Fall 2012 MCCQE Part II Application Now Available Online

Mon, 07 May 2012 16:00:00 +0100

The examination will be held on Saturday, October 27 and Sunday, October 28, 2012 (some centres will open both days and other centers on either Saturday or Sunday).

IMPORTANT: In order to be eligible for the fall 2012 MCCQE Part II, candidates must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 12 months (52 weeks) of postgraduate clinical medical training no later than June 30, 2012.

Family Medicine eligible residents: Please consult the New Certification Examination in Family Medicine and the MCCQE Part II.

The base examination fee for the fall 2012 MCCQE Part II is C$2,150; the main application deadline is Wednesday, May 30, 2012.

All eligible candidates will be required to first apply online (by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time (ET)) on Wednesday, May 30 if they do not wish to incur a late fee), with a Visa or MasterCard payment, then submit the required paper forms and documentation to the MCC office within ten (10) business days of their online application.

Late fees will apply for applications submitted online after 11:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May 30, 2012.

The final application deadline is Monday, July 23, 2012 (before 11:59 p.m. ET).

See the MCC Website to complete an online application and access the application steps.

Postgraduate Convocation

Mon, 07 May 2012 13:00:00 +0100

Residents who are completing their programs this June are reminded that Postgraduate Convocation will occur on Monday, June 18th. The ceremony will take place in Wallace Hall, John Deutsch University Centre, starting at 5:30pm followed by a reception at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre. Family and friends are welcome to attend.

Canada's Rising Stars in Global Health Grand Challenges Competition

Thu, 03 May 2012 13:00:00 +0100

Dr. Karen Yeates has submitted an entry to Canada's Rising Stars in Global Health Grand Challenges Competition (Grand Challenges Canada is based at the Sandra Rotman instiute for Global Health, U of T). The submission features mobile technology used in cervical cancer screening in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania. Please watch Dr. Yeates' video, create an account and vote!

Job Posting: Curatorial Assistant - YCW-HO

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 23:00:00 +0100

Job Posting: Curatorial Assistant - YCW-HO
Young Canada Works in Heritage Organizations
Summer Student

Please note: this position is subject to funding by Young Canada Works. Applicants must be registered as a Young Canada Works candidate to be eligible for the position. Please go to www.youngcanadaworks.gc.ca for a detailed list of requirements.

Job Description
The Curatorial Assistant will conduct research and compile reports detailing the history, use, and significance of several objects in our collection, including an iron lung and artefacts relating to the First World War. They will produce an information package on the medical history of the First World War to be distributed to members of the public. The Curatorial Assistant will also work with the Curator to develop an exhibition relating to respiration and ventilation, including selecting topics and themes, identifying objects for display, and creating text panels.
The Curatorial Assistant will interact with the public, as they will greet visitors and lead tours one day a week, and will take part in the delivery of special events and educational programming as required.

They will also be given the opportunity to participate in a summer's end professional development learning opportunity held at area heritage sites.

Qualifications:
Candidates for this position will be senior undergraduate or graduate students in Museum Studies, History, History of Medicine or a related discipline. Excellent English oral and written communications skills are required. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate research skills and experience working with primary and secondary documents (i.e. research papers, reports, etc). Knowledge of PC computer platforms (Word, Excel, Outlook) is required. The candidate should be self-directed and motivated, as well as able to work in a team environment.

Previous museum experience, archival research, and a working knowledge of a second language, such as French, will be considered assets.

Applicants must meet all Young Canada Works in Heritage Organizations (YCW-HO) eligibility criteria.
In order to comply with the terms of the YCW-HO grant program, applicants must:
· be legally entitled to work in Canada;
· be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or have refugee status in Canada; NB: Non-Canadian students holding temporary work visas or awaiting permanent status are not eligible.
· be between 16 and 30 years of age at the start of employment;
· be registered in the YCW candidate inventory (www.youngcanadaworks.gc.ca);
· be willing to commit to the full duration of the work assignment;
· not have another full-time job (over 30 hours a week) while employed with YCW;
· have been a full-time student (as defined by their educational institutions) in the semester preceding their job with YCW; and
· intend to return to full-time studies in the semester following their job with YCW.

Position Details: The expected wage is $11.00 per hour, with a 35-hour work week (includes weekends), from May 22, 2012 to August 31, 2012. Dates are dependant on grant funding and may be revised. Occasional evening work may be required.
To apply for this position, please submit your cover letter and résumé by 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, 3 May 2012 to the attention of Pamela Peacock, Curator, by email to peacockp@kgh.kari.net, or by mail / hand-delivery to: Museum of Health Care at Kingston, Ann Baillie Building National Historic Site, 32 George Street, Kingston, Ontario K7L 2V7

We thank everyone for your interest in this position; please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Dr. Martin W. ten Hove appointed Acting Head, Department of Ophthalmology

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 03:00:00 +0100

Dr. Alan Harrison, Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic) at Queen’s University, Mrs. Sherri McCullough, Chair of the Board of Directors for Hotel Dieu Hospital, and Ms. Leslee Thompson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kingston General Hospital, are pleased to announce that Dr. Martin ten Hove has been appointed Acting Head of Ophthalmology at Queen’s University, Hotel Dieu Hospital and Kingston General Hospital for the period April 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013.

Following the receipt of his MD from Queen’s University in 1989 and the completion of his postgraduate training in neuro-ophthalmology as a McLaughlin Fellow at the University of Miami in 1995, Dr. ten Hove returned to Queen’s as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology. He served as the Department’s Postgraduate Program Director from the time of his appointment until 2000 and he was promoted to Associate Professor and awarded tenure in 2001. Dr. ten Hove previously served as Acting Head from 2003 to 2004 and he has been the Deputy Head of the Department of Ophthalmology since 2005.

Dr. ten Hove is actively involved in research into the neural mechanisms underlying visual attention. He has often been invited to present his work at national and international meetings. He has served on the Examination Committee of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, on the Royal College Specialty Committee for Ophthalmology, and on the editorial boards for the Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology and the Journal of Neuro-ophthalmology. He has worked with ORBIS, the CNIB and the University of West Indies to bring tertiary level ophthalmology to remote locations to help fulfill their educational and clinical needs.

In making this announcement, the Provost and Board Chairs wish to express their appreciation for the excellent leadership provided by Dr. Sherif El-Defrawy during his eight year tenure as Head of the Department of Ophthalmology.

Executive Vice-Dean Faculty of Health Sciences

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 11:00:00 +0100

Dean Richard Reznick is pleased to announce that Dr. Iain Young has been appointed Executive Vice-Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences effective March 1, 2012. This position replaces the role that Dr. Young has held as Vice-Dean Academic and is in recognition of added responsibilities. In his capacity as Executive Vice-Dean, Dr. Young will have overall responsibility for providing oversight of faculty planning, faculty support, and operations related to the strategic plan of the Faculty. Dr. Young will continue to lead human resource management as it pertains to faculty members within the Faculty and to serve as chief academic affairs officer for the School of Medicine. In addition, Dr. Young will provide oversight of academic reviews, searches for leadership positions and engage in leadership development; he will support the design and development of benchmarks of academic performance consistent with the University Academic Plan and the Faculty of Health Sciences Strategic Plan; contribute to the development and implementation of strategic planning and executive policy; and liaise with the Chiefs of Staff and Medical Advisory Committees of the affiliated teaching hospitals regarding academic affairs.

Dr. Young received his MD from McGill University in 1982. After completing his internship in internal medicine at the Royal Victoria Hospital and McGill and residency training in anatomic pathology at Queen’s in 1987, he was appointed as an Assistant Professor in what was then the Department of Pathology at Queen’s. Dr. Young was promoted to Associate Professor and granted tenure in 1993 and promoted to Professor in 2003.

From 2002 to 2009, Dr. Young was Head of the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine. Prior to that time, he served in a number of leadership positions including Director of Postgraduate Education in Pathology, Director of the Anatomic Pathology Residency Program, and Chief of the Divisions of Anatomic Pathology at Hotel Dieu and Kingston General Hospital. Since 2009, he has held the position of Vice-Dean Academic in the Faculty of Health Sciences. From January to April 2011, Dr. Young also served as Acting Dean for the Faculty, Acting Director of the School of Medicine, and Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Southeastern Ontario Academic Medical Organization. Regarded as an expert in diagnostic nephropathology and recognized as an excellent teacher, Dr. Young has received teaching awards from undergraduate medical students and residents, most recently the Aesculapian Society Lectureship Award and the RSA Prentice Award for Excellence in Resident Teaching.

