In the Media
Medical experts, health advocates and community leaders
Gene therapy offers new hope for Fabry disease
Fabry disease is a genetic disease that prevents the breakdown of certain fatty materials, due to the absence of a cellular enzyme called alpha-galactosidase. “This fatty material accumulates in the brain, kidney, heart and other tissues, causing pain, nerve damage, heart and kidney disease, strokes and other problems,” noted Dr. Michael West, the nephrologist who approached Deveau to enroll in the gene therapy trial funded by the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR). View full story in NSHA News, May 10, 2019.
Dr. David Brake receives CPSNS Gold-headed Cane Award
Dr. David Brake’s service to his patients, community and profession was recognized May 3 with the presentation of the Gold-Headed Cane Award by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia (CPSNS) at its annual awards ceremony. Dr. Brake, a GIM assistant professor at Dalhousie, currently practises at Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Cape Breton Post, May 1, 2019.
Hospice Halifax celebrates ribbon cutting with partners
NSHA President and CEO Janet Knox joined Premier Stephen MacNeil, Mayor Mike Savage and others for the official opening of a new hospice Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at 618 Francklyn Street, Halifax, NS. Hospice Halifax will welcome about 150 patients a year whose palliative care needs can't be met at home and who don't need care in a hospital. Hospice Halifax will also provide services and support for about 1,800 family members, friends and peers every year. View the full story at hospicehalifax.ca. April 17, 2019.
Mobile monitoring could transform heart treatments
As cardiac failure approaches epidemic proportions, Dr. Heather Ross advocates the use of mobile technology in monitoring patients’ health. Ross, who completed Cardiology training at Dalhousie and holds numerous leadership roles at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network (UHN), was keynote speaker at the Department of Medicine’s Annual Research Day on March 28. The Chronicle Herald, March 28, 2019.
Spotlight on Dean of Medicine - Dr. David Anderson, Hematologist
This article features Dr. David Anderson in his current role, Dean of Medicine in the Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University. Dr. Anderson's primary appointment is with the Division of Hematology in the Department of Medicine. Faculty of Medicine News, March 18, 2019.
Internal Medicine specialists refer patients to the HMU
Internal Medicine specialists, aka Internists, refer patients for admission to the hospitalist medicine unit (HMU) at the Halifax Infirmary, as necessary. Most physicians in our Department (of Medicine) have internal medicine training in addition to their subspecialty training, like Cardiology and Hematology, for example. Dr. Elizabeth Burton explains that the term “hospitalist” is fairly new and not necessarily well known by the general public. To learn more about hospitalists, check out the Canadian Society of Hospital Medicine. View the complete story in NSHA News. March 7, 2019.
Virus research targets immune-system aging
Infectious diseases specialist Dr. Lisa Barrett is studying the blood of patients with chronic viral infections to learn how the immune system becomes worn down – much like that of much older people who are virus free. With research scientist Dr. Sharon Oldford, her goal is to improve the effectiveness of vaccines. QEII Times, Winter 2019.
Virtual medical neighbourhoods
A new pilot study, initiated by gastroenterologists Dr. Jennifer Jones and Dr. Stacey Williams, is aimed at improving care and decreasing wait times. Learn more about the patient-centered Digestive Health Virtual Medical Neighbourhood. QEII Times, Winter 2019.
J & W Murphy Foundation donates $4 million to palliative care
A life-changing donation of $4 million dollars to palliative care from the J & W Murphy Foundation will support both Hospice Halifax and the creation of an endowed research chair in palliative care. Dr. David Anderson, Dalhousie's Faculty of Medicine Dean, welcomed the opportunity to recruit a world-class researcher for this position and the recruitment will be a collaborative effort between Dalhousie Medical School and Nova Scotia Health Authority. Faculty of Medicine News, February 27, 2019.
Health research boosted by $3.4 million in federal funding
Seven researchers affiliated with Dalhousie University and Nova Scotia Health Authority have received $3.4 million in funding from the Government of Canada through the Canadian Institues of Health Research (CIHR) Project. Two of the researchers are associated with the Department of Medicine, Dr. Karthik Tennankore (nephrologist) and Dr. Susan Howlett (pharmacologist / geriatric medicine). See the complete story – Faculty of Medicine News. February 7, 2019.
