjoy a slow-paced summer before the busyness of his second year of medical school began.
Dean's Summer Research Project - Aluk Geu
Second-year Regina student Aluk Geu was so excited when she was offered a Dean’s Summer Research project, she wasted no time in scheduling time to read up on the lab’s field of research and securing accommodation in Saskatoon.
While Aluk was completing her undergraduate degree, she had several opportunities to participate in research including an NSERC USRA, honours thesis and co-op placement.
“Initially, I sought out these avenues to build my resume but ended up falling in love with research,” she said, noting it was a difficult decision to choose between research and medicine. She is thankful that with summer research projects, she can keep research in her life pursuing her medical degree.
Working with Principal Investigator Dr. Yuliang Wu, Aluk’s project is on the role of DEAD-box helicase 41 (DDX41) in Stress Granule (SG) Formation and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
The idea behind Aluk’s research project is the expectation that the data generated will uncover how DDX41 modulates SG formation through regulating mRNA splicing of its two key SG genes. “This experiences led me to identify the role I want research to play in my career as a physician,” she said.
As such, Aluk hopes to explore the option of completing an MD/PHD combined degree. The program requires candidates to first do two Dean’s Projects and gain research skills before beginning a full year of PHD. The members of the cancer cluster where she worked are such welcoming and community-oriented people, that even though it was hard to be away from home, she felt connected and included.
Offering advice for students who will look to apply for a Dean’s Summer Research Project in 2026, Aluk said if you curious, apply. “If you are even the least bit curious, I urge you to continue to apply until all projects are matched.”
In addition to her research project, Aluk has been busy with another major project - Afro-futurism Photovoice. “I am one of the artists involved in the exhibition which will be showcased during Black History Month. I plan to organize a viewing at the Regina Campus as well, to increase campus engagement during Black History Month.”
Dean's Summer Research Project - Claire
Douglas
Claire Douglas is a second-year student at the Regina campus. She was excited to learn that she would be completing a Dean’s Summer Research Project this year.
“I saw it as a great opportunity to learn more about women’s health and gain valuable experience with medical research,” she said.
Claire felt it was important to apply for a Dean’s Summer Research Project because after completing her Master’s degree at the University of Alberta, she maintained an interest in health research and wanted to continue it throughout medical school.
She had the opportunity to work with Dr. Sarah Smith, an OBGYN in Regina, and research specialist Shirmin Kader for her project which consists of evaluating maternal and neonatal outcomes of a pregnancy
complication, called placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorder. The disorder is associated with maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, with one of the biggest risks being life-threatening maternal hemorrhage at the time of delivery.
A multidisciplinary team was implemented in 2022 to manage pregnancies complicated by PAS disorders at the Regina General Hospital.
The research project will compare the maternal and neonatal outcomes prior to the team’s implementation to the outcomes after the team became involved. The research will allow for assessment of the multidisciplinary team and provide insight on these outcomes at a Canadian tertiary care centre.
“I have really enjoyed working with Dr. Smith and Shirmin on this research project,” Claire said, “I have learned a lot about PAS disorders including its detection and management.” She said she has gained invaluable experience on conducting chart reviews and writing scientific literature.
Her advice for future students considering applying for a Dean’s Summer Research Project?
“Try and find a project you are genuinely interested in. That makes it much more enjoyable!”
Dean's Summer Research Project - Montana Mellor
"I was thrilled,” said second-year Regina Campus student Montana Mellor when asked how she reacted to being a successful applicant for a Dean’s Summer Research Project.
“Given how competitive these projects are, I was incredibly grateful to be selected,” noting research has been a longstanding interest so this was a meaningful milestone.
Montana sees medical research has offering the chance to directly contribute to improving patient care and health outcomes, and now she is in medical school, she is excited to engage in work at is intellectually stimulating and has real-world impact.
Her project is titled “Canadian Province Presentation and Treatment-related Outcomes of
Angioimmunoblastic T-cell Lymphoma: A Retrospective Chart Review.” Its purpose is to analyze retrospective cases of Angioimmunoblastic T-cell Lymphoma (AITL) to better understand its presentation, risk factors, and treatment outcomes across Canada.
