Agustin Cerani, a PhD student in Epidemiology and Biostatistics at McGill University, is the award winner of the Relève étoile Jacques-Genest award of the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé (FRQS). His Award-winning publication: Genetic predisposition to increased serum calcium, bone mineral density, and fracture risk in individuals with normal calcium levels: mendelian randomisation study is published in the British Medical Journal.

To determine whether increased serum calcium in individuals whose calcium levels are within the normal range lowers the risk of fracture, Agustin assessed whether people with a genetic predisposition for higher serum calcium levels had greater bone mineral density (BMD).

Read the full abstract here.

The Relève étoile award (new name for the Étudiants-chercheurs étoiles award) is awarded to student-researchers by each of the three Fonds de recherche du Québec.

The FRQS Relève étoile award is now named after Jacques Genest as a tribute to this great researcher and builder.

To learn more about the awards, click here.

January 28, 2020

Jansen Award recognizes an individual for their unselfish service and leadership in advancing the discipline of reproductive biology

The Society For The Study Of Reproduction (SSR) unveiled its 2020 award winners today, honouring seven individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the scientific discipline of reproductive biology. Bernard Robaire, cross appointed in both the Departments of Pharmacology & Therapeutics; and Obstetrics & Gynaecology, was named recipient of the SSR Jansen Distinguished Service Award. The Jansen Award recognizes an individual for their unselfish service and leadership in advancing the discipline of reproductive biology.Robaire’s research interests focus on aging of the male reproductive system, male-mediated reproductive toxicology, mechanisms of androgen actions, and the structure, function, and regulation of the epididymis.

February 5 2020

Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement recognizes the MUHC team for a project that integrates palliative care sooner in a treatment plan

Source: MUHC

The MUHC clinical pertinence team is one of only nine teams across Canada to be awarded support in the innovation category in the first “Minidefi” set up by the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement, an organization funded by Health Canada.

In November 2019, the project, the goal of which is to encourage MUHC health professionals to integrate palliative care early after a diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer, was awarded $10,000 that will be used to assess stakeholder readiness. For Dr. Stefanie Gingras, a specialist in palliative care at the MUHC, this recognition is well-timed, as it confirms that there is a clear, global change of approach now underway.

“Studies show that patients who receive palliative or comfort care within the first 4 to 8 weeks after being diagnosed with advanced cancer see their lives extended and their quality of life improved.” Too often, palliative care is offered late, a few weeks before the patient’s death, when it could actually be used not only for the end of life, but also to relieve the adverse effects of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or just cancer itself. ”

Better understand everyone’s concerns
The award will be used to support the collection of data through surveys and one-on-one interviews offered to specialist nurses and physicians and clinicians working in the emergency room, as well as through focus groups with patients and families in order to better understand the issues, concerns and the hesitations of each. The responses will be subjected to an analysis in order to design a pathway that corresponds to the needs of patients and families.

For Dr. Carolyn Freeman, who chairs the MUHC’s Clinical Pertinence Coordinating Committee, this first step is critical.

“We cannot implement solutions without understanding the issues. Right now, we’re looking at feasibility and how we can implement this initiative. To do this, we want to identify the needs not only of patients, but also of clinicians so that they can improve care for these patients who may have a poor prognosis. ”

By the spring of 2020, Dr. Gingras hopes that, upon diagnosis, the clinician responsible for the patient will propose a treatment plan that includes palliative care to support and improve the quality of life of the patient. The ultimate goal of the project is to set up a process which will encourage a more systematic way of offering the care needed.

“There are already some initiatives within the MUHC medical community, but we must work better together to harmonize our efforts,” she concluded. ”

Team members include in addition to Drs. Freeman and Gingras, Dr. Ben Shieh, a respirologist, Chantal Guevremont, a pharmacist, Dr. Alain Biron, Associate Director of Nursing at the MUHC, and Dr. Nisha Almeida, a Research Scientist and member of the MUHC’s Technology Assessment Unit that is supporting the project.

February 6 2020

This story is part of the Faculty’s Proud to Teach campaign, recognizing excellence and innovation in teaching across the Faculty of Medicine.

By Lisa Dutton

Dr. Leon Tourian, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Program Director of postgraduate medical education (PGME) for Psychiatry is the 2019 recipient of the PGME Program Director Leadership Award.  Dr. Tourian was nominated for the award by the Chair of the Department of Psychiatry, the co-chair of Education and Clinical Affairs and program residents, who lauded his numerous accomplishments since being named Program Director four years ago.

“Dr. Tourian is a staunch resident advocate, an excellent communicator and team player, an innovator, and an outstanding leader whose exceptional qualities have benefited not only our residents and staff, but also psychiatry programs across the country,” says Dr. Gustavo Turecki, Chair of the McGill Department of Psychiatry.

During their visit in 2019, accreditors from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons Canada highlighted in their report that the psychiatry program met 10 exemplary standards. As well, they recognized the department’s Heinz Lehman Mentorship Program, largely developed by Dr. Tourian, as a leading practice and/or innovation. Additionally, accreditors noted Dr. Tourian’s outstanding leadership and described the program as a model for others.

“Dr. Tourian, in a short period of time, has risen to become a leader in medical education,” says Dr. Armand Aalamian, Associate Dean, Postgraduate Medical Education. “He has an approach that is collaborative, creative, learner-centered, and always kind.  He is truly deserving of this year’s Program Director Leadership Award.”

“Every McGill program director who’s invested in ensuring their residents are getting the best training, in the best working environment possible, deserves this prize. And I know so many deserving candidates,” notes Dr. Tourian. “I am very touched and humbled to be this year’s recipient. A program director and the program can only thrive with a strong program office (I have an awesome group of program administrators), an engaged residency program committee, supportive Chair’s office, motivated and inspired residents and devoted and hard-working faculty. I am blessed with all of these. No one ever does this job for accolades or recognition. We do it for our residents. So getting a prize like this is very much appreciated.”

