2019
Year in Review
Every day, faculty, staff and learners in the UBC Faculty of Medicine are working together, transforming health for everyone in communities at home and around the world. Look back at some highlights from the past year.
January
Finding new treatments for Alzheimer’s
Dr. Haakon Nygaard works to find new ways to treat those living with the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s disease. Learn how he is also tackling the challenge by using a preventative approach. Read more
February
Transforming heart health
Dr. Tara Sedlak uses research to improve diagnoses in the field of women’s cardiology. Learn her six tips for maintaining a healthy heart. Read more
March
Prioritizing women’s health
Dr. Deborah Money mentors the next generation of women’s health researchers. Find out about her work with PhD student Elisabeth McClymont on preventing cervical cancer in women living with HIV. Read more
April
Translating research to treat prostate cancer
Dr. Martin Gleave leads a team of researchers at the Vancouver Prostate Centre. Discover how oncologists, biologists and computer scientists all collaborate to combat the most prevalent cancer among Canadian men. Read more
May
Improving health in your community
Dr. Michael Dumont directs an innovative Indigenous health care clinic. Learn why his work at Lu’ma Medical Centre is the only focus he’s ever considered in his medical career. Read more
May
UBC program graduates Indigenous MDs to bridge health gap
MD graduate Rebekah Eatmon reflects on her journey to improving access to health care. In this op-ed she shares her path to UBC’s Indigenous MD Admissions Program. Read more
June
Building healthier communities
The School of Population and Public health celebrates 10 years. Learn how faculty, staff and students are addressing global and local health disparities. Read more
10 Stories of Innovation
Explore stories of innovation, discoveries and new beginnings for the Faculty of Medicine community from the past year.
Game changers
Led by Kathleen Martin Ginis, new research about physical activity is helping to improve the lives of people with spinal cord injuries. Read More
Cannabis could help alleviate depression and suicidality among people with PTSD
New research suggests cannabis may be helping Canadians cope with the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder. Read More
Commonly used antibiotics may lead to heart problems
Scientists have linked two types of heart problems and a commonly-prescribed class of antibiotics. Read More
Kelowna emergency medicine program graduates first residents
Jared Baylis and Daniel Ting officially completed their residencies as emergency physicians on June 30, 2019. Read More
Occupational and physical therapy programs expand to northern B.C.
B.C. government invests $3.3M for 36 more masters seats in physical therapy programs. Read More
Mining 25 years of data uncovers a new predictor of age of onset for Huntington disease
UBC researchers have uncovered a genetic variant that significantly influences age of onset in patients. Read More
Dr. Connie Eaves awarded the 2019 Canada Gairdner Wightman Award
Dr. Eaves recognized as one of the most creative and accomplished biomedical scientists advancing solutions to problems facing humanity around the world. Read More
Robot an effective pain management tool for premature babies
A therapeutic robot that simulates human skin-to-skin contact is helping to reduce pain for babies. Read More
Low-cost ‘cancer probe’ could spot deadly melanoma early
The laser probe can distinguish between harmless moles and cancerous ones in a matter of seconds. Read More
Scientists grow perfect human blood vessels in a petri dish
Breakthrough technology advances research of vascular diseases like diabetes. Read More
July
Healthy aging through education
Dr. Roger Wong improves health and wellbeing for seniors. Watch his tips for aging well at home. Read more
September
Strengthening communities through learning
The new student-led physical therapy and research clinic at UBC narrows the gap between research and practice. Explore how the clinic aims to treat underserved populations. Read more
September
Communication at the core
The School of Audiology and Speech Sciences celebrates 50 years. Learn how alumni support people with hearing difficulties and speech and language disorders across Canada. Read more
October
Helping medical residents achieve their best state of wellness
The Resident Wellness Office empowers post-graduate medical residents to take care of their mental, emotional, spiritual and physical wellbeing. Dr. Dianna Louie explains the services and supports available. Read more
October
2019 Faculty of Medicine Award Recipients
Congratulations to the 2019 award recipients! Find out how members of the Faculty of Medicine community are being recognized for their outstanding contributions. Read more
November
Towards a cure for diabetes
PhD student Priye Iworima is changing lives through biomedical engineering. Discover how she is working to develop protocols that could be used to generate a functional cure for diabetes. Read more
November
Fall Graduation 2019
Students graduate from a range of Faculty of Medicine programs. Hear from recent graduates in physical therapy, audiology and pathology and laboratory medicine. Read more
December
‘I can still feel it now:’ UBC doctor volunteers at Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh
Dr. Karen Arnold was struck by the resilience she encountered at the Kutapalong refugee camp. Find out why she calls the experience a “true knowledge exchange.” Read more
December
UBC medical school welcomes refugee applicants
Dr. Dermot Kelleher reflects on the need for the medical community to expand its horizons. Read more