MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Spend Time in the DEC and Enter to Win!

Whether you’re meeting with a colleague, enjoying a quiet moment, or catching up on work, each visit to the Department Enrichment Centre is a chance to win. Let us know how you used the space to enter our monthly draw for DoM swag or dining gift cards. One entry per visit, every day!

Please join us in welcoming the following DoM member:

• Dr. Heather Armstrong, Associate Professor, Division of Gastroenterology
• Shima Ghasemi, Division Program Support (DPS), dpsadm@ualberta.ca
• Dr. Denyse Richardson, Division Director, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Section Chief, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Edmonton Zone, Alberta Health Services

DoM RESEARCH

Research News

Join us for the 2025 Me2 Majumdar Research and Quality Improvement Day on Thursday, May 15. 

• Registration and Refreshments: 7:30 a.m.

• Program: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

• Edmonton Clinic Health Academy (ECHA) 2-490, U of A. To gain entry into ECHA, please carry your ONE or AHS card.

How to safeguard your research at home and away | monthly dates starting May 16. iSMART hosts a free pizza lunch with speaker Jacqueline Littlewood. Register here.

Glyco27 | May 25-30. Hosted with the Canadian Glycomics Symposium at the Edmonton Convention Centre, discover cutting-edge research and innovations in glycomics with experts from around the world. Register here.

ID Research Day with Dr. Geoffrey Taylor Lectureship | May 29. The Division of Infectious Diseases is excited to have Keynote Speaker Dr. Susan Huang, Professor, University of California Irvine School of Medicine. Register by Wednesday, May 21.

Frontiers in Public Health - Submit a paper to a special issue: The Intersection of Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases Across the Lifespan: Implications and Applications for Global Health. Due Sept. 30. Read more from Dr. Karen Lee, Associate Professor, Division of Preventive Medicine.

Research FAQ

How Do I Request Research Support?

You can request assistance by contacting:

1. General Research Support. The Divisional Program Support (DPS) Team offers many administrative support services for researchers including:
   • Canadian Common CV (CCV) support.
   • Securing signatures and arranging meetings for grant applications, particularly multi-centre grants in which a DoM faculty member is the principal applicant.
   • Securing other necessary documents usually required for grants, particularly multi-centre grants, such as ethics approvals, operational approvals, or letters of support from external institutions.
     
     You should first contact the DPS team at dpsadm@ualberta.ca.
     
     For any specialized requests related to general research support or request for significant support, please contact Raeanne Barkhouse, Academic Divisional Administrator, at 780-492-8787 or raeanneb@ualberta.ca, who will direct you to the appropriate support team.
      
2. DoM Research Office. A full-time, PhD-trained, support person can be allocated for larger grants driven by a DoM member, requiring several weeks or months of preparatory work. Contact Eleni Karageorgos, Team Lead of the DoM Research Office, at 780-248-1491 or eleni.karageorgos@ualberta.ca or Dr. Evangelos Michelakis, Associate Chair of the DoM Research Office, at 780-407-1576 or evangelos.michelakis@ualberta.ca.

Faculty Funding and Awards

CIHR Fall 2025 Applications

• New for 2025, the U of A will pilot a voluntary Enrolment Registry for researchers applying for the fall 2025 competition | May 15
• Faculty members planning to submit a new application or resubmission to the Fall 2025 CIHR Project Grant competition are asked to complete this short registration form | May 15.

• Department of Medicine CIHR Internal Review. Notice of Intent to Participate | Monday, June 2.

Department of Medicine Translational Research Implementation Fund (TRIF)

The TRIF is designed to support research to generate preliminary data or pilot data with the expectation that it would be used for future applications, particularly Tri-Agency (CIHR). The fund will distribute $70,000 each year to successful applicants:

• up to one $30,000 award, and
• up to two $20,000 awards

Trainee Funding and Awards

Dr. Barbara Romanowski Publication Award in Sexually Transmitted Infections

The Dr. Barbara Romanowski research award recognizes top FoMD trainees for outstanding published work on sexually transmitted infections. Up to two $1,000 awards are given annually for research on specific STIs, with one award each for basic research and clinical/public health studies.

Now Accepting Applications

The Dr. Jutta Preiksaitis publication award recognizes top FoMD trainees for outstanding research on infections in immunocompromised patients. This $1,000 award supports published work on transplant recipients, primary immunodeficiency, or immunosuppressive therapy.

Now Accepting Applications

This year, the department is pleased to offer one award of $25,000 to an outstanding prospective PhD student. 