Dal rheumatologist wins national teaching award – Dr. Trudy Taylor
Dr. Trudy Taylor wins the Clinical Teacher of the Year for 2019 award from the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC). Faculty of Medicine News. January 25, 2019.
2018
NS research project is including exercise as part of cancer care
A new research project, led by research scientist Melanie Keats, is hoping to show that exercise improves patient health and saves on the costs of treatment the illnesses. Dr. Lori Wood, medical oncologist, is referring patients to the study. CTV News Atlantic, November 30, 2018.
Exploring access to IBD care options
'Dr. Jennifer Jones is leading a QEII Foundation TRIC grant-funded study working with IMIT Virtual Care (formerly N.S. Telehealth) to explore the use of distance models for improving access to care'. NSHA News, November 26, 2018.
Halifax woman gets 'the last say' with her life
Dr. Kenneth Rockwood joined the discussion on CBC Listen’s The Current to discuss Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD). CBC Listen - The Current, November 1, 2018.
Hematologist and patient highlight dangers of blood clots
“Blood clots are preventable,” said Shivakumar, a Winnipeg native who has worked in hematology in Halifax since 2003 after doing his residency here. “The most important thing is recognizing the symptoms and signs, which a lot of people don’t.” The Chronicle Herald, October 15, 2018.
Researchers examine effect of job history on health into old age
"It’s important to know if efforts to save money on one end are costing us more in health care on the other end.” Department of Medicine Research Associate, Dr. Judith Godin, wishes to shed some long-lacking light on the question – how does our lifetime of work affect our health status and trajectory as we get older? Dr. Melissa Andrew, a geriatrician at NSHA and leader of the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging’s “Multimorbidity in Relation to Dementia” team, is an advisor to the project. So is Dr. Olga Theou, an NSHA-affiliated scientist in the Department of Medicine. The project received an NSHA Research Fund grant to explore the SHARE data. NSHA News, September 25, 2018.
Residency numbers bolstered by $1.5 million annual investment
Department of Medicine Head, Dr. Christine Short, participates in the Government of Nova Scotia announcement that will see a $1.5 million annual investment in new residency spots; some of which are Department of Medicine specialities. Global News, September 12, 2018.
Harm reduction in hospital: Care for IV drug users
When a person who is addicted to intravenous drugs lands in hospital with a serious health issue, staff have a double-barrelled crisis on their hands. Now, there's a patient who is medically unstable due to illness and is also at risk of life-threatening opioid withdrawal. Dr. Tommy Brothers, a second-year resident in internal medicine, is leading a new NSHA Research Fund supported study to examine how such cases have been handled in the past. This knowledge is crucial toward developing a plan to provide the best patient-centred, evidence-based care. NSHA News, August 27, 2018.
$1.4-million study aims to eliminate hep C in Nova Scotia
Infectious diseases specialist Dr. Lisa Barrett: “Our research will help focus local efforts and bring us closer to the World Health Organization’s target of eliminating viral hepatitis as a major public threat by 2030.” Read the full story in The Chronicle Herald, July 27, 2018
Preventing post-operative complications
Aspirin is now proven to be just as effective as the prescription anticoagulant drug, rivaroxaban, in preventing blood clots after hip and knee replacement surgery. These are the results of a four-year, Halifax-led, cross- Canada clinical trial involving more than 3,400 patients recovering from hip or knee replacement surgery. The patients were randomly sorted into two groups—half were given Aspirin (ASA), half rivaroxaban. Surgeons following the patients’ recoveries found little difference in the occurrence of clots in the legs or lungs or bleeding complications at the incision site, between the two groups. The New England Journal of Medicine published the results of the study—funded with $3 million from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research—in March 2018. Dr. David Anderson, Department of Medicine hematologist and Dean of Medicine at Dalhousie, co-led the study with five local orthopedic surgeons: Dr. Michael Dunbar, Dr. Ross Leighton, Dr. David Amirault, Dr. Glen Richardson and Dr. Gerry Reardon. NSHA News Release, July 6, 2018.