Assistant Dean, Regional Education Faculty of Health Sciences

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 14:00:00 +0100

Dean Richard Reznick is pleased to announce the creation of the new decanal portfolio of Assistant Dean, Regional Education. In recognition of the increasing importance of distributed/integrated medical education to the strategic direction of the Faculty, this Assistant Deanship replaces the previous position of Director, Regional Education Development. Dean Reznick is equally pleased to announce that Dr. Eugene Dagnone has been appointed as the inaugural Assistant Dean, Regional Education effective March 1, 2012.

In 1968 Dr. Dagnone received his MD from the Queen’s School of Medicine, following which he completed his internship at the University of Saskatchewan. He returned to Queen’s for residency training in internal medicine in 1970 and, in 1972, he joined the Department of Surgery as a Lecturer. He was promoted to Assistant Professor in 1975, Associate Professor in 1976 and Professor in 1994.

From 1975 to 1986, Dr. Dagnone served as the initial Chair of the Division of Emergency Medicine within the Department of Surgery. He was Medical Director of the Emergency Department at Hotel Dieu Hospital from 1972 to 1988 and Medical Director of Kingston General Hospital from 1999 to 2002. A highly respected educator in the School of Medicine, he has served as Director of the Phase III Clinical Clerkship since 1997 and as Director, Regional Education Development since 2002.

Dr. Dagnone is held in very high esteem within the field of emergency medicine. He has authored and participated in dozens of scholarly articles, position papers and, of special note, 28 reports for the Government of Ontario. He has also participated in more than two dozen hospital and emergency department reviews and he has sat on numerous committees for the Ontario Ministry of Health, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, the Ontario Medical Association and the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians. Since 1993, Dr. Dagnone has been an external consultant to the Steering Committee on Review of Hospital and Community Emergency Services in Ontario.

Associate Dean, Finance and Administration Faculty of Health Sciences

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 14:00:00 +0100

Dean Richard Reznick is pleased to announce that Mr. David R. Edgar has been appointed as Associate Dean, Finance and Administration for the Faculty of Health Sciences effective March 1, 2012. The elevation of this post to Associate Dean is in recognition of Mr. Edgar’s longstanding service and contributions and the on-going importance of his portfolio to the academic strategy of the Faculty

Mr. Edgar received his undergraduate degree from Queen’s University, followed by an MBA with a specialism in public administration and an MSc in strategic focus from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. He is currently a doctoral candidate at Heriot-Watt in the Edinburgh School of Business. In addition, Mr. Edgar is a Certified Management Accountant and a Fellow in the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators.

Mr. Edgar joined the Faculty as Business Officer in 1988, and he is currently the Assistant Dean, Operations and Finance. In addition to his decanal responsibilities he has been the chief financial officer for the Southeastern Ontario Academic Medical Organization (SEAMO) since its inception in 1994. He has also served as Secretary to Faculty Board and the School of Medicine since 2007.

ICRE and ICOSET 2012 registrations now open

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 16:00:00 +0100

Registration is now open for three unique educational forums designed to advancing residency training. All three will be hosted by the Royal College in Ottawa during the third week in October.

International Conference on Surgical Education and Training (ICOSET)
October 17-18, 2012. Click here to register.

International Conference on Residency Education (ICRE)
October 18-20, 2012. Click here to register.

International Resident Leadership Summit (IRLS)
October 20-21, 2012. Click here to register.

These events are part of the Royal College’s continued commitment to advancing the highest standards in residency education.

Andrew Craig earns top award from Canadian Cancer Society

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:00:00 +0100

Andrew Craig has been announced as the recipient of the Canadian Cancer Society’s 2011 Young Investigator Award.

“My research program has really been developed by creative, highly-skilled and motivated students, faculty, and post-doctoral fellows. I look at the award as something to share with all of them,” says Dr. Craig, an associate professor in the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences and member of the Queen’s Cancer Research Institute. Read full story...

Family Medicine Earns Top Residency Award

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 09:00:00 +0100

The Department of Family Medicine’s Residency Program has won this year’s Professional Association of Internes and Residents of Ontario (PAIRO) Residency Program Excellence Award.

The award recognizes programs that provide positive and rewarding experiences for their residents, while producing expertly trained physicians. The Family Medicine program is the third Queen’s residency program to win this prestigious award since it was established in 2006. Queen’s General Surgery won the first award in 2006, followed by Anesthesiology in 2009.

“This latest award from PAIRO is a testament to how incredibly committed our faculty are to their residents at Queen’s”, says Richard Reznick, Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences. “Three programs from one school in six years is fantastic. We are delighted that PAIRO has recognized the outstanding work of the Department of Family Medicine.”

The award recognizes the dedication of the faculty and staff at the department’s three existing sites: Kingston & 1000 Islands, Belleville-Quinte and Peterborough-Kawartha. In July, the department will launch its fourth site, Queen’s Bowmanville-Oshawa-Lakeridge (QBOL).

“This award was initiated and supported by our residents from all sites and is a testament to all of our preceptors, allied health care professionals and staff who support our residents’ education,” says Karen Schultz, Program Director, Queen’s Family Medicine. “Their hard work and the positive atmosphere they create are clearly providing a supportive, strong, innovative learning environment that our residents really appreciate. It doesn’t get better than that.”

Dr. Schultz will receive the award on behalf of the department in Toronto in May. PAIRO will also make a $1,000 donation to the department’s residency program education fund.

The latest recognition comes on the heels of Queen’s postgraduate medical education’s most successful accreditation review in recent memory.

Queen's Med student recognized for breast cancer fundraising

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 13:00:00 +0100

Poonam Batra (Med '12) was one of two Queen's students singled out by The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation for their exceptional contributions during last fall’s inaugural national Post-Secondary Team Challenge during the CIBC Run for the Cure.

Poonam Batra (Med '12) receives a CIBC Education Award for raising one of the largest donations by an individual for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation in the CIBC Run for the Cure.

"I have been incredibly lucky and blessed with the support I have received from friends and family. They were the reason I was able to raise funds well beyond anything I could have hoped for," says Poonam Batra (Med '12), who received a CIBC Education Award after raising one of the largest amounts by a post-secondary student in Canada.

Ms Batra's main motivation was to raise awareness about breast cancer. Two years ago she was diagnosed with the disease despite having no risk factors. Sharing her story with family members, friends and colleagues in her department resulted in the creation of "Team Purple – Queen’s Medicine and Friends," which has had tremendous success supporting Run for the Cure.

Queen's Rugby Team player Colin Greenwood (Sc'13) was presented with a Team Captain Leadership Award for helping his team members raise the most funds by a post-secondary team in Ontario, more than $30,000

Medical students empowering young people to reach their potential with MedExplore

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 09:00:00 +0100

A new program led by Queen’s medical students will provide training in skill development, networking and career exposure to several local communities, including the Four Directions Aboriginal Student Centre and the Tyendinaga Technical School in the Bay of Quinte.

“The program is aimed at enhancing skills to promote ownership within the realm of health in the Aboriginal community,” says Renee Pang (Meds ’13), who is leading the initiative through MedExplore. “It’s very exciting to work with them as they build their futures.”

MedExplore is a program run out of the Queen’s Office of Global Health that aims at developing leadership and mentorship programs for populations underrepresented in medicine. The program strives to foster interest in health care and potentially recruit future students into medical professions. However, it is designed to offer students useful skills regardless of the career they choose. Read more...

Allingham named Canada Research Chair in Structural Biology

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 09:00:00 +0100

John Allingham is one of Queen's two new Canada Research Chairs (CRC).

Dr. Allingham (Biomedical and Molecular Sciences), Canada Research Chair in Structural Biology, is working on developing new drug compounds that will specifically inhibit the ability of disease-causing cells to invade our bodies.

"I feel incredibly grateful and privileged to hold a place among some of the greatest scientists and innovators in Canada," says Dr. Allingham. "I am also very proud to work in the company of the stellar basic and clinical science community at Queen's, and to have the amazing opportunity to explore novel ways to inhibit the invasive properties of cancer cells and microbial pathogens."

