Momentum - Fall, 2019

I N T H E FA C U LT Y O F M E D I C I N E & D E N T I S T R Y U N I V E R S I T Y O F A L B E R TA ISSUE NO. 3

Fall 2019

3 - D I MAGI NG AT THE H E ART O F PRECI SION H E ALTH Meet the teams advancing on the most pressing health themes right now

BUILDING A BETTER SURGEON

STOLLERY SCIENCE LAB

STUDENT CHANGE CHAMPIONS

Propelling health research and education in the Faulty of Medicine & Dentistry University of Alberta

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents

ISSUE NO. 3

2 Dean’s message

FALL 2019

FEATURES

3 Top news 6 Education 11 Research 31 Expert commentary 33 Learners as leaders 36 Generosity 39 Alumni 14 Building a better surgeon

18 Student change champs

20 Momentum Drivers of the year

28 Stollery Science Lab

MOMENTUM

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

UAB.CA/MOMENTUM

KIRSTEN BAUER, ’05 BA, ’17 MA MICHAEL BROWN ADRIANNA MACPHERSON GEOFF MCMASTER ROSS NEITZ RYAN O’BYRNE, ’06 BA L AURA VEGA TARWINDER RAI GILLIAN RUTHERFORD KERI SWEETMAN SHELBY SOKE LESLEY YOUNG, ’94 BA CHERYL DESL AURIER

LESLEY YOUNG PASSED AWAY RECENTLY; WE ARE IMMENSELY GRATEFUL FOR HER OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS.

42 Innovation 44 Throwback

On the cover

KUMARADEVEN PUNITHAKUMAR IN THE ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES SERVIER LAB, PAGE 23

DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING SALENA KITTERINGHAM, ’00 BA NATASIA DESIGNS NATASIA MARTIN, ’13 DES PHOTOGRAPHY L AUGHING DOG PHOTOGRAPHY JORDAN CARSON WRITER / COPY EDITOR / PROOFREADER SASHA ROEDER MAH, ’91 BA

UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA

THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA RESPECTFULLY ACKNOWLEDGES THAT WE ARE SITUATED ON TREATY 6 TRADITIONAL LANDS OF FIRST NATIONS AND MÉTIS PEOPLE.

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DEAN’S MESSAGE

MOMENTUM MAGAZINE

THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA’S

Get to know some of our student

As the Faculty of Medicine &

Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry looks

change-makers who are already

Dentistry continues to build on its

to a promising future after a year of

making a difference in their fields

accomplishments in education and

hitting powerful milestones. We are

and leading the charge to improve

scientific discovery, we are thrilled to

proud to share with you how far we’ve

health globally.

celebrate with you the successes of this

come to advance health innovation, collaboration and social accountability.

In this issue, I invite you to learn about the measures we took to increase the number of Indigenous health professionals in our institution and our health system. This historic change in our faculty is only one of many commitments we made towards

journey and our excitement about the

“It is teamwork and collaboration that turn dreams into realities, and bright ideas into new solutions.”

meaningful reconciliation with

It is teamwork and collaboration that

Indigenous communities and a shared

turn dreams into realities, and bright

vision of health.

ideas into new solutions. Those who collaborate with us from hospitals,

Meet our Momentum Drivers of

clinics, government and industry, the

the year—seven outstanding teams

health foundations and community

transforming people’s lives from diverse

are at the heart of every one of our

areas of health care and education.

stories. We create a path together towards a healthier province and a

Remember with us a visionary alumnus,

healthier Canada.

mentor and remarkable physician— our late dean, Richard Fedorak.

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FACULTY OF MEDICINE & DENTISTRY

coming years.

We race forward, leading by example and working to fulfil our promise for the public good. I hope you enjoy this edition. Thank you for your support and interest in our faculty’s growing momentum.

DENNIS KUNIMOTO ’76 BSC, ’80 MD, FRCPC INTERIM DEAN, FACULTY OF MEDICINE & DENTISTRY UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA

ISSUE NO. 3

TOP NEWS

FALL 2019

Discovery boosts chemo while protecting heart ORIGINAL STORY

PHOTO BY

GLOBAL NEWS

JORDAN CARSON

RESEARCHERS HAVE LONG known that the aggressive attack

on cancer cells from chemotherapy often causes damage to other cells in the body. When the damage affects the heart, patients can be more prone to develop heart problems years down the road.

This inspired Gopinath Sutendra, University of Alberta professor and Alberta Innovates cardio-oncology translational health chair, to research possible solutions.

“This is the first targeted therapy at the preclinical level to

Gopi Sutendra (left) and Bruno Saleme take a

actually prevent the side-effects of chemotherapy on the heart

significant step toward improving cancer care.

and simultaneously enhance tumour regression,” Sutendra said.

“That protein was preferentially tagged in the heart Chemotherapy is especially problematic for the heart

compared to the tumour where it wasn’t tagged by oxygen,

because cells there regenerate more slowly than in other

and this somehow changed the structure of the protein such

organs, Sutendra said, making damage nearly irreversible.

that it was preventing the chemotherapy-mediated cardiac dysfunction in the heart,” Sutendra said.

While the heart resides in an oxygen-rich environment, a tumour resides in an oxygen-poor environment. Because it’s

Researchers hope the findings will soon be able to be tested

in this oxygen-rich environment, the oxidation of proteins

in clinical trials with similar drugs that stabilize the PKM2—

happens faster in the heart. Knowing this, the U of A research

many of which are already being tested for other diseases in

team—which also included Bruno Saleme, first author on the

clinical trials.

study and a recent recipient of the Alberta Innovates Graduate Scholarship—decided to target the heart.

“We’re reaching out to pharmaceutical companies that have some of these compounds that they’re using in other

By stabilizing a specific metabolic protein called pyruvate

diseases,” Sutendra said. “There is interest there to test

kinase M2 (PKM2)—also preferentially oxidized in the

those ones in our model because then they can be moved

heart—with a drug compound, the researchers completely

to the clinical trial more easily.”

prevented heart damage from the chemotherapy.

These findings could have similar implications for other “When (the protein) was tagged by oxygen in the heart,

forms of heart failure, Sutendra said, which will be the next

it actually preserved cardiac function when we treated the

area of study for the team. The effectiveness of a similar

heart with chemotherapy agents,” Sutendra said.

approach in other organs of the body is another potential area of research following this discovery.

When the metabolic protein was stabilized the same way in a lung tumour, chemotherapy treatment was more effective.

The research, published as a cover story in Science Translational Medicine, was supported by funding from the

For its research, the team used mice with human lung

Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Heart and Stroke

cancers and a common chemotherapy medication in pill

Foundation and the Alberta Innovates Translational Health

form known to cause cardiac dysfunction in patients.

Chair in Cardio-oncology.

UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA

3

TOP NEWS

MOMENTUM MAGAZINE

Stopping cancer from spreading ORIGINAL STORY

GLOBAL NEWS

UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA researcher John Lewis and

his team have found 11 genes that are responsible for metastasis—the spread of cancer in the body.

“It’s of potentially incredible significance,” said Lewis, the Alberta Cancer Foundation Frank and Carla Sojonky Chair in Prostate Cancer Research at the U of A and a member of the Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta (CRINA).

“Metastasis kills 90 per cent of all patients who have cancer, and with this study we have discovered 11 new ways to

Household disinfectants could be making kids overweight

potentially end metastasis.”

Clinical trials could begin within three years on drugs to block those genes in patients with prostate, pancreatic or brain cancer.

The research was funded by the Canadian Cancer Society and the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

ORIGINAL STORY

CNN

MULTI-SURFACE CLEANERS AND other commonly used

overweight by altering their gut bacteria, a study suggests.

University of Alberta pediatrics professor Anita Kozyrskyj was senior author of the study, which found infants living in households where antimicrobial disinfectants are used at least weekly were twice as likely to have higher levels of the bacteria Lachnospiraceae at ages three to four months than children whose homes did not frequently use disinfectants.

When those children were three years old, their body mass index (BMI) was higher than that of the children in homes that less frequently used disinfectants, the study also showed.

The research, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

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FACULTY OF MEDICINE & DENTISTRY

ARTWORK BY: NATASIA DESIGNS EDITED BY: SASHA ROEDER MAH

household disinfectants could be making children

ISSUE NO. 3

TOP NEWS

FALL 2019

Precision cancer cures a step closer ORIGINAL STORY

INNOVATORS MAGAZINE

A RESEARCH TEAM at the University

technology,” explained Hubbard,

of Alberta has moved one step closer

“by replacing the natural guide

to the holy grail of gene-editing tech,

molecule it uses with a synthetic one

which can provide effective treatment

called a bridged nucleic acid, or BNA.”

for people suffering from diseases including cancers.

“Our research shows that the use of bridged nucleic acids to guide Cas9 can

Basil Hubbard, Canada Research

improve its specificity by over 10,000

Chair in Molecular Therapeutics and

times in certain instances,” he added,

assistant professor in the U of A’s

“a dramatic improvement.”

Department of Pharmacology, led the study. The research relates to

The technology has already been

a molecule that can enhance the

licensed by industry and the team is

accuracy of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing,

working to commercialize it further;

a system which can reprogram genes

they have founded a company called

that are defective. In that system,

Sense Therapeutics, which is focused

warns Hubbard, “one wrong cut and

on gene-targeting cancer therapeutics.

a patient could end up with a serious condition like cancer.”

The study, published in Nature Communications, was funded by the

“We’ve discovered a way to greatly

Natural Sciences and Engineering

improve the accuracy of gene-editing

Research Council of Canada.

Surgical mesh implants may cause autoimmune disorders ORIGINAL STORY

CTV NATIONAL

SURGICAL MESH IMPLANTS, often

joint pain … feverish temperature

used for hernia or gynecological

and dry eyes and dry mouth.”

repair, may be the reason so many patients report symptoms

“Of those patients, 45 per cent

mesh more severely than in patients

suggesting an autoimmune disorder,

developed an autoimmune disorder

who do not have allergies.”

according to a University of Alberta

such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.”

rheumatologist.

More research, Cohen Tervaert says, “What we found is that actually most

needs to be done quickly to ensure that

“In my practice, I studied 40

of the patients—80 per cent—did have

others don’t suffer needlessly.

patients who had mesh implants,”

pre-existent allergies,” added Cohen

said Jan Willem Cohen Tervaert,

Tervaert, “and those allergies often

“The findings in my small study

director of rheumatology in the

increased after the mesh implantation.”

point in the direction that if you

Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry.

have preexisting allergies, you

“I found that almost all of them had

“You could say the immune system

should be at least warned that there

symptoms such as chronic fatigue,

(in those patients) is in a way very

is a bigger chance of getting mesh

cognitive impairment … muscle and

aggressive and therefore it attacks the

complications,” he explained.

UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA

5

EDUCATION

MOMENTUM MAGAZINE

Indigenous students top priority in University of Alberta’s medical school NEW POLICY REDRESSES HISTORIC LIMITATIONS ON INDIGENOUS STUDENT ADMISSIONS TO MD PROGRAM ORIGINAL STORIES

FOLIO

THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA is eliminating a quota system

that limited the number of Indigenous students admitted to its MD program through the Indigenous Health Initiatives Program (IHIP) process.

During the next admissions applications cycle, all Indigenous candidates who meet all eligibility requirements and pass the rigorous IHIP selection processes will be

AUTHORS

offered a place in the medical school. The MD program will

SALENA KITTERINGHAM, L AURA VEGA AND MICHAEL BROWN

also award four new full-tuition scholarships to entering

PHOTOS BY

L AUGHING DOG PHOTOGRAPHY AND SEAN TOWNSEND

Indigenous students.