HeartLand bike tour criss-crosses NS
The HeartLand Tour is a public awareness campaign that uses the bicycle as a vehicle to educate and draw attention to the importance of reducing cardiac and health risk factors in the health of Nova Scotians. Global News features Dr. Nick Giacomantonio, Division of Cardiology, and the HeartLand Tour, July 4, 2018
Halifax research of trail of chemicals released in bacterial fights
A decrease in effectiveness of certain antimicrobial drugs has led to a spike in deaths related to bacterial infections. Dr. Paul Bonnar, physician co-lead of the Nova Scotia Health Authority’s Antimicrobial Stewardship Program, talks about the program that was established last year to monitor the number of antibiotic prescriptions in the province, with an eye to reducing the antibiotic overuse that allows bacteria to become drug-resistant. Chronicle Herald, June 24, 2018
The program was also featured in the QEII Times – Summer 2018 Issue.
How a test new to the Maritimes calculates risk in epileptic surgery
Dr. Kristin Ikeda, Division of Neurology, is part of the team offering the Etomidate Speech and Memory test. The test, known commonly as eSAM, is new to the QEII. It helps some epilepsy patients determine if they are a candidate for surgery. QEII Times, June 2018
Dalhousie researchers on the hunt to fund new Alzheimer’s tool
The tissue-processor that has been used in Dr. Darvesh’s lab for the past several decades is outdated and will be replaced by the new machine. The Leica HistoCore PEARL gives scientists the ability to quickly and precisely analyze brain tissue, though it can also be used in cardiology and cancer research. A funding project is underway to raise the $50,000 needed to purchase the new tissue-processing machine. Dr. Sultan Darvesh and his team are advancing research into Alzheimer’s disease that aims to be able to fully diagnose people while they’re still living. View story on Global News - May 3, 2018
Doctors must get better at diagnosing patients with darker skin
"Resident physicians are now encouraged to do elective rotations in neighbourhoods with diverse populations", said Dr. Kerri Purdy, director of Dalhousie University's dermatology training program. View full story on CTV News - Apr. 24, 2018
Internist co‑authors for The Lancet on Canada’s health leadership
Dalhousie Medical School’s young and accomplished internist, Dr. Ashley Miller, is one of a select group of authors of a series for UK-based The Lancet analyzing Canada’s health system, its global leadership, and its imperative to evolve. View full story on Dal News - Apr. 13, 2018
Women’s heart health on CBC Maritime Noon
The Department of Medicine’s, Dr. Sharon Mulvagh, Co-Director of the QEII Women’s Heart Health Clinic, participated in a CBC Maritime Noon’s call-in show to promote women’s heart health and answer public questions. Dr. Mulvagh is a cardiologist with the Division of Cardiology. Listen to full story (start 11 min 30 sec) from CBC Maritime Noon - Mar. 9, 2018
Lack of hep C treatment for NS inmates is missed opportunity
The Department of Medicine’s, Dr. Lisa Barrett, with the Division of Infectious Diseases, sees inmates with HIV and hepatitis C at the Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility in Dartmouth, N.S. She talks to CBC News about how lack of treatment options for provincial inmates with hepatitis C is creating inequities in health care and missing an opportunity to control the spread of the disease. View full story on CBC News - Mar. 9, 2018
Women's kidney health the focus of this year's World Kidney Day
The Department of Medicine’s, Dr. Amanda Vinson, transplant nephrologist, speaks to CTV news about new research that shows kidney disease is more prevalent in women. Read full story on CTV News - Mar. 8, 2018
Aspirin is as effective as prescription drug in post-op clot prevention
The drugs are “equally safe,” says Dr. Anderson, but rivaroxaban costs dollars a day and Aspirin, pennies. “This really does help the patients and the overall health care system as a more affordable and equally safe and effective means of preventing blood clots.” Read full story on Dal News - Mar. 6, 2018
Assessing and addressing frailty
Frailty is a compromised state of health that leaves a person vulnerable to sudden and serious declines. In Canada, one quarter of the people over 65 and half those over the age of 85 are frail. Department of Medicine researchers are measuring and tracking frailty to provide more sensitive, effective care. They’ve developed tools for quantifying frailty that are now used in Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, China and other parts of the world. “The frailty index captures the complete picture of a person’s health,” notes Dr. Kenneth Rockwood, NSHA-Dalhousie geriatrician and professor who, with mathematician Dr. Arnold Mitniski, pioneered the frailty index. “It shows how multiple health problems add up to various degrees of frailty. From there, people can make informed decisions about their health care.” Read full story on NSHA news - Feb. 28, 2018