Dr. Tourian understands the value of great mentors having benefited from some great advisors since the start of his own residency. “I’ve had many mentors and many great role models at McGill. There is a long history of leadership in our department and in PGME,” explains Dr. Tourian. “My mentors have known me since I was a first-year resident. They have supported me through the ups and downs of being a junior faculty member and, through to today as Program Director. My mentors listened to me, taught me, guided me and spent hours helping me through challenging situations. I feel so much gratitude towards my mentors and a strong sense of responsibility to pay it forward.”

Appointed Chair of the National Psychiatry Program Directors’ Committee

After serving just two years as the Department of Psychiatry’s Program Director, Dr. Tourian was appointed Chair of the National Psychiatry Program Directors’ Committee (COPE: Coordinators of Psychiatric Education) “This is an impressive achievement,” explains Dr. Nicola Casacalenda, Associate Chair, Education and Clinical Affairs, McGill Department of Psychiatry. “As Chair, he drafted the patient complexity scale and worked with the Specialty Committee Chair, Dr. Kim St-John, to address the concerns of program directors across the country regarding the upcoming transition to the CBME curriculum on July 1, 2020.”

From an educational research perspective, Dr. Tourian has co-authored a paper with one of his senior residents, Dr. Marie Fournier. The paper addresses the impact of a novel resident-to-resident peer support initiative at McGill and delves into the specific needs of foreign residents starting training at McGill. He is also working on a research project with junior resident Dr. Sarah Hanafi looking at the impact of a cultural training day on trainee attitudes when caring for patients from diverse cultures and religions.

Residents and faculty alike have recognized Dr. Tourian’s engagement and excellence in residency education and training. He was awarded the Best Teacher Award in 2014 and the Best Resident Advocate Award in both 2016 and 2018 by residents.

Congratulations Dr. Tourian and thank you for being proud to teach.

February 5 2020

Source: MUHC

Dr. Franco Carli, founder of the Peri Operative Program (POP) at the Montreal General Hospital (MGH) of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) has been elected Chairman of the American Prehabilitation Society.

“I’m delighted with the international recognition of McGill and the MGH as leaders in providing prehabilitation care which is an important step of recovery even before surgery,” says Dr. Carli, Professor of Anesthesia at McGill’s Faculty of Medicine, and founding director of the POP program at the MGH.

“I’m exceptionally proud of our team of professionals and volunteers. They accomplished so much in a short time in delivering the POP program at McGill.”

Founded by Dr. Carli in 2012, McGill’s POP program is the only one of its kind in North America. It is a structured and personalized program designed to help patients to both prepare and recover from major surgery.

In regards to surgical oncology, the program helped over 1,200 adult patients in pre- and post-operative surgery over the last decade.

“I would also like to thank the McGill affiliated surgeons at the MGH who continue to refer us patients and recognize the added value of our work,” says Dr. Carli. “We value  their participation and leadership”.

Dr. Carli is an internationally recognized pioneer who continues to develop programs which aim to make patients stronger prior to surgery, thus facilitating their recovery.

The Peri Operative Program’s Centre of Excellence at the Montreal General Hospital has attracted worldwide recognition.

He is currently collaborating in the establishment of a similar “Center of Excellence” for POP in New Orleans

The American Prehabilitation Society regroups doctors and health practitioners from across the United States and encourages the development of POP programs in hospitals.

February 17 2020

The award-winning MIPOGG app garners more international support

Source: RI-MUHC

Catherine Goudie, MD, received a 2019 Junior Faculty Career Development Award from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CSSS) at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, U.S., in November 2019. With collaborators at the CCSS, the National Cancer Institute (U.S.) and SickKids in Canada, her winning project will evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the McGill Interactive Pediatric OncoGenetic Guidelines (MIPOGG) tool in survivors of certain cancer types, including osteosarcoma.

The CCSS Career Development Award allows early career investigators and trainees with an interest and aptitude in childhood cancer survivorship research to develop and complete a research study within the CCSS. “Being able to collaborate and learn from the CCSS team is an amazing opportunity for me at this stage in my career,” says Dr. Goudie.

The MIPOGG app provides access to an online health platform that will revolutionize the detection of cancer predisposing syndromes in young people, a first in pediatric oncology that brings new hope to young patients. Dr. Goudie is a member of the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) and an MUHC clinician.

Read more about Dr. Goudie’s work on MIPOGG with Dr. William Foulkes on p. 11 of the 2019 RI-MUHC Annual Report, and about her success in the 2019 TD Ready Challenge.

Congratulations, Dr. Goudie!

February 25 2020

Source: JGH

Dr. Joel Turner, a staff physician in the JGH Emergency Department, has been honoured for his many years teaching doctors and medical residents to use point of care ultrasound, a vital and increasingly common tool that has been referred to as “the stethoscope of the 21^st century.”

In recognition of his distinguished work, Dr. Turner, who is Director of the JGH Emergency Point of Care Ultrasound Program, has received the 2019 Educator of the Year Award from the Canadian Point of Care Ultrasound Society.

“Point of care ultrasound” refers to ultrasound that is used at the patient’s bedside to provide quick, potentially life-saving, answers to focused clinical questions.  It helps physicians determine a patient’s condition and confirm a diagnosis quickly and accurately.

Though used extensively in the Emergency Department, point of care ultrasound has also proved invaluable in Intensive Care, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine and multiple other specialties.

According to the Association’s website, Dr. Turner has been recognized for his “outstanding work in undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing medical education, and point of care ultrasound education provincially and nationally.

“The criteria used to determine the winning educator candidate were skills as a bedside educator, administrative contribution, curriculum design contribution, quantity of bedside or classroom teaching, originality of contributions, and student feedback.”

“I’m very humbled by the award,” says Dr. Turner, who is the Program Director of the Emergency Medicine Ultrasound Fellowship at McGill University. “I know many of the leaders in Canada in point of care ultrasound, and many have been my peers and mentors over the past couple of decades. It’s fantastic to be recognized by them.”

