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A ������Ƶ medicine team is turning stem cells into heart cells to fight disease

A team, based in ������Ƶ University’s Faculty of Medicine, is leading innovative studies turning patient skin cells into heart cells with the long-term goal of better understanding rare genetic disorders, including heart disease.

Led by Dr. Jessica Esseltine, an associate professor in the Division of BioMedical Sciences, the group uses the latest in gene-editing technology to accomplish the feat.

Medicine employee wins innovation award for AI-driven senior care solution

Amin Taheri, a programmer/consultant in the Office of Professional and Educational Development (OPED), has won first place in a provincial health innovation competition for a project that aims to improve senior health and safety in rural and remote communities.

Titled AI-driven Home Exercise Platform for Senior Fall Prevention, the proposal took top honours and received $12,500 in the Community/Rural Medicine track at the 6^th annual Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services (NLHS) Innovation Summit.

������Ƶ medical research team included in Arthritis Society Canada's Top 10 list

������Ƶ University researchers are being recognized for their leading-edge work focused on osteoarthritis.

PhD student Jingyi Huang and University Research Professor Dr. Guangju Zhai in the Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, have been singled out by the Arthritis Society Canada as part of its Top 10 research advancements for 2025.

Interim associate vice-president (research) appointed

Dr. Rod Russell has been named interim associate vice-president (research) at ������Ƶ University.

Dr. Russell’s term is effective Jan. 19 to Jan. 15, 2027, or upon completion of a successful search for a permanent associate vice-president (research), whichever occurs first.

President Morrison recognizes Medicine 3D lab technician for exceptional service

When visitors step into the MUNMED 3D lab at the Faculty of Medicine, they often assume a team of specialists is hard at work behind the scenes.

In reality, the operation is driven by the ingenuity, persistence and curiosity of Thomas Osmond, the lab’s sole technician and newest recipient of the President’s Award for Exemplary Service (Champion of Service).

Three ������Ƶ University alumni awarded the Order of Canada

It’s impossible to talk about ������Ƶ University’s global impact without mentioning our alumni.

The ������Ƶ community has transformed a century-old promise into the university we know today: a place that nurtures dreams, fuels passions and creates a better future.

Recently, three members of our community received national honours exemplifying that promise: Mark Dobbin, Dr. Brendan Paddick and Dr. Proton Rahman were named as members of the Order of Canada.

Harm reduction researcher working to bring Ontario drug policy learnings to N.L.

What are the impacts of removing harm reduction services that have been scaled up to address overdose and other drug-related harms?

That’s what Dr. Gillian Kolla is investigating with $1.4 million in funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).

An assistant professor of population health and applied health sciences in ������Ƶ’s Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Kolla researches the impacts of policy changes on prescribed safer supply programs and supervised consumption sites in Ontario.

President's Award recipient recognized for learner support in Faculty of Medicine

Jill Purcell is one of the newest recipients of the President’s Awards for Exemplary Employees (Champion of Service).

However, the manager of the Learner Well-Being and Success office in the Faculty of Medicine says the honour reflects the collective commitment of her team.

������Ƶ University medical student honoured for local, national leadership

Reem Hamud is ������Ƶ University’s 2025 recipient of the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Award for Medical Students.

The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame partners with Canada’s medical schools to recognize young leaders who exemplify qualities of the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame laureates: perseverance, collaboration and entrepreneurial spirit. The award is given to medical students who have also demonstrated outstanding community leadership, superior communication skills and a strong commitment to advancing medical knowledge.

President Janet Morrison celebrates extraordinary employees at special ceremony

������Ƶ University honoured outstanding employees on Dec. 16.

Family and friends joined the individuals who have demonstrated excellence at our institution and in the community during a special ceremony at the Bruneau Centre for Research and Innovation.

The President’s Awards shine a spotlight on people who are among the most commendable members of the ������Ƶ University community — teachers, researchers, service providers and publicly engaged groups and individuals nominated by their peers.

Faculty of Medicine public health leader named to Top 25 Canadian Immigrant list

A professor of epidemiology in the Faculty of Medicine is being honoured with a national award for his contributions to immigrant well-being in Canada.

Dr. Peizhong (Peter) Wang will receive the 2025 Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award, presented by Western Union. The people’s choice awards program recognizes inspirational immigrants who have made a positive impact on their communities since arriving in the country.

A Medicine-led study is influencing diagnostic guidelines for a rare disease — starting with a ������Ƶ student

Ian Gillies first started feeling unwell in the summer of 2023.

By August, the 22-year-old ������Ƶ University linguistics student struggled to climb a set of stairs during a birthday outing to a Gowan concert.