Solving medical mysteries at QEII’s General Internal Medicine Clinic
Drs. Stephen Workman and Ashley Miller, with the Division of General Internal Medicine (GIM), are featured in the QEII Times. The story highlights the General Internal Medicine Clinic and its specialists who diagnose and manage diseases of any organ system. They are specially trained to manage patients with advanced illness or conditions involving more than one system or organ, such as hypertension, heart failure, vascular and allergy/immunology. The specialists connect patients coming from a family doctor to the wider expertise at the QEII. View full story in QEII Times - Feb. 2018
Research links bipolar disorder and, insulin resistance
After finding a connection between bipolar disorder and insulin resistance, Dr. Cindy Calkin, psychiatrist, established the Mood and Metabolism Program at the QEII in 2013. The Department of Medicine’s endocrinologist, Dr. Tom Ransom, joined the team to share his knowledge of metabolic conditions in this collaborative approach to treating patients. Their story is featured in the QEII Times. View full story in QEII Times - Feb. 2018
Tip-proof geriatric chair promotes early mobilization
The Department of Medicine’s Dr. Kenneth Rockwood (Division of Geriatric Medicine) is featured in the QEII Times, showcasing the tip-proof geriatric chair that he helped design. The tip-proof chairs promote early mobilization and are very functional for the aging population and help facilitate better health. View full story in QEII Times - Feb. 2018
QEII-designed program helps Canadians cope with COPD
The INSPIRED program helps manage the COPD illness from home. INSPIRED represents: Implementing a Novel and Supportive Outreach Program of Individualized Care for patients and families living with Respiratory Disease. The program, led by Dr. Graeme Rocker (Division of Respirology), continues to grow. Over the next 18 months, an additional 39 sites across Canada will welcome 2,300 new patients to the program. View full story in QEII Times - Feb. 2018
Nova Scotia sets up program to help pay for take-home cancer drugs
Nova Scotia has launched a program to help pay for high deductibles and co-payments for cancer patients who take medication for their illness outside of hospital settings. Dr. Daniel Rayson, head of medical oncology at the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax, says the program will take a great deal of strain off patients. Read full story on CBC News - Feb. 27, 2018
Heart disease clinic for women is a dream come true for cardiologist
The Department of Medicine’s, Dr. Sharon Mulvagh, a cardiologist with the Division of Cardiology, is featured by CBC news for her role in opening a women’s heart health clinic. The Maritime Heart Centre's Women's Heart Health Clinic started accepting patients at the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax in October. View full story on CBC News - Feb. 9, 2018
Major discovery for Alzheimer's disease with help of brain bank
Dr. Sultan Darvesh has made a major discovery using specimens at the Maritime Brain Tissue Bank. "There is another target found in Alzheimer's pathology and that particular target is a protein. We have been able to make compounds that target that particular protein which is found much more in people with Alzheimer's disease, almost 10 times more," he said. "It was a major event in my lab when we discovered that.". Read the CBC News story - Jan. 30, 2018
Study to determine if prostate cancer linked to metal exposure
Dr. Anil Adisesh, Associate Professor and JD Irving Limited Research Chair in Occupational Medicine, is studying toenail clippings to determine if toxic metal exposure, like cadmium, is linked to the high rates of prostate cancer in the region. Read the CBC News story - Jan. 30, 2018
Lupus Brain Map
The Department of Medicine’s rheumatologist, Dr. John Hanly, talks to CTV News about his Lupus Brain Map study. The research is focused on the role lupus has in causing cognitive impairment, sometimes called lupus fog. Patient participants go through a series of cognitive tests and two forms of brain imaging. Watch the CTV News Housecall - Jan. 24, 2018
Innovative health-care programs exist – and work
Columnist Andre Picard features a Department of Medicine program INSPIRED as an innovative health-care solution that is working. The program was designed to keep late-stage COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) patients out of hospital by providing support to them and their families in the community. The program was created by Dr. Graeme Rocker, Division of Respirology, and his team. View the story in The Globe and Mail - Jan. 23, 2018
