MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

AMHSP TIPS

AMHSP Individual Service Agreement (ISA) Tip

Section 2.1 (Part 6.1 and 6.2) of the AMHSP policy states that a minimum of 50% of the overall services provided through an Arrangement must be Clinical Services. Currently, the Medicine Arrangement is just shy of meeting this 50% requirement.  We are working with the division directors to ensure that all clinical work is recognized within the clinical pillar since it is well recognized that most Medicine AMHSP members work above their allocated FTE.  

All AMHSP policies can be found on the AMHSP website.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Medicine Grand Rounds launches Friday, September 12

Be there for the first session and start the year with big ideas and bold discussions.

Facilitator: Dr. Narmin Kassam, Professor and Chair, Department of Medicine
Date: Friday, September 12, 8 - 9 a.m.
Venue: Join us for coffee in person in Classroom D - 2F1.04 WMC, University Hospital or register for Zoom

Kick-start your semester and your team. 

Venue: Corbett Quad, corner of 112 Street and 82 Avenue
Food Trucks: El Mero Mero, Starvin Marvin's and Veggie Delights
For Whom: Free for DoM faculty, residents, staff and learners, however you must complete the registration to reserve your attendance. 

Sabbatical for Academic Faculty Members

Now is the time to consider a sabbatical opportunity for the upcoming academic year. Submit an application by September 15 for a sabbatical time between July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027.  

Who is eligible: Tenured academic staff
Who is not eligible to apply: Sabbatical does not apply to AMHSP, Clinical Faculty, TRAS or FSO teaching appointment

Please join us in welcoming the following DoM member:

• Dr. Eve Boissonnault, assistant professor, Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

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. Scan the QR code in the DEC, and let us know how you used the space to enter our monthly draw.

Congratulations to our August contest winner, Traci Grams, Divisional Administrative Support with the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism!

DoM ACCESS, COMMUNITY
AND BELONGING

Maybe It's Time to Re-think
What "Professionalism" Means

There is no universally held concept of medical professionalism. One definition
outlines that "medical professionalism exists in difficult, daily choices made by practicing physicians under system and internal stresses whilst delivering patient care.”¹ Those choices can look very different across health-care teams.

The Evolving Concept of Professionalism
Professionalism is not fixed; it evolves with culture and context. Historically, it has been shaped by outdated colonial standards (i.e., norms, practices and values imposed by colonial powers). Today, we recognize that professionalism:

• is culturally defined and can vary greatly across contexts.
• holds different meanings depending on one’s identity and lived experiences.

When professionalism is narrowly defined, it can create barriers to equity, including limited access to resources, mentors, and education, or a sense of belonging.

Professionalism as Both a Tool and a Risk
Professionalism can be a positive tool to address bias and racism in medicine. However, it can also be misused as “a tool of social control to maintain the interests of the social groups that dominate medicine.”² Conflicts often arise when:

• assumptions are made about someone’s motives.
• expectations of behaviour differ among individuals.
• mistreatment occurs.

Responding to Professionalism Conflicts or Mistreatment
If you experience or observe concerns related to professional behaviours, there are multiple possible responses:

1. Do nothing. Let it go.
2. Debrief. Talk with a trusted colleague or friend.
3. Approach the Person. 
   • Calling in the person in private, after the interaction or event. Provide feedback with compassion about how the interaction impacted you or others (i.e., how you felt).
   • Calling out the person in the moment, often publicly. Address the behaviour and its impact right away.

Communication frameworks can help structure difficult conversations, including:

• XYZ Model: “I feel X when you say Y because Z.”
• ACTION Model: Ask clarifying questions, Come from curiosity, Tell what you observed, Impact of their statement, Own your thoughts and feelings, Next steps.

Reporting Options
If you choose to report a concern, possible channels include: division, department, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Alberta Health Services, University of Alberta, or College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta.

References:
(1) Birden Med Teach 2014
(2) Frye et al. Acad Med 2020

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

DoM RESEARCH

Faculty Funding and Awards

Canadian Institutes of Health Research

CIHR Fall 2025 Competition Deadlines | Sept. 9: ResearchNet submission. Sept. 10: CIHR application.

Kidney Foundation of Canada

Allied Health Kidney Research Grant - Supports allied health professionals conducting research in nephrology and organ donation, including clinical, health services, social, cultural, environmental, and population health. | 
Oct. 27: RAS. Nov. 3: Sponsor.

Allied Health Kidney Doctoral Fellowships - Supports the development of allied health investigators in nephrology and organ donation in Canada. | Oct. 27: RAS. Nov. 3: Sponsor.

Kidney Health Research Grant - Funds research across biomedical, clinical, health systems, and population health to improve treatments and quality of life for kidney disease patients. | Oct. 1: Pre-app. Nov. 6: RAS. Nov. 14: Sponsor.