Dr. Turner explains that while ultrasound has been around for a long time, point of care ultrasound has become more widely accepted in various medical specialties only during the past 15 or 20 years.

“It’s now being used in the Emergency Department to diagnose everything from a retinal detachment, cardiomyopathy, small bowel obstruction and deep vein thrombosis (which we would otherwise never be able to do confidently) to differentiating the causes of a patient’s respiratory situation (is shortness of breath the result of pneumonia, pleural effusion, pulmonary edema or something else?).

“All of this can be done much more accurately and rapidly than with any other diagnostic tools used by the Emergency physician.

“There are many other examples. For instance, point of care ultrasound can help you assess cardiac function in a hypotensive patient to determine whether it’s dangerous or advantageous to give them intravenous fluids. Or if we want to know whether a pregnant woman is presenting with an ectopic pregnancy; we can establish this within minutes, which we were never able to do before.”

Finally, point of care ultrasound is now considered an essential component for direct visualization while performing various invasive procedures in the Emergency Department, such as vascular access, regional nerve blocks, abdominal taps and joint aspirations.

Dr. Turner says that in the early 2000s, the use of point of care ultrasound was still somewhat limited and, as a result, instruction was not widely available. In some cases, doctors had to teach themselves to use this tool.

Today, by contrast, teaching is carried out around the world by individuals such as Dr. Turner. While most of his students are residents in emergency medicine, he also teaches undergraduate medical students and residents in internal medicine, intensive care and family medicine, as well as nursing staff in Emergency. This involves training courses, grand rounds presentations, certification exams and bedside instruction.

“Its use has really exploded in recent years,” says Dr. Turner, “and now it’s become a standard tool that’s taught in medical schools across North America as part of the regular undergraduate curriculum. That’s a clear indication of how essential it has become.”

February 25 2020

The Faculty of Medicine’s Graduate Studies Office is pleased to announce that Stephanie Mouchbahani Constance, a second year PhD student in the Department of Physiology, has been chosen to attend the 70th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting this summer in Lindau, Germany.

Each year, dozens of Nobel Laureates convene at Lindau to meet the next generation of leading scientists, including undergraduates, PhD students, post-doc researchers, from all over the world. The Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings, which began in 1951, have as their aim to foster exchange between scientists of different generations, cultures, and disciplines.

Stephanie, whose research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms by which toxins in lionfish venom cause pain, will be among 650 young scientists representing over 100 nationalities and will have the unique opportunity to meet around 70 Nobel Laureates in physics, physiology or medicine, chemistry and economic sciences.

Stephanie was nominated by the Faculty of Medicine to the Canadian Student Health Research Forum (CSHRF), which then nominated five applicants from across Canada to the Lindau Committee. Ultimately, three Canadian students, including Stephanie, were selected to travel to Lindau.

Stephanie is a member of Dr. Reza Sharif Naeini’s lab, where she began her lionfish research as an undergrad and where she is currently applying this knowledge to further our understanding of the neurophysiology of pain as well as to develop novel therapeutics. Also out of this research, Stephanie became co-founder and CEO of PteroTech, a startup created in order to bring to market novel treatments that reduce the pain caused by lionfish stings. Lionfish (genus Pterois) are venomous spiny fish native to the Indo-Pacific which have, in recent years, become an invasive species in the Atlantic, likely due to aquarium owners dumping their unwanted pets in the ocean.

Stephanie is also the founder of ShadowHer, an organization that helps young girls shadow women in industries they’re interested in. ShadowHer’s inaugural event will be taking place on March 23rd, where high school girls will be learning from McGill professors about how they chose a career in science, and shadowing graduate students to get an idea of what being a scientist is really like.

She is also a member of the Montreal-based Science & Policy Exchange, a student-led non-profit organization that aims to assemble students, leaders and the community for an exchange of ideas on science and policy, as well as Let’s Talk Science! a Canadian organization that aims to educate Canadian youth through science, technology, engineering and mathematics based programs.

For more information, please visit: lindau-nobel.org/blog
For further information, please contact:

Wolfgang Haass
Head of Communications
Council for the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings
wolfgang.haass@lindau-nobel.org
+49 8382 27731 26

March 3 2020

Source: MUHC

Laurence Cobo was pleasantly surprised when her presentation at a McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Nursing Executive meeting was preceded by an exciting announcement: she is one of three finalists for the Prix Florence of the Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec (OIIQ) in the Relève category.

Laurence, who is a nursing practice advisor was delivered the good news by Chantal Souligny, Director of Nursing Resources, and Luisa Ciofani, Board member of l’Ordre régionale des infirmières et infirmiers de Montréal et Laval right before she was to make a presentation to members of the MUHC Nursing Executive Committee.

“This nomination is not only a great honour for Laurence but also for the entire nursing team at the MUHC,” says Chantal. “Laurence has a bright future in the nursing profession, and I think this nomination is well-suited to her and what she’s already accomplished in her short career.”

The Prix Florence, comprising eight categories, is the most prestigious prize awarded to members of the nursing profession in the province of Quebec. The Relève category is awarded to a nurse with fewer than five years’ experience who has demonstrated remarkable community or professional engagement.   

Laurence started her career in Neurosurgery at the CHUM and later transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Montreal Neurological Hospital (Neuro), before joining the team of Alain Biron, Associate Director of Nursing in Clinical Practice. She was also the Vice-President of the Comité de la Relève infirmière, a committee that aims to give young nurses a sense of belonging and support to help them successfully develop their career.

Siva Moonsamy, nurse manager of the Intensive Care Unit at the Neuro, hired Laurence and says that from the onset, she demonstrated qualities of a leader.“Laurence is a great learner; she adapts quickly and is engaged,” he says. “She became part of the nursing council because she wants her voice to be heard.”

