Year in Review 2021

From a breakthrough treatment for Type 1 diabetes, to safer spaces for Indigenous patients, to a new Planetary Healthcare Lab — the UBC Faculty of Medicine brought hope and change to people across the province, the country and the world this year.

Explore 12 stories of learning, discovery and innovation from 2021.

Making heart transplants safer

UBC researchers use genomics to accelerate the recovery journey for heart transplant patients

Bringing physical therapy to more people in B.C.

UBC’s Master of Physical Therapy-North program expands access to care for communities across the province

Rooting out systemic racism in health care

The Faculty of Medicine responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action with a plan for systemic cultural change

Tackling long-haul COVID-19

UBC researchers investigate the long-term impacts of the disease, paving the way for a holistic approach to care

Making health care greener

UBC’s new Planetary Healthcare Lab tackles the environmental impacts of the health care industry

Uncovering cancer’s ‘Achilles heel’

UBC and BC Cancer researchers open up new possibilities for cancer treatment with tumour breakthrough

Creating safer spaces for Indigenous patients

UBC medical resident Willow Thickson makes health care safer for under-served communities in B.C.

Revolutionizing Type 1 diabetes care

UBC researchers combine stem-cell replacement therapy with cutting-edge biotech devices in a promising new diabetes treatment

Increasing the lifespan of transplanted organs

UBC scientists develop an innovative coating for blood vessels that reduces organ rejection — and could improve quality of life for transplant patients

Creating new hope for Alzheimer’s patients

UBC researchers discover that a cancer chemotherapy drug can restore memory and cognitive function in mice — with similar potential in humans

Clearing the air for healthier emissions policies

A groundbreaking UBC study provides key insights for policymakers in Canada and around the world to combat the impacts of air pollution

Transforming how we treat disease

UBC scientists translate COVID-19 breakthroughs into novel treatments for a wide range of diseases

The year ahead — and beyond

Transformational change requires a transformational vision. Read about the Faculty of Medicine’s ambitious plans for 2022 and beyond.

Accelerating biomedical discoveries

In an op-ed for The Globe and Mail, Dean Dermot Kelleher discusses the game-changing power of bio-innovation — and how Canada can support it

Building the future

The Faculty of Medicine’s new strategic plan lays out the next phase of our plan to transform health for everyone

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