“By prioritizing Indigenous students’ entry into medicine, we increase our potential for transformative change and the possibility for redressing the legacy of colonial policy,” said Tibetha Kemble, director of the IHIP.

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FACULTY OF MEDICINE & DENTISTRY

ISSUE NO. 3

EDUCATION

FALL 2019

University of Alberta Medicine & Dentistry Class of 2019 graduates at the

work, they become important change agents in their communities

Indigenous graduation banquet in June

and across their profession.”

INCREASING INDIGENOUS ADMISSIONS

MD GRAD HELPED OPEN DOORS WIDER FOR INDIGENOUS MEDICAL STUDENTS

The faculty previously held an upper limit of five Indigenous students

Nicole Labine, ’19 MD, grew up in

admitted to the MD program per year

a Métis household in the largely

through the IHIP process. Indigenous

Indigenous town of Fort Smith,

applicants can also apply and be

N.W.T. After completing an honours

accepted through the non-Indigenous

degree in biochemistry from UBC

prospective five chose to go to

stream. The medical school accepts

Okanagan, Labine was accepted to

school elsewhere, the faculty would

162 new students every year and

the U of A’s medical school as one of

often be left with unfilled spots

receives well over 1,400 applications.

five Indigenous students out of 162.

meant for Indigenous students.

“Thirty years ago, Indigenous post-

She was admitted as part of the

“I’ve been involved with the interview

secondary enrolment was nowhere

well-meaning admissions program

process for three years, and we

near where it is now, so holding five

that had outlived its usefulness.

were missing out on some amazing

spots out of the total MD program seat

What started out three decades ago

candidates,” she said.

allotment was a meaningful measure,”

as a policy that represented access

said Kemble. “Over time, we know it’s

for at least five Indigenous medical

Labine found her way onto

become a limitation.”

students through the IHIP process in

the Indigenous admissions

any given year had, in recent years,

subcommittee, which contributed

become a cap.

to changing the policy to increase

“This is a step forward to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, specifically number 23, which calls on all levels of government to increase the number of Indigenous professionals working in the healthcare field,” said Shirley Schipper, ’99 MD, vice-dean of education. “Our faculty is committed to address the Calls to Action across our education programs as part of a larger mandate—to meet the health needs of

Nicole Labine, ’19 MD

Indigenous students’ entry into

“It’s important for Indigenous students to be able to see themselves at home in the faculty, and feel welcomed with a sense of community”

medicine in a way that moved beyond incrementalism. Indeed, acceptances were received from nearly the entire contingent of Indigenous students who received offers this past spring.

Labine also helped to found the U of A’s first Indigenous Medical and Dental Students’ Association.

our communities.”

—NICOLE LABINE, ’19 MD

She has begun a five-year general

Kemble said an increase in

The faculty would send out five

of Saskatchewan, with a goal to

Indigenous MD student enrolment

letters of offer to Indigenous

one day move back home to the

will eventually create a critical

students admitted to its MD

Northwest Territories.

mass of Indigenous physicians,

program through the IHIP process.

medical educators and other

Labine said the problem today is

“It is closing the loop for me. It’s

health professionals to work in

that many of the top Indigenous

the final step that proves to me,

communities and more broadly

students get multiple offers

although there were lots of barriers,

across systems. “Through their

from other schools. If any of the

I still did it, I still made it.”

surgery residency at the University

UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA

7

EDUCATION

MOMENTUM MAGAZINE

Boyle McCauley Health Centre Dental Clinic expansion provides valuable service in the community

The eight examination chairs in the expanded Boyle McCauley Health Centre double the number of patients that can be seen.

INNER CITY LOW-INCOME RESIDENTS, NEWCOMER IMMIGRANTS AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLES HAVE A NEW DENTAL CLINIC THANKS TO COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP AND SUPPORT. AUTHOR

PHOTO BY

TARWINDER RAI

JOHN UL AN

THE NEWLY EXPANDED Boyle

Located in its new site in the Métis

The modern, eight-chair clinic will be

McCauley Health Centre (BMHC)

Capital Housing Corporation

able to accept 1,000 more visits per year,

Dental Clinic provides convenient

Renaissance Tower, the $1.5-million

with reduced wait times for followup

access to dental care for vulnerable

expansion was made possible by

appointments and increased capacity to

populations and will continue to

a partnership between the School

accommodate more emergencies.

be a valuable hands-on learning

of Dentistry, The Métis Nation of

environment for dentistry and

Alberta, BMHC and Alberta Health

“We are very excited that our partnership

dental hygiene students.

Services (AHS).

with Alberta Health Services and the University of Alberta’s School of

“We are able to provide dental

Oral health-care services have been

Dentistry has resulted in the expansion

care to an underserved population

provided by the BMHC since 1993, but

of our dental clinic, making it possible

that often goes without adequate

it had outgrown the space. Each year,

for more members of our community to

care,” said Paul Major, chair of the

more than 2,000 patients visited the

access comprehensive, affordable dental

University of Alberta’s School

clinic, which until the expansion had

care,” said Cecilia Blasetti, executive

of Dentistry.

only four operatory chairs.

director of the BMHC.

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FACULTY OF MEDICINE & DENTISTRY

ISSUE NO. 3

EDUCATION

FALL 2019

Radiation Therapy students receive hands-on training and provide care at different locations in Alberta AUTHOR

PHOTO BY

KERI SWEETMAN

NEIL ZELLER

WHEN KRISTI NGO, ’18 BScRT, applied

“Students need a full scope of

to the radiation therapy program at the

competencies and exposure to

University of Alberta, she had no idea

different technology and work teams,

she would be spending most of the last

and they wouldn’t get that at only one

year of the program back in her home

cancer centre,” said Fawcett. “It is in

city, Calgary.

both the patients’ and profession’s best interest to have students do training at

It couldn’t have worked out better.

multiple Alberta Health Services sites.”

Ngo landed a job at the Tom Baker

Within the next five years, the plan is

Cancer Centre in Calgary after doing an

to include shorter clinical placements

eight-month clinical placement there.

at smaller cancer centres in Alberta, such as the Jack Ady Centre in

Every U of A radiation therapy student

Lethbridge, the Central Alberta Cancer

now has clinical placements at both

Centre in Red Deer or eventually at a

the Cross Cancer Institute (CCI) in

new facility in Grande Prairie. A new

Edmonton and the Tom Baker Cancer

cancer-care centre is also being built

Centre (TBCC) in Calgary, as part

in Calgary. Discussions have already

of a partnership developed by Susan

begun on how to train more radiation

Fawcett, director of the program.

therapists for when it opens in 2023.

From left, Miranda Bowler and Kristi Ngo, radiation therapy graduates from the class of 2018, now work as colleagues at the Tom Baker Cancer

SIDEBAR AUTHOR: ROSS NEITZ

Centre in Calgary.

U of A family medicine residents to receive part of their training at MacEwan University’s new health centre A newly opened health centre at MacEwan University that operates under a team-based medical home model will serve as a new training site for University of Alberta family medicine residents and other allied health learners.

“This is not the physiciancentric model,” explained Lee Green, chair of the U of A’s Department of Family Medicine.

“It is we—the doctors, nurses, medical office assistants, psychologists, social care workers, pharmacists and others—we take care of these patients together, all under the same roof. So it’s a different mindset.”

The MacEwan University Health Centre is at the forefront of an effort to strengthen primary care in Alberta by embracing the medical home model—an approach to care that is patient-centred, systematic and team-based.

The health centre opened in July 2018 and serves more than 5,000 patients. It is funded by Alberta Health and operated by a non-profit corporation called the Northern Alberta Primary Care Academic Clinics. Similar medical home models of care have been tested in other jurisdictions outside of Alberta with great success—which the team now hopes to replicate here.

“When you look at the data, it shows that patients who are cared for in this way—especially patients with complex chronic diseases—have fewer emergency visits, fewer hospital admissions and higher patient satisfaction,” said Green. “They do better.

Patients just do better.”

UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA

9

EDUCATION

Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) curriculum ready for rollout The Class of 2023 will be the first cohort of DDS students at the University of Alberta to experience the new “curriculum for learners” as part of the curriculum renewal project at the School of Dentistry.

After years of rigorous reviews, planning, design and development, the first year of the newly designed DDS program is ready to go.

MOMENTUM MAGAZINE

Hands-on training crucial to Medical Laboratory Science AUTHOR

PHOTO BY

SASHA ROEDER MAH

MELISSA FABRIZIO

WITH BIG DATA, artificial intelligence

by hands-on in the lab—focused on

and precision health making strides

advanced training in processes such as

in medical research and practice,

mass spectrometry and flow cytometry.

the University of Alberta’s Medical

Neither of these are new technologies,

Laboratory Science (MLS) program is

but they are continually being called

in the midst of major changes to ensure

into action in new and different ways,

graduates entering the profession are

making up-to-date training crucial.

ready to hit the ground running.

“We want our students to get their

The new curriculum will improve the learning of dental students through enhanced active learning strategies and by sequencing course material in a way that strengthens the learning from foundational dental and medical content to everyday practice. Faculty are working to integrate course topics together to support the provision of comprehensive patient care.

“We need to be developing lab

hands on those instruments and

professionals who will be change

become really proficient at using them,

agents, and who can help other health

to address the growing need in clinical

professionals manage the technology,”

service,” said Purdy

The biomedical content and assessment will be completely directed by Dentistry, with an emphasis on developing dental practitioners with thorough knowledge about medical conditions and their management most relevant to dental practice.

said Lisa Purdy, program director.

To get ahead of the demand, Purdy is It’s in the final undergraduate year

also creating a new master’s degree in

of the MLS program that the most

Medical Laboratory Science. The graduate

sweeping curriculum changes appear

program is so ahead of the curve, she said,

with a series of new courses—most

it will “create a professional that Alberta

offered in a blended fashion with

Health Services may not yet even have a

online didactic learning followed

job description for.”

From left, Nikki Yurkiw and Rachel McKellar, medical laboratory science graduates from the class of 2018

Chair of the school, Paul Major, says the aim is not only to transform the future of learning by improving the student experience but also to better prepare students for the demands and challenges of entering practice.

“This involves much more than ensuring students have solid didactic knowledge and clinical competence,” he said.

“At the forefront is developing enlightened leaders—dental and dental hygiene professionals who reflect on their practice and work to make a unique and highly valued contribution to the community.”

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FACULTY OF MEDICINE & DENTISTRY

RESEARCH ISSUE NO. 3

NEW DIRECTIONS

FALL 2019

Verna Yiu, ’84 BMedSc, ’86 MD, Alberta Health Services president and CEO, thanks Dianne and Irving Kipnes (centre).

Alberta positioned to become an international leader in lymphatic-disorder research thanks to $7 million in gifts AUTHOR

PHOTO BY

ROSS NEITZ

MICHAEL BROWN

THE DIANNE AND Irving Kipnes Chair

“We’ve always wanted to do

in Lymphatic Disorders is the first of

something in Edmonton,” said

its kind in Canada. It will help drive

Dianne Kipnes, who was diagnosed

research in Alberta and improve care

with lymphedema in 2009, five

for people suffering with medical

years after undergoing treatment

problems—such as lymphedema—

for cervical cancer. “I think we can

associated with the lymphatic system.

help a lot of people who are dealing with a lot of pain. How many times

“We are at the ground floor of this

in anybody’s life do you get to

because there really is no substantial

develop an area where so much

collection of knowledge about lymphatic

research is needed?”

disorders right now,” said Irving Kipnes of the Dianne and Irving Kipnes

The University of Alberta Department

Foundation, which committed $5 million

of Oncology and Cancer Research

to establish the new research chair.