Royal Society of Canada member exploring pollutants' effect on pregnancy and early development

Dr. Lindsay Cahill studies the health impacts of contaminants, such as microplastics and perfluorinated chemicals, on pregnancy and young children. Her research team uses both animal models and human studies to investigate how the pollutants influence pregnancy, the placenta and brain development.

It’s work that has been recently recognized by the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists, by inducting Dr. Cahill as a member in the national organization.

Cancer researcher recognized for leadership in patient involvement

A researcher in the Faculty of Medicine’s Division of BioMedical Sciences is one of six Canadian leaders in cancer research receiving national recognition for their work.

The  (CCRA) has awarded Dr. Sevtap Savas the Exceptional Leadership in Patient Involvement in Cancer Research Award for the critical role she has played in the development and growth of the Newfoundland and Labrador  and the , and for her commitment to the inclusion and capacity-building of people with lived and living experience from equity-deserving communities as patient partners in public engagement and cancer research.

MD students helping next-generation of physicians to provide inclusive care

Two ������Ƶ University medical students are on a mission to equip future physicians with a deeper understanding of how identity and culture shape patient care.

Third-year Faculty of Medicine students Josheil Boparai and Jessica Canning co-founded and launched Beyond the Surface, a monthly newsletter that takes a deeper look into how medical conditions and health experiences present differently across populations.

The initiative simultaneously enhances their medical education and encourages culturally competent care, the learners say.

Traditional Indigenous medicine takes root in the Faculty of Medicine

The Faculty of Medicine is a place where Traditional Indigenous medicine has taken root.

The Faculty of Medicine’s sweetgrass garden was planted in the spring of 2024 with the help of the Office of the Dean, Facilities Management and the Botanical Gardens. The garden flourished this summer, and we are pleased that students, staff and members from the community were able to harvest sweetgrass earlier this month.

Neuroscience fall graduates investigate the mysteries of the brain

Four new PhD graduates from the Faculty of Medicine’s neuroscience program are proving the brain still has plenty of secrets left to uncover.

From decoding the mysteries of memory and movement to uncovering the molecular roots of disease, Jess Barron, Tamunotonye Omoluabi, Mona Frey and Tayebeh Sepahvand have all been pursuing groundbreaking research at ������Ƶ University.

Medquest program introduces high school learners to health-care careers and skills

Core sciences, clinical skills and medical career exposure were all available for more than 100 N.L. high school students to explore at ������Ƶ University this summer.

The three-day event is part of the Faculty of Medicine’s annual  and was delivered as a hybrid model this year.

$1.6 million for community-university research partnership to help N.L. youth facing complex challenges

A team of researchers at ������Ƶ University, including Dr. Maisam Najafizada in the Faculty of Medicine, have been awarded over $1.6 million to help improve the lives of young people dealing with mental health, substance use and housing challenges in Newfoundland and Labrador.

������Ƶ University researchers awarded more than $13 million to drive scientific and technological breakthroughs

The Government of Canada is investing more than $13 million in funding at ������Ƶ University as part of a significant $1.3-billion announcement for more than 9,700 researchers and research projects across Canada.

The funding was secured through highly competitive grant programs, with investments from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).

2025 Alumni Tribute Award recipients announced

������Ƶ University is proud to announce this year’s Alumni Tribute Awards. 

The awards recognize alumni who have achieved distinction in their chosen fields, are committed to their alma mater, have made outstanding contributions to their communities and excelled in their chosen fields. 

 The 2025 recipients include Dr. John Jeddore, B.Sc.’12, MD’17, who will receive the Horizon Award.

A ������Ƶ researcher is exploring probiotics' potential as an early intervention for Alzheimer's

A ������Ƶ University faculty member’s research could help uncover a simple and accessible way to prevent Alzheimer’s before the disease’s first symptoms even appear.

Dr. Qi Yuan, a professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, has spent more than a decade uncovering how memories are made, saved and lost in the aging brain.

Now, with her fourth research grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), she is continuing her work in a new direction.

More than $1 million in funding to uncover the complex role of calcium during pregnancy

Calcium is well known for its importance in developing strong bones.

But during pregnancy, its role becomes even more complex.

It’s a subject ������Ƶ University’s Dr. Christopher Kovacs has spent a lifetime studying: How does the mineral impact the fundamental process of human development?

Dr. Stuart Carney appointed dean of Medicine at ������Ƶ

The search committee for the role of dean of the Faculty of Medicine has completed its work and recommended Dr. Stuart Carney for the position.

The Board of Regents approved the appointment at its meeting on July 8. Dr. Carney will begin a five-year term effective Jan. 1, 2026.

Generous bequest creates scholarship covering tuition for some medical students

Receiving an inaugural Lester and Viola Pottle Foundation Scholarship gave second-year medical student Terri Savory more than just a financial award.