The goal is to generate insights that can improve future diagnosis and management of this rare and aggressive lymphoma.
Working under the mentorship of Regina Campus faculty member Dr. Ibraheem Othman, Montana said it has been an excellent experience. “Dr. Othman is a fantastic mentor, and I’ve appreciated the flexibility and depth of learning that comes with conducting a chart review.”
She hopes to deepen her understanding of AITL and develop strong research skills that will support her future practice. “Contributing to knowledge that can improve patient care is important to me, and this experience is a valuable step toward that goal,” she said.
To students who are looking to apply for a Dean’s Summer Research Project, Montana advises to start early. “Building connections early can help you find a project that truly aligns with your interests.”
Outside of her research project, Montana is the Class Representative for the Regina Class of 2028, which has been a highlight of her medical school experience. She currently serves as President for SHRIP, a lead in the Physician Leadership Network (PLN), and continues advocacy work with SOFIA House, supporting women and children fleeing violence in Regina.
Dean's Summer Research Project - Lexi Pflanzner
Second-year Regina student Lexi Pflanzner was a little nervous about taking on a Dean’s Research Summer Project, but she felt incredibly grateful for the opportunity. “It was somewhat intimidating, but I was also excited for the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work and gain valuable experience in research.”
For Lexi, research is an important part of medical education, and doing this project offered a unique chance to build skills in an area she is passionate about in a different way.
Her project explores the impact of a free bus service run by the Kikinahk Friendship Centre in La Ronge on older adults’ quality of life and social participation. Working under the supervision of Dr. Jacob Alhassan, alongside other passionate researchers within USask’s Department of Community Health and Epidemiology,
Lexi explained that in northern Saskatchewan, older adults face significant barriers to accessing healthcare and maintaining social connections due to long distances, high costs, and limited transportation options.
The project evaluates how a free, community-driven bus service supports older adults’ independence, access to care, mental health, and social inclusion. The hope is the findings can help inform sustainable, communitybased transportation models that promote healthy aging in northern communities.
“This experience has been incredibly rewarding,” Lexi said, adding she’s learned so much, not only academically but also through spending time in La Ronge and learning from community members’ lived experiences.
Giving advice to those applying in future years to take on a Dean’s Summer Research Project, Lexi said being passionate about what one wants to do research on makes the experience so much more meaningful and allows successful applicants to immerse themselves fully in the work.
Outside of the project, Lexi is a part of ‘Making the Links’, which focuses on exploring medical challenges facing marginalized populations through intersectional, decolonizing and political economy approaches. She’s also part of the Community Taskforce of the Government Affairs and Advocacy Committee (GAAC), a division of the Student Medical Society of Saskatchewan.
Dean's Summer Research Project - Sukhman Kaur
Sukhman Kaur, a second-year Regina Campus student, submitted her application for a Dean’s Summer Research Project because she wanted to gain research experience, and this it would be a great opportunity, if successful, to develop those skills. Her application was successful.
Sukhman worked with USask’s Dr. Michelle Collins for her project, one that focused on the genetic basis of atrial fibrillation. The idea behind the project is to explain the role of PITX2C in atrial fibrillation.
The proper function of PITX2C is crucial for maintaining normal electrical activity in the heart's left atrium. Deficiencies or mutations can lead to a higher susceptibility to atrial fibrillation.
The project included a retrospective chart review of 452 atrial fibrillation cases to identify patients with AF who may have a genetic predisposition.
The vision of the project is to contact and recruit those individuals into the prospective genetic analysis study. Identifying these genetic variants may help improve risk stratification and guide more personalized treatment strategies in the future.
In working on the research project, Sukhman hopes to advance her knowledge in cardiac conditions, and she enjoyed the opportunity.
“I really enjoyed my experience,” she said, “It allowed me to expand what I have learned in several topics related to the heart”.
She adds as advice for students who are considering applying for a Dean’s Summer Research Project in the future, “It is a great opportunity to learn. I would highly recommend it.”