Marianne Sofronas, nurse clinician in the ICU at the Neuro, also worked closely with Laurence and wrote the necessary applications to submit her nomination. “Laurence is an exceptional nurse and human being, so writing the letter of reference was one of the easiest things I’ve had to do. She‘s already accomplished so much and can’t think of anyone who deserves this award more than Laurence,” says Marianne.

“I feel great and honoured that my colleagues nominated me for this award,” says Laurence. “I work with wonderful people, so this nomination means even more to me. My colleagues are professional, intelligent, ethical and have taught me so much. Without them, I would not be here.”

The winners of all the prizes will be announced on May 12 at the annual Prix Florence Gala. This year marks the Quebec Order of Nurses centennial year.

March 6 2020

Congratulations to Anne-Julie Tessier, doctoral student at the RI-MUHC!

Anne-Julie Tessier is a PhD student in the Metabolic Disorders and Complications Program at the Research Institute of the MUHC

Source: RI-MUHC

Anne-Julie Tessier, a doctoral student in the School of Human Nutrition at McGill University, trainee at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) and dietitian, is the February winner of the Relève étoile Jacques-Genest award of the Fonds de recherche du Québec–Santé (FRQS). Her award-winning publication, Physical function‐derived cut‐points for the diagnosis of sarcopenia and dynapenia from the Canadian longitudinal study on aging, was published in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle.

A trainee in the Metabolic Disorders and Complications Program at the RI-MUHC, Anne-Julie Tessier conducted this study under the supervision of Stéphanie Chevalier, RD, PhD, a researcher with expertise in protein metabolism and an authority on aging and nutrition. With their collaborators from the RI-MUHC, Dr. Simon S. Wing, Elham Rahme, PhD, and Dr. José A. Morais, the team sought to identify diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia and dynapenia to predict physical function impairments in a large contemporary cohort: the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. The criteria that emerged from the study may now be used by clinicians in Canada and similar populations to diagnose sarcopenia and dynapenia and recommend prevention and treatment strategies. This work was made possible through funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

The Relève étoile award is awarded to student-researchers by each of the three Fonds de recherche du Québec. The FRQS Relève étoile award is now named after Dr. Jacques Genest as a tribute to this great researcher and builder.

Read the full abstract
Read the September 2019 MUHC press release: Strong criteria for diagnosing sarcopenia
Learn more about the FRQS Relève étoile Jacques-Genest awards

March 12 2020

This story is part of the Faculty’s Proud to Teach campaign, recognizing excellence and innovation in teaching across the Faculty of Medicine.

By Matthew Brett

Renowned ophthalmologist Dr. Bryan Arthurs is the recipient of the 2020 Clinical Teacher Award from the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) in recognition of his exceptional contributions to clinical teaching at McGill University and worldwide.

“The steady hands and deep knowledge of a great surgeon are reflected by the qualities of a superb teacher,” said Dr. Leonard Levin, Chair, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. “Bryan Arthurs transforms complex oculoplastic information and skills into material that our trainees readily master. He is one of a kind.”

Finding beauty in the everyday

To give a sense of his character, Dr. Arthurs begins his lectures by sharing human values or qualities that merit practicing – things like kindness, perseverance and generosity. These are “personal qualities that everyone should develop and that we as teachers should foster,” said Dr. Arthurs.

Other times, Dr. Arthurs opens a lecture by sharing a prize-winning wildlife photograph or an exotic landscape.

“The day always begins with an inspirational thought or admiring some of the world’s beauty,” he said. “It seems to be a great way to start the day and the residents are almost always on time.”

This humanistic approach does not go unnoticed by recent students and residents of Dr. Arthurs, who describe him as an exemplary mentor, inspiring teacher and clinician, and a wonderful role model.

A legacy of teaching, equity and care

Serving as the residency program director for Ophthalmology (2002-15), Dr. Arthurs introduced a range of innovations with both patients and residents at heart.

Among those innovations were significant curriculum revisions, ethics teaching, remedial teaching and support for residents in academic difficulty, mini-oral exams to prepare for Royal College exams, and safety policies and practices so that residents could work and learn in a safe environment.

“I believe that no resident should be left behind,” said Dr. Arthurs. “When we identify a resident who is in academic difficulty, we create a tailor-made program depending upon the weakness identified. A number of residents have benefitted from this extra effort and gone on to pass their Royal College exams.​”

The ethics of consent for cataract surgery by residents has always been controversial so, in 2005, Dr. Arthurs worked with a resident to publish research in the Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology to demonstrate a patient’s acceptance of cataract surgery with a clear consent form for resident participation in their surgery.

Dr. Arthurs also began a mentorship program for Ophthalmology residents in 2013 and found that mentors themselves often appreciated the opportunity to revitalize their roles as mentors and role models.

A history of teaching excellence

Dr. Arthurs completed his medical education at the University of Western Ontario in 1979 before moving to Montreal for his internship and residency at McGill University.

A Professor with the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dr. Arthurs is an attending staff member at the Royal Victoria Hospital (McGill Academic Eye Centre) and the

Montreal General Hospital as well as a consulting staff member at the Montreal Children’s Hospital.

A testament to his dedication to teaching, Dr. Arthurs won the Frank Buller Award for the Most Outstanding Surgical Instructor in Ophthalmology three times (1992, 2007, 2018) along with other teaching awards from the McGill Faculty of Medicine, Les Entretiens Ophtalmiques de l’Université de Montréal, and the Canadian Association of Medical Education.

On receiving this latest teaching award, Dr. Arthurs says that he feels “a great sense of gratitude. I am grateful to be a member of a wonderful teaching staff at McGill University. I am grateful to have the opportunity to spend time with a terrific group of students that have so much youth, energy and enthusiasm. I only hope that they are learning as much from me as I am learning from them.”

AFMC will be celebrating Dr. Arthurs at the 2020 Canadian Medical Education Conference (CCME) Award Ceremony in Vancouver on April 18, 2020.

March 18 2020

By Lisa Dutton

The internet variously defines the idiom ‘when the rubber hits the road’ as, when the action really begins; when the real work happens; or the moment when theory becomes reality.