The scholarship will be awarded based on superior academic achievement and research potential, as demonstrated by a GPA of 3.5 or higher, awards, and publications.

For more Funding and Award Opportunities, see:

DoM NEWS

Promoting Neuropalliative Care in the Clinic, Research and Around the World

Watch this 5-minute video featuring Dr. Janis Miyasaki, Professor and Dr. Fang Ba, Associate Professor, Division of Neurology.

Congratulations to Dr. Monty Ghosh (Assistant Professor, Division of General Internal Medicine) on receiving the 2025 Excellence in Community-Campus Research Partnership Award for his exceptional work in the field of harm reduction and community-based research. 

Congratulations to Dr. Kailash Jindal (Professor, Division of Nephrology) on receiving the Canadian Society of Nephrology (CSN) Distinguished Service Award 2025 for his visionary leadership and lifelong dedication to advancing kidney care across Canada. 

Congratulations to Dr. Janis Miyasaki (Professor, Division of Neurology) on receiving the 2025 Movement Disorders Research Award and the King Charles III's Coronation Medal. 

Congratulations to Dr. Gavin Oudit (Professor, Division of Cardiology) on receiving the King Charles III's Coronation Medal in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Heart & Stroke and his commitment to heart and brain health in Canada. 

A study by Dr. Penny Smyth (Professor, Division of Neurology) reveals discrepancies in care for Albertans living with multiple sclerosis. (Folio)

• Dr. Justin Ezekowitz (Professor, Division of Cardiology) 
  • Podcast discussion of A Randomized Controlled Trial of Thoracentesis in Acute Heart Failure. (Circulation on the Run)
     
• Dr. Monty Ghosh (Assistant Professor, Division of General Internal Medicine)
  • Alberta introduces controversial involuntary addictions treatment bill (CBC News)
  • What does Alberta's controversial involuntary treatment legislation mean? (Edmonton Journal)
  • Alberta sees lowest opioid deaths since 2019, but varying drug toxicity across municipalities remain top concern (Edmonton Journal)
     
• Dr. Mark Joffe (Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases)
  • Alberta doctors association warns measles will rise, ramped-up health campaign needed (Edmonton Journal)
     
• Dr. Janis Miyasaki (Professor, Division of Neurology)
  • It Takes Determination and Discipline Getting to Know President Award Honoree Janis Miyasaki (Neurology Today)

• Dr. Patrick Pilarski and Dr. Jacqueline Hebert (Professors, Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation)
  • Augmented Humanity, An interdisciplinary lab transcends bionic limbs with machine learning (EDify)

• Dr. Lynora Saxinger (Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases)
  • Alberta's top doctor should be given green light to speak publicly on measles, health experts say (CBC Calgary)
  • Univ. of Alberta Infectious Diseases Specialist Lynora Saxinger on the latest in measles outbreak (CBC News)
  • Covid @ 5: Did we learn anything? (Town and Country Today)
  • Worst measles outbreak in a quarter-century as Alberta cases erupt (Edmonton Journal)
  • Do I need a third dose of the measles vaccine? And other common questions answered (CBC News)
  • ‘A concerning theme’: Deadliest flu season on record for third time in recent Alberta history (CTV News Calgary)
     
• Dr. D. Lorne Tyrrell (Adjunct Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases)

  • Rise in measles cases has prompted Albertans to get their MMR vaccine (Calgary Herald)
     

• Dr. Carrie Ye (Assistant Professor, Division of Rheumatology)

  • Fracture in Adulthood, Even Early On, Increases Future Fracture Risk (Physician's Weekly)​

DoM ACCESS, COMMUNITY
AND BELONGING

Universal Design

Universal design is a concept whereby processes, products and spaces are designed to work for as many people as possible, without the need for specialized design or adaptation, regardless of their size, age, ability or disability. Instead of needing special requirements or re-designs, universally designed solutions are built to be inclusive from the start. Everyone benefits if everyday things are easier, more accessible, and more comfortable to use! Examples of universal design include captions on videos, ramps, automatic doors, curb-free entries and tables/desks with adjustable heights. 

Universal design also applies to learning environments and curriculum design. It helps all learners to succeed by giving them the tools and flexibility to manage their own behaviour, emotions and cognitive processes while they interact with their learning environment. The ultimate goal is to develop learning environments that are accessible, inclusive and challenging for all. This requires continuous examination of the educator-student relationship to create space for learners to process content individually and collectively through interaction and reflection. It is important to recognize the many dimensions of culture and identity, and to identify where bias may be a barrier to a learner’s ability to fully exercise their agency.