Sultan Darvesh: Revolutionary Researcher
When Dr. Sultan Darvesh (MD’88) was completing his residency in Neurology with Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Medicine in the early 1990s, he often asked his mentors for advice on what to research in his medical career. “The consensus,” he recalls, “was that I should pick the most complicated, most difficult subject matter I could explore and focus on that, so I chose Alzheimer’s disease.” See full story on Dal News - Jan. 10, 2018
Creating the world’s first definitive diagnostic test for Alzheimer’s
Halifax researchers are on the verge of launching the first-ever technology with the ability to definitively diagnose Alzheimer’s disease in a living person’s brain. “Until now, the only way to confirm this diagnosis was to have the brain examined by a neuropathologist after death,” says Dr. Sultan Darvesh, the NSHA-Dalhousie neurologist who is the brains behind the breakthrough technology. Dr. Darvesh is with the Department of Medicine’s Division of Neurology. Read the story on NSHA News - Jan. 9, 2018
Shingles vaccine discussion airs on Maritime Noon
Infectious Diseases specialist, Dr. Shelly McNeil, joins CBC Maritime noon to discuss the new shingles vaccine. The segment invites patients to share their experiences and asks the question: “Should government cover the cost of the new shingles vaccine”. Dr. McNeil is also the Department of Medicine’s Division of Infectious Diseases, Division Head. Listen to the podcast (start 9 min 37 sec) - Jan. 9, 2018
2017
November
Patient and doctor spread word on rare disease, acromegaly
Patient Dr. Peggy MacDonald and Dr. Ali Imran, Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism, talk to CBC News to increase awareness and help improve earlier diagnosis of the rare disease, acromegaly. Dr. Imran is an endocrinologist at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre in Halifax and co-director of the QEII's neuropituitary clinic.
Read full story – CBC News: November 1, 2017
October
PATH program empowers QEII patients
Department of Medicine Division of Geriatric Medicine physicians, Dr. Laurie Mallery and Dr. Paige Moorhouse, are featured in the QEII Times for their PATH program. PATH – Palliative and Therapeutic Harmonization – program’s aim is to consider a patient’s health as a whole and put their options into context - some treatments focus on quality of life and others on life’s duration.
Read full story – QEII Times: October 2017
Effective management for patients living with diabetes
Department of Medicine Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism physician, Dr. Churn-Ern Yip, and his diabetes care team is featured in the QEII Times.
Dr. Yip and his team help manage a Department internal medicine resident, Dr. Bader Alamri’s Type 1 diabetes. The diabetes care team provides specialized management of the disease for patients across the province by working closely with primary care providers and the Diabetes Care Program of Nova Scotia (DCPNS). The QEII’s team treats adult patients of all ages, from newly diagnosed patients with Type 1 diabetes to individuals who have had long standing diabetes and who have suffered multiple complications such as renal failure requiring a kidney transplant.
Read full story – QEII Times: October 2017
Finding a break in the fog: Study seeks to understand Lupus and the brain
Dr. John Hanly, Division of Rheumatology, is featured in the QEII Times for his lupus research.
Dr. John Hanly, and neuropsychologist Dr. John Fisk, are collaborating with investigators in the Biomedical Translational Imaging Centre (BIOTIC) on the Lupus Brain Map Study, which began this June. Eventually up to fifty patients with lupus will go through a series of standard cognitive tests, complimented by two forms of brain imaging - MEG Imaging, which maps the brain’s electrical activity, and Functional MRI, monitoring the consumption of oxygen by different parts of the brain. In this way, the Lupus Brain Map Study aims to link abnormalities in novel brain imaging with the real world cognitive impairments of Lupus patients.
Read full story – QEII Times: October 2017
August
New research on sedentary behavior
Department of Medicine researcher, Dr. Olga Theou talks to CBC Information Morning about her new study on sedentary behavior. Her study finds that sedentary time increases the risk of death for middle-aged and older people who are frail and inactive but does not appear to increase the risk for non-frail people who are inactive. Full story on CBC Information Morning – Posted August 24, 2017.