REMINDER: Call for project proposals: 2026 Dean's Summer Research Project
The Dean’s Summer Research Project is accepting project proposals from CoM faculty until Nov. 6. The forms and provides exposure to scientific research and helps build skills essential for careers as medical professionals. The student
Dean's Summer Research Project - Andreea Ababei
“I wanted hands-on research experience and the chance to see a project through from beginning to end, from the early stages of the ethics applications to chart review, data collection, analysis, and creating a poster.”
Working with Dr. Basmah Ishteiwi, a pediatrician in Regina, and Sabiha Sultana, a research specialist, second-year Regina student Andreea Ababei’s Dean’s Summer Research Project looked at how healthy babies under 90 days old who present with fever to the emergency department are managed.
“The focus is on understanding how often serious or invasive bacterial infections occur,” she said, “as well as the tests and treatments used, and what outcomes look like at the Regina General Hospital.”
Explaining the research further, she said that with fever in well-appearing infants can be a sign of anything from a mild viral illness to a serious bacterial infection. Babies this age can get sick quickly, physicians often need to make cautious decisions, but practice can vary a lot. “Our study reviews local data to see how febrile infants are managed here in Regina, and whether outcomes align with recent guidelines,” Andreea said. “The goal is to provide insight that supports safe, consistent, and evidence-based care for these patients and their families.”
Andreea said she really enjoyed the opportunity to conduct research, and also found the scope of the project to be very appropriate for a medical student. “It was manageable to complete a large portion over the summer while still being able to finalize it once the school year began,” she said.
She said students should not hesitate to apply for a Dean’s Summer Research Project. “It’s a great opportunity to explore a new area of medicine, gain hands-on research experience, and work closely with faculty.”
Outside of the research project, Andreea is the SMSS Wellness Representative and is also involved with several student groups on campus. These roles have been a fun way for her to build connections with peers and make the most of medical school life.
and guidelines are available on the CoM website. Open to all first and second-year medical students, the program student call to apply will open in January 2026. More information
Welcome | New Faculty and Staff
Over the last several months, we have welcomed the following new faculty and staff to Regina Campus:
Faculty:
• Majed Abdo Altareb - Assistant Professor, Department of Oncology
• Ali Alhasani - Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry
• Kingsley Enohumah - Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology
• Crystal Nicole Ferguson - Assistant Professor, Department of Family Medicine
• Lydia Mapala - Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics
• Shonah Runalls - Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Mykola Karas Sackett - Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine
• Izn Shahab - Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine
• Suzanne Whittemore - Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine
• Tanjina Akter - Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology & Lab Medicine
• Adesola Oluwadare Oladele - Assistant Professor, Department of Family Medicine
• Amira Soliman - Associate Professor, Department of Oncology
• Kimberly Anne Wood - Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology & Lab Medicine
Staff:
• Jamie Appell - Manager, Simulation
• Samantha Gajda - Pre-Clerkship Administrative Coordinator, Year 1
• Liezel Ann (Lianne) Gulay - Clerical Assistant, Year 1
• Cindy Hauck - Program Administrator for Internal Medicine/Diagnostic Imaging/Leadership/ Opthamology/Palliative Care/Pathology, Clerkship '
• Katie-Lynn Jackson - Program Administrator, Emergency Medicine Clerkship, ICU/Trauma
• Kallee Heinrichs - Emergency Medicine Residency Programs for the FM EM Enhanced Skills program and FRCPC 5+.
• Saba Khan - Student Affairs and OCAM Associate
• Ravi Mangat - IT Technician
• Heather McKenzie - Clerical Admin for Internal Medicine, PGME
• Tim Mrazek - Simulated Patient Educator, Year 1
• Ledua Senego - Finance and Administrative Coordinator
• Will Wallace - IT Working Supervisor
Staff Announcements
Site Directors, Simulation (Regina)
Dr. Joelle McBain and Dr. Abdalla Butt have taken on the role as co-Site Directors for Simulation in Regina as of June 1, 2025.
Reporting to the Associate Dean, Regina Campus and the Provincial Director of Simulation, Dr. McBain and Dr. Butt will provide instructional leadership of the planning, implementation, evaluation, and operations of simulation education. They will engage with key stakeholders to ensure collaboration between the Dilawri Simulation Team and the College of Medicine programs and play a key role in ensuring the smooth roll-out of simulation activities for Competence by Design.