Dr. Mohammed Zulkernine (School of Computing), has been named the Canada Research Chair in Software Dependability, is investigating a variety of methods and tools for building reliable and secure software systems.

"Having two professors from Queen's University named as Canada Research Chairs in these areas of research is important. Software security and anti-cancer drugs are crucial to securing safe and successful communities and improving health outcomes. These are examples where Queen's leads in addressing the most challenging and complex problems facing the world today" says Dr. Steven Liss, Vice-Principal (Research).

In total, $124.5 million is being allocated among 132 Canada Research Chairs to undertake new, cutting-edge research at 36 Canadian postsecondary institutions.

Dr. Zongchao Jia, receives Queen's highest prize for research

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 15:00:00 +0100

Two scientists have received the Queen's Prize for Excellence in Research for the impact they’ve made in their respective fields.

Zongchao Jia’s (Biomedical and Molecular Sciences) research into bacteria helps make drinking water safer and organic chemist Victor Snieckus (Chemistry) has made major discoveries in the area of molecule synthesis, leading to anti-AIDS and anti-inflammatory drugs and grain crop protecting agents.

Dr. Jia is a Killam Research Fellow and the Canada Research Chair in Structural Biology.

His research group has determined that certain bacteria, including E. coli, have evolved by making an enzyme called AceK in order to survive under nutrient-deficient conditions. By revealing, AceK’s three-dimensional structure, Dr. Jia’s group has gained understanding into how this enzyme works and how intervention strategies can be explored to lock AceK in the high-nutrient state, thereby reducing the bacteria’s chance to survive under low-nutrient conditions such as in drinking water.

Dr. Snieckus (Chemistry) holds the Alfred Bader Chair in Organic Chemistry and director, Snieckus Innovations, a new Queen's initiative in its Industrial Park. He is internationally recognized for major technologies in how molecules are assembled and assisting pharmaceutical and agrochemical industry in development of new drugs and crop-yield enhancing agents.

Much of his work is related to boron, which he calls “the chemical element of the 21st century.” Boron compounds, in addition to being useful in synthesis of pharmaceuticals, are used as antifungal agents, detergents, in bulletproof vests, in emergency shutdown systems for nuclear reactors, and are now being developed as light-emitting devices and semi-conductors.

“The highest form of recognition from Queen’s for research conducted at the university is reflected in the Prize for Excellence in Research, where outstanding individuals are recognized by their peers,” says Steven N. Liss, Vice-Principal (Research). “This is the opportunity to recognize on an annual basis the outstanding accomplishments of our leading researchers and the work they have conducted at Queen’s that has led to significant discoveries, scholarly achievement and important innovations.

“The contributions of the 2011 winners, Drs. Jia and Snieckus, to the fields of biochemistry and structural biology, and synthetic organic chemistry, respectively, have far-reaching impact and advance the reputation of Queen’s as a world-class research-intensive university.”

Drs. Jia and Snieckus will deliver public lectures on Tuesday March 20^th at 7pm in Chernoff Hall Auditorium, 90 Bader Lane.

Matched to Queen's? Congratulations!

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 13:00:00 +0100

Congratulations to all of the medical students who matched to Queen's. You will receive your orientation packages later this month and in the meantime, please check out the New Resident section of our website for information on Queen's, Kingston, and much more. We're looking forward to welcoming you to our community in July and if you have any questions, just email us at pgme@queensu.ca.

Babies the key to explaining hiccup reflex

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 09:00:00 +0100

New research explains the mysterious hiccup reflex as a burping mechanism allowing young, feeding mammals to consume more milk.

The hiccup has long remained an enigma for clinicians and researchers, who have struggled to connect the physical mechanisms of a hiccup to a plausible evolutionary advantage. Read more...

Leading-edge postpartum health clinic targets cardiovascular disease risk

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 15:00:00 +0100

A Queen’s obstetrics professor has founded one of the first clinics in the world to use pregnancy and the postpartum as a key opportunity in a woman’s life to focus on disease prevention.

“This clinic is an extremely novel idea—no one else is doing this at present,” says Graeme Smith, who is also a practicing obstetrician at Kingston General Hospital (KGH).

Pregnancy is a stress test in that it can reveal underlying health issues in the mother that may indicate an increased risk of future heart disease. Around 20 per cent of expectant mothers experience at least one of six indicators during pregnancy including pre-eclampsia, high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, a growth restricted baby, or placental abruption leading to delivery. Read more...

Dr. Sarah Jones in CBC Radio 2 Documentary

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0100

Dr. Sarah Jones, Head of Pediatrics at Queen's is the subject of The Hand of Fate, a documentary segment that aired Feb. 29th on The Current. In the summer of 2009, Sarah Jones was a pediatric surgeon hanging out with her family at their home in the country when an accident severed three of her fingers and part of her thumb. So how does a person whose work brings such a sense of purpose confront the consequences of one random moment? Read more...

Queen's soft tissue replacement technology gets a funding boost

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 11:00:00 +0100

A new process for transforming discarded human fat into a soft-tissue substitute for use in reconstructive surgery is laying the groundwork for creating an Ontario-based regenerative medicine initiative focused on developing products for reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. “Human fat is an abundant and accessible source of stem cells and proteins that can be used in tissue engineering,” says Lauren Flynn, Queen’s University chemical engineer who pioneered the process. “We use tissues that are normally discarded during surgery, to develop non-immunogenic structures that have shown great promise in promoting natural soft tissue regeneration.” Read more...

Medical Education Scholars

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 10:00:00 +0100

The School of Medicine at Queen’s University is currently seeking Medical Education Scholars to join an academy of educational leaders, enabling continuous implementation of best principles and leading practices in medical education. Qualified applicants will hold an MD degree (or equivalent), have completed postgraduate qualifications prior to appointment, be eligible for licensure in Ontario and have outstanding emerging or established research programs in medical education. Successful candidates will be provided a minimum of 50% protected time to pursue research activities. They will also be expected to contribute to the teaching, supervision and mentorship of undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate students. Academic rank will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. For further information on the School of Medicine, please visit http://meds.queensu.ca/.

Review of applications will commence in May 2012 and continue until the positions are filled. Applications should include a full curriculum vitae, a description of research accomplishments and future directions, and evidence of involvement in, and commitment to, medical education. Identification of three referees who can attest to the applicant’s research capabilities and educational experience is requested. Applications are to be directed to: Dr. Richard Reznick, Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, c/o Gail Knutson, Senior Staffing Officer, Macklem House, 18 Barrie Street, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada, K7L 3N6. E-mail: gail.knutson@queensu.ca. The University thanks all who express an interest in these positions.

One of Canada’s leading universities, Queen’s has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence, research and a diverse and vibrant learning environment. With its strong tradition of public service, the University has helped to shape Canadian values and policies, educating notable political and cultural figures.

Queen’s University is located in the heart of the community in historic Kingston, midpoint between Montreal and Toronto, and the nation’s capital.

Queen’s is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, visible minorities, Aboriginal people, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

Clinician Scientists

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 10:00:00 +0100

The School of Medicine at Queen’s University is currently seeking clinician scientists in a broad range of health research disciplines. Qualified applicants will hold an MD degree (or equivalent), have completed postgraduate qualifications prior to appointment, be eligible for licensure in Ontario, and have outstanding emerging or established research programs. Successful candidates will be provided a minimum of 50% of protected time to pursue research activities. They will also be expected to contribute to the teaching, supervision and mentorship of undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate students. Academic rank will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. For further information on the School of Medicine, please visit http://meds.queensu.ca/.

Review of applications will commence in April 2012, and continue until the positions are filled. Applications should include a full curriculum vitae, a description of research accomplishments and future directions, and evidence of involvement in, and commitment to, medical education. Identification of three referees who can attest to the applicant’s research capabilities and educational experience is requested. Applications are to be directed to: Dr. Richard Reznick, Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, c/o Mrs. Gail Knutson, Senior Staffing Officer, Macklem House, 18 Barrie Street, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada, K7L 3N6. E-mail: gail.knutson@queensu.ca. The University thanks all who express an interest in these positions.

Queen’s University is located in the heart of the community in historic Kingston, midpoint between Montreal and Toronto, and the nation’s capital.