New Epilepsy Monitoring unit opens
Department of Medicine neurologist Dr. Mark Sadler shares with CTV News how the new state-of-the-art Epilepsy Monitoring Unit brings value to diagnosing, investigating and treating patients with seizures. Full story on CTV News – Posted August 23, 2017.
July
1 in 3 dementia cases are potentially preventable, report says
The Department of Medicine’s Dr. Kenneth Rockwood was one of the authors of a recent study published by the The Lancet and at this year's Alzheimer's Association International Conference in London. As reported by CBC News on July 20, 2017: “One in three cases of dementia could be prevented by tackling risk factors such as education and depression, a large new international review estimates. A team of 24 experts in dementia conducted the review on prevention and care.” Read the full CBC news story. Posted July 28, 2017.
May
Dr. Bhan involved in multi-centre MS Study
Dr. Virender Bhan spoke about the findings of a multi-centre MS Study. See the Housecall video on CTV Atlantic. Posted May 20, 2017.
Dr. Geoff Williams recognized with 2017 Patient's Choice Award
Dr. Geoff Williams will be honoured by Doctors Nova Scotia for the 2017 Patient's Choice Award at the June conference. Story featured in The Herald. As well, Dr. Williams was recently profiled in the article titled "Time and Compassion: The Key to Outstanding Patient Experience" by Nicole Marie LeBlanc. Posted May 17, 2017.
February
NB government announces $90 million for SJRH renovations
On February 6, 2017, the New Brunswick government announced $90 million for major renovations at Saint John Regional Hospital (SJRH) upgrading intensive care, surgical and oncology units. The Department of Medicine Core Internal Medicine Training Program has Saint John based residents, as well as Halifax based residents, who will benefit from these renovations. Story featured on CTV News Atlantic and Global News. Posted February 7, 2017.
January
Nephrology services expanded - new dialysis units
Kentville
The province announced, Jan. 13, it will spend $9.1 million to build a 12-station dialysis unit at the Valley Regional Hospital in Kentville which will replace the Berwick dialysis unit and allow most patients from the Annapolis Valley that require more complex care to receive hemodialysis treatments closer to home. Read the CBC News story.
Digby
The province announced, Jan. 14, it is beginning design work for a new six-station satellite dialysis unit at Digby General Hospital. Read The Chronicle Herald story. Posted January 16, 2017.
2016
December 2016
NS Medical Oncologist calls for improvements in medical coverage for cancer medications
Dr. Bruce Colwell, Medical Oncologist at QEII Health Sciences Center, says improvements to drug plans for take-home cancer medications are needed. At a recent meeting with the CanCertainty Coalition, Health Minister Leo Glavine committed to immediately look at the cumbersome process of getting cancer patients their treatments and bringing together all Atlantic Provinces to find a regional solution that improves patient access to take-home cancer medications. Posted December 12, 2016.
November 2016
Dr. David Dupere speaks to the importance of preparing for death
Palliative medicine specialist, Dr. David Dupere, speaks to CBC about the importance of preparing for death. Dr. Dupere did the media interview on the eve of delivering a free lecture on the subject at Dalhousie University in Halifax. Posted November 3, 2016.
August 2016
Dr. Rocker supports improved end-of-life care for chronic illness
Dr. Graeme Rocker supports change for improved access to palliative care for patients with conditions such as end-stage heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. Posted August 31, 2016.
Nova Scotia is leading Canadian healthcare with MyHealthNS.ca
MyHealthNS.ca is 'a fully integrated online tool that connects patients with their doctors and other health-care providers and allows them to access routine test results, medical histories, ask their family doctor questions and book appointments through a secure portal'. The system will be province-wide by 2017. Posted August 2, 2016.
July 2016
HeartLand Tour celebrates 10th anniversary
Dr. Nick Giacomantonio, Cardiologist & founder of the HeartLand Tour, is promoting a fun, healthy lifestyle for individuals and families in NS. This provincial awareness campaign, in its 10th year, promotes a healthy cardiovascular lifestyle through long and short bike rides as well as many other activities. View the CTV Housecall with Jayson Baxter and Dr. Giacomantonio. Posted July 6, 2016.