Dr. McBain is an assistant professor in the department of anesthesiology, and has been an active faculty member in Regina 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. Butt is an assistant professor in the department of vascular surgery, and the surgery rotation coordinator for the undergraduate medical education program at the Regina Campus. He is actively involved in pre-clerkship and clerkship clinical teaching in Regina.
Manager, Regina Campus, Academic Health Sciences & Learner Placements
Robin Johnson will join the Regina Campus community as Manager, Regina Campus position within Academic Health Sciences & Learner Placements. Robin will begin in this role on November 12, 2025. She brings 25+ years of experience in the SHA from her roles in laboratory medicine and infection prevention and control.
Regina Site Coordinators - UGME
Dr. Tahereh Haji joined the UGME team as the Pediatrics Pre-Clerkship Regina Site Coordinator, on September 1, 2025. Dr. Haji, an Assistant Professor in Pediatrics, completed their residency at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine and has been practicing at the Regina General Hospital since 2024.
Dr. Emeka Nzekwu joined the UGME team as the Clerkship Electives Regina Site Coordinator - Medical Imaging on August 1, 2025. Dr. Nzekwu is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Medical Imaging. He completed his residency at the University of Calgary's Cumming School of Medicine in 2020, and the Vascular and Interventional Radiology Fellowship Program at Dalhousie University in 2021.
Social Accountability Clerkship Elective Director
Dr. Shade Onaolapo will be joining the Clerkship Electives team as the Social Accountability Clerkship Elective Director as of November 1, 2025. Dr. Onaolapo is a member of the Anesthesiology Department and is our Year 3/4 clerkship coordinator. She is based in Regina
Researchers Under the Scope Podcast - Dr. Stuart Skinner
Dr. Stuart Skinner knew something was wrong three years ago, when patients started coming to him with vision loss, fever, rashes, and meningitis.
Almost every case could be traced back to untreated syphilis — a sexually transmitted infection with caseloads exploding 1,200 per cent from 2017.
Saskatchewan saw this spike just as Covid-19 entered the picture.
“With the pandemic, testing dropped dramatically,” Skinner said, noting this wave of syphilis entered northwestern Saskatchewan from Alberta, often travelling alongside HIV. Syphilis often spreads through sores, and can remain unnoticed for months or years on end, making early detection difficult.
“If you don’t see it, you won’t be seeking care for it."
When the infectious diseases physician and the Wellness Wheel team began treating mothers with severely ill newborns, stillbirths and birth defects, Skinner knew he had to act. Treating syphilis usually means a series of clinic and laboratory appointments, followed by intramuscular Bicillin injections, and intense contact tracing.
Instead, Skinner, Dr. Sean Rourke, Cara Spence and their teams pared that down to a one-hour stop. They approached tribal councils and Indigenous-led health organizations, asking for help setting up mobile locations where anyone could be tested, diagnosed, and offered treatment.
Nursing teams drove vans to powwows, festivals, even pharmacies, offering quick, confidential finger-prick tests and results.
“The whole concept was to be flexible and mobile and adaptable . . . so that we weren't the barrier,” said Skinner. “It wasn't easy for the nurses to set up and read the results or draw the blood in a less comfortable environment, but they did an amazing job.”
In Saskatchewan, a total of 1,797 people agreed to be tested, uptake Skinner calls ‘phenomenal’. Roughly three per cent were infected with HIV; 16% had syphilis. “The majority were willing to get treated right then and there,” Skinner said.
Those teams have now visited more than 50 locations across the prairies, through a $4M national partnership called the ‘Ayaangwaamiziwin’ Centre — which translates to ‘be careful, be prepared’ in Anishinaabe. Health officials and private donors recently extended those grants for an additional year.
In episode 90 of the Researchers Under the Scope podcast, Skinner explains why meeting people where they are matters.
Listen to the full podcast here.
Did you miss our last edition?
Did you get a chance to read our last newsletter edition - June 2025? If not, it is available to read online here.
Previous issues of the newsletter are available here.
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Submit your news and events for consideration
The College of Medicine Regina Campus Newsletter is 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
The next edition of the newsletter will be published in January/February 2026, so if you would like your content included, please submit it no later than December 19, 2025.