In medical school, ‘the rubber hits the road’ during transition to clinical practice (TCP).  During much of the first year and a half of medical school, students attend lectures and do lab work.  It is a marathon of learning. However, during TCP, students learn at the bedside by seeing patients in McGill affiliated hospitals and clinics.

The word doctor is derived from the Latin word docere, meaning “to teach”

TCP students embed themselves in various care teams and learn while working side by side with clinicians or physician-residents and, frankly, the entire care team teaches them a thing or two, or three.

TCP teachers freely pass on their medical skills and knowledge, such as how to conduct a patient interview, how to perform a physical exam, how to present a patient’s case. Students also learn essential ‘soft skills’ such as compassion, commitment to patients and teamwork.

To acknowledge the amazing contribution of all TCP teachers, McGill’s Undergraduate Medical Education Office annually presents awards of excellence.

This year’s awards ceremony, held on February 11 in Holmes Hall, honoured 13 TCP clinician-teachers and residents for their outstanding contributions to medical education.

Med-2 students nominated the clinician-teacher who had an indelible impact on them.  To provide a sense of the tremendous influence these TCP teachers have had on medical students, here are a few anonymous quotes.

“(This teacher is) very committed to providing us with a meaningful learning experience. He provided new lectures based on student feedback from last year and is an excellent lecturer. He is very approachable.”

“Amazing enthusiasm when it comes to teaching TCP students. (She) allows the student to feel independent, gives appropriate feedback when necessary. Teaching was also clear and well put together.”

“An amazing teacher and one of the best mentors that I have met so far. He has a great passion for teaching and takes his job very seriously. He was always available to listen to our concerns and always asked us about our experiences of the previous day. He was an excellent role model for the entire class and played a big role in making our experience…intellectually stimulating.”

The Faculty of Medicine would like to thank all of its teachers and pays particular tribute to this year’s recipients of the Transition to Clinical Practice Awards for Excellence in Teaching.

Dr. Annie Véronique Côté, Anesthesia
Dr. Elizabeth Décary, Anesthesia
Dr. Mark Karanofsky, Family Medicine
Dr. Constantine Alexandre Soulellis, Internal Medicine
Dr. Joe Carlton, Neurology
Dr. Dina Namiranian, Neurology
Dr. Bryan Arthurs, Ophthalmology
Dr. Vincent Sun, Ophthalmology
Dr. Lajos Kovacs, Pediatrics
Dr. Adam Hart, Surgery
Dr. Jason Corban, Surgery
Dr. Ali Bessissow, Radiology

March 23 2020

Epidemiologist who conducted some of the first Canadian studies in colorectal cancer screening has a talent for outreach

Maida Sewitch, PhD, is a member of the Cancer Research Program at the Research Institute of the MUHC, where she conducts research at the Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation

Source: RI-MUHC

Maida Sewitch, PhD, an associate professor in the Department of Medicine at McGill University and scientist at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, was awarded the designation of Canadian Association of Gastroenterology Fellow this month. She was selected for this honour in recognition of her continuing service to the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology and to Canadian gastroenterology. “I am humbled and honoured to join the CAG Fellows, and to be among esteemed colleagues at the CAG who value excellence in health care, research and service. This award will facilitate new opportunities for me to inspire the next generation of scientists and clinician-scientists,” she said.

A faculty member at McGill University since 2004, Maida Sewitch conducted some of the first Canadian studies in colorectal cancer screening. Her early work using Canadian Community Health Survey data showed that the majority of Canadians were not aware of developments in colorectal cancer screening. Primary research data revealed that many primary care physicians were unfamiliar with colorectal cancer screening guidelines and wanted changes to the health care delivery system to improve their ability to deliver colorectal cancer screening. Most recently, she developed a smartphone app to help patients prepare for their colonoscopy appointments. Ongoing work is aimed at introducing this patient-centred app into clinical practice.

Since coming to McGill, Maida Sewitch has provided epidemiology education and training to graduate students in the Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health at McGill, where she holds an appointment as Associate Member. In 2018 she received the Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award from the Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health Student Society. She has held knowledge translation events to increase public awareness of the importance of cancer prevention and risk reduction, including an educational event for high school students in Kahnawake, Quebec.

As an active member of CAG since 1998, Maida Sewitch has served on several committees, including the Nominations and Research Affairs Committees. Currently she is Lead of the Quality Innovation Committee and a member of the Women’s Mentorship Program at the CAG. She is a grant reviewer at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Cancer Research Society and has served on the editorial boards of the American Journal of Gastroenterology and World Journal of Gastroenterology.

Learn more about the designation of CAG Fellows

March 25 2020

The Neuro’s director has been a driving force in neurological disease research and Open Science leadership

Source: Neuro

Since 1957, The Gairdner Foundation has been recognizing the achievements of the world’s top researchers for their contributions to health science. This year, Dr. Guy Rouleau joins an elite group of scientists by receiving the Canada Gairdner Wightman Award.

The Foundation bestows the Canada Gairdner Wightman Award upon researchers who have had a sustained career of research excellence in the health sciences at an international level and have shown leadership and achievement above those of their peers, with local, national and international impact. Only one Canada Gairdner Wightman Award is given each year.

Dr. Rouleau, director of The Neuro (Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital) of McGill University and the McGill University Health Centre, has made critical discoveries in the field of genetics and neurological disease. He has helped identify more than 30 genetic risk factors, novel mutation types and their effect on human health.

His work on mapping, isolating and characterizing the genes responsible for French-Canadian founder diseases have led to a dramatic reduction in the number of cases with some of these diseases due to carrier testing in the populations at highest risk.

Dr. Rouleau has also been a leader in the identification of genes linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, epilepsy, schizophrenia and autism. In 2012, Dr. Rouleau published a paper identifying for the first time ever a gene that causes essential tremor, the most common movement disorder.