Health Professionals for a New Century:

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0100

Queen’s joins Canadian university collaborative to lead global health education innovation

Queen’s University and a consortium of four other Canadian universities are representing North America in a global initiative to transform the way we educate health care professionals world-wide.

Following a rigorous international competition, the U.S Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) Board on Global Health chose only three other groups, (called “Innovation collaboratives”) based in India, Uganda and South Africa.

Dr. Margo Paterson, director of the Office of Inter-professional Education and Practice (OIPEP) is leading the Queen’s team.

The Canadian partnership: Canadian Interprofessional Health Leadership Collaborative (CIHLC) has worked together for many years and contributed to writing this proposal.

“We are excited to have this opportunity to consolidate our past experiences and build capacity around the topic of collaborative health leadership over the next few years of the CIHLC project,” says Dr. Paterson.

The CIHLC includes Queen’s, the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, Northern Ontario School of Medicine and Universite Laval as well as their affiliated networks across multiple sites in Canada, the United States and globally.

“We are really proud to have Queen’s a play a significant role in innovating the training of health care professionals worldwide through this Canadian partnership,” says, Dr. Richard Reznick, dean Faculty of Health Sciences. “I believe the Faculty of Health Sciences has much to contribute to this project, through our expertise in inter-professional education, competency-based medical education and global successes in community-based rehabilitation.”

CIHLC and the other “collaboratives” are intended to incubate and pilot ideas for reforming health professional education called for in the seminal Lancet Commission report (2010) and will be a key part of IOM’s new Global Forum on Innovation in Health Professional Education, to be launched in March 2012.

For more information about this project (U.S. IOM site):

http://www.healthprofessionals21.org/index.php/news-a-events/105-iom-selects-four-innovation-collaboratives

Bell creates world's first chair in anti-stigma research at Queen's

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0100

Bell Canada and Queen's University have announced a world-first with the establishment of a new $1-million research initiative to help fight stigma associated with mental illness.

The Bell Mental Health and Anti-Stigma Research Chair will enable Queen’s Faculty of Health Sciences to advance its anti-stigma research, scholarship and outreach programs. Read more...

Roger G. Deeley reappointed Vice-Dean Research in the Faculty of Health Sciences and Vice ...

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0100

Roger Deeley has been reappointed as Vice-Dean Research in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Queen’s University and Vice President Health Sciences Research at Kingston General Hospital and for the Kingston teaching hospitals for a second five-year term commencing January 1, 2012. These appointments are announced by Dr. Alan Harrison, Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic) at Queen’s University, and Ms. Leslee Thompson, President and Chief Executive Officer at Kingston General Hospital. Read more...

A New Health Care System for all Canadians: From Consensus to Action

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:00:00 +0100

Dr. Jeff Turnbull is Ottawa Hospital Chief of Staff and the immediate past president of the Canadian Medical Association. Since earning his M.D. at Queen’s University, he has combined clinical practice, education and research with senior management roles at both the University of Western Ontario and the University of Ottawa. In 2001, he was appointed chair of the Department of Medicine and, in 2008, Chief of Staff at The Ottawa Hospital. Read more...

Heart drug may be effective for managing certain cancers, study finds

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:00:00 +0100

Researchers at Queen’s University have identified a new mechanism that could potentially explain why the body’s immune system sometimes fails to eliminate cancer. The new findings shed light on the possible cause of immune resistance in cancer cells, and indicate that nitroglycerin, a relatively safe and low-cost drug used for more than a century to treat angina, may be effective for managing certain cancers.

“This discovery may lead to new approaches for the treatment of patients with certain forms of cancer,” said Charles Graham, a professor in the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences who lead the Queen’s research team with Robert Siemens of the Department of Urology and Kingston General Hospital.
The researchers looked at the role that hypoxia, or low oxygen content in tissues, plays in the ability of some cancer cells to escape detection, and subsequent destruction, by the body’s immune system.

They discovered that hypoxia in a cancer cell is linked to the overproduction of a key enzyme, ADAM10, which makes the cell resistant to attack by immune cells. However, when cells were treated with a nitric oxide mimicking agent such as nitroglycerin, hypoxic conditions were overcome and the cancer cells lost their resistance to an immune system attack. The results indicate that nitroglycerin could potentially be used to boost the body’s natural immune response to cancer.

The research leading to these findings is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CHIR) in partnership with the Terry Fox Foundation Training Program in Transdisciplinary Cancer Research.

The discovery builds on the Queen’s team’s 2009 findings related to the role of nitric oxide in suppressing tumour growth in prostate cancer. The researchers conducted the first-ever clinical trial using low doses of nitroglycerin to treat prostate cancer.

More than 10 patents have been issued to Queen’s research discoveries involving the the use of nitroglycerin and similar compounds in cancer treatments. PARTEQ Innovations, the technology transfer office of Queen’s, has licensed some of this intellectual property to Nometics Inc., a Queen’s spinoff company, which is developing products and therapies based on this and related research.

The study results have been published online and in an upcoming issue of the American Association of Cancer Research peer-reviewed journal Cancer Research.

Survival rates increase with chemotherapy alone in patients with limited-stage Hodgkin's lymphoma

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:00:00 +0100

New research led by the NCIC Clinical Trials Group (CTG) at Queen’s University has proven patients with limited stage Hodgkin’s lymphoma have a better chance of long-term survival if they undergo a standard chemotherapy regimen as opposed to radiation-based treatment.

“These results will influence current treatment practices and lead to more patients being treated with chemotherapy alone,” says Dr. Ralph Meyer, professor of oncology at Queen’s and director of the NCIC CTG. “This trial exemplifies the importance of academic groups conducting trials that assess long-term patient outcomes.” Read full article...

Bleeding disorder experts named researchers of the year

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:00:00 +0100

Queen’s pathology and molecular medicine professors Paula James and David Lillicrap were named Researchers of the Year by the National Hemophilia Foundation in Chicago for their work in helping to improve the lives of patients living with bleeding disorders. Read more...

House of Horrors

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:00:00 +0100

Just in time for Hallowe’en, and in celebration of Canadian Patient Safety Week, on the evenings of Nov. 1 and 2 a total of 52 students from Rehabilitation Therapy (Occupational and Physical Therapy), Medicine and Nursing as well as Pharmacy residents and staff participated in Read more...

Inaugural Head, Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 22:00:00 +0100

Applications and nominations are invited for the position of Head of the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. For this tenured position, we are searching for an outstanding academic with proven leadership and administrative skills. Read more...

Dean of Health Sciences earns prestigious fellowship

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:00:00 +0100

Richard Reznick has been granted an honourary fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). This fellowship is the highest honour the college can give and only a few are awarded each year.

“I have been extremely privileged over the years to have interacted with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Ireland,” says Dr. Reznick, dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences.” We have exchanged views, shared information, and collaborated on many issues. To be recognized by the college with an honorary fellowship is a great honour that is a highlight of my professional career.”

The Royal College of Surgeons is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving human health through education, research and service. Founded in 1784, originally to train surgeons, today it provides education and training in the healthcare professions at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. RCSI has been granting the honourary fellowship since 1784.

Along with receiving the honour, Dr. Reznick will be appearing as a guest lecturer speaking on Better, Faster, Cheaper ... Pick Two.

PGME Fall Newsletter Now Available

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 10:00:00 +0100

The Fall 2011 edition of the PGME Resident Newsletter is now available. It has been emailed to all residents, Program Directors, and Program Assistants.

Vice-Dean (Health Sciences) and Director, School of Rehabilitation Therapy Faculty of Health ...

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:00:00 +0100

Applications and nominations are invited for the position of Vice-Dean (Health Sciences) and Director of the School of Rehabilitation Therapy at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. We are searching for an outstanding academic with proven administrative and fundraising experience. The ideal candidate will be a visionary and innovative leader who is able to mobilize resources and engender a strong and vigorous academic environment. As Vice-Dean and Director, the successful candidate will draw on strong interpersonal and organizational skills Read more...

Head of the Department of Medicine Position

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:00:00 +0100

Applications are invited for the position of Head of the Department of Medicine at Queen’s University, Hotel Dieu Hospital, Kingston General Hospital and Providence Care, which are fully affiliated teaching hospitals. We are searching for an academic physician with proven administrative experience and leadership skills who is engaged in the practice of medicine and who, as Head, will draw on strong interpersonal and organizational skills to develop and manage teams that will foster excellence in teaching, patient care and research within the Department and the region. The qualified applicant must be eligible for licensure in Ontario. Read more...