Examples of how to integrate universal design into learning and curriculum development include providing information in a variety of formats (e.g., audio, visual, text, etc.), offering different methods of assessment (e.g., presentation, essay, infographic, etc.) and using inclusive language and imagery that is respectful and representative of diverse backgrounds. 

For more information on Universal Design for Learning, please see:

• https://udlguidelines.cast.org/
• https://a11y.canada.ca/en/universal-design-for-learning-udl/
• https://udlhub.ubc.ca/about/
• https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/curriculum-review/pedagogical-development-universal-design-learning

Read other ACB definitions and topics on the DoM ACB site.

HAPPENINGS IN DoM

Note: change of venue until June 20, 2025 
Classroom D - 2F1.04 WMC, University Hospital.

In Case You Missed It

Are survival, sacrifice and suffering required for excellence? Is going home at the end of a shift considered unprofessional? Dr. Melanie Lewis touches on the wellness (or burnout) of physicians and residents. (MGR, April 11)

Upcoming MGRs

Join in person for coffee or click on the links below to register on Zoom.

• May 9 — Percy Russell Lecture: Scleroderma: the 'hard' facts. Dr. Janet Pope, Professor of Medicine and Director of the Division of Rheumatology, University of Western Ontario
• May 16 — Research Grand Rounds: Admissions: What I got wrong, what I got right, and what you should do for a fulfilling career in research. Dr. John Staples, Clinical Associate Professor, Vancouver General Hospital
• May 23 — TOPIC: Safer supply and political interference in medical practice: Alberta's Narcotics Transition Service. Dr. Elaine Hyshka, Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Health Systems Innovation, School of Public Health, U of A
• May 30 — New Professor Series. Dr. Frank Hoentjen, Professor, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, U of A

Hosted by the Division of Cardiology, this eagerly awaited event will be held on Saturday, May 10 at the Edmonton Clinic Health Academy. It will bring together healthcare professionals including family physicians, emergency medicine physicians, internists, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, EMS personnel, and others passionate about cardiovascular medicine.

Are you passionate about improving the lives of older adults? Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with experts, enhance your skills, and stay updated on the latest advancements in geriatric care.

Save the Date

Department of Medicine Welcome Back Picnic

September 12, 2025

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

FACULTY OF MEDICINE & DENTISTRY

• J Alan Gilbert Chair Grants in Health Professions Education | due May 16. 
  Applications are now open for learners, early-career professionals, faculty/academic staff and interprofessional teams grants. 
   

• Edmonton Protocol 25th Anniversary Celebration | June 4. Celebrate the publication of the Edmonton Protocol (EP), a groundbreaking discovery in the fight against diabetes, followed by the Scientific Gairdner Symposium on June 5.

UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA NEWS

• Giving Day matching update | May 13. Make your donations go further! Giving Day on May 13 will once again feature a matching opportunity — up to a total of $100,000. This year, each participating faculty/unit fund will not be capped to a certain match amount. Instead, the gifts you bring in will be matched until the $100,000 is used up!
   
• Forward with Purpose Impact Report. The Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation released the first-year digital Impact Report on Forward with Purpose, which showcases stories, projects and statistics from across the University of Alberta community. 

ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES NEWS

• Expert advice available for new parents across Alberta. There is now a single phone number for new parents across the province seeking expert advice on newborn care: 1-833-805-BABY (2229) any time, any day.
   
• The urgent care clinic and family care clinic at the East Edmonton Health Centre is now open: M-F, 5-10:30 p.m.; Sat-Sun, 3 - 10:30 p.m.

HELPFUL SUPPORT & TIPS

• Campus & Community Recreation Open House | May 11. Sample free express classes – yoga, Zumba, bouldering and strength training.
   
• Beyond Stigma: Increasing Our Understanding of Mental Health in the Workplace | June 19
   

• Language Matters: Mind your U’s and A’s. Here are the most common style mistakes when it comes to the name of the University of Alberta:

  • “UAlberta” – Never use this as an abbreviation for the university. Go with “University of Alberta” for the first instance, “U of A” for subsequent instances. 

  • “UofA” – The correct abbreviation is “U of A.” In designed content, make sure to keep the whole abbreviation on the same line. On the web, use non-breaking spaces; ask the digital team if you need assistance.

  • Don’t capitalize “university” when it stands alone.