Institute of Northern Alberta (CRINA) are involved in the

The University Hospital Foundation

international search and selection

(UHF) and their community of donors

of the chair. CRINA will also

matched a gift of $1 million made by

adjudicate awards made possible by

the Kipnes Foundation through the

the donations for trainees who will

UHF, increasing the total commitment

contribute work on lymphedema

to $7 million.

research projects.

UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA

About lymphedema Lymphedema is a chronic condition of localized fluid retention and tissue swelling caused by a compromised lymphatic system.

It affects about 300,000 people in Canada and up to 250 million people worldwide.

There is no cure and no effective drug treatments. Treatments to reduce swelling, such as massage and compression, provide limited relief.

15 per cent of lymphedema cases are related to cancer. The rest are related to obesity, disability, surgery and genetics.

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RESEARCH NEW DIRECTIONS

MOMENTUM MAGAZINE

U of A researchers identify possible new pathway to treat anxiety University of Alberta professor of pharmacology William Colmers and his team have identified a possible new target for drugs that can reduce anxiety symptoms.

The team focused on activity in the amygdala, a stress-sensitive part of the brain, and identified the exact mechanism that elicits the reversing of stress responses.

CRH and NPY both affect the same ion channel in the nerve cell’s membrane. Activity in the output neurons of the amygdala signals fear or danger. By blocking this ion channel, NPY slows down the firing of these neurons, inhibiting anxiety.

When the team stopped the nerve cells from making this ion channel, the anxiety-reducing effects lasted up to eight weeks in animals.

The research was funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health and was a collaboration with Rosalind Franklin University in Chicago.

New health research centre opens at Lois Hole Hospital for Women

The Lois Hole Hospital Women’s Research Centre brings researchers, clinicians and patients together to improve outcomes for women of all ages and stages.

AUTHOR

ORIGINAL STORY

PHOTO BY

SHELBY SOKE

FOLIO

ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES

A NEWLY OPENED research centre at

Professor, professor of obstetrics

the Lois Hole Hospital for Women

and gynecology and physiology; and

provides a place where clinicians,

Canada Research Chair in Maternal

researchers and patients can work

and Perinatal Cardiovascular Health.

together to improve patient outcomes.

The new research centre was made Research teams at the Lois Hole

possible with a $1-million donation

Hospital Women’s Research Centre

from supporters of the Lois Hole

will study health issues affecting

Hospital for Women through

women of all ages and stages of life,

the Royal Alexandra Hospital

including high-risk pregnancy and

Foundation. The U of A’s Faculty

reproductive health, mental health,

of Medicine & Dentistry matched

urogynecology, mature women’s health

the donation with an additional

and ovarian and gynecological cancer.

$1 million and further support was provided by Alberta Health Services

“Women are often underrepresented

and WCHRI.

in research. This centre will contribute, in a significant way, to

“To be a leading women’s hospital, our

the correction of this imbalance,”

donors understand that outstanding

said Sandra Davidge, executive

clinical care is shaped by ongoing

director of the Women and

research,” said Andrew Otway,

on hormones that regulate fight-or-

Children’s Health Research Institute

president and CEO of the Royal

flight response.

(WCHRI); Distinguished University

Alexandra Hospital Foundation.

U of A pharmacology professor William Colmers’ research focuses

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FACULTY OF MEDICINE & DENTISTRY

SIDEBAR PHOTO BY: MELISSA FABRIZIO

They studied the stress hormone— the peptide corticotropinreleasing hormone (CRH)—and neuropeptide-Y (NPY), an antistress hormone, in animals.

RESEARCH ISSUE NO. 3

DISCOVERIES

FALL 2019

U of A lab discovers game-changing disease process in MS AUTHOR

PHOTO BY

SHELBY SOKE

MELISSA FABRIZIO

WHILE DISCOVERING a process in the

“We think this drug would break the

brain causing cell death that occurs in

cycle of neurotoxic inflammation and

multiple sclerosis, researchers at the

thus prevent future loss of brain cells in

University of Alberta may have also

MS,” said Brienne McKenzie, first author

found a way to treat the disease.

on the study and a PhD student in the U of A’s Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry.

Neurologist Chris Power and his team identified pyroptosis, or fiery

“Existing MS treatments work to reduce

death. The study marks the first

inflammation, but there is nothing that

molecular analysis of pyroptosis in

targets the brain cells themselves,”

the human brain. Pyroptosis is a type

said Avindra Nath, clinical director of

of programmed cell death that is

the National Institute of Neurological

associated with inflammation, but its

Disorder and Stroke at the National

role in MS was previously unknown.

Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD. “This paper identifies a clinically

To identify pyroptosis, the team

relevant novel pathway that opens the

discovered an enzyme that is

doors to new therapeutic targets that

responsible for the process. They

prevent cell damage.”

found that a drug called VX-765 blocked the enzyme and protected

The discovery also opens doors to new

oligodendrocytes, the cells that

biomarkers or indicators for monitoring

insulate nerves in the brain. These cells

disease progression of MS, which has

are highly susceptible to damage in MS.

been challenging since symptoms can vary widely between patients with MS. VX-765 is already known to be safe in humans.

The study, published in PNAS, was a collaboration with the National Institutes of Health in Washington, D.C. The MS Society of Canada and the University Hospital Foundation provided funding support.

Neurologist Christopher Power and PhD student Brienne McKenzie discovered a fundamental

Scientists first to pinpoint cause of pigmentary glaucoma An international team has identified a gene responsible for the onset of pigmentary glaucoma, which may lead to new therapies for the condition.

The study, led by University of Alberta professor and chair of medical genetics Michael Walter and published in Human Molecular Genetics, also involved researchers at Harvard University and Flinders University in Australia.

The team used whole exome sequencing to identify the premelanosome protein (PMEL) gene as one associated with pigmentary glaucoma, which affects mostly young males in their 20s and 30s. Collaborating with Ted Allison, an associate professor in the Faculty of Science, they then introduced PMEL mutations into the DNA of zebrafish.

“We found that these fish had altered pigmentation and eye defects which were very reminiscent of human glaucoma,” said Walter. “Altogether, the findings showed us quite clearly that we have identified a new gene that causes glaucoma.”

Walter is now focused on efforts to better understand how the mutations lead to pigmentary glaucoma. He said the research also identified unexpected similarities to other neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, which could lead to exciting new possibilities for treatment.

Funding partners include Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation, Canadian Glaucoma Research Society, Alberta Vision Network, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Maternal and Child Health Student Support, the BrightFocus Foundation, the March of Dimes Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.

mechanism that causes brain cell damage in people with MS. UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA

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FACULTY OF MEDICINE & DENTISTRY

FEATURE

Poala Sanchez, graduate student in surgical education, wears an augmented reality HoloLens device that displays instructions for performing a surgical task.

The Surgical Simulation Research Lab is using AR, VR and eye tracking to create more-precise training for tomorrow’s doctors AUTHOR

PHOTOS BY

ROSS NEITZ

L AUGHING DOG PHOTOGRAPHY

WENJING HE, ’19 PHD, fixes her eyes

He and Sanchez are not practising

on the patient, contemplating her next

surgeons here in Canada. Both

action. Outfitted in a blue surgical

completed their medical training

gown, mask and gloves, she looks every

internationally and are now pursuing

part the surgeon. Across the table, her

a graduate degree in the University of

partner Paola Sanchez carefully reaches

Alberta’s Department of Surgery. The

forward with scissors, delicately

pair are part of a research team in the

making a cut in the material in front

U of A’s Surgical Simulation Research

of her. Each wears a headset with two

Lab (SSRL), working to improve the

cameras attached. One camera films

training of surgeons in the future.

what the wearer is looking at; the other records the wearer’s eye itself.

“I would say over 90 per cent of resources in a health-care system are

Together, the two are participating in a

used to study diseases and patients.

virtual surgery.

But our lab is looking at issues related

UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA

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MOMENTUM MAGAZINE

to the operator,” said SSRL lead Bin Zheng, associate professor of surgery at the U of A and Alberta Health Services chair in Surgical Simulation. “We take a unique approach to health care by having surgeons as our subjects in our lab. Better surgical training translates into better patient safety.”

Over the past seven years, Zheng’s mission has been to develop more-impactful training for surgical residents.

“We are able to detect those teachable moments and then trigger the computer to project instructional knowledge to help you to learn.”

The Surgical Simulation Lab is led by Bin Zheng, associate professor, surgery and Alberta Health

The SSRL team is made up of physicians, physicists,

Services chair in Surgical Simulation.

computing scientists and engineers hailing from both Canada and countries around the world. They include graduate

“We believe a true black box in the OR should provide a

students, PhD candidates, visiting professors and several

stream of digital data that can track down the movement of

undergraduate students.

surgical tools and surgeons’ vision, and can be analyzed by the computer constantly without adding extra observers.”

“They’re all brilliant,” said Zheng.

With the Black Box, a motion-tracking system monitors “We use technological equipment that is fascinating for a

the surgeon’s body and tool movement on multiple points.

lot of people, such as eye tracking, augmented and virtual

The surgeon’s eye movement is also monitored with eye

reality,” said Sanchez, a master’s student in surgical

trackers to detect when errors happen due to a lack of

education who helps manage the SSRL. “I am more

surgical team coordination.

enchanted with the ideas, projects and the ways that we can employ technology in medical and surgical education.”

“We track the surgical team’s eye movements during a procedure and then we analyze whether they’re looking at the same spot or

The lab has several projects in the works, each focused on

not and whether their gaze overlaps over time,” said He. “What

helping new surgical residents learn the skills needed to

we found is for an expert team, the eye gaze overlaps at a rate of

become experts in their craft.

about 70 per cent. For a novice team, the team’s gaze overlaps at

BLACK BOX FOR SURGICAL TRAINING Among the projects is the one demonstrated by He and Sanchez. Zheng describes it as the OR Black Box, taking a

30 per cent. Team gaze overlap can predict team performance.

If they’re looking at the same spot, it means they are taking in the same visual information and collaborating.”

cue from the black boxes in airplanes that can be analyzed

AR IN THE OR

to understand errors that lead to a crash.

A second project underway in the lab brings augmented reality (AR) to surgical training.

“There are a few disadvantages behind a video-based black box. First, surgeons do not like being watched by the video

AR exploded into the mainstream in 2016 with the release of

in the operating room. Second, video evidence is good for

the video game Pokémon Go. In the game, players use their

analyzing the problems post hoc, but has limited power to

smartphone to “find” and “capture” creatures in real-world

prevent errors from happening,” said Zheng.

environments. The technology, which essentially displays

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FACULTY OF MEDICINE & DENTISTRY

ISSUE NO. 3

FEATURE

FALL 2019

information over real-life settings, is being adapted in new

during a procedure. If fatigue is detected, surgeons can take a

ways in health care.

short break to refocus—making the surgery safer for the patient.