Since joining The Neuro in 2013, Dr. Rouleau has spearheaded its Open Science initiative, which is breaking down barriers to medical discovery by encouraging the sharing of data and reagents across institutions. In order to understand the brain and discover new treatments and cures for patients, Dr. Rouleau believes scientists must take advantage of all the information and reagents being generated by the many different groups around the world.

“It means so much to me to be recognized now by my peers for my discoveries and my position on Open Science,” says Dr. Rouleau. “The Canada Gairdner Wightman Award is an extraordinary honour that gives a special meaning to my entire career.”

“The Wightman Gairdner Award is one of the most prestigious prizes available to health researchers,” says Principal and Vice-Chancellor of McGill University Suzanne Fortier. “Dr. Rouleau’s selection is a wonderful recognition of his outstanding contributions to scientific research in the fields of genetics and neurology over his remarkable career. It also reflects the impact McGill University’s scientists have on the lives of patients, and the importance of Open Science for the future of research. I join with the McGill community in sincerely congratulating Dr. Rouleau.”

“Dr. Rouleau is one of the world’s leading experts in elucidating and understanding the genetic architecture of diseases affecting the central and peripheral nervous system,” notes the Vice-Principal (Health Affairs) and Dean of McGill’s Faculty of Medicine, Dr. David Eidelman. “He has had an extraordinary career as a clinician-scientist and I am proud to have him as a member of our faculty.”

“Dr. Rouleau’s work in Open Science contributes deeply to the transformation of the ecosystem of science by stimulating new thinking and fostering communities of sharing,” said Dr. Janet Rossant, the president and scientific director of the Gairdner Foundation. “Inspired by The Neuro’s vision, the global science community is reflecting on current research conventions and collaborative projects, and the momentum of Open Science is gaining a foothold in organizations and institutions in all corners of the world.”

Over the course of Dr. Rouleau’s career he has received many prestigious prizes, including the Michael Smith Award from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Margolese National Brain Disorders Prize from the University of British Columbia, the Prix du Québec – Wilder Penfield from the Government of Québec, and the Prix d’excellence of the Collège des médecins du Québec.

March 31 2020

Source: AFMC

McGill’s Dr. Armand Aalamian was recently named Chair of the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) Medical Education Committee. Dr. Aalamian, who is the Associate Dean, PGME, at McGill University’s Faculty of Medicine, recently took some time to answer a few questions for the AFMC’s monthly newsletter, sharing his perspective on his new role and on medical education.

You were recently appointed as the chair of the AFMC Postgraduate Medical Education Committee. What excites you about taking on this role? 

Medical Education in Canada is currently experiencing a tremendous renaissance. We are in the process of transitioning to Competency Based Medical Education, a framework that is designed to meet the individual learning needs of the residents throughout their training. We have also put in place a brand-new set of Accreditation Standards for Residency Training Programs placing an emphasis on quality improvement and demonstrating that we are able to train highly skilled physicians to serve the needs of the diverse communities within the Canadian landscape. As the chair of the AFMC PGME Education Committee it is my hope to be able to provide the forum of meaningful collaborations between the various stakeholders within Medical Education to address the complex challenges that are before us.

What are some of the challenges facing postgraduate medical education?

There are multiple challenges currently within PG medical education. There are increasing demands on our teachers within the clinical and educational contexts, and as new systems are put in place, there are more stressors on the clinician-educators’ time. There are also additional financial and human resources that are required for the implementation and ongoing support of CBME, a process that can be challenging when several provinces have made significant cuts to their education and health care budgets. There is also a need for functional IT platforms to support the increasingly complex educational systems. There are also decreasing number of residents in several specialties placing added pressure on the work-learning environments. 

How will the committee address these challenges?
The committee’s role is to clearly articulate the challenges facing postgraduate medical education and provide the necessary advocacy to address these challenges on a national level. By being in dialogue with all the major stakeholders in medical education, the committee plays a vital role in being the national voice for postgraduate medical education.

Who was your mentor in residency?
Dr.  Alice Benjamin, an obstetrician-gynecologist who symbolizes competence, professionalism, compassion, humanity, and humility. She has been an inspirational figure to me for over 30 years.

What one line of advice do you have for residents?
Remember why you chose to practice medicine in the first place, and be compassionate, especially with yourself!

Congratulations Dr. Aalamian!

April 15, 2020

Source: Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation

The Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its Awards of Excellence. Four awards were presented at the Foundation’s annual Gala event on Wednesday, March 11 at the Maison symphonique de Montréal.

The Foundation honours professionals whose exceptional commitment contributes to the fight against breast cancer. Each award recipient received a grant to facilitate the pursuit of their research, innovation and support.

• The Scientific Distinction Award went to Dr. Peter Siegel

Dr. Siegel works at the Goodman Cancer Research Centre at McGill University, where he and his team are developing new treatments to reduce the number of metastatic or drug-resistant cancers in women with breast cancer. The Scientific Distinction Award pays tribute to the ambition and impact of Dr. Siegel’s career. The quality of his scientific research has led to major advances in the fight against breast cancer.

A $25,000 grant accompanied the National Bank Innovation and Community Support Award.

Click here to watch Doctor Siegel’s video.

• The National Bank Innovation and Community Support Award was presented to the creators of the Opal app

Drs. Tarek Hijal, John Kildea and Jamil Asselah of the McGill University Health Centre were honoured for their innovative contributions that have significantly improved patient care. The team created the Opal app, which provides patients with free and easy access to their medical records, as well as to their upcoming appointments. It also includes explanations, lab results, medical notes from radiation oncology and educational materials specific to their diagnosis and treatment.

The National Bank Innovation and Community Support Award came with a $25,000 grant.

Click here to watch the team’s video.

• The Emerging Scientific Award was presented to Dr. Marie-Claude Bourgeois-Daigneault

Dr. Marie-Claude Bourgeois-Daigneault of the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Montréal has stood out by the quality of her scientific research in breast cancer. She and her research team are studying the characteristics that distinguish patients who respond well to treatment from those who do not. The team works with viruses modified to attack cancer cells when injected into the body.
The Emerging Scientific Award is accompanied by a $5,000 grant.

