cumming.ucalgary.ca/focus-on-impact
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Message from the
Dean T
he Cumming School of Medicine (CSM) is grounded in our partnership with you — our community. Our mission is better health care through research and education. And our greatest strength is our people who, like you, are committed to making a difference.
While this year came with its challenges, we also witnessed remarkable progress across a number of fronts. We continue to lead and make important discoveries in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, furthering knowledge of how to manage it, and examining the associated social, physical and mental health implications of the virus. Ours is a team effort with CSM researchers, scientists, donors, alumni, staff and students working tirelessly and collaboratively across our global community to effect change.
Ours is a team effort with CSM researchers, scientists, donors, alumni, staff and students working tirelessly and collaboratively across our global community to effect change.
Our impact in other areas is growing as well. As you’ll read, a research team led by Dr. S.R. Wayne Chen, PhD, is making exciting breakthroughs with the potential to prevent and reverse the effects of Alzheimer’s disease. Elsewhere, CSM researchers are using data science and advanced analytics to improve our understanding of cancer risk, detection and treatment. Work that’s being done now is preparing us to take full advantage of new opportunities to meet the cancer challenge when the Calgary Cancer Centre opens in 2023. None of these achievements happen on their own. They would not be possible without public and private support and funders. UCalgary’s Energize: The Campaign for Eyes High celebrated its successful completion in 2020, raising a historic $1.41 billion to support research and education. With more than 10,000 donors committing $713 million to projects at the CSM, we are paving the way for critical research, student success and innovation in precision health. The campaign has ended but our work is just getting started — thank you to all of those who gave so generously to promote excellence at our medical school.
CSM Dean, Dr. Jon Meddings, MD
As we look ahead, we are guided by UCalgary’s new strategic direction, Unstoppable, our “growth through focus” plan. Together, we are charting an entrepreneurial and innovative course where students, faculty and staff have the tools to change the world. We continue to proudly lead the future of health, contributing to UCalgary’s new Child Health and Wellness Research Strategy and supporting the leaders of tomorrow through a new graduate Precision Health education program. We all have a role to play in the future of medicine; we are grateful for your partnership to advance health innovation in Calgary and Alberta. Thank you for your interest in our school and shared commitment to our community. I hope you enjoy reading Focus on Impact.