In the SSRL, researchers are using AR technology along with

GOING THROUGH THE MOTIONS

eye tracking to teach surgical procedures. While practising

The team is also using haptic feedback as a means of quickly

a surgical procedure, trainees wear a hands-free augmented

training the muscle memory of young surgeons who need to

reality device—called a HoloLens—on their heads. Zheng’s

perform complicated procedures with great dexterity.

team has implanted a set of three cameras to it to track the user’s eye movements. Through eye tracking and augmented

The SSRL team built a system to record an expert’s hand

reality, the learner can receive instructions on the lenses

motions and translate those exact motions digitally into a

of the AR goggles while performing the surgical task they

second station, where a novice learner could feel what the

experience difficulty in doing.

experienced surgeon did and then try to copy the action— rather than simply try to simulate the action from video or

“For example, if I ask you to do a chest-tube insertion and you

verbal instruction. Zheng believes the technique will greatly

find a step to be difficult, you will likely start looking around

speed up the acquisition of complicated dexterity skills.

trying to think of how to continue the procedure,” explained Sanchez. “At that moment, the learner is no longer engaged in

“It’s like you’re putting your hands into the gloves of the

the task, and we can capture this moment on the eye movements

expert,” said Zheng.

recorded by the eye tracking. By detecting the moment when the person needs some help, we can intervene. Instead of looking at the instructions again or watching the instructional video on the computer, the learner can have the information about the task

“It’s like you’re putting your hands into the gloves of the expert.”

displayed on the HoloLens in real time.”

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada is “We are able to detect those teachable moments and then

funding the SSRL to find evidence of how well using haptic

trigger the computer to project instructional knowledge to

feedback works to train surgical skills.

help you to learn,” added Zheng.

COMING SOON

Other research being done, by undergraduate engineering

This work is in the research phase and is not yet in use

student Bassim Nima, includes a plan to monitor the

training surgical residents. The researchers in the SSRL

brainwaves of surgeons to detect when they become fatigued

believe it’s only a matter of time before the technology

Poala Sanchez (left) and Wenjing He participate in a virtual surgery with eye tracking equipment,

and techniques they are innovating become standard practice in surgical and medical education.

augmented and virtual reality technology.

“I’m pretty sure once the technology is more accessible— augmented reality, virtual reality and eye tracking—we’ll see many people implementing what we’re doing here,” said Sanchez.

Zheng believes that time is not far distant and he is already envisioning the future of surgical training in Alberta.

“We need to have a simulation lab open for our surgical residents 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said Zheng.

“The goal for the future should be to have a regional simulation centre, allowing every single surgeon to practise a set amount of time before getting a surgical licence or renewing their licence for the next year—pretty much like how aviation works. We’re not there yet. But we’re getting closer.”

UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA

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FEATURE

CHANGE CHAMPIONS How learners are making all the difference AUTHOR

PHOTOS BY

KIRSTEN BAUER

L AUGHING DOG PHOTOGRAPHY

SOME ARE PROVIDING dental care to those living in poverty; some leading the charge on cutting edge women’s health research

or advocating for LGBTQ-inclusive health care. Here are some of our most recent alumni plus current undergraduate students, resident physicians and graduate students. All are change champions carving out new directions in health care, education, research and public policy.

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Derek Fehr and Finola Hackett

Denise Alano and Regan Clarke

DEREK FEHR ’19 MD

FINOLA HACKETT ’14 BMus, ’19 MD

DENISE ALANO ’19 MLS

REGAN CLARKE ’19 BScRT

Future psychiatrist. Named in the Top 30 under 30 by the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation. Recognized for inclusive LGBTQ healthcare leadership through MD curriculum development and public engagement.

Future rural family physician.

University of Alberta’s 2017 Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Award winner.

Planetary health and equity advocate striving for improved global health policy and accessible care for all.

Vice-president of wellness, Medical Laboratory Students Association.

Organized Wellness Nights to reinforce vital peerled support systems and improve student well-being.

Patient-focused. Peopleperson. Radiation therapist passionate about providing better cancer care for patients and their families facing some of their hardest days.

Haran Yogasundaram and Andrew Woodman HARAN YOGASUNDARAM ’10 BSc ChemE, ’16 MD, Post-graduate year four resident, Cardiology, Department of Medicine Chemical engineer.

Resident leader.

Innovative clinician working towards better diagnosis and treatment of cardiac disease.

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4

Maham Masoud and Jhoyli Labrador-Stacey

ANDREW WOODMAN MD/PhD class of 2023

MAHAM MASOUD DHD class of 2020

Vanier Scholar. Unraveling the links between pregnancy conditions and babies’ longterm health with Stephane Bourque, Canada Research Chair in Developmental and Integrative Cardiovascular Pharmacology. Supported

by Alberta Innovates.

Vice-president Dental Hygiene, SHINE Dentistry Executive Committee. Making oral health an accessible reality for all through community initiatives.

FACULTY OF MEDICINE & DENTISTRY

JHOYLI LABRADORSTACEY ’15 BSc, DDS class of 2021 Organizer, Dental Student Association’s Ninth Annual Winter Charity Ball. Helped raise $120,000 towards Dentistry for All, the Student Support and Wellbeing Fund and the Boyle McCauley Dental Clinic.

ISSUE NO. 3

FEATURE

FALL 2019

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GO TO UAB.CA/CHAMPS FOR RELATED STORIES

UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA

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MOMENTUM DRIVERS

GO TO UAB.CA/DRIVERS FOR RELATED STORIES

Teamwork is the answer to the most pressing health questions.

IT IS COLLABORATION that propels health research, education and patient care to new

heights and we’ve got the teams to zero in on the most critical issues of our time.

Our researchers are taking major steps forward with machine learning and artificial intelligence to transform diagnostic imaging and to help predict and treat mental health conditions.

Some are taking courageous action towards addressing the Indigenous health gap; some are challenging what for physicians can be the persistent stigma around asking for help.

From diverse research groups targeting breast cancer to those tackling MS from every angle and experts promoting healthy aging: Here are the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry’s Momentum Drivers of the year.

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FACULTY OF MEDICINE & DENTISTRY

MOMENTUM DRIVERS

From left, Leina Saito, graduate student, medical microbiology and immunology; Jennifer McCombe, associate clinical professor and MS neurologist; Chris Power, vice-dean research, MS neurologist and co-director, MS Centre; Bradley Kerr, associate professor, anesthesiology and pain medicine, co-director, MS Centre; Jason Plemel, assistant professor, neuroscientist; Maria Sprentz, person with MS

Mission Possible: Finding a cure for MS HOW DO YOU SOLVE WHAT UNTIL NOW HAS BEEN VIRTUALLY UNSOLVABLE? MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AFFECTS MORE THAN 77,000 CANADIANS AND DESPITE THE BEST EFFORTS OF RESEARCHERS OVER DECADES, PROGRESS TOWARD FINDING BOTH A CAUSE AND A CURE HAS BEEN SLOW.

FOR SCIENTISTS AT the University of

more than 20 experts in research and

such as the MS Society of Canada and

Alberta MS Centre and Neuroscience

clinical care, the MS Centre shows

the University Hospital Foundation.

and Mental Health Institute, the answer

what can be achieved when leaders

While focused on growing MS research

lies in uniting researchers, clinicians,

from science and medicine unite within

and education and developing a new

patients and community partners in a

an academic centre.

generation of health-care professionals

concerted, coordinated effort.

and researchers, the team is mindful to “We are stronger together,” said Power.

always remain patient-centred.

Since 2014, the MS Centre has sparked

“Bringing different skills to bear on the

some of Canada’s top scientific

same problem will ultimately help us

“It’s not all about the doctors and

minds seeking answers for issues

figure out MS.”

scientists anymore,” said Kerr. “The

involving multiple sclerosis—including

researcher-patient interaction we have

neurological disability, inflammation

The centre has fostered strong

here is the envy of other institutions.

and pain. Led by co-directors Chris

partnerships with MS patients and

People look to our centre and say,

Power and Brad Kerr, and home to

members of the wider community

‘We want to do what they’re doing.’ ”

UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA

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MOMENTUM DRIVERS

From left, Sambhu Nath, senior health coach; Marjan Abbasi, associate clinical professor, family medicine; Wendy Jerome, senior health coach; Cheryl Pengelly, senior health coach; Bonnie Dobbs, director, U of A’s Medically At-Risk Driver Centre (MARD); Sheny Khera, assistant professor, Family Medicine and site director, Misericordia Family Medicine Centre; Jean Triscott, U of A family medicine physician and founder of Division of Care of the Elderly; Brian Dompe, senior health coach; Jasneet Parmar, associate professor, family medicine and medical director, Covenant Health Network of Excellence in Seniors’ Health and Wellness

Team approach to healthy aging WITH CANADA’S RAPIDLY GROWING ELDERLY POPULATION, THE SECRET TO HEALTHY AGING AND COMPASSIONATE CARE LIES IN TEAMWORK. “IT’S ALL ABOUT TEAM,” said Jean

and Lesley Charles are revolutionizing

SHAPE (Supporting Healthy Aging

Triscott, professor of family medicine

the way health professionals assess the

by Peer Education), led by geriatric

who founded one of Canada’s first Care

decision-making capacity of seniors

physician Adrian Wagg in the

of the Elderly divisions at the University

in Edmonton and across the province

Department of Medicine, is a unique

of Alberta 16 years ago. “And that team

with a new assessment toolkit that

health program delivered peer-to-

includes community partners.”

aims to keep seniors safe at home for

peer among seniors, focusing on

as long as possible.

heart and bone health as well as

The U of A’s Medically At-Risk Driver

nutrition, physical activity and social

Centre, led by Bonnie Dobbs, research

Winners of the Top Frailty Innovation

engagement to empower preventive

director for the Division of Care of the

of the Year award from the Canadian

health behaviour.

Elderly, is helping rural communities

Frailty Network, Marjan Abbasi

develop practical transportation

and Sheny Khera co-created the

The results? Improvements to

solutions for seniors.

Seniors’ Community Hub (SCH), a

chronic-disease management and

community program that transforms

quality of life, maintenance of patient

Family medicine associate professors

primary care into a central hub to

independence and the alleviation

and members of the Edmonton Oliver

better meet the dynamic health and

of family and caregiver burden.

Primary Care Network, Jasneet Parmar

social needs of older adults.

Teamwork is clearly paying off.

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FACULTY OF MEDICINE & DENTISTRY

From left, Derek Emery, professor and chair, Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging; Kumaradeven Punithakumar, assistant professor (research); Michelle Noga, ’90 MD, associate professor

MOMENTUM DRIVERS

3-D imaging at the heart of precision health IMAGING IS CENTRAL TO THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF MANY DISEASES. WHEN IT’S COMBINED WITH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TECHNIQUES, THE FUTURE OF PRECISION HEALTH COMES INTO SHARPER FOCUS. AT THE MAZANKOWSKI Alberta

dimensional image,” said Michelle

The U of A’s medical imaging

Heart Institute’s Alberta Health

Noga, associate professor in the

expertise is thanks in no small part to

Services Servier Lab, a team of

Department of Radiology and

a long-standing partnership with MIC

University of Alberta radiologists

Diagnostic Imaging.

medical imaging. These radiologists

is developing better ways to look at

provide clinical imaging services at

the heart. They’re taking data from

Researchers from the department—

the University of Alberta Hospital

ultrasound, MRI or CT and applying

including Jacob Jaremko,

and many other Edmonton sites.

artificial intelligence to process the

Kumaradeven Punithakumar and

They also support research programs,

images in 3-D.