It gave her something truly priceless.

'I'm alive because of the research,' says Faculty of Medicine patient participant

At the age of 17, Andrew Gosse noticed a small silvery scab on his left elbow.

“I went to my family doctor, and he said it was psoriasis,” said Mr. Gosse. “I didn’t know what that was. I just wanted a cream to make it go away, but he said no, it’s chronic. I didn’t understand that meant I would have it forever.”

Caring for N.L.

While Canadians regularly boast about free health care, equal access to health care remains an issue for people living in rural communities.

Many of us can’t imagine not having a hospital to rush to during a heart attack, stroke or complicated pregnancy, but 47.2 per cent of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians live in rural municipalities where, on average, it takes residents 1.5 hours to access a medical care facility.

From kinesiology to medicine: PhD graduate receives top award for academic excellence

A dislocated shoulder playing high school sports is an unusual starting point for an award-winning academic career.

But for Dr. Evan Lockyer that incident and a few other sports-related injuries set him on a path to one of ������Ƶ University’s highest academic honours.

������Ƶ University report highlights potential of sugary drink tax to improve public health

Research from ������Ƶ University has revealed a 12 per cent decline in sales of sugary drinks one year after Newfoundland and Labrador implemented a tax on them.

A ������Ƶ researcher says biomarkers may predict one of Canada's most prevalent diseases

������Ƶ University is a national leader in multiple sclerosis (MS) research.

That’s due in no small part to scientists like Dr. Craig Moore, an associate professor of neuroimmunology in ������Ƶ University’s Faculty of Medicine.

A ������Ƶ researcher is studying multiple sclerosis at the molecular level

Despite the availability of treatments to manage symptoms and slow the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS), a critical gap remains in understanding the chronic autoimmune disease at a molecular level.

Thanks to a recent grant of $1,155,150 from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), a ������Ƶ University researcher will continue his work unravelling the key mechanisms driving the disease’s progression.

Workshop, virtual access letting researchers tap into ‘rich plethora’ of data

Curiosity seekers are in luck.

Researchers will get a chance to dig deeper into data as part of an upcoming workshop at ������Ƶ University.The  is hosting Opening Doors to Data, which includes programming, training and opportunities to learn more about secure Statistics Canada data and resources available at ������Ƶ and across the country.

Changing climate, changing risk: mosquito research shows human-transferrable viruses in province

A mild winter resulting in a warmer-than-usual summer might be good news for sun worshippers.

However, it could lead to an increased mosquito population this year, which might be bad news for public health.

Researchers at ������Ƶ University recently  of a years-long study that saw residents of Newfoundland and Labrador and St. Pierre-Miquelon collect mosquitoes and submit them for identification and testing.

PhD graduate helping patients recover from spinal surgeries faster

Ryan Greene never planned on earning a PhD.

But this week, he will receive his doctorate in clinical epidemiology from ������Ƶ University’s Faculty of Medicine and is graduating as a fellow of the School of Graduate Studies.

'������Ƶ really prepared me well,' says MD graduate and Rhodes scholar

As he graduates this week with his doctor of medicine degree, Dr. Matthew Downer is feeling reflective and grateful.

Research and knowledge exchange addressing health impacts of warming planet

People across Newfoundland and Labrador province are “very aware” of the impacts of climate change, says a research officer at the N.L. Centre for Applied Health Research (NLCAHR) at ������Ƶ.

“Whether it’s rebuilding after hurricanes, the impact of wildfires on air quality or melting ice disrupting community connections in Labrador, we are all seeing the real-world effects of climate change on physical, mental and community health,” said Pablo Navarro.

Tariffs at the table: how trade policies are impacting Canadian food banks

In 2023, struggled to afford essential food items, marking the highest rates of food insecurity in our country’s history.

The ongoing trade tensions between Canada and the U.S. will only worsen the effects of this nationwide public health crisis, further straining initiatives like food banks that are already struggling to support those facing hunger.

Medicine unit a 'catalyst' for discontinuation of anesthetic 2,500 times more potent than carbon dioxide

Newfoundland and Labrador’s health-care system has taken a step toward reducing its environmental impact.

Whilst doing so, it has set an example for other Canadian provinces and territories to do the same.

Public health suffers when misinformation goes viral, says graduate student

In the first three months of 2025, Canada has seen : more than 10 times the number reported by this time last year.

A highly contagious disease, measles was considered  back in 1998 due to the efficacy and widespread use of vaccines.

Why, then, are we seeing its return? The answer is simple: , and social media is  in this trend.