Click here to watch Doctor Bourgeois-Daigneault’s video.

• Pam McLernon Volunteer Engagement Award was presented to Olivier Perret

Executive chef at the Renoir restaurant at Sofitel Montréal Le Carré Doré hotel, Olivier Perret launched the Renoir en Rose event in 2014. This gastronomic fundraiser has since collected over $300,000 for the cause.
His remarkable commitment to the Foundation has had a major impact in supporting people affected by breast cancer.

Click here to watch Olivier Perret’s video.

About the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation

The Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation is the only philanthropic organization to ensure its investment in breast cancer research stays here in Quebec. In over 25 years, it has raised over $50 million and invested it here in Quebec in cutting-edge research and in defending the best interests of breast cancer patients and their loved ones. Via research and innovation, support and awareness, the Foundation places people affected and their families at the very heart of its mission. Researchers, volunteers, employees, donors and families all share the same hope: A future in which people no longer die of breast cancer. Follow our activities on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.

For more information Marie-Pier Cornellier Media Relations and Communications Specialist Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation Tel.: 514-871-1717, ext. 266 | Toll-free 1-877-990-7171 | Cell: 819-572-1254 mpcornellier@rubanrose.org

March 18 2020

Source: MUHC

Dr. Anita Brown-Johnson has made extraordinary contributions as a medical professional and humanitarian. In March of this year, she was bestowed a prestigious Woman of Merit Award by Dr. Lionel Carmant, Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services.

“I was very touched,” recalls Dr. Brown-Johnson, who received the good news in a memorable way; initially, her invite to the ceremony was sent to the wrong email address. Colleagues were left to wonder why Dr. Brown-Johnson kept such a tight lip. “Eventually the President of the Playmas Montreal Cultural Association took it upon herself to send me another invitation,” she chuckles. “It was quite a surprise!”

Live music and delicious Caribbean treats awaited Dr. Brown-Johnson at the ceremony, which was fitting, since her own Caribbean roots played a huge role in cultivating her benevolent spirit.

“I was born in Montreal and raised in Jamaica by my grandmother, who was very spiritual,” she explains. “In High School I became a Girl Guide and was encouraged to take on leadership roles early. Helping others became second nature.”

Dr. Brown-Johnson went on to study at McGill University, earning her Doctor of Medicine and Master of Surgery Degree and completing the Family Medicine Residency Training program at the Montreal General Hospital of the McGill University Health Centre (MGH-MUHC), earning Board Certification in the College of Family Physicians of Canada in 1990. Today, she holds a number of meaningful roles, including Interim Chief of Family Medicine and Director of the Secondary Care Division in the Department of Family Medicine at the MUHC, Assistant Professor of Family Medicine at McGill University, president of the Quebec division of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award program. Since 2015, she has served as Regional Department of General Medicine’s delegate on the MUHC Board of directors; as National Director for the Duke of Edinburgh International Award program (representing the province of Quebec) since 2017; and more recently, as member of the Board of directors of the Indigenous Health Center of Tiohtià:ke. What’s more, her enthusiastic involvement in international initiatives to support vulnerable populations (such as PACE Canada and Music Through the Ages) and longstanding support of youth mentorship and scholarship have graced her to become a role model of success and compassion.

“All human beings have the potential for greatness, and each one has the right to define what greatness looks like,” she humbly says. “Housekeepers, nannies, nurses, bus drivers, engineers, teachers, physicians and other health care professionals, scientists, world leaders, or tradesmen/women – now more than ever, we see how the world cannot operate seamlessly without the contribution of the different disciplines. I do what I do because I want youths and vulnerable people to believe in the best version of themselves and to go into the world with confidence!”

Congratulations Dr. Anita Brown-Johnson on this well-deserved achievement. The MUHC community is lucky to have you!

April 20 2020

By Matthew Brett

There are moments of joy and celebration in these difficult times, and this is certainly one of those moments. There is very good reason to recognize three Faculty members for their outstanding contributions to medical education.

Drs. Ilana Bank, Fraser Moore and Geoffroy Noel, three members of the Institute of Health Sciences Education, recently received the 2020 Canadian Association of Medical Education (CAME) Certificate of Merit.

The Certificate recognizes and rewards faculty members from across Canadian medical schools who are committed to medical education.

These deserving colleagues were to be honoured during the Canadian Conference on Medical Education (CCME), which is now partially taking place though asynchronous delivery of virtual panels and events under the timely theme of, “weaving humanism into the fabric of medical education.” All original plenaries will be recorded and available from May 15 to August 14, 2020.

The Institute looks forward to recognizing this dynamic trio during a members’ meeting on June 4.

Harnessing the Power of Simulation:

Dr. Ilana Bank
MDCM, FRCPC, FAAP
Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Attending staff, Montreal Children’s Hospital
Associate Member, Institute of Health Sciences Education
Director, Montreal Children’s Hospital Institute for Pediatric Simulation

Dr. Bank has developed a reputation for her skill in simulation-based education and her ability to mobilize a broad range of individuals to design, implement, and participate in innovative large-scale simulation training programs.

She has designed disaster simulations that engage entire hospital and municipal disaster response teams. She has tested hospital functioning for patient safety issues by simulating complex multi-trauma patient response from arrival to disposition. And she has managed to translate findings from these and other simulations into formal academic submissions, policy development and refinement, and local culture change around simulation-based education.

“To receive this recognition during the pandemic, when I feel my work has a particular salience, is extremely humbling,” Dr. Bank said. “I believe in the essential role of simulation training and in putting the lessons learned into practice.”

Dr. Bank is also the pediatric director of subspecialty education and chair of the sub-committee on multiple mini interviews for medical admissions at McGill University.

Making Neurology Understandable:

Dr. Fraser Moore
Associate Professor, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery
Associate Member, Institute of Health Sciences Education

Dr. Moore is the Leader of Block J (“Human Behaviour”) in the McGill Medical School curriculum and the Program Director for the McGill Adult Neurology residency program.