Lawrence Le—are utilizing artificial

provide most of the clinical teaching

intelligence to develop new methods

to three residency programs—

“It is very important for surgeons

of ultrasound image processing to

diagnostic radiology, nuclear

operating on babies with congenital

transform the imaging evaluation of

medicine and pediatric radiology—

heart disease to have a very good

the heart, infant hip dysplasia, the

and offer fellowship programs to

idea of what exactly they are

thyroid gland and dental disease.

train subspecialists in diagnostic

dealing with, which can be difficult

and interventional radiology.

to ascertain from a typical twoUNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA

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MOMENTUM DRIVERS

From left, Michelle Phillips, administration assistant; Robert Pauly, assistant dean, Faculty Wellbeing; Marj Thomson, executive assistant; Sophia Parks, psychologist; Erica Dance, assistant dean, Resident & Fellows Affairs; Cheryl Goldstein, assistant dean, Student Affairs; Ryan Jacobson, psychologist; Lisa Purdy, assistant dean, Graduate Student Affairs; Melanie Lewis, associate dean, Office of Advocacy & Wellbeing

Caring for the whole student THE FACULTY OF MEDICINE & DENTISTRY’S OFFICE OF ADVOCACY & WELLBEING SERVES A CRUCIAL ROLE FOR HEALTH-SCIENCE STUDENTS. IT CULTIVATES THEIR willingness to

The office supports undergraduate,

unload whatever they need to,

be vulnerable and seek support while

graduate and postgraduate learners,

and feel safe that this information

also challenging the persistent stigma

with resources on wellness and

isn’t going to hurt their academic

for physicians around asking for

financial literacy as well as individual

reputation,” said Lewis.

help—from the moment students enter

psychological and career counselling

school, through clinical placements,

services. Students can reach out to one

Highlights of the Office of Advocacy

residency and beyond.

of two part-time psychologists and four

& Wellbeing’s work include

assistant deans who help with academic

involvement in student-led, peer-

During their programs, learners may

appeals and advice to deal with

support wellness initiatives and

feel they aren’t as well-adjusted as

harassment or intimidation and conflict

counselling for MD students who

others, or that everyone else is coping

resolution, among other stressors.

have been unmatched for the

better with academic and personal

Recently, Advocacy & Wellbeing

medical residency of their choice.

pressures. “Our goal is to ensure that

expanded its work to provide support to

students meet their best academic and

faculty members as well.

personal potential, and that we address

“We have a commitment to our students,” said Lewis. “We are

any barriers that are hampering them,”

“We are a confidential space. Students

not going to leave them alone in

said Associate Dean Melanie Lewis.

can come here knowing they can

this journey.”

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FACULTY OF MEDICINE & DENTISTRY

From left, Jill Konkin, associate dean, Division of Community Engagement; Tibetha Kemble, director, Indigenous Health Initiatives Program; Kenton Boutillier, administrator, Indigenous Health Initiatives Program

MOMENTUM DRIVERS

Indigenous Health Initiatives Program

BY ELIMINATING A QUOTA SYSTEM, THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA TOOK ACTION TOWARDS REDRESSING HISTORIC LIMITATIONS ON INDIGENOUS STUDENT ADMISSIONS TO THE MD PROGRAM. THE LEADERS BEHIND the systemic

Kemble and IHIP administrator

“I’m excited about expanding our

change—Jill Konkin, associate dean,

Kenton Boutillier are committed

community to help advance this

Division of Community Engagement

to recruiting and supporting future

important work,” Kemble said.

and Tibetha Kemble, director of

Indigenous health professionals,

This includes establishing a council

the Indigenous Health Initiatives

engaging junior high and elementary

of elders, creating an Indigenous

Program (IHIP)—were recognized

students with valuable experiences

mentorship network and broadening

with U of A’s 2019 Equity, Diversity

that foster a sense of belonging

learning opportunities to strengthen

and Inclusion Award.

within the professions.

relationships between Indigenous and

“Dr. Konkin was courageous in her

The IHIP also supports the faculty

leadership,” Kemble said. “When she

in building relationships with treaty

There are more signs of hope than

asked the question, ‘Why do we have a

organizations, individual First

of struggle, stresses Kemble. Today,

limit at all?’ everything seemed to open

Nations, First Nations Education

“there is a desire among non-

up. I think our collaboration since then

Authorities and other Indigenous

Indigenous students, faculty and

demonstrates how people within a system

representatives to encourage

staff to work in partnership and

can work together to advance the needs of

community members to consider the

collaboration to strengthen our

Indigenous peoples in meaningful ways.”

health professions.

connection to each other.”

non-Indigenous peoples.

UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA

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MOMENTUM DRIVERS

From left, Zelei Yang, doctoral student, biochemistry, supervised by David Brindley, CRINA co-director and member, Women and Children’s Health Research Institute (WCHRI); LynneMarie Postovit, co-director, Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta (CRINA) and member, WCHRI; John Mackey, ’90 MD, director, Clinical Trials Unit at the Cross Cancer Institute

A powerhouse group targets breast cancer A COLLECTIVE OF INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED RESEARCHERS JOINS FORCES TO TARGET THIS COMMON CANCER, COMBINING THEIR UNIQUE PERSPECTIVES AND SPECIALTIES IN A SEARCH FOR THE CURE. DESPITE ADVANCEMENTS MADE

This collaborative approach means that

Trials Unit at the Cross Cancer

over the past decades, breast

we are able to gain an understanding

Institute, means that research can

cancer is still the second-leading

of the disease on a vast spectrum, from

progress to the next stage through

cause of death from cancer in

the level of the individual molecules

investigator-led clinical trials that take

Canadian women.

and cells that have an impact to the

discoveries from the laboratory bench

role of the whole body in battling the

to actual patients. David Eisenstat, chair

The Cancer Research Institute

disease. CRINA co-director Lynne-

of the University of Alberta Department

of Northern Alberta (CRINA),

Marie Postovit researches the molecular

of Oncology, also recently become an

a translational science institute,

mechanisms by which breast cancers

Alberta node leader with the Terry Fox

has more than 40 members within

evade therapy. Other researchers, such

Research Institute, replacing now-

its 120-plus researcher membership

as Catherine Field and Vickie Baracos,

retired Carol Cass.

whose work specifically targets

take a larger view and examine nutrition

breast cancer. They study the

and body composition and the way both

“We will make a difference for breast

disease from multiple faculties

impact survival in patients.

cancer patients right here in our

across the university, bringing their

community and also throughout the

diverse perspectives and specialties

The involvement of individuals such as

province, the country and the world,”

to the problem.

John Mackey, director of the Clinical

said Postovit.

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FACULTY OF MEDICINE & DENTISTRY

MOMENTUM DRIVERS

From left, Bo Cao, assistant professor, psychiatry, member, Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute (NMHI); Katherine Aitchison, professor, psychiatry and adjunct, medical genetics, associate director, NMHI and Women and Children’s Health Research Institute

Precision health for mental health MEMBERS OF THE NEUROSCIENCE AND MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTE (NMHI) APPLY ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO EXAMINE GENETIC, LIFESTYLE AND IMAGING DATA FOR MORE PRECISE MENTAL ILLNESS PREVENTION, DETECTION AND INTERVENTION. BO CAO LEADS a University of Alberta

up and to optimize treatment plans

Her team also aims to identify

computational psychiatry lab in

for each individual patient.

differences in genetics that are

NMHI. In one study, his team used a

associated with addictions. They use

machine learning algorithm to examine

Katherine Aitchison leads the Precision

mobile health (mHealth) to better

functional magnetic resonance imaging

Mental Health and Addictions Lab

understand suicidal ideation, leading

(MRI) images, which helped identify

in NMHI. Her team is shedding light

to appropriate preventive measures

with 78-per-cent accuracy patients

on genetic and environmental factors

and recommendations that can

with first-episode schizophrenia. It also

that may trigger the onset of psychotic

enhance resiliency.

predicted with 82-per-cent accuracy

illness. Together with researchers at the

whether or not a patient would

University of Calgary and the Alberta

“Our work is to empower those

respond positively to the antipsychotic

Health Services Molecular Diagnostics

with lived experience—patients and

treatment risperidone.

Lab, her lab is working to sort out

their caregivers—in shared decision-

reliable methods for identifying and

making with their health-care

Ultimately, the hope is to use machine

reporting on genetic variants associated

providers,” Aitchison said.

learning to predict psychiatric

with the efficacy of medications used to

disorders before the symptoms show

treat mental health conditions.

UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA

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FACULTY OF MEDICINE & DENTISTRY

FEATURE

Top pediatric researchers named as Distinguished Researchers within the Stollery Science Lab to act as advocates for children’s health AUTHOR

PHOTO BY

ROSS NEITZ

RYAN WHITEFIELD

Grace Fisher, 16, underwent successful heart surgery four years ago. Improving health

AFTER UNDERGOING SUCCESSFUL heart surgery when she was 12, Grace Fisher

outcomes for children

took part in a learning session with a nurse as part of a research program to

like Grace is the goal of

help her better understand her chronic condition and how to advocate for her

the new Stollery Science

own health.

Lab program.

“For years and years, I had my cardiologist come and talk to me about the results of my heart condition, but never the heart condition itself,” said Fisher. “It was UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA

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MOMENTUM MAGAZINE

nice to sit with the nurse and hear why they were doing the tests, learn about my condition and see a diagram of what I have.”

The session made Fisher, who is one of more than a million Canadian children living with a chronic condition, more comfortable speaking openly about her health.

“It gave me confidence in knowing that this is something I can take seriously and not have to tiptoe around. Because I now have all this information, I have the right tools to stand up for myself,” said Fisher.

Andrew Mackie, an associate professor of pediatric cardiology at the University of Alberta, cardiologist at

Distinguished Researchers within the Stollery Science Lab The seven Distinguished Researchers within the Stollery Science Lab act as ambassadors of children’s health research in the community.

TODD ALEXANDER is working to better understand and develop personalized drug therapies for children with rare kidney diseases.

ANDREW MACKIE is helping kids with complex needs transition to adult care—improving patient safety, survival and outcomes.

LISA HARTLING AND SHANNON SCOTT are building decision-making tools that equip families with enough information to make the best decisions possible for their children and their families.

KATE STOREY is facilitating a peer-led mentorship program that will empower Indigenous teens and improve their health and wellness.

MICHAEL HAWKES is developing solar-powered oxygen delivery systems to improve outcomes for childhood infections around the world—especially in high-burden, lowincome settings such as Africa.

LONNIE ZWAIGENBAUM is developing early intervention strategies to screen infants for autism.

This will lead to targeted therapies for children who have autism.

the Stollery Children’s Hospital and member of the Women and Children’s Health Research Institute (WCHRI), led the program that helped Fisher.

“We’re really lucky to have in Edmonton some of the best researchers for pediatric care anywhere, and this team is elevating that care right in our own backyard and across the globe.”

centred care to adult health care,

Canada Research Chair in Maternal

Mackie was named one of seven

and Perinatal Cardiovascular Health.

Distinguished Researchers as part of a new program to pursue initiatives to

“Thanks to the generosity of

improve pediatric health in Alberta and

the Stollery Children’s Hospital

around the world.

Foundation and their donors and their commitment to research,

The Stollery Science Lab child

physicians and staff at the Stollery

health research program runs at

Children’s Hospital will continue

WCHRI thanks to a $5-million gift

to offer the best evidence-based

from its primary funder, the Stollery

treatment and care for their patients

Children’s Hospital Foundation,

and families,” said Verna Yiu, ’84

with support from the U of A and

BMedSc, ’86 MD, president and

Alberta Health Services’ Stollery

CEO of Alberta Health Services.

Children’s Hospital.