Student-led health tech companies win $40,000 at Mel Woodward Cup

Student-led companies offering solutions to health-care problems topped the ninth annual Mel Woodward Cup, held March 19, 2025.

Faculties of Medicine, Nursing receive nearly $5 million to seek health-care solutions and treatments

������Ƶ University is receiving almost $5 million in federal funding for health-related research.

Five projects led by researchers from the faculties of Medicine and Nursing have been .

Faculty of Medicine researcher named one of Atlantic Canada’s most inspiring immigrants

A member of ������Ƶ University’s Faculty of Medicine has been named one of the Most Inspiring Immigrants in Atlantic Canada for 2025.

Dr. Desai Shan, an assistant professor in the Division of Population Health and Applied Health Sciences, is being celebrated for making exceptional contributions to research, education and community development in Atlantic Canada and beyond.

Resident research highlighted at annual symposium

On Feb. 3, 2025, the Faculty of Medicine at ������Ƶ University hosted its annual Resident Research Symposium, a day dedicated to showcasing the research excellence of postgraduate medical trainees.

The event, organized by the Office of Research and Graduate Studies, featured 12 resident presentations spanning various medical disciplines, highlighting the breadth and impact of resident-led research.

Pensioners' association celebrates women's hockey, dragon boat group

What is the connection between women’s ice hockey and dragon boats?

They are activities that both recipients of the 2024 ������Ƶ University of Newfoundland Pensioners’ Association (MUNPA) Tribute Awards participated in pre- and post-retirement. Retirees Liz Ohle and Bruce Whitelaw received the award at a special ceremony hosted by President Dr. Neil Bose at Signal Hill Campus in December.

MD student's talent for illustration becomes anatomy teaching tool

A first-year doctor of medicine student is creating detailed illustrations to help his classmates better understand anatomy.

Born in eastern Libya, Abdulkarim (Karim) Elnaas moved to Alberta as a child.

His path to medical school has been anything but ordinary, marked by challenges, self-discovery and resilience.

������Ƶ alumnus first Black president of Canadian Medical Association

������Ƶ alumnus Dr. Boluwaji Ogunyemi will experience two firsts in May.

He will be the first ������Ƶ University Faculty of Medicine graduate to become president-elect of the Canadian Medical Association. He will also become the first Black president in the association’s 158-year history.

������Ƶ University funded nearly $1.2 million to accelerate cancer research

“Dreams are made possible if you try.”

The inspiring words from iconic Canadian athlete and cancer research activist Terry Fox ring true now more than ever.

They also motivate a group of ������Ƶ University researchers and partner institutions working together as the .

President's public engagement award for patient-focused cancer group

������Ƶ 45 per cent of Canadians  during our lifetimes, with about 247,100 new cases expected this year.

That’s about 676 new diagnoses every day.

National honours for MD student for advocacy, research in healthy skin

A ������Ƶ University student is a 2024 recipient of the .

Parsa Abdi is a third-year medical student in the Faculty of Medicine.

The prestigious accolade is awarded to medical learners across Canada who exemplify leadership, perseverance and innovation, recognizing their extraordinary potential to shape the future of health care.

Book about global health practices aims to enhance health at home

Follow author and Faculty of Medicine professor Dr. Mike Wahl as he shares his history of extensive travel and research, as well as his discoveries and trials of health wisdom and insights from around the world.

Program covers cost for low socio-economic MD applicants' entry exams, preparatory materials

������Ƶ University’s Vision Program in the Faculty of Medicine will provide a pathway for low socio-economical status applicants to receive funding to cover fees for the MCAT and  and up to $300 for MCAT preparatory materials, as well as a waiver of ������Ƶ’s $255 application fee and a bursary to cover the $1,000 seat deposit.

Holiday wishes from the Dean of Medicine

Warm holiday wishes from our Dean of Medicine Dr. Dolores McKeen!

Whether you're celebrating with loved ones or taking time for yourself, we hope this season brings joy, reflection, and kindness. 

Two ������Ƶ Indigenous scholars awarded national health-care funding

When McCrae Best heard that he was to receive federal funding designated for heart and brain research, his first text was to his grandmother.

Anesthesia residency program administrator receives national recognition

Congratulations to Stephanie Herlidan, Discipline of Anesthesia, on receiving the 2024 Program Administrator Award for Excellence from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

This award is given to a residency program administrator who has demonstrated a commitment to enhancing residency education as evidenced by innovation and excellence beyond their program.

Cancer prevention group wants sunscreen dispensers to be as ubiquitous as hand sanitizer

Did you know that dermatologists recommend you wear sunscreen every day, in all seasons? On overcast days, too?

Third-year medical student Parsa Abdi does.