Trainee Funding and Awards

Clinical Research Training Scholarship in ALS. This award aims to recognize the importance of good clinical research and to encourage young investigators in clinical studies in ALS with $65,000/year for two years, plus $10,000/year for education and research costs (total $150,000). | Sept. 2: RAS. Sept. 9: Sponsor. Funding starts Jul. 1, 2026.

2026 Canada Graduate Research Scholarships – Doctoral (CGRS D) | Sept. 15. The CGRS D is a federal program of scholarships awarded through national competitions by the Tri-Council granting agencies (CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC) to prospective and current PhD students. Value: $40,000 per year for three years. For more info on application processes and deadlines, see the GPS website.

PDF Funding and Awards

NSERC Scholarships and Fellowships Information Sessions. These live Q&A MS teams meetings will provide details and guidance to students and postdoctoral researchers planning to apply to NSERC programs. Before attending a session, read the relevant program description and come prepared with questions.

• Sept. 3 (in French) – 1 to 3 p.m. (ET) | Join the session
• Sept. 5 (in English) – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (ET) | Join the session
• Sept. 8, (in English) – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (ET) | Join the session
• Sept. 10 (in English) – 1 to 3 p.m. (ET) | Join the session

Postdoctoral Personnel Awards for Women’s Heart and/or Brain Health (WPA-PDF) | Oct. 2. The award will enable Postdoctoral Fellows and/or Clinical Fellows to pursue their research programs and engage with mentors as part of their training. Up to $140,000 CAD over two years ($70K/year). Start Date: July 1, 2026. Contact: research@heartandstroke.ca

For more Funding and Award Opportunities, see:

Members' Research Publications

Theme: Arthritis

Smith JD, Pan B, Keeling S. Identifying the State of Mental Health Care in Canadian Adults With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. The Journal of rheumatology. Published online January 2025:jrheum.2025-0089. doi:https://doi.org/10.3899/jrheum.2025-0089

Theme: Pulmonary Fibrosis

Feist MD, Huang Y, Kalluri M, et al. Decoding objective cough features in progressive pulmonary fibrosis: a 6-month feasibility study. The American journal of medicine. Published online January 2025:S0002-9343(25)00470X. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2025.07.027

Lu-Song J, Chen X, Bakal JA, Ferrara G, Kalluri M. Impact of Clinical Practice Guidelines on Palliative Care and Health Outcomes in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in a Canadian Province. Annals of the American Thoracic Society. Published online December 2025:10.1513/AnnalsATS.202501-090RL. doi:https://doi.org/10.1513/AnnalsATS.202501-090RL

DoM NEWS

Dr. Richard Lewanczuk (professor emeritus, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism) and Dr. Wayne Tymchak (professor, Division of Cardiology) received honourable mentions for the Dr. Peter B. R. Allen Lifetime Achievement in Health Award.

• Dr. Justin Ezekowitz (professor, Division of Cardiology)
  • Is this a ‘magic pill’ for weight loss?: expert on GLP-1 medications (CTV News)
     
• Dr. Monty Ghosh (assistant professor, Division of General Internal Medicine)
  • Opioid deaths in Canada fell 17% in 2024, but thousands are still dying (CBC News)
     
• Dr. Paige Lacy (professor, Division of Pulmonary Medicine)
  • Calgary air quality at very high risk due to widespread smoke (Calgary Herald)
     
• Dr. Gavin Oudit (adjunct professor, Division of Cardiology)
  • Researchers build on a breakthrough in treating muscular dystrophy (FoMD News)
    ​
• Dr. Stephanie Smith (professor, Division of Infectious Diseases)
  • Measles' spread risks end of 'elimination' designation in Canada (PressReader)

HAPPENINGS IN DoM

Classroom D - 2F1.04 WMC, University Hospital

Join us in person for coffee and good conversation, or click on links below to register on Zoom.

• Sept. 12 - State of the Department, Dr. Narmin Kassam, Professor and Chair, Department of Medicine, U of A
• Sept. 19 - Changes in the microbiome from birth through adult life impacts how the gut responds to dietary fibres, Dr. Heather Armstrong, Associate Professor, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, U of A
• Sept. 26 - TBA, Dr. Adalberto Loyola-Sanchez, Assistant Professor, Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, U of A
• Oct. 3 - Joint Grand Rounds of Surgery + Medicine: Indigenous Patient Care and Cultural Awareness. In person only at Bernard Snell Hall, University Hospital.

Drop-in to meet with DoM support team representatives from Research, Internal Engagement & Events, Finance, Human Resources, Division Program Support (DPS), and Division Administrative Support (DAS).

Get answers to your questions, learn about available services, and find out how we can support your work in a casual, drop-in format. Plus, update your headshot at our drop-in photo booth! Questions: domevent@ualberta.ca.