“The Distinguished Researchers “It’s exciting when you get to

program is about inspiring people to

“As pediatric providers, we haven’t really

launch a new program that supports

see what’s possible,” said Mike House,

done our job if our patients don’t know

researchers taking that next big

president and CEO of the Stollery

anything about their condition and can’t

step in children’s health

Children’s Hospital Foundation.

make informed decisions,” said Mackie.

research,” said Sandra Davidge,

“We’re really lucky to have in Edmonton

executive director of the WCHRI;

some of the best researchers for

Focused on helping adolescents

Distinguished University Professor;

pediatric care anywhere, and this team

living with lifelong health conditions

professor of obstetrics and

is elevating that care right in our own

successfully transition from family-

gynecology and physiology; and

backyard and across the globe.”

30

FACULTY OF MEDICINE & DENTISTRY

EXPERT COMMENTARY

Six positive ways to engage with someone with autism ORIGINAL STORY

AUTHOR

FOLIO

LESLEY YOUNG

CONSIDERING ONE IN 66 Canadian children is diagnosed with autism spectrum

disorders (ASD), chances are if you don’t already live and work with people with ASD, at some point you will be interacting with someone who is on the spectrum.

To help ensure effective communication, here are some pointers from Lonnie

ARTWORK BY: NATASIA DESIGNS PHOTO BY: L AUGHING DOG PHOTOGRAPHY

Zwaigenbaum, Distinguished Researcher in the Stollery Science Lab.

BE FLEXIBLE

BE PATIENT

People with ASD have an incredibly

“Some people with autism may

diverse range of language abilities.

take a while to think through what

“That’s why the very best way to begin

you’re saying and figures of speech

an interaction (with someone) is to

may be more difficult to interpret,”

find out what his or her preferred

explained Zwaigenbaum.

mode of communication is—verbal,

Lonnie Zwaigenbaurm, professor, pediatrics, developmental pediatrician at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation chair in autism, Edmonton Zone clinical department head - Child Health with Alberta Health Services, Women and Children’s Health Research Institute Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute.

electronic or some other non-verbal

BE GRACIOUS

communication tool developed for

Recognize that someone with ASD

them—and start with that mode if

may speak more bluntly than others,

BE YOURSELF

possible,” said Zwaigenbaum.

but without negative intentions.

It may be difficult for some

BE CLEAR AND QUIET

“Some people with autism may have

others’ non-verbal signals such as

“It is possible to find ways to communicate

difficulty anticipating how others

facial expressions. “Others may

clearly with each person.” Change how you

might react to what they say, so they

think the person with ASD seems

speak if necessary. If the setting is noisy,

may come across as speaking

disinterested when in fact they

move the conversation to a quiet place.

‘without much of a filter’—that is,

greatly desire social connection.”

BE EMPATHETIC

people with ASD to interpret

more blunt or direct than expected,” said Zwaigenbaum. “Of course,

Invite them into conversation as

Be compassionate and respectful and,

some people find this very refreshing,

you would with any other person,

if you sense you’ve upset someone with

too, to know where you stand

advised Zwaigebaum; make them

ASD, clarify, reassure and apologize.

with someone.”

feel welcome.

UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA

31

EXPERT COMMENTARY

How patient stories can improve intensive care ORIGINAL STORY

AUTHORS

THE CONVERSATION

CHRISTIANE JOB MCINTOSH (ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES); SEAN BAGSHAW (UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA, AHS); TOM STELFOX (UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY, AHS)

THE HOSPITAL INTENSIVE care unit

to identify future priorities for care

(ICU) has traditionally been a closed

delivery and research. Usually, a panel

environment, where patient, nurse,

of scientists presents topical research

doctor and family stories are lost.

to a public audience, followed by questions and answers.

have found that sharing stories brings

PATIENTS AS EXPERTS

humanity into the daily business of

We have also organized cafés where

providing care. It also has the potential to

the patients and family members are

transform health-care policy and delivery.

the experts. The audience: Doctors,

PATIENT-ORIENTED CARE

Sean Bagshaw, chair and director of research and innovation in the Department of Critical Care Medicine, Canada Research Chair in Critical Care Nephrology

nurses, health-care administrators and scientists.

The 21st-century reorientation of

Scientists and policymakers must then use these collective experiences to guide

health care towards patient-centred

At these events, a common theme has

care—respectful and responsive to

emerged. Patients want to be engaged

individual patient preferences, needs

as partners in their care, even when

Health-care professionals who

and values—involves listening to and

critically ill. They want to be able to

attended one of our patient-led

integrating patient perspectives.

ask for what is important to them

cafés were deeply affected by the

and who they want to accompany

patient stories.

A “COMMON LANGUAGE” Research suggests that when people share stories they speak a “common language”

innovations in health-care delivery.

them during what is often a difficult journey in the ICU.

Said one nurse, “In my 35-year career, I have learned to focus more

that helps them to make sense of their

GUIDING INNOVATION

situation, particularly when traumatic.

If we are to truly place patients at the

transformation and it will continue

centre of health care in Canada, we

based on your stories. I have never

In critical care research, we use events

must provide more opportunities for

thought to ask a family member,

such as our Café Scientifique to solicit

them to share their stories alongside

‘Who do you need here?’ That has

feedback from patients and families

doctors and nurses.

impacted me.”

32

FACULTY OF MEDICINE & DENTISTRY

on the families. There has been a

ARTWORK BY: NATASIA DESIGNS PHOTO: SUPPLIED BY ALBERTA INNOVATES

But as researchers in critical care, we

ISSUE NO. 3

LEARNERS AS LEADERS

FALL 2019

ORIGINAL STORIES: FOLIO SELF PORTRAIT PAINTING: BRAD NECYK PHOTO BY: RICHARD SIEMENS

Meet two PhDs who are breaking new ground in their fields

Brad Necyk

Stephanie Lunn

PSYCHIATRY PHD CANDIDATE

PHARMACOLOGY, ’18 PHD

FOR BRAD NECYK, giving visual form to

WHEN PURSUING HER BSc and later her

the pain of cancer and mental illness is

PhD in pharmacology, Stephanie Lunn was

a way to help patients heal.

told by mentors and staff at career fairs that finding a job out of grad school would

Necyk observed and heard the stories of

just take patience and perseverance.

transplant patients and head and neck cancer patients in Edmonton, Indigenous

While this failed to bring her much

survivors of suicide attempts in the

comfort, she now offers the same

Arctic and youth at Toronto’s Centre for

wisdom to others, since landing a

Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).

dream role with Aurora Cannabis Inc.

These immersive experiences were

“I like a lot of things and never

difficult for Necyk, who suffers with

wanted to limit myself in a job. I like

bipolar disorder, but each time he

mentoring and teaching, being a leader,

emerged to create a series of evocative

and I’m opinionated so I knew I needed

artworks meant to capture his own and

a unique job that was going to give me

others’ subjective experience of illness.

a new challenge every day,” she said.

“You go down to a place that’s dark

At Aurora, the team-oriented culture is

and unfamiliar, but then pull form

amazing, she has an awesome supervisor

out of it. It’s a terrifying but really

and her work as a research specialist—

creative time—important and really

reading and analyzing scientific literature

meaningful,” he said.

on cannabis to support business decision-making among various teams—

Necyk’s work has been shown in the

is exactly what she wants to be doing.

Double Happiness Project in Toronto, and at the International Museum of

“When I look back over the years, how

Surgical Science in Chicago as part of

I chose pharmacology, and finding such

a six-artist exhibit called “see me, hear

a great lab to grow in, things really do

me, heal me.”

just happen.”

UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA

Tips for budding scholars Mentorship is a collaborative effort, says Greg Funk, University of Alberta professor of physiology and member of the Women and Children’s Health Research Institute and Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute.

Recipient of the 2018 Killam Award for Excellence in Mentoring, Funk shares insights for learners looking to build a better relationship with an academic mentor.

BE PROACTIVE Trainees need to take ownership over their research as soon as possible, says Funk. “Ownership is highly motivating—it gets them personally invested in the science and fosters curiosity so they start asking their own questions.”

BUILD RELATIONSHIPS “Trainees are in the laboratory to acquire a set of skills—hard and soft—necessary for transition to independence,” says Funk. “Your mentor is not an adversary; your success is also your mentor’s so, in the vast majority of cases, they will be your strongest lifelong advocate!”

SET FEAR ASIDE “A common fear is the statistic that only 15 to 18 per cent of PhDs are going to get a faculty position, which terrifies people,” says Funk. “But that’s based on the supposition that it used to be 100 per cent, which it was not.

Thirty years ago, the rate was about 25 per cent, so it’s lower, but it’s not like it has dropped from 100 to 15 per cent.

“It’s still a challenge, but there are great opportunities out there. Every trainee from my lab who wanted a tenure track position now has one, so enjoy your graduate career because if it’s done right, it can be spectacular.”

33

LEARNERS AS LEADERS

MOMENTUM MAGAZINE

DANCE, MED SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY WORK IN AFRICA TAUGHT LATEST U OF A RHODES SCHOLAR JULIA SAWATSKY VALUE OF UNDERSTANDING HOW PEOPLE EXPERIENCE LIFE, ILLNESS AND THE WORLD.

Rhodes Scholar combines medicine and dance in creative approach to public health

MEDICAL STUDENT JULIA Sawatzky heads to Oxford

University this fall as the University of Alberta’s 2019 Rhodes Scholar.

“I couldn’t believe I was selected,” said Sawatzky, remembering the December 2018 phone call from the Rhodes Trust. “I was just so overwhelmed to hear I’d been successful.”

ORIGINAL STORY

AUTHOR

PHOTO BY

The Rhodes Scholarship is considered the most

FOLIO

GEOFF MCMASTER

JORDON HON

prestigious in the world. Each year 11 are awarded across Canada, three in Western Canada.

34

FACULTY OF MEDICINE & DENTISTRY

ISSUE NO. 3

LEARNERS AS LEADERS

FALL 2019

As part of a pediatric malaria program run by Michael

Medical student Julia Sawatzky heads to Oxford University this

Hawkes, assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics

fall as the University of Alberta’s 2019 Rhodes Scholar.

and adjunct professor in the School of Public Health, she Sawatzky will study global health science and epidemiology,

also spent a month last summer in Uganda.

especially as they pertain to young populations in lowresource settings. But her interest in health and the human

According to Hawkes—also a member of the Women and

body was first sparked by a more artistic pursuit—ballet.

Children’s Health Research Institute and Distinguished Researcher in the Stollery Science Lab—Sawatzky

As a dedicated dancer most of her life, she attended high

demonstrated “a mature ability to navigate cultural and

school at Calgary’s School of Alberta Ballet before continuing

linguistic barriers and meaningfully immerse herself in the

her dance training at the University of St. Andrews in

Ugandan medical environment.”

Scotland. While earning a bachelor’s degree in medicine, she fell in love with contemporary dance and is now a member of

She also showed “a genuine willingness to learn the stories

the U of A’s MOD Contemporary Dance Movement troupe.

of each individual patient and of the Ugandan health-care system more broadly,” he said.

“I took a year off dance when I started med school because I thought I wouldn’t be able to balance the time commitments,” she said. “But I learned during med school that without dance, it was really hard—there was no creative release.”

While at St. Andrews, Sawatzky won an R&A International Scholarship, which sent her to Tanzania in 2017 to take part

“What I've learned from taking dance into different settings, and growing with it, is the capacity to tell stories.”

in a four-month community research project in collaboration with Tanzanian medical students at the Kilimanjaro

In Edmonton, Sawatzky volunteers at the Boyle McCauley

Christian Medical College Hospital.

Health Centre helping to run health education sessions and organize social events for inner-city women.