Good grades for postgraduate medical education review!

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:00:00 +0100

Queen’s postgraduate medical education has received its most successful accreditation review in recent memory.

“The reviewers told us they were blown away by Queen’s. They complimented us virtually each and every time we met with them,” says Richard Reznick, Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, and Director, School of Medicine.

The accreditation team of 20 physicians and educators conducted a detailed review of the teaching programs, inspected and analyzed the teaching sites, and examined the medical school and postgraduate medical office.

The team was most impressed by faculty members’ pride in being ‘Queen’s doctors’ and program directors’ energy, commitment and ‘parental view’ of responsibility to their residents. They praised faculty members’ creativity and the university’s cutting edge simulation efforts.

The accreditation team is recommending full approval to the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the Canadian Family Physicians of Canada for 27 of Queen’s 29 programs. The two other programs will receive provisional approval.

Dr. Reznick credits the faculty, teachers, program directors and 10 partnering hospitals for the successful accreditation review. He also praised Ross Walker, Associate Dean, Postgraduate Education, and his team for the hard work they put in each day on behalf of the trainees.

Dr. Reznick shares his thoughts about the accreditation review on his blog.

New Medicine building fosters enhanced learning opportunities

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 08:00:00 +0100

From the outside, the new School of Medicine Building stands as an architecturally stunning addition to campus. What’s going on inside the facility is just as impressive.

“It’s going to be an exciting year in undergraduate medical education. Many of our faculty have redesigned and enhanced their learning events, with a greater balance of lectures and independent group learning,” says Anthony Sanfilippo, Associate Dean, Undergraduate Medical Education. Read more...

Hundreds celebrate opening of new home for Queen's School of Medicine

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 11:00:00 +0100

With bagpipes, balloons and a balmy breeze off Lake Ontario, an enthusiastic crowd of more than 400 Health Sciences donors, alumni, students, faculty and university and city officials celebrated the grand opening today of the university’s stunning new School of Medicine building. Read more...

To view more more pictures of the opening, visit Scott Adamson’s blog site at http://scottadamson.ca/blog/new-medical-building-grand-opening/

The Queen's Health and Human Rights Conference

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 10:00:00 +0100

The Queen's Health and Human Rights Conference is an award-winning, annual event coordinated by the students of Queen's University. This inter-disciplinary conference unites speakers from various academic disciplines and professions, and invites discourse on both local and global issues within the realm of Health and Human Rights. More Information...

Congratulations to Dr. Terence Ozolins

Sun, 04 Sep 2011 19:00:00 +0100

Congratulations to Dr. Terence Ozolins for his recent success in receiving a CFI award! Well done!

“Terence Ozolins (School of Medicine) has been awarded $120,000 for his research on structural malformations of the heart. These malformations are the most common birth defect and recent evidence suggests structural defects may also have long-term unwanted effects on heart function. Dr. Ozolins is seeking to discover why these malformations occur and develop intervention strategies that improve patient health.”

Class of 2015 is off to a great start!

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Faculty and UGME staff coming into 132a in the new Meds building on the morning of Tuesday, August 30 were treated to a very encouraging sight: the class of 2015 was sitting in their new chairs, at the new tables, discussing in groups! Just as all of the planners had hoped! It was the beginning of a short series of talks, and getting to know staff, faculty and students from the class of Meds 2014…
Read full story...

International Award for Excellence

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 10:00:00 +0100

Dr. Lindsay Davidson, Loretta Walz, and Dr. Nancy Dalgarno, win International Award for Excellence in the area of learning and education.

Lindsay Davidson and Loretta Walz of Queen’s UGME, and Nancy Dalgarno, of Queen’s Health Sciences Interprofessional Education, won the International Award for Excellence from Ubiquitous Learning, an organization that sponsors a scholarly journal, a conference, a book series and an online community. The article published in the journal, Simple Technology Facilitating Complex Communities: A New Paradigm for Interprofessional Education? was selected by the editors for the award from the ten highest-ranked papers emerging from the referee process. For a summary of the project Learning with Cases which was the focus of the article, see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNP4WXvzbrQ or go to https://meds.queensu.ca/courses/community/learningwithcases.

As the winning authors the three authors are invited to present a featured session at the upcoming Ubiquitous Learning Conference to be held at the University of California, 11 to 12 November 2011, in Berkeley, California. They will be formally acknowledged in a short presentation.

Congratulations to these three educators in health sciences on their valued contribution.

Street Health Services - Kingston

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 10:00:00 +0100

Are you a general practitioner? Health care service provider?
Do you have questions about Hepatitis C:

Testing?

Diagnosis?

Treatment?

Follow-up?

Are you interested in learning more about Hepatitis C co-infection? Curious about treatment options and disease progression? Would you like to know more about the current challenges faced by people with Hepatitis C?

The Street Health Centre has a multidisciplinary clinical health team that will assist you or your practice. Download a flyer about their services and contacts.

Finding could reduce antibiotic use in critically ill patients

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 08:00:00 +0100

Measuring the levels of a natural body chemical may allow doctors to reduce the duration of antibiotic use and improve the health outcomes of critically ill patients.
“Infection is a common and expensive complication of critical illness and we’re trying to find Read more...

Dean of Health Sciences praised for innovations in surgical education

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 15:00:00 +0100

The dean of Queen’s Faculty of Health Sciences recently joined a small, illustrious group of Canadians who have received an honorary fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh.

The College, founded in 1505, recognized Richard Reznick for his commitment to surgical eucation, simulation, research and academia.

“I am humbled to be honoured by one of the world’s oldest medical colleges and considered in the same light as some of the surgical icons who have received honorary fellowships in the past,” he says. Read Full Story...

Master of Science Physical Therapy Program at Queen's

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 08:00:00 +0100

With help from Goldman Sachs, students applying to the Master of Science Physical Therapy Program at Queen's will get a helping hand.

The Goldman Sachs Scholars Fund has been established with a grant of $346,000 (USD) made to Queen’s University at Kingston by the Goldman Sachs Gives program, on the recommendation of Goldman Sachs employee, David Torrible, a Queen’s graduate, in honour of parents, Geoffrey and Elizabeth Torrible.

The funds will be used to provide scholarships to students at the University who qualify for financial aid under the University's financial aid policy, with a preference for eligible full-time students in the Master of Science Physical Therapy program in the School of Graduate Studies. First preference will be given to students who self-identify as the children of immigrant parents (parents born outside of Canada), or students from a rural or remote area of Canada. Qualification for funding will also be based on good academic standing which includes good communicative and interpersonal skills.

Dale Dauphinee Fellowship

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 14:00:00 +0100

Congratulations to Michelle Gibson on winning the Dale Dauphinee fellowship granted by the Medical Council of Canada Read more...

Queen's doc heads up Wait Time Alliance

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 14:00:00 +0100

Christopher Simpson has been elected as the incoming chair of the Wait Time Alliance (WTA), a federation of 14 medical and surgical specialty societies whose members are concerned about delayed access to care for their patients. Read full story...

Gold Poster Award to Da Duan

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 15:00:00 +0100

Dr. Alain Beaudet, President, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, presents CIHR - Gold Poster Award to Da Duan, Queen's University.
more...

Finding reduces swine fetal loss, nets researcher prestigious award

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 11:15:00 +0100

A new drug that stimulates the growth of new blood vessels in the uterus lining of pigs could be on the market in a couple of years. The drug will significantly impact the commercial swine industry by addressing spontaneous fetal loss and increasing litter size.
Queen’s Chandra Tayade has received a prestigious award from the American Society for Reproductive Immunology (ASRI) for his research. Read more...

First diagnostic test for hereditary children's disease

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 16:00:00 +0100

A breakthrough in genetic research has uncovered the defect behind a rare hereditary children’s disease that inhibits the body’s ability to break down vitamin D. This discovery has led researchers to develop the first genetic and biochemical tests that positively identify the disease. Read more...

2011 Convocation

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 15:00:00 +0100

Convocation celebrations for the Class of 2011 were held on May 27^th at Grant Hall. Surrounded by family, friends, faculty, staff and community members 98 students received their MD degrees after four years of inquiry, discovery and hard work. A highlight of the afternoon was the delivery of a moving address by honorary degree recipient, Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish. His message of courage, justice, perseverance and human kindness will be drawn on as a source of inspiration for all who were privileged to hear it.