Medicine fall graduate focusing on how people overcome adversity — while overcoming it himself

Before Dr. Amit Sundly came to ������Ƶ to begin a master’s degree in 2014, he had never stepped foot in a university classroom.

Medicine master's student determined to prevent, reduce lower back pain

Dr. Shabbir Ahmed Sany is passionate about promoting health through physical activity and ergonomic interventions.

As a master’s student in the Faculty of Medicine, he works to advance clinical research in this area as preventative measures for chronic musculoskeletal diseases in Canada and in his home country of Bangladesh.

Reconciliation event in Health Care

On Sept. 18, the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) will take an important step in our journey of reconciliation. At a ceremony in Victoria, British Columbia, on the Traditional Territory of the Lekwungen speaking people of Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, the CMA will apologize for its role, and the role of the medical profession, in the past and ongoing harms caused to First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in the health system.

Faculty of Medicine cancer care advocate named to Top 25 Canadian Immigrant list

Dr. Sevtap Savas may have been singled out for her advocacy work with a national award, but she says the recognition is not for her alone.

The Faculty of Medicine professor of human genetics at ������Ƶ University has been  to Western Union’s Top 25 Canadian Immigrant list.

Four 2024 recipients making the world a better place

������Ƶ University’s Office of Development and Alumni Engagement is proud to announce that this year’s Alumni Tribute Awards recipients

All four have made tremendous contributions to the health and justice of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador and those around the globe.

Faculty of Medicine honours award-winning graduate students

Nearly 80 graduate students in the Faculty of Medicine have received over 150 individual prizes, fellowships and grants over the past year. Many also published research as a primary author.

They were honoured at the faculty’s annual Graduate Student Awards and Achievements luncheon on June 27.

Medicine celebrates research, teaching, service, community contributions

The Faculty of Medicine recently celebrated the research, teaching, service and community contributions of faculty and staff.

The biennial Dean’s Excellence Awards were presented on June 20, 2024, to seven individuals and one community organization.

������Ƶ University researchers awarded more than $9.1-million in federal investment

Forty-five ������Ƶ University researchers spanning 16 disciplines have received more than $9.1 million in federal funding.

In the Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Touati Benoukraf, Division of BioMedical Sciences, has been renewed as a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Bioinformatics for Personalized Medicine. The award is valued at $500,000 over five years.

Drs. Craig Moore, Michelle Plougman, Tevye Stachniak and Jessica Esseltine, all with the Division of BioMedical Sciences, will also split more than $875,000 in Discovery Grants, Discovery Launch Supplements and Research Tools and Instruments funding. 

National recognition for Faculty of Medicine's rural education - for three years running

������Ƶ University’s medical school has once again been recognized for its significant contributions to rural medicine in Canada.

For the third year in a row, the Faculty of Medicine has been awarded the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada’s Rural Medical Education Award.

It is presented annually to the program matching the most graduates to rural family medicine residencies.

Faculty of Medicine learners recognized with top convocation awards

Three learners in the Faculty of Medicine picked up a little something extra when they crossed the stage during convocation ceremonies last week.

Drs. Christie Costello, Lisa Fang and Alison Haynes are being recognized for their leadership and academic excellence with three of the university’s highest convocation honours.

MD spring graduate inspired by physician parents to help others

������Ƶ University spring graduate Dr. Adil Al-Mehiawi was inspired to help people from an early age.

Originally from Iraq, his family moved to Libya in 1998 shortly after his birth to escape war. In 2010 they moved to Ontario, but returned the following year at the start of the Libyan civil war and revolution.

Spring graduate grateful for opportunities, support system at ������Ƶ

Coming to ������Ƶ was a leap of faith for Ellis Lakhani.

After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in public health in South Africa in 2019, she was preparing to move to Canada for her master’s degree when the pandemic put an end to those plans.

Meet some of N.L.'s primary care providers and patients

A photojournalism project created by two Corner Brook doctors is highlighting the positive impacts of primary care.

Inspired by Humans of New York, Drs. Alicia Roy and Kristen Peckford interviewed patients, physicians and administrative staff across Newfoundland and Labrador, all of whom shared their life-changing experiences with the discipline.

Public-scientist partnership taking precise aim at cancer in Atlantic Canada

Dr. Sevtap Savas, lead of the Patient Advisory Committee and a professor in the Division of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, and Aaron Curtis, co-ordinator of the Patient Advisory Committee of the Atlantic Cancer Consortium, have written an article about their new public-scientist partnership.

Their team is supporting cancer research and public engagement with the Patient Advisory Committee of the Atlantic Cancer Consortium.

Documentary screening, panel discussion on transgender individuals and cancer

Cancer can affect any of us.

However, some  experience extra hardship or barriers. The LGBTQ community is among them.