Geriatric Grand Rounds presents

The Peter McCracken Lecture:
Is Geroscience the Future of Geriatric Medicine

Date: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 12 noon
Speaker: Dr Gustavo Duque, professor of medicine and director of the Division of Geriatric Medicine, McGill University
Location: Dr. Bill Black Auditorium, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital or on Zoom
Registration: Register for the in person lecture and lunch

Elevate your skills at the Pulmonary Update, where you’ll apply the latest evidence and guidelines to both common and novel respiratory diseases. Join us to refine your expertise and improve patient outcomes. 

The Department of Medicine is hosting a free, drop-in community event connecting you with local health experts for a day of learning, conversation, and community connection.

Please share this with anyone who would benefit from engaging health talks, informative booths, and practical resources to support lifelong wellness.

FACULTY OF MEDICINE & DENTISTRY

Pragmatic solidarity and global health equity: Paul Farmer’s legacy at Partners In Health | Sep. 4. Partners In Health co-founder Dr. Paul Farmer proved that we can provide quality health care to people in need anywhere in the world, as long as we’re committed to building the systems that make it possible. 

Making Change Stick: Implementing Innovations Sustainably | Sep. 17-19. This workshop will help physicians, health-care leaders and researchers navigate the real-world challenges of implementing new practices in clinical care. Learn from renowned experts Dr. Carl May and Dr. Tracy Finch, from U.K., as they introduce Normalization Process Theory (NPT) — a practical framework for embedding innovation into routine practice. 

College of Health Sciences Brunch | Sep. 20. Celebrate with fellow health science alumni at this buffet brunch and reception. Brenda Hemmelgarn, Dean, College of Health Sciences, will present updates on teaching and research in the college, with plenty of time for socializing and class photos. 

Life & Work of Médecins Sans Frontière (MSF)/Doctors Without Borders in Gaza | Sep. 23. This presentation will focus on Casey Eberl's experience with MSF’s patients in Gaza, the logistics of getting inside, working inside, and the challenges the organization and patients face. 

FoMD Research Fair | Oct 15, 1 - 2:30 p.m. This trade-show style event offers a unique opportunity for FoMD researchers to connect directly with various research support units. It will be an excellent chance to network, discover resources, and learn how these units can assist with your research. More details to come. For any questions, contact vdradmin@ualberta.ca.

UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA NEWS

• University of Alberta climbs a spot on prestigious global ranking. The U of A ranks among Canada’s top five schools, according to the 2025 Academic Ranking of World Universities, a prestigious global list that evaluates thousands of institutions each year.

• Visiting the U of A Guide. Whether it’s a visiting scholar, attendees of an academic conference, or parents and children at summer camps, the U of A welcomes guests every single day. This new resource will help visitors feel more familiar and comfortable on campus and highlight offerings or amenities available on campus.

• U of A Days, Sept.18-21. Campus will be buzzing with events and activities that invite our community to reunite, reconnect and rediscover all things U of A. Registration is now open! Check out the full schedule, sign up and get ready to show your GREEN+GOLD pride. 

• U of A’s Disability Cultures and Access Hub (DCA Hub). The newly launched DCA Hub is a database of U of A resources that can help students, faculty and staff to navigate disability-related barriers, register for and implement accommodations, improve accessibility and engage with disability cultures. The hub is designed to evolve and input from across the university and from different perspectives are vital.

ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES NEWS

Free AMA webinars support PPIP requirements. The Alberta Medical Association Accelerating Change Transformation Team (AMA-ACTT) is offering free, interactive webinars to help physicians meet the Physician Practice Improvement Program (PPIP) requirements by the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta.

These sessions are ideal for primary care providers looking to complete their mandated PPIP activities with practical, step-by-step guidance. Upcoming virtual sessions include:

• Artificial Intelligence Tools Checkup | Sep. 11, 6:00 p.m.
• Quality Improvement Basics | Sep. 24, 6:00 p.m.
• Working Through Conflict | Sep. 29, 6:00 p.m.
• Peeking into Privacy Particulars and Best Practices | Oct. 6, 6:00 p.m.

Register and learn more.

Minimally invasive clot removal procedure a game changer. A new minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure is now available for post-operative patients who develop potentially life-threatening blood clots in their lungs.

HELPFUL SUPPORT & TIPS

• Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) | opened Sep. 1. Up to $1,000 of funding is available to NASA support staff towards a course, workshop, seminar, or training program that takes place between October 1 and December 31, 2025.
   
• New Employee Welcome and Connect | Sep. 24. The New Employee Welcome and Connect event is an optional complement to the self-paced, online U of A Orientation Course. In this in-person event, you will have the opportunity to build your sense of belonging through opportunities to network with other members of the campus community. 
   

• Leading with Influence - Fall 2025 | Sep. 25 - Nov. 20. Leadership is something we do, not a position we hold. If you bring colleagues and partners together to make a positive difference at U of A and beyond, then this leadership development program is for you.