“To this day, the friendships I made there inspire me to return again and again to the region, learn deeply about the

Sawatzky credits all of her experiences as well as her

people and culture, and pursue a medical career that will

two years in medical school as reasons she earned the

allow me to contribute meaningfully to communities that

prestigious scholarship.

have already given me so much as a learner,” she said.

“I’ve learned and grown so much over my two years here, As part of the same scholarship, she did another stint in Guinea

and I’m certain that a Rhodes Scholarship never would have

with MindLeaps, an international NGO that uses dance to help

been possible for me without the vibrant community of

out-of-school youth make the transition into formal education.

teachers, mentors, classmates and friends here who’ve made me the person that I am,” she said.

“That experience—working in an arts-based educational initiative—really broadened my horizons in understanding

Once she returns from Oxford and completes her medical degree,

the social determinants of health and the true complexity of

Sawatzky hopes to practise pediatric medicine while continuing

childhood well-being,” she said.

to conduct research, eventually moving into a global-health leadership role and advocating for “meaningful policy change.”

Last June she went back to Africa, this time to Rwanda, where she worked on digital storytelling for children in

Along the way, she’d like to explore ways to infuse her

the dance program and developed tools for sexual and

passion for dance into her work.

reproductive health education.

“I saw in my medical education how it’s about more than “What I’ve learned from taking dance into different settings,

just science,” she said. A more creative perspective “helps us

and growing with it, is the capacity to tell stories,” she said.

understand how people experience life, illness and the world.”

UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA

35

GENEROSITY

MOMENTUM MAGAZINE

DIANNE AND IRVING KIPNES REMEMBER RACHEL MANDEL WITH MATCHED GIFT

Enduring friendship inspires cancer-research fund

From left, Irving and Dianne Kipnes regularly meet up with friends Lynn and Stephen Mandel at the Royal Mayfair Golf Club for brunch.

AUTHOR

LYNN AND STEPHEN Mandel don’t

L AURA VEGA

remember exactly when their friendship

FRIENDSHIP AND INSPIRATION

began with Dianne and Irving Kipnes,

“Irv sponsored a team in the Jewish

but they know it spans decades. Together,

baseball league, and from there we got

they have shared joy and grief. Their close

to know each other,” said Stephen,

bond of mutual appreciation and support

reminiscing with a laugh about their

was immortalized with a gift to propel

time playing together. “Eventually

blood cancer research in memory of Lynn

he encouraged me to get involved in

and Stephen’s late daughter, Rachel.

the community. Irv was instrumental

PHOTO BY

L AUGHING DOG PHOTOGRAPHY

36

FACULTY OF MEDICINE & DENTISTRY

ISSUE NO. 3

GENEROSITY

FALL 2019

in me getting involved in politics and

that develops in blood cells of the

& Dentistry. The Alberta Cancer

philanthropy. He’s always thought that

lymphatic system. Rachel was very

Foundation generously matched the

nobody should wander through life and

involved in the process of researching

Kipnes gift to bring the fund total to

not give back… . Dianne is the same.

about her treatment and acted as an

$2 million.

They’re two peas in a pod. They care

advocate for her own health.

about giving and they care about people.”

According to the Canadian Cancer Despite Rachel’s determination, the

Society, approximately 8,300

The friendship progressed into trips

illness progressed and she passed away

Canadians are diagnosed with

together and joint philanthropic

in 2017, survived by husband Mike

non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma every year.

initiatives—the Mandels are passionate

Tighe and their son, Chase.

about supporting the arts and the

Dianne recalls Rachel’s illness as a very

Kipneses contribute to a wide variety

The Mandels remember how vital

of causes in Edmonton.

Dianne and Irving’s support was to them during that time.

“They’re two peas in a pod. They care about giving and they care about people.”

difficult time.

“We thought that she was going to be OK. But when there was a relapse, it

“They were there to support us all the

became obvious very quickly that it was

way,” said Lynn. “We still had breakfast

not going well... . It makes you feel so

every Sunday back then, and sometimes

helpless when you realize that there’s

Rachel, Mike and Chase would come.

nothing you can do, but when you can

Irv and Dianne were just there for

at least fund research and encourage

anything. Everything. And you don’t

people to think about what can be

“Whenever we asked them to join

really have to ask them. Some people

done, you feel that you can help those

us for something, there was never a

say, ‘If there’s anything I can do for you,

in the future who might be facing the

time they said they couldn’t do it,”

let me know.’ When you’re in trauma,

same challenge. It will be an enduring

said Lynn. “They do things they really

you don’t know what you need. But Irv

memorial to an indomitable spirit,”

believe in and encourage everyone in

and Dianne don’t ask, they just do.”

said Dianne.

“Dianne is just a wise soul,” added

Honouring Rachel’s scientific mind, the

Stephen. “She would give solace

fund will support and inspire trainees

Lynn and Dianne text each other daily

and help. They were always helping in

at the Cancer Research Institute of

and the couples enjoy a weekly brunch

many ways as friends would do.

Northern Alberta (CRINA) pursuing

date that has become a cherished

They both cared a great deal.”

innovative research projects related to

their own capacity to do something good for others.”

tradition, at the Royal Mayfair Golf

difficult times throughout their

GIVING HOPE: THE RACHEL MANDEL LYMPHOMA AND BLOOD CANCERS RESEARCH FUND

daughter Rachel’s cancer journey.

After seeing what Rachel and other

Club. The Mandels say they especially drew strength from those regular gatherings during one of their most

FACING LOSS AND SEARCHING FOR ANSWERS

diagnosis, treatment and prevention of lymphoma and blood cancers.

Touched by the gesture, Lynn and Stephen describe the memorial gift with one word: meaningful.

friends went through facing blood cancers, Dianne and Irving wanted to

“The fund will not only support well-

take their support further and help find

established researchers, but also the

Rachel Mandel had a close relationship

better treatment options. The Dianne

younger ones who probably need the

with her parents Lynn and Stephen.

and Irving Kipnes Foundation donated

support the most as they start their

A doctor of optometry, she was

$1 million for the establishment of

careers. We deeply appreciate that Irv

described by those who knew her as a

the Dr. Rachel Mandel Lymphoma and

and Dianne and the Alberta Cancer

joyful, compassionate woman with a

Blood Cancers Research Fund with the

Foundation have created this research

passion for science. In 2015, she was

guidance of the late Richard Fedorak,

fund in Rachel’s name. It is incredibly

diagnosed with lymphoma, a cancer

then dean at the Faculty of Medicine

meaningful for us.”

UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA

37

GENEROSITY

MOMENTUM MAGAZINE

Gift helps UAlberta research delve further into the mysteries of neurodegenerative diseases ALBERTA FAMILY’S CONTRIBUTION IN THE FORM OF MINERAL RIGHTS PROPELS U OF A RESEARCHERS’ UNDERSTANDING OF DISEASES SUCH AS ALZHEIMER’S AND PARKINSON’S. AUTHOR

PHOTOS

L AURA VEGA

SUPPLIED BY THE JOHNSTON FAMILY

AFTER THE PASSING of Lloyd Johnston, ’44 MD, who

had learned about the work of several researchers there.

had dementia, and his younger sister Shirley, who had

“You never know from which angle we’re going to get

Parkinson’s disease, their respective children decided to

important insights. Hearing that these scientists were not

honour their memories and southern Alberta roots by

just in isolated labs working on their own research, but that

helping advance the research efforts of University of Alberta

they were collaborating with each other solidified for me that

health scientists in these areas. They gave a special gift

this was the right decision.”

to research: the mineral rights on land in Calgary and in Springbank, west of Calgary.

The fund supports research projects from faculty members and the work of trainees interested in investigating

The donation led to the creation of the Johnston Family

neurodegenerative diseases.

Endowment Fund, which enables researchers at the U of A’s Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute (NMHI) to

The members of the Johnston family wish to see a path

advance discoveries in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

towards a cure for Alzheimer’s, dementia and Parkinson’s in

The family appreciated the collaborative work of NMHI

the near future, and hope ongoing research will provide relief

within the university and throughout the province.

to patients and their families.

“I decided to go this route when I saw the cooperativeness in

“It is our greatest desire that a cure is found within our

NMHI,” said Marcia Langenberg, one of Lloyd Johnston’s six

lifetime, as we are well aware of the personal toll these

daughters, who together with her sister, Patricia Johnston,

diseases have on individuals and their loved ones who must watch them suffer and care for them,” said Marcia.

The Johnston Family Endowment Fund will now help propel projects led by NMHI researchers to shed light on the mysteries that currently keep these diseases incurable.

“When we met with them, we always felt hope,” said Marcia.

“These researchers are so dedicated that you know they care about the people who are going to receive the benefits of their research in the end.”

The Johnston Family Endowment Fund was created thanks to the generosity of Lynn Gregson, Patricia

Top row: Lloyd Johnston, Shirley Johnston, Ann Jervis, Clayton Johnston, Erin Johnston

Dennett (Lloyd Johnston’s daughters) as well as Ann

Bottom row: Lynn Gregson, Patricia Johnston,

Jervis, Erin Johnston and Clayton Johnston (Shirley

Marcia Langenberg, Rae Redekopp, Pam Dennett

38

Johnston, Marcia Langenberg, Rae Redekopp and Pam

Johnston’s daughters and son).

FACULTY OF MEDICINE & DENTISTRY

ALUMNI ISSUE NO. 3

AWARDS

FALL 2019

2019 Alumni Award recipients AUTHOR

PHOTOS BY

KIRSTEN BAUER

JOHN UL AN AND RYAN WHITEFIELD

Jayan Nagendran ’00 BMEDSC, ’01 MD, ’09 PHD ALUMNI INNOVATION AWARD

Darren Freed ’97 BMEDSC, ’98 MD, ’16 POSTGRADDIP ALUMNI INNOVATION AWARD

Cardiac surgeons who co-created a revolutionary organ support and repair device called Ex-Vivo Organ Support System (EVOSS™). This Albertamade technology buys more time for organs to be assessed, repaired and transported, giving the potential to double or even triple the number of viable donor organs worldwide.

Donald Enarson

Gary Lobay

’69 BSC, ’70 MD DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD

’68 MD ALUMNI HONOUR AWARD

Scientific director of the International

The first microsurgeon at the U of A

Union against Tuberculosis and

and among the first in Western Canada.

Lung Disease. Among the world’s

Pioneer in the field of free tissue

most distinguished researchers and

transfers, microsurgical nerve repair

consultants in the field of pulmonary

and limb replantation. Best known for

health, including the study of

performing the first limb replantation

tuberculosis, lung cancer and asthma.

in Western Canada.

Tony Mok

Steven Knudsen

’82 BMEDSC, ’84 MD ALUMNI HONOUR AWARD

’84 BSC (COMPENG), ’87 MSC ALUMNI SERVICE AWARD

Driver of precision health. Chair of the

A dedicated volunteer, computer scientist,

Department of Clinical Oncology at

student mentor, innovative thinker and

the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

entrepreneur. Helped establish the Peer

Conducted multiple multinational

of Peers Award and The Pod, a program

studies that established the global

supporting students’ entrepreneurial

standard on personalized biomarker

initiatives by providing interdisciplinary

and molecular targeted therapy for

out-of-class learning and professional

patients with lung cancer.

development opportunities.

UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA

39

ALUMNI VISIONARY

MOMENTUM MAGAZINE

THROUGHOUT HIS TIME AS DEAN, RICHARD FEDORAK WOULD OFTEN SHARE HOW THE FACULTY WAS BUILT “UPON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS.” NOW THAT COMPANY OF GIANTS HAS GROWN BY ONE.