More than $6-million federal investment for ������Ƶ University research and discovery

From critical games and waste management to soil health and climate change, ������Ƶ University scholars and scientists now have more than $6 million to delve deeper into their research.

It’s part of a significant investment announced by the Government of Canada on  by Pablo Rodriguez, minister of Transport of Canada and Quebec lieutenant, on behalf of François-Philippe Champagne, minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and Mark Holland, minister of Health.

Teaching resident doctors to be critical appraisers and consumers of research

A recent Faculty of Medicine event showcased the extensive clinical research taking place in ������Ƶ University’s medical school.

Resident doctors presented the on research work they are undertaking during the faculty’s third annual Resident Research Symposium.

Black excellence: celebration of our trailblazers must include opportunities to cultivate future ones

Examples of Black excellence, within our Canadian borders are abundant, illustrious and longstanding.

However, they also remain largely unknown.

Bridging the gap

Queen Jacques is working to improve cannabis literacy in Canada and around the world. And she's sharing the secrets to her success with great advice for incoming grad students.

Faculty of Medicine scientists included in top 10 arthritis research advances

Dr. Guangju Zhai, university research professor, human genetics and genomics, Division of Biomedical Sciences, and Dr. Christie Costello, B.Sc.(Hons.)’17, PhD’23, are included on the ’s Top 10 list of .

Much to see and do as ������Ƶ celebrates International Development Week

������Ƶ University, including the Faculty of Medicine, is recognizing International Development Week with a series of enlightening and impactful activities.

Led by Global Affairs Canada and observed since 1991, , which takes place from Feb. 4-10, highlights Canadian contributions to eradicating global poverty and inequality.

������Ƶ, led by the Internationalization Office, is planning in-person, virtual and hybrid activities around the over-arching theme, Go for the Goals.

Dialogue and Debate enhances ������Ƶ University and The Rooms' partnership

A new experience, Dialogue and Debate with ������Ƶ University at The Rooms, will launch Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 7 p.m.

It will feature Dr. Jennifer Dyer, head of the Department of Gender Studies, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Dr. Mike Wahl, assistant professor, Faculty of Medicine, in a wide-ranging conversation inspired by Kim Morgan’s exhibition Blood and Breath, Skin and Dust.

National honours for medical student working with vulnerable populations

A ������Ƶ University medical student is the 2023 recipient of the MD Financial Management Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Award for Medical Students.

Lauren Law is a student in the Doctor of Medicine Program in the Faculty of Medicine.

Faculty of Medicine honours 2023 President's Awards recipients

The Faculty of Medicine is recognizing recent 2023 President’s Awards Recipients. The awards were handed out at an event at the Signal Hill Campus on Dec. 8.

Those honoured include Amy Carroll (B.Comm.’02), Office of Research and Graduate Studies; Dr. Proton Rahman (B.Med.Sci.’88, MD’90), Discipline of Medicine; Dr. Guangju Zhai, Division of BioMedical Sciences and Dr. Sukhinder Cheema, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science (cross-appointed to BioMedical Sciences).

Faculty of Medicine graduate recognized with public health convocation award

When Shianne Combden began a master’s in public health (MPH) degree in the fall of 2019, she had no idea she would get a front-row seat to the professional and educational opportunity of a lifetime.

Faculty of Medicine celebrates 50th anniversary of first MD graduates

������Ƶ University awarded its first doctor of medicine degrees in 1973.

Recently, 16 members of that original class of 24, many of whom are still actively practising physicians, gathered together to celebrate their class’s 50th anniversary and to give back to their alma mater.

Medicine researcher receives $345,000 to study multiple sclerosis progression

According to the U.S. National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society, approximately 70,000 U.S. veterans live with MS.

Of those, 20,000 receive care through the Veterans Health Administration each year and approximately 12,000 have been diagnosed with MS that was deemed ‘service-connected.’

Dr. Deepak Kaushik is an MS researcher in the Faculty of Medicine. He has received funding through the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) of the United States Department of Defense (DoD).

Dr. Preston Smith named inaugural dean, Faculty of Medicine, PEI

Dr. Preston Smith has been appointed inaugural dean of the  at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) for a five-year term, effective April 1, 2024. 

Fall graduate inspired to focus research on community health

Jennifer Bent’s thesis is much more than a book on a shelf.

While at ������Ƶ University, the master of science in medicine fall graduate had the opportunity to travel to Labrador and meet some of the patients impacted by her research project: Courage, Compassion and Connection: Exploring Cancer Pre-diagnosis for Nunatsiavut Inuit.

Brain inflammation can cause weight loss or gain, say researchers

Researchers in the Faculty of Medicine have determined why inflammation in the hypothalamus can cause excess weight gain.