The Class of 2011 will soon begin their residency training spread across 13 learning sites in both Canada and the United States. As a group, these young physicians will be pursuing careers in 19 different medical specialties with 27 graduates having chosen Family Medicine.

Congratulations to the Class of 2011 and to the faculty, staff and families who supported them through the first chapter of what promises to be productive and fulfilling medical careers!
© 2011 Photograph by Jackie Duffin

UGME Curriculum Map

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 16:00:00 +0100

In an effort to facilitate the effective review of the content and structure of the UGME curriculum extensive work has been done over the past several months to complete a preliminary version of a curriculum map.

The UGME curriculum map is housed live in MEdTech Central and captures a variety of information. For each learning event in UGME the map presently records an overview of the session’s content, its curricular objectives, the applicable Medical College of Canada presentations, and any applicable Hot Topics (Hot Topics are items that the school is required to track by the Liaison Committee for Medical Education). The map also stores information like the teacher, students, and all resources, including pod casts, associated with a learning event. The information stored in the curriculum map is searchable through MEdTech’s Curriculum Search feature and the Learning Events tab.

A curriculum map is meant to be ‘alive’ and should be constantly updated. To that end teaching faculty across UGME are invited to review their learning events on MEdTech Central and edit them as appropriate. Work is ongoing towards improving the curriculum mapping process and to that end some minor changes will be made to the MEdTech interface this fall.

UGME Curriculum Leaders' Retreat:

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 14:00:00 +0100

Course Directors, Competency Leads, Year Directors and other curriculum leaders in Queen’s UGME gathered at the Radisson Hotel on May 20, 2011 for a day-long retreat on teaching and curriculum. Organized by Dr. Elaine Van Melle and the UGME Teaching and Learning Committee, the topics of communication among courses, strategies for small group learning, and developing and using online modules were selected through a survey of Course Directors. Read more...

After Colon Cancer Surgery, Early Chemo May Pay Off

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 09:15:00 +0100

SATURDAY, June 4 (HealthDay News) -- For patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer, a new study suggests that the sooner chemotherapy starts following the operation, the better the prognosis.

For every month after the first four weeks post-surgery that chemotherapy is delayed, odds of survival decrease measurably, the Canadian researchers found.

"What our research has indicated is that giving chemo early rather than later after surgery is associated with improved survival," said study lead author Dr. James J. Biagi, a medical oncologist and head of the oncology department at Queens University, in Kingston, Ontario. "Giving it later appears to be detrimental."

"But at the same time, we also believe that it still might be worthwhile having a patient look to chemotherapy even if they wouldn't be starting until the three-month point," Biagi added. Traditionally, oncologists avoided recommending chemo after... Read Full Story

Queen's celebrates government support for Medical School building

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 13:00:00 +0100

With fresh paint still gleaming in its elegant new School of Medicine building, Queen’s University held a celebration today to recognize the generous support of federal and provincial governments in funding the $77-million state-of-the-art facility.

Ontario Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities John Milloy, with Kingston and The Islands MPP John Gerretsen, helped Principal Daniel Woolf, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences Richard Reznick, President of the medical student government “TJ” Thurashen Jeyalingam, former Health Sciences dean David Walker and former principal Tom Williams symbolically lay the cornerstone of the new building at the corner of Arch and Stuart Streets.

“We are extremely grateful to our partners from the federal and provincial governments for their magnificent investment in medical education at Queen’s,” said Principal Woolf. “This new building is much more than just modern facilities. With it comes a spirit of renewal and revitalization. We look towards positive change in the way we educate our health professionals, and we expect Queen’s to be at the leading edge of emerging novel educational processes.”

“Having one of the premier teaching facilities in North America will help Queen’s continue to attract the best medical students, faculty and staff, and provide an unparalleled educational experience for our doctors of tomorrow,” said Dean Reznick, noting that more than 40 per cent of doctors working in Southeastern Ontario received their education at Queen’s. “Our beautiful new facility aligns with the government’s priority to increase the number of well-trained and well-educated health care professionals in our region, in the province and in the country.”

Following the ceremony, current medical students led guided tours of the 5-storey building, including a hands-on demonstration in the surgical skills and simulation lab, equipped with high-tech mannequins, observation rooms and recording facilities.

The new School of Medicine building received a Government of Canada investment of $28.8 million through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program (KIP) and $28.8 million from the Ontario government through the 2009 Budget. The balance of $19.4 million will be provided by gifts from alumni, friends, faculty and students, of which 98 per cent has been secured including $500,000 pledged by current and future students and $1.5 million from Queen’s Clinical Teachers Association.

Work will continue over the summer to complete the finishing touches on the facility, which will be fully functional for the start of the academic year. A grand opening for the facility is scheduled for Sept. 22.

Thank you.

Tue, 31 May 2011 05:00:00 +0100

I am writing on behalf of the Queen’s University Genetically Engineered Machine (QGEM) Team. We are writing to thank you for the School of Medicine’s contribution to the 2010 team. With your help we were able to complete all of our experiments and make working DNA constructs. Your support was integral to our success at the International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition (iGEM). Read more...

Congratulations to Dr. Chandrakant Tayade

Thu, 26 May 2011 16:00:00 +0100

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Chandrakant Tayade is the recipient of the 2011 J. Christian Herr Award for excellence in reproductive immunology research from the American Society for Reproductive Immunology.
This award was given to him at the 31st Annual Meeting of The American Society for Reproductive Immunology that took place in Salt Lake City, Utah, May 19-22, 2011.

Distinguished Service Award winners announced

Wed, 18 May 2011 14:00:00 +0100

David Walker, alumnus and former dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences. Dr. Walker, a highly visible supporter of Queen’s, used his leadership skills to get the new Medical School building off the ground during his tenure as dean. Read more...

Researchers discover protein that could help prevent the spread of cancer

Fri, 13 May 2011 15:00:00 +0100

A protein capable of halting the spread of breast cancer cells could lead to a therapy for preventing or limiting the spread of the disease.

“Cancer researchers want to design new therapeutic strategies in which the metastasis or spreading stage of cancer can be blocked,” explains Andrew Craig, lead researcher and a professor in Queen’s Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Research Institute. “Patients stand a much better chance of survival if the primary tumor is the only tumor that needs to be treated.” Read Full Article

Proposed Workload Standard for the New Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences

Thu, 05 May 2011 09:00:00 +0100

The mandate of the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences is to promote and enhance learning and scholarship in the biomedical and molecular sciences. All faculty members appointed to the Department are expected to contribute to this mandate through effective participation in: Read more...

Researchers discover protein that could help prevent the spread of cancer

Tue, 03 May 2011 12:00:00 +0100

A protein capable of halting the spread of breast cancer cells could lead to a therapy for preventing or limiting the spread of the disease.

Extracting stem cells from fat for tissue regeneration

Tue, 03 May 2011 07:00:00 +0100

Stem cells extracted from body fat may pave the way for the development of new regenerative therapies including soft tissue reconstruction following tumor removal or breast mastectomy surgery, the development of tissue-engineered cartilage or bone, and the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

An interdisciplinary team of Queen’s University researchers led by Dr. Lauren Flynn, a professor in the Departments of Chemical Engineering and Anatomy and Cell Biology, has been working with stem cells extracted from samples of human fat and is developing new methods in the lab to develop these cells into mature tissue substitutes.

Read Full Article...

Seeking Volunteers

Sat, 23 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Do you have an interest in health care or in ensuring that the patients at Kingston General Hospital receive the best care? We are seeking individuals to volunteer in programs throughout the hospital both in patient and non-patient care. We have exciting opportunities in which you not only get to improve the patient experience, you get to learn about careers in health care and the way in which the hospital functions. Our volunteers committed over 80,000 hours last year alone. We invite you to consider joining the KGH team. Visit our website (http://www.kgh.on.ca/en/workwithus/volunteeratkgh/Pages/default.aspx) to find out more.