His current education and research interests include the teaching of medical students and residents, particularly as it relates to the neurological exam and electrophysiology, and curriculum design for neurology education in medical school.

“My interest in evidence-based medical education has continued to grow over time,” said Dr. Moore. “The Institute of Health Sciences Education at McGill has been invaluable in stimulating ideas and providing critical feedback. As neurologists, we should always be looking for better ways to help students understand and appreciate Neurology.”

Dr. Moore has published the results of his work in medical education research in a variety of peer-reviewed journals, including Perspectives on Medical Education and Neurology.

He has been named the McGill Neurology teacher of the year on three occasions and in 2017 was the recipient of the prestigious Osler teaching award from the graduating medical school class.

 
Innovation in the Anatomy Lab:

Dr. Geoffroy Noël
Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
Director, Anatomical Sciences Division
Associate Member, Institute for Health Sciences Education

Dr. Noël’s most recent educational innovations include the deployment of augmented reality (AR) technology in the anatomy lab. This fascinating AR platform is intended to improve the quality of training for surgeons, dentists and other health professionals, and the early results are promising.

“We have only begun to scratch the surface of the benefits, limitations and concerns of new technologies in health sciences education training,” Dr. Noël said. “This is sensitive terrain but also incredibly rewarding for our learners.”

If this AR project were not enough, Dr. Noël created and studied the benefits of innovative teaching tools to help students build better mental maps of anatomy, including a low-fidelity T-shirt model of the peritoneal cavity that he published in Anatomical Sciences Education journal, as well as a 3D printed model for rhinoplasty approaches, under review. Dr. Noël also developed 3D printed models of various anatomical regions and researched their value on near-peer teaching of bedside ultrasound in undergraduate medical programs.

He is co-leading a study on the impact of the internationalization of medical education with Columbia University, Kyoto University, National University of Taiwan, Helsinki University and King’s College London, which was accepted in the journal, Medical Science Educator.

On behalf of the Institute, we would like to not only congratulate you for your excellence in medical education – we would also like to commend you for being kind and generous colleagues and friends. Santé!

April 21 2020

Dr. Aline D. Khatchikian, a second-year resident in Diagnostic Radiology at McGill University, was appointed Chair of the Canadian Association of Radiologists’ (CAR) Resident and Fellow Section, and is expected to be the Resident Representative on CAR’s Board of Directors following the next annual general meeting. Dr. Khatchikian, whose chairmanship began on April 18, is the first resident physician from Quebec or McGill to hold this position.

Dr. Khatchikian completed her MD in 2018 at Université Laval. Described as a citizen of the world, she has extensive international experience delivering advocacy training sessions to medical students in multiple countries including Switzerland, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, and Uruguay.

In 2015, Dr. Khatchikian was appointed Regional Public Health Director for the Americas’ Region of the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations, leading projects in over fifteen countries. In 2017, she organized the Youth Pre-World Health Assembly on human resources for health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization. That same year, she became Board Member of the Quebec Medical Association. In 2018, she received the Canadian Medical Association Award for Young Leaders in recognition of her advances in global health and medical education. She is currently pioneering the first global outreach network for Canadian radiologists and interventional radiologists, to address the gap in access to medical imaging worldwide.

As Chair of the Resident and Fellow Section, Dr. Khatchikian will work with radiology residents, fellows and medical students across Canada to promote the value of radiology and ensure a smooth transition to practice. She will focus on developing a national database for elective and fellowship opportunities, in addition to a medical student mentorship program. Above all, she will encourage her peers to become engaged in local, national and international advocacy projects as CAR members.

Congratulations Dr. Khatchikian!

April 23 2020

Professor Maria Natasha Rajah was named a CIHR Chair for helping understand sex and gender differences in how aging effects memory and brain function

Source: Amanda Testani for Research and Innovation

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) recently announced 15 recipients of its fall 2019 Sex and Gender Science Chair competition, who will be supported for their in-depth investigations in the field of sex and gender science.

Among the newly appointed Sex and Gender Science Chairs is McGill’s Maria Natasha Rajah, a Professor in the Department of Psychology. Professor Rajah received funding for her research project on sex differences in memory and brain function in healthy aging.

Professor Rajah’s research is focused on understanding how aging and risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) impact the brain’s ability to learn and remember past personal experiences (episodic memories). She uses behavioral experimentation and task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to assess regional differences in brain activity in healthy young, middle-aged, and older adults, with and without known risk factors for AD, while they perform memory tasks.

Through the CIHR funding, Professor Rajah will investigate whether there are sex differences in the patterns of brain decline and compensation in women, compared to men, across a variety of memory tasks. The overall goal of this research is to develop precise, sex-specific neurocognitive therapies to support successful aging in both women and men, and better understand why women are at greater risk of developing AD, compared to men.

“I am very excited to be given this opportunity from CIHR to investigate how biological sex influences brain aging and cognition,” said Professor Rajah. “Many neurological and psychiatric disorders disproportionately impact women and/or men – for example, 2/3 of Alzheimer’s disease cases in the USA are women. Yet, we do not understand why there are these sex differences in disease risk. I hope my research on healthy aging and adults with known risk factors of Alzheimer’s disease can shed light on this topic and help us develop more precise, targeted interventions to support health and cognition in late life.”

The purpose of the CIHR Sex and Gender Science Chair opportunity is to grow the science across health research domains, fostering programs that examine the mechanisms underlying observed biological sex differences; supporting the development of methods and measures to study sex and gender; and encouraging comparative effectiveness research of gender-transformative interventions. The Chairs will investigate sex and/or gender as a primary research question within the investigator’s field of research, while also building capacity and sharing findings within and outside their research communities.

Chairs will receive a maximum amount of $175,000 per year for four years, for a total of $700,000. The funding goes to research support and to capacity-building activities, including trainee support, mentoring, and knowledge translation activities.

April 23 2020