Dr. Michiru Hirasawa is a professor of neurosciences in the Division of BioMedical Sciences at ������Ƶ University.

She is interested in how the brain controls appetite and body weight.

Dr. Pat Parfrey receives Order of N.L.

An investiture ceremony on Oct. 4, 2023 at Government House, saw seven people named to the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador.

One of those was Dr. Patrick Parfrey, O.C., Distinguished University Professor, Faculty of Medicine._­

������Ƶ University professors, alumni lauded at N.L. Book Awards

Writers N.L. has announced the 2023 Newfoundland and Labrador Book Awards award winners.

Dr. Pam Hall (PhD’13), a former artist-in-residence at the Faculty of Medicine, and Jerry Evans (B.Ed.’92) are the winners of the Power Family Non-Fiction Award for Towards an Encyclopedia of Local Knowledge, Chapter III: Miawpukek – The Middle River.

Dr. Danielle O'Keefe announced incoming acting Vice Dean, Education and Faculty Affairs

Dr. Danielle O’Keefe is the new acting Vice Dean, Education and Faculty Affairs in the Faculty of Medicine, effective Oct. 1.

Dr. O’Keefe is a family physician who joined the Discipline of Family Medicine in 2011. 

Faculty of Medicine annual report 2022-2023

The Faculty of Medicine's 2022/2023 annual report highlights many achievements and advancements in medical education, research and social accountability from April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023. 

Combatting diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver and cardiovascular diseases

A recent federal investment will allow ������Ƶ to acquire high-tech research equipment and create a unique facility to study chronic diseases affecting Canadians.

Dr. Shyamchand Mayengbam and Dr. Kapil Tahlan, Facult of Science, and Dr. Guangju Zhai, Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, received $459,701 for the project, Multidisciplinary Systems Metabolomics Research Laboratory.

Using advanced robotics for personalized stroke rehabilitation

Cutting-edge robotics to facilitate and measure recovery from neurological disease conditions, such as stroke.

That’s the groundbreaking research graduate student Michael Babalola is leading in ������Ƶ’s Faculty of Medicine.

������Ƶ researchers receive $11.5 million in federal funding to explore diverse ideas

������Ƶ’s research is expanding and accelerating in a big way thanks to a significant investment from the Government of Canada.

More than $11.5 million was announced on  for state-of-the-art research infrastructure and leading-edge studies focused on global issues.

Dr. Rodney Russell announced incoming Vice Dean, Research and Graduate Studies

Dr. Rodney Russell is the newest Vice Dean, Research and Graduate Studies in the Faculty of Medicine.

A Professor of virology and immunology in the Division of BioMedical Sciences, Dr. Russell obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry and a Master’s Degree in Medicine studying HIV under the supervision of Dr. Michael Grant at ������Ƶ. Following that, he completed a PhD at McGill University with Drs. Mark Wainberg and Chen Liang, also in the field of HIV research.

Dr. Dolores McKeen appointed interim dean of Medicine

Dr. Dolores McKeen has been appointed interim dean of the Faculty of Medicine. 

The appointment is effective Aug. 1, 2023 until July 31, 2024, or until the search for the permanent role is complete, whichever occurs first.

'Impossible to heave a healthy body without a healthy mind': diabetes researchers

The mind-body connection is a regular topic of conversation, as seen on bestseller lists and social media — and in health-related research.

Dr. Cindy Whitten, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, describes herself as a scholar/practitioner. She engages in research that explores how societal factors affect health.

Most recently, she has been part of a partnership lead by Dr. Sahar Iqbal, Faculty of Medicine, focuses on aging populations in NL with type 2 diabetes. 

Quality of Care N.L. releases 10th volume of health care findings

Health outcomes in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The residents of this province often top lists of negative indicators or outcomes and appear near the bottom of lists ranking positive ones, when ranked among Canadian provinces in the category.

Quality of Care N.L. aims to change this reality.

Prescribing green: integrating environmental responsibility into medical practice

A cornerstone of medicine is to do no harm, yet Canada’s health-care system is among one of the most harmful sectors to the environment in terms of carbon emissions, waste production and pollution.

As the nexus between planetary health and human health becomes more evident, there is growing apprehension about the potential consequences of unsustainable health-care practices on the future well-being of patients.

Misconceptions can burden individuals living with cancer, researchers say

A team of ������Ƶ University researchers have published their findings on how misconceptions about cancer affect individuals with a history of the disease in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Cancer is a common disease in the province — the current estimates suggest 2 in 5 residents will be diagnosed with cancer.

Advancing research: CIHR president visits Faculty of Medicine

Earlier this year, Canadian Institutes of Health Research President Dr. Michael Strong provided a keynote address at the Faculty of Medicine Resident Research Symposium.