Professors rewarded for outstanding contributions

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 23:30:00 +0100

Two Queen’s professors have received prestigious awards for their work in the field of pharmacology and toxicology.
Louise Winn (Pharmacology and Toxicology and Environmental Studies) has received the 2011 Women in Toxicology Mentoring Award from the Society of Toxicology (SOT). The international award recognizes an outstanding record of achievement in the mentoring of women in the discipline of toxicology. Read Full Article...

Let there be light: new medical school building nears completion

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 09:00:00 +0100

Queen’s new medical school building on the corner of Arch and Stuart Streets is now 85 per cent complete, says senior project manager Mike Finn (shown standing on the top level of what has been dubbed “the glass lantern” Read more...

Congratulations Dr. Tron

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 15:00:00 +0100

The Canadian Association of Pathologists has made Dr. Tron the William Boyd Lecturer for 2011. The lecture will take place in Vancouver, British Columbia on June 5th, 2011.

Dr. Jim Brien Receives Pfizer Senior Scientist Award

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:00:00 +0100

Another stellar member of the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology is being recognized for his contributions!

It is a great pleasure for me to inform you that Dr. Jim Brien has been selected to receive the Canadian Society for Pharmacology and Therapeutics (CSPT) Pfizer Senior Scientist Award. This award is given to a member of CSPT for significant contributions to the advancement and extension of knowledge in the field.

The Pfizer Award is the most prestigious award for contributions to the field of Pharmacology and Therapeutics in Canada, and it recognizes outstanding achievements during a scientist's career. A number of Canada's leading researchers have received the award over the years.

Dr. Brien will receive the award and will deliver the Pfizer Prize Oration, describing his research achievements, during the CSPT Annual Meeting in Montreal in May.

Needless to say, we in Pharm & Tox are extremely proud of Jim for his well-deserved receipt of this honour.

Teaching Improvement Project Systems Course (TIPS) for Faculty and Residents

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 13:00:00 +0100

Teaching Improvement Project Systems Course (TIPS) for Faculty and Residents
Thursday, April 7th & Friday, April 8th, 2011 (8-4 each day)
Bracken Library, Queen's University

This is an intensive workshop which includes presentations, discussions and individual work. The objectives are achieved
through experience in defining objectives, planning lectures/seminars and demonstrations, preparing in structural
materials and practising teaching skills. Participants prepare and present two ten-minute teaching sessions from their
own lectures/seminars ("microteaches"). Each of these is videotaped for private viewing and evaluation followed by
individual discussion with a leader. The basis for this workshop is the Teaching Improvement Project System (TIPS) developed by the University of Kentucky Centre for Learning Resources through grants from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and DHEW.PHS, for the improvement of teaching in the health sciences. Since its inception in 1975, TIPS programs have reached several thousand educators in the United States and Canada.

Family medicine professor wins prestigious international award

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 10:00:00 +0100

Ruth Wilson, a family physician with the Queen’s Family Health Team, recently received a prestigious international medical award.

The family medicine professor is one of only two recipients of the Wonca 5-Star Doctor Award – the highest award for doctors from the World Organization of National Colleges, Academies and Academic Associations of General Practitioners/Family Physicians (Wonca).

“This is a tremendous honour. I’ve had a lot of people come up to me jokingly asking how it feels to be one of the best doctors in the world,’” says Dr. Wilson, who is past president of the College of Family Physicians of Canada. Read more...

Dr. Louise M. Winn has received the 2011 Women in Toxicology Mentoring Award

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 09:00:00 +0100

Dr. Louise M. Winn of the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology and the School of Environmental Studies, has received the 2011 Women in Toxicology Mentoring Award from the Society of Toxicology (SOT). The award recognizes an outstanding record of achievement in the mentoring of women in the discipline of Toxicology. It was presented at the SOT annual meeting, which was held in Washington DC from March 6 to 10, and was attended by over 8,000 registrants.

U.S. health care reforms should use model developed by Queen's professor

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 10:00:00 +0100

A model of health care developed by a Queen's University doctor should be studied and copied as a way to reform health care in the U.S.

The U.S. is facing a problem of adding 40 million people to its health care system if President Obama's health care reforms are passed and Ontario’s Family Health Team Model (FHT) could help ease the burden.

"What we are saying is that Ontario’s FHT model is a very effective and efficient way of providing health care," says Walter Rosser, professor in the Department of Family Medicine. “It should be part of the solution for health system reform in both Canada and the United States.”

The United States has a similar program known as patient-centered medical homes but it’s used on a much smaller scale.

Ontario has the largest example of this type of health care model being used in North America, so medical officials everywhere are interested to learn how effective it is on a large scale.

“There are a few patient-centered medical homes developed in the U.S. and some experts are thinking FHTs may become the model that will be used very widely in the U.S.,” says Dr. Rosser who is also a doctor at Kingston General Hospital.

Dr. Rosser is one of several pioneers of FHTs, first implemented in 2005. FHTs use experts from various disciplines – such as physicians, nurses, nurse practioners, dietitians, social workers – all working closely together to take care of people. It also uses an innovative incentive-based funding system that generates higher income for doctors. Preliminary observations suggest patients and doctors are happier. The program, which only operates in Ontario, is now expanding from 170 FHTs today to 200 FHTs in the near future.
Whether the FHT model spreads across the U.S will depend on their government.

“Because our results are still preliminary, government officials want to wait a little longer to see how effective these Ontario FHT models are,” says Dr. Rosser.

Dr. Rosser co-authored the recommendation in an article published in the March-April issue of Annals of Family Medicine.

Canadian Association for Medical Education (CAME) 2011 Certificate of Merit Award Winner:

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 02:00:00 +0100

Dr. Lindsay Davidson. What a wonderful recognition of your terrific educational contributions.
You bring pride to the Faculty and we benefit from your outstanding achievement.
All my best,
Richard

Queen's Team won in the National Health Care Team Challenge

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

On Friday March 11 our FHS Queen's Team of Jenn Bossio (Clinical Psychology), Nicole Leakey (OT) , Laura Lu (Nursing) , Lucinda Ling (PT) and Karim Mohamed (Medicine) participated in the National Health Care Team Challenge held at the University of Toronto. Read more...

George Lovell and Zongchao Jia Awarded 2011 Killam Research Fellowships

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 10:00:00 +0100

Natural Sciences – Biochemistry

Zongchao Jia, Queen’s University, Structural studies of a bifunctional kinase/phosphatase AceK and its applications in water-borne disease suppression and biotechnology

Dr. Jia’s research will focus on the impact of a protein found within
E. coli called AceK that could be targeted to inhibit bacterial growth in water and food sources. He will also examine the possibility of using AceK in the creation of biomolecules with reduced cost and CO₂ emission. A well-published scientist, Dr. Jia has been recognized through many awards and research grants and his work is often cited by other research groups. More information: http://structure.biochem.queensu.ca

Social Sciences – Historical Geography

W. George Lovell, Queen’s University, Enduring conquest: a cultural history of the Guatemalan Maya

The fellowship will give Professor Lovell time to synthesize four decades of research on how the Guatemalan Maya have survived cycles of conquest, allowing him to produce a book that documents remarkable cultural resilience and speaks to the strength of the human spirit. An internationally recognized scholar of Maya peoples in Guatemala, he is currently on sabbatical leave as visiting professor in Latin American history at the Universidad Pablo de Olavide in Spain. Read full story

Former Dean leads provincial action team

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 08:00:00 +0100

The immediate past dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences is heading a new provincial action team to address the increasingly serious challenge of providing appropriate care for elderly and long-term patients in Ontario's health care system. Read more...

New educational DVD improves female pelvic exam instruction

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 15:00:00 +0100

Two years ago, Robert Reid realized he gave the same tutorial to every medical student at each gynaecology clinic he conducted. Was there a way, he wondered, to transform this tutorial into an educational film for medical students?

Along with medical student Bryden Magee, Dr. Reid, a Queen’s University professor in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Chair of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Kingston General Hospital, began working with volunteers to film demonstrations of pelvic and bimanual exam techniques.
“Bimanual exams are the type of pelvic exam that medical students watch but often have no idea what’s really going on,” explains Dr. Reid, whose own tutorial was included in the final 17-minute DVD.

The team also hired professional artist Kathy Piercy to produce anatomical renderings that demonstrate the internal examination techniques used by doctors during a pelvic exam.

To test the ability of the DVD to convey information and instill confidence among inexperienced medical students the team tested students before and after viewing key segments of the DVD. The students’ knowledge and confidence in conducting a first pelvic examination was vastly improved after they watched the DVD.