Richard Fedorak: Builder of excellence in service of the people

RICHARD FEDORAK PASSED away November 8, 2018 after

a valiant fight against cancer.

His life was driven by a deep curiosity, a natural inclination towards leadership and a strong desire to improve people’s lives.

GREEN AND GOLD FOREVER Richard Fedorak and Karen Grimsrud first met as classmates

AUTHOR

PHOTO BY

ROSS NEITZ

L AUGHING DOG PHOTOGRAPHY

at the University of Alberta’s medical school, graduated in the class of 1978 and married in the summer of 1983.

Fedorak would further his medical training elsewhere over the next eight years, with an internship at the University of Western Ontario and a medicine residency at the University

40

FACULTY OF MEDICINE & DENTISTRY

ALUMNI ISSUE NO. 3

VISIONARY

FALL 2019

Richard Neil Fedorak, ’78 MD, FRCPC, FRCP

“You felt that he had a genuine interest and that he

(London), FRCP (Edinburgh), FRSC

understood you better than you understood yourself,” added Winnie Wong, a colleague of Fedorak’s for 20 years and current assistant dean of postgraduate medical education.

of Toronto. Then followed a gastroenterology fellowship at and at Columbia University in New York. There, he and Karen

DROVE ALBERTA GASTROENTEROLOGY TO THE TOP

welcomed their daughter Kristin in October 1985 before

Fedorak was promoted to professor of medicine in 1996.

returning to Edmonton and to their alma mater, where he

He took on multiple leadership roles throughout the course

began work as a clinical investigator in the summer of 1986.

of his career, including president of the Canadian Association

the University of Chicago and research fellowships in Chicago

of Gastroenterology (1999–2000) and president of the In January 1989, Fedorak and Grimsrud welcomed their

Canadian Digestive Health Foundation (2007–2018).

son, Bryan.

At the U of A he would serve as director of the Division of Gastroenterology (1996–2006), director of the Northern

EARLY PROMISE AS A PHYSICIAN AND RESEARCHER

Alberta Clinical Trials and Research Centre (2005–2015), associate vice-president (Research) (2010–2013), interim

Fedorak became a member of the medical staff at the University

dean (2015–2016) and dean of the Faculty of Medicine &

of Alberta Hospital and Cross Cancer Institute. He was also a

Dentistry from November 2016 until his passing.

consulting physician at the Stollery Children’s Health Centre of Northern Alberta and the Royal Alexandra Hospital.

Under his leadership, the Division of Gastroenterology became a world-class clinical and research centre and he established

“He was smart, dedicated, trustworthy, had a great sense

both the Capital Health Colon Cancer Screening Program

of humour,” remembered Bob Bailey, a mentor of Fedorak’s

(SCOPE) and the Zeidler Gastrointestinal Health Centre.

at the U of A and a close personal friend. “He truly was beginning. He put inflammatory bowel disease on the map

A FLOURISHING FACULTY WITH FEDORAK AT THE HELM

in Alberta and influenced its management and teaching

A firm believer in the power of collaborative work,

across the country.”

as dean he built closer ties with Alberta Health Services

a superstar and that was recognizable right from the

and other key partners such as the University Hospital Fedorak’s drive and vision would help him grow from a

Foundation, helped guide the City of Edmonton’s Health

young physician and academic to one of the most respected

City initiative and drove the launch of the University of

gastroenterologists in the world. His family remembers him

Alberta Health Accelerator program in partnership with

making rounds with in-patients late in the day or running a

TEC Edmonton.

“night clinic” after his administrative work was done.

He was also known to fiercely advocate for patients

He was also instrumental in helping the U of A secure several

individually and collectively for access to medications

major gifts, including a combined $54.5-million gift from the

and improved standards of care.

Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation and Royal Alexandra

HONED STRENGTHS TO GROW OTHERS

Hospital Foundation to the Women and Children’s Health Research Institute, the largest gift in the university’s history.

While he was undoubtedly brilliant in his field, those who worked closely with him remember his generosity of mentorship.

According to Dennis Kunimoto, interim dean, Fedorak’s greatest accomplishment in the faculty was his effort to

“I always called him my work dad because he would mentor

reinvigorate a sense of pride he felt had lagged in recent years.

me on so many things,” said Karen Kroeker, a former medical resident under Richard’s tutelage and now an associate

“Richard was always going at 110 per cent, trying to make things

professor in the Division of Gastroenterology. “He’d figure

happen,” remembered Kunimoto. “Most people who had a

out what every person needed help with and then he would

serious illness would have just stopped working, but he didn’t.

help them with that.”

There was just so much left that he wanted to try and do.”

UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA

41

INNOVATION

MOMENTUM MAGAZINE

From powerful ideas to life-saving products THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA’S FACULTY OF MEDICINE & DENTISTRY PROPELS HEALTH SCIENCE DISCOVERIES BEYOND THE LABS INTO LIFE-CHANGING SOLUTIONS. HERE ARE THREE UALBERTA HEALTH INNOVATIONS TO HELP PEOPLE LIVE FULLER, HEALTHIER LIVES. ORIGINAL STORIES

ARTWORK BY

AVENUE MAGAZINE AND FOLIO

NATASIA DESIGNS

Preterm birth prediction PRETERM BIRTH ACCOUNTS for two-

can predict if a woman will go into

This test could give valuable time

thirds of infant deaths in Canada and

labour within seven days.

to obstetricians to plan a treatment

Alberta has the highest rate of preterm

that delays the labour stage. The

births in the country. While the cause

It’s known that just prior to delivery,

test is patented and Olson’s team is

of the majority of these preterm births is

the fetal membrane attracts white

currently working on ways to make

unknown, it is certain premature babies

blood cells from the mother’s

sure it can be adapted for easy use

face health complications and are at

capillaries. His test involves putting a

in clinics.

higher risk of developing chronic health

pregnant woman’s white blood cells in

conditions later in life. These include

the top of a filtered chamber, explained

The research has been funded by

learning disabilities, eyesight problems,

Olson, with an extract from a fetal

the Stollery Children’s Hospital

mental health issues and high proclivity

membrane in the bottom. If the woman

Foundation and supporters of the

to develop other diseases later in life.

is about to deliver, there will be a flood

Lois Hole Hospital for Women

of white blood cells moving from the

through the WCHRI. They have also

David Olson, U of A professor of

top to the bottom of the chamber.

received funding from the Canadian

obstetrics and gynecology and

The test correctly predicted the women

Institutes of Health Research as well

member of the Women and Children’s

who were going into labour 91 per cent

as international grants from China,

Health Research Institute (WCHRI),

of the time; those who were not,

Australia and the government of the

developed a preterm delivery test that

78 per cent of the time.

United States.

42

FACULTY OF MEDICINE & DENTISTRY

ISSUE NO. 3

INNOVATION

FALL 2019

SMHeartCard to ensure life-saving medicine is close when heart attack strikes THERE ARE TWO medicines anyone

“I reached into my pocket and

having a heart attack urgently needs:

opened the SMHeartCard I was

ASA (acetylsalicylic acid) and

carrying,” he recalls.

nitroglycerin. It turns out hardly anyone at risk actually carries these, so a team

He administered the four ASA pills and

from the U of A set out to change that.

the first of the three nitroglycerin pills.

Oncology professor John Mackey teamed

“After five minutes, the pain

up with retired engineer colleague James

went from a seven to a five, so I

Stewart to design the SMHeartCard,

administered the second nitroglycerin

which features two enclosed containers.

pill. When I administered the third

Easily accessed by flipping open a cap lid,

one, the pain went away and he felt

the containers carry four 81-mg ASA pills

and looked fine.”

and three nitroglycerin pills.

The SMHeartCard is available Mackey had the opportunity to test the

online for $19.99. “Our hope is that

container when a passenger on a flight

everyone who needs one keeps it on

he was on experienced chest pain.

them at all times.”

Methods, kits and systems for treatment of metastatic papillary thyroid cancer

METASTATIC PAPILLARY THYROID

the pair identified markers of disease

CANCER (PTC) is an aggressive type

progression in a variety of cancers

of thyroid cancer that can easily and

and worked to develop, test and

rapidly spread. Because of this, there is

patent a device that could quickly

a need to identify high-risk individuals.

and efficiently detect aggressive

Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry

thyroid cancer in patients.

colleagues Raymond Lai, professor of laboratory medicine and pathology

That initial research led to Lai and

and Todd McMullen, associate

McMullen’s development of methods

professor of surgery, developed a

for treating papillary thyroid cancer

method to identify these individuals

using Platelet Derived Growth Factor

using biomarkers and risk factors.

Receptor Alpha (PDGFRA) inhibitor.

Early screening will enable physicians to proactively identify, plan and

Treatment of PTC typically requires

optimize thyroid cancer treatment.

a total thyroidectomy followed by radioactive iodine treatment to remove

Lai and McMullen’s work couldn’t have

small deposits of residual tumor.

begun without the groundwork laid by

More than 40 per cent of PTC patients

McMullen and Robert Burrell, chair of

exhibit some degree of resistance to

the U of A’s Department of Biomedical

adjuvant radioiodine therapy and these

Engineering, in 2012.

patients ultimately have higher rates of recurrent disease and a poorer prognosis.

Using a grant from the University

The PDGFRA inhibitor causes an

Hospital Foundation’s Medical

increase in the sensitivity level of PTC

Research Competition (UHFMRC),

cells to radioiodine treatment.

UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA

43

THROWBACK

MOMENTUM MAGAZINE

THEN AND NOW AUTHOR

ARTWORK BY

SASHA ROEDER MAH

NATASIA DESIGNS

30 years since Jean Vance’s discovery about the building blocks inside cells WHEN UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA biochemist Jean Vance first isolated

and named mitochondria-associated membranes (MAM) in 1990, people didn’t pay much attention.

But three decades later, Vance’s MAMs discovery is seen as a landmark. It has come to transform scientists’ understanding of how cells maintain order and function, inspiring a field of study that some believe could eventually transform the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Vance was recently recognized with the international Wilhelm Bernhard lifetime achievement award.

44

FACULTY OF MEDICINE & DENTISTRY

ISSUE NO. 3

THROWBACK

FALL 2019

A 25-year battle against cancer... and closer to winning LAST MAY, the University of Alberta’s Department of

Oncology celebrated its 25th anniversary.

The department first offered undergraduate oncology courses for the MD program; graduate programs in medical sciences (oncology) and postdoctoral training were then developed. Today, there are accredited clinical residency programs in medical oncology, radiation oncology, palliative care and medical physics, along with the new bachelor of science in radiation therapy.

The radiobiology research group that stemmed from the department brought radiation sensitizers into clinical trials, improving the response of tumours to radiation.

In 2008, medical physicists led by professor and researcher Gino Fallone produced the first image from a linear accelerator (LINAC-MR) hybrid system in the world.

The Division of Oncology became a department in 1993 under the leadership of Anthony (Tony) Fields, who acted as

The department now has an innovative hybrid imaging

interim chair. Carol Cass was appointed

scanner (PET-MR) at the Cross Cancer Institute,

the first official chair of the Department

which combines magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

of Oncology, setting a precedent for a

and positron emission tomography (PET). Future

team of trailblazers and pioneers.

plans include the development of graduate programs in radiation therapy and options of novel radiotracers for early cancer detection and treatment.

UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA

45

OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT

2J2.00 Walter C. Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre 8440 - 112 Street Edmonton, AB Canada T6G 2R7 UALBERTA.CA/MEDICINE E advadmin@ualberta.ca P 780-492-6621

Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry – University of Alberta @UAlberta_FoMD @UAlberta_FoMD