������Ƶ has a longstanding relationship with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Canada’s major federal funding agency for health research.

Multiple national awards for Faculty of Medicine program, MDs

Dr. Cody Diamond always knew he would choose the Faculty of Medicine’s Central Newfoundland stream when it came time to apply for his family medicine residency.

The ������Ƶ alumnus grew up in Botwood, N.L.. He knew he wanted to return to the area to begin practising medicine.

Now, as he completes his training in Twillingate, he plans to stay there as a family physician starting in July.

Faculty of Medicine researcher a finalist in national photo contest

A ������Ƶ researcher’s image is among the 20 finalists for this year’s Science Exposed contest.

 is a contest organized by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and devoted exclusively to images of scientific research, in all fields of study.

The image, submitted by Dr. Janna M. Andronowski, assistant professor of biomedical sciences, Faculty of Medicine, is titled A Living Record.

Collegial governance starts with engagement, says professor of biosciences

If nothing else, the recent labour action emphasized the disparity between the aspirational goals of the faculty and the current direction of ������Ƶ University.

Is this surprising?

Strategic direction at ������Ƶ, for the most part, has been initiated by senior administrators.

������Ƶ University researchers benefit from historic research investment

������Ƶ is supporting Arctic Inuit communities’ needs for safe and cost-efficient shipping while helping to make Canada a global leader in climate science, innovation and solutions.

Thanks to the largest research grant it’s received in its history, the university is playing a major role as co-leader and collaborator on two research projects receiving unprecedented federal support.

Tumour 'fingerprints' just one part of promising cancer research

The leading-edge work of a ������Ƶ researcher is providing new insight into a devastating disease.

Dr. Thomas Belbin, GlaxoSmithKline Chair in Oncology Research, Discipline of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, is also an associate member of the .

������Ƶ University's MD program receives full accreditation

������Ƶ University’s doctor of medicine (MD) program continues to show its success in medical education by receiving a full eight-year accreditation – the longest term possible.

GivingTuesday matching donors literally double support for ������Ƶ students

Every year on GivingTuesday, the ������Ƶ University community jumps into big-hearted action.

On the most recent global day of giving, Nov. 29, 2022, alumni, faculty, staff, students and community members raised $157,048 — an amount earmarked entirely for student support.

A very special aspect of 2022’s GivingTuesday was ������Ƶ’s matching donors.

Making space for safe use in Newfoundland and Labrador

Non-medical cannabis has been legal in Canada for five years now.

But what impact has it had on the health and safety of Newfoundland and Labrador?

N.L. must expand interpretation services to improve newcomer health say MD students

Newcomers to Newfoundland and Labrador bring with them many strengths and assets.

However, our province’s health-care services are not adequately equipped to support them.

Pairing tangible goals with the potential for action, ������Ƶ University medical students are asking the provincial government to reduce the barriers newcomers face when accessing primary care services.

Resident Research Day 2023

On Jan. 30, 2023, the Faculty of Medicine hosted a Resident Research Symposium. , President of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), visited ������Ƶ University's Faculty of Medicine in person and provided a keynote address for the symposium.

Order of Canada appointments include several connections to ������Ƶ

A number of members of the ������Ƶ University community were appointed to the Order of Canada in 2022.

The recipients included Dr. Conor Maguire, an associate professor of radiology with ������Ƶ University’s medical program. He was recognized for his contributions to nuclear medicine and radiology and for improving health care for patients in Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Take time for yourself — you deserve it

Running gives these two medical learners an opportunity for goal setting outside of academics, a way to make dedicated time for themselves and their friends friends, and a chance to be part of a wonderful community.

An eye-opening experience

Resident doctors share their experiences of practicing medicine in rural Newfoundland and Labrador.

Dr. Rod Russell interviews Dr. Anthony Fauci

Dr. Rod Russell of the Division of BioMedical Sciences interviewed Dr. Anthony Fauci of the U.S. National Institutes of Health about his career in virology and immunology, including his work on COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS.

‘Good marriage’

A multi-use, multi-functional space that brings students, entrepreneurs and people in the medical field, computer sciences, engineering and tech together under one roof.

2022 Strategic Planning Half-Days

Registration is now open to all the Faculty of Medicine’s faculty, staff, and learners for the 2022 Destination Excellence update and planning half-days.

Passion and commitment

Faculty of Medicine names 2022 honorary white coat recipient

All roads lead to MUN

Lisa Barrett (B.Sc.(Hons.)’98, MD’05, PhD’09) has created a legacy of selflessness through her trailblazing work with infectious disease, thus making her an ideal choice for the 2022 Alumna of the Year.