Additionally, a follow-up research study found that inexperienced medical students who watched the DVD all scored highly on a practical pelvic-exam assessment without additional coaching. Fifty-three per cent of these students received an honours grade of 80 per cent or higher.

Pelvic exams are usually taught through a combination of lectures, plastic models or simulators, or with the assistance of volunteer female Gynaecological Teaching Associates (GTA) who are available for repeat pelvic examinations at a cost of $200 per medical student.

“The cost to the medical schools of hiring GTAs for a large cohort of medical students can amount to thousands of dollars per year,” says Dr. Reid. “Due to scheduling challenges students may receive their hands-on training from the GTAs months before their first clinic experience and essential steps may be forgotten. Better alternatives are needed.”

The Academic Professionals in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (APOG) has already endorsed the video as an education tool for universities across Canada. Dr. Ruth Ronn, a resident now working with Dr. Reid, will present the latest research on the effectiveness of the DVD at a national conference of the American Association of Professors of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in San Antonio, Texas, in March.

Acting Head of Oncology

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 15:00:00 +0100

Dr. James Biagi's appointment as Acting Head of Oncology at Queen's University, Hotel Dieu Hospital and Kingston General Hospital has been extended for a six-month period from January 1, 2011 to June 30, 2011.

Dr. Russell J. Hollins appointed Acting Head of Otolaryngology

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 15:00:00 +0100

Russel Hollins has been appointed Acting Head of Otolaryngology at Queen's University, Hotel Dieu Hospital and Kingston General Hospital for an 18-month term from January 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012.

Dr. Rosser will be inducted as a Member of the Order of Canada

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Dr. Rosser will be inducted as a Member of the Order of Canada tomorrow (Wednesday, November 17, 2010) The Investiture Ceremony begins at 10:28 a.m. and can be seen via C.P.A.C.. On behalf of the Department of Family Medicine at Queen's University, our best wishes are extended to Dr. Rosser.

Queen's professor and alumni receive Order of Canada

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 07:00:00 +0100

The former head of Queen's family medicine department has been named to the Order of Canada. Walter Rosser stepped down as head of the department three years ago and is now semi-retired. He was cited for his leadership in the discipline of family medicine and primary care research, and for his contributions to the establishment of practice-based research networks in Canada. Read more...

Michael A. Adams appointed Interim Head

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 13:00:00 +0100

Vice-Dean Academic Iain Young and I are pleased to announce that Principal Daniel Woolf has appointed Professor Michael Adams as the Interim Head of the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences for a two-year term commencing November 1, 2010. In this position, Professor Adams will play an integral role in leading the implementation and. Read more...

Queen's computer-assisted surgery projects receive NSERC funding

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 09:30:00 +0100

Two Queen's research projects looking at improved outcomes for joint surgery have received National Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) funding. James Stewart and Randy Ellis (School of Computing) each received close to $300,000 over the next three years. Read more...

$1.5 million supports international study on mobility loss in seniors

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Queen�s University researchers are leading an international study
exploring both individual and community factors that keep people from
remaining physically active. Read more...

Michael McGrath has been reappointed

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 10:00:00 +0100

Michael McGrath has been reappointed as Head of the Department of
Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Queen�s University and at Kingston
General and Hotel Dieu Hospitals for a second term from July 1, 2010 to
June 30, 2013. These appointments are announced by Dr. Daniel Woolf,
Principal of Queen�s University, Read more...

Family Medicine professor leads $11.7 million project to help fight chronic disease

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 09:00:00 +0100

A new, ground-breaking project led by a Queen�s University professor is
going to improve the primary care management of Canadians battling five
chronic diseases.

Richard Birtwhistle chairs the Canadian Primary
Care Sentinel Surveillance Network (CPCSSN) � a national project just
announced by the federal government Read more...

Head of the Department of Oncology, Position Available

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 15:00:00 +0100

Applications
are invited for the position of Head of the Department of Oncology at
Queen�s University and Kingston General Hospital and Hotel Dieu
Hospital, fully affiliated teaching hospitals. We are searching for an
academic physician who is engaged in the practice of oncology Read more...

Dr. James J. Biagi appointed Acting Head, Department of Oncology

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 10:00:00 +0100

James Biagi has been appointed Acting Head of Oncology at Queen's University, Hotel Dieu Hospital and Kingston General Hospital until December 31, 2010. These appointments are announced by Dr. Daniel Woolf, Principal of Queen's University, Mrs. Sherri McCullough, Chair of the Hotel Dieu Hospital

Board of Directors, and Mr. Chris Cunningham, Chair of the Kingston General Hospital Board of Directors.

Read more...

Dr. Annette H. McCallum appointed Head, Department of Diagnostic Radiology

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 21:00:00 +0100

Annette McCallum has been appointed Head of Diagnostic Radiology at
Queen�s University, Hotel Dieu Hospital, Kingston General Hospital and
Providence Care for an initial five-year term from July 1, 2010 to June
30, 2015. These appointments are announced by Daniel Woolf, Principal
of Queen�s University, and Sherri McCullough, Chris Cunningham and Glen
Wood, Chairs of the Boards of Directors for the respective Hospitals. Read more...

Dean On Campus

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 07:00:00 +0100

I would like to dedicate this edition of �Dean on Campus� to a special
colleague who has been a friend to all of us for the last 16 years.
Paul Rosenbaum, Chief Operating Officer of the Southeastern Academic
Medical Organization (SEAMO) has indicated to me his desire to retire Read more...

Dean (and Jake) On Campus

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 07:00:00 +0100

It�s been three weeks! We are settling in, have been to Chien Noir
twice, Mia Gelato too many times, and have had only one complaint about
our barking Portuguese Water Dog Jake. Read more...

Dr. Richard Reznick, Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences & Director School of Medicine

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 15:00:00 +0100

Dr. Reznick has been appointed to the position of Dean,
Faculty of Health Sciences at Queen�s University and Chief Executive
Officer of the Southeastern Ontario Academic Medical Organization
(SEAMO). He is appointed full professor with tenure in the Department
of Surgery.
Read more...

Senate renews Centre for Studies in Primary Care

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +0100

The Faculty of Health Sciences� 10-year-old Centre for Studies in Primary Care has been renewed by the University Senate for an additional five years starting in July. Read more...

Three Queen's professors named Cancer Care Ontario research chairs

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:00:00 +0100

Michael Brundage (Oncology), Gabor Fichtinger (School of Computing) and Penelope Bradbury (Oncology) received three of the six chairs awarded, valued at a total of $2.5 million over five years. Read more...

School of Medicine merges Basic Sciences departments

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:00:00 +0100

University Senate has approved the merger of the School of Medicine�s five Basic Sciences departments into a new Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences. Read more...

Dr. Brian M. Bennett appointed Dean for Graduate and Postdoctoral Education

Mon, 10 May 2010 15:00:00 +0100

Principal Daniel Woolf and Dean David Walker are pleased to announce that Dr. Brian M. Bennett has been appointed Associate Dean for Graduate and Postdoctoral Education in the Faculty of Health Sciences for an initial term from May 1, 2010 to June 30, 2015. Read more...

Family medicine residency program expands to Durham Region

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 11:00:00 +0100

Family Medicine residents from Queen�s School of Medicine and citizens
of Oshawa and Durham region will benefit from the expansion of the
university�s community-based residency program to the new...
Read more

Military and Veteran Health Research Forum 2010 (Nov. 16-17)

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 11:00:00 +0100

The Royal Military College of Canada and Queen�s University are pleased
to host the first Canadian Military and Veteran Health Research Forum
from November 16-17, 2010, at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel in
Kingston, Ontario. This national forum will be an important gathering
of health professionals and researchers interested in military and
Veteran health research...

Read more

School of Medicine submits document for University Academic Planning Process

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 11:00:00 +0100

The Prinicpal's Academic Planning process has asked each Faculty to submit a document by April 15. The Schools of Medicine, Nursing and Rehabilitation Therapy have completed the first stage of this process on schedule...
Read more

Queen's students rise to Challenge

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 16:00:00 +0100

A team of six Queen's University students won the inaugural Provincial Health Care Team Challenge at the National Health Sciences Students' Association conference in Hamilton two weeks ago... Read More