June 2016
Dr. David Anderson examines blood clot prevention after surgery
Dr. David Anderson, Division of Hematology and Dean of the Dalhousie Faculty of Medicine, is leading a study examining the prevention of blood clots in patients who have undergone knee and hip replacements. The study is a comparison of two treatments, one with an anticoagulant (Rivaroxaban) and another that combines a blood thinner and Aspirin. The study results are expected in 2017. Posted June 16, 2016.
May 2016
Dr. Sapp leads trial that finds a better treatment for recurrent VT
Dr. John Sapp, Division of Cardiology, leads clinical trial that found catheter ablation is a better treatment for recurrent ventricular tachycardia (VT) than increased drug therapy. Posted May 6, 2016.
February 2016
Drs. Darvesh and Pottie develop new diagnostic agent that may aid in early detection of Alzheimer's disease
Dr. Sultan Darvesh, Division of Neurology, and his colleague Dr. Ian Pottie, Mount Saint Vincent University, have developed a new type of diagnostic agent that may help in the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease. The breakthrough was published in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine and is a milestone in their larger effort to diagnose Alzheimer’s early and definitively. Posted February 23, 2016.
Dr. Giacomantonio discusses expectations after a heart attack
Dr. Nick Giacomantonio, Division of Cardiology, discusses what to expect following a heart attack and what will give you the best chance of preventing a recurrence. About ten per cent of people who have heart attacks will have another one within a year of leaving the hospital. Posted February 22, 2016.
Dr. Short speaks with CTV Atlantic about multiple sclerosis
Dr. Christine Short, Head, Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, talks with CTV Atlantic about multiple sclerosis, the communication difficulties that result from the disease, and its prevalence in Canada and in Nova Scotia. Posted February 10, 2016.
Dr. Hatchette warns pregnant women against travel to Zika-hit areas
Dr. Todd Hatchette, Division of Infectious Diseases, talks with the CBC about the Zika virus, advising pregnant women and those thinking of becoming pregnant to avoid countries where the virus is wide spread. Posted February 2, 2016.
January 2016
Dr. Dipchand responds to questions about the process for assessing living kidney donors
Dr. Christine Dipchand, professor of medicine in the Division of Nephrology and medical director of the Living Kidney Donation Program, responds to questions from the Canadian Press about the process for assessing living kidney donors. Posted January 29, 2016.
2015
November 2015
The No. 7 Stationary Hospital (Dalhousie University) In World War One
Dr. Des Leddin, gastroenterologist and professor of medicine, details the formation and activities of a contingent of students and professors from the Dalhousie Medical College who joined the war effort to treat the thousands of wounded in The No. 7 Stationary Hospital (Dalhousie University) In World War One, which he recently authored. The 100th anniversary of the establishment of the No.7 hospital is today, Nov 9, 2015. Posted November 9, 2015.
Des Leddin authors book about Dalhousie's involvement in WWI
Dr. Des Leddin, gastroenterologist and professor of medicine, talks with CTV Atlantic about The No. 7 Stationary Hospital (Dalhousie University) In World War One, a book he recently authored that details a contingent of students and professors from the Dalhousie Medical College who joined the war effort to treat the thousands of wounded. The 100th anniversary of the establishment of the No.7 hospital is today, Nov 9, 2015.
The No. 7 Hospital was formed from a desperate need for medical personnel to treat Canadian soldiers at the front. It was comprised of 162 personnel, including officers, non-commissioned officers and female nurses — all students and professors from the Dalhousie Medical College. They sailed to England from Saint John, N.B. in December 1915, landing in Plymouth. After travelling to various hospitals around England, the No. 7 assumed responsibility of the Shorncliffe Military Hospital, an 800-bed facility.
After working out of Shorncliffe for four months, the No. 7 Hospital moved to France, where it took over a 400-bed hospital in Le Havre. It was also able to establish a 400-bed facility in Harfleur, France. The man in charge of the hospital was Colonel Dr. John Stewart, a well-known surgeon from the Halifax region. After the No. 7 Hospital returned from Europe in 1919, Dr. Stewart was appointed Dean of Medicine at the Medical College where he served until 1932. (excerpts from http://www.dal.ca/news/2014/11/05/dal-goes-off-to-war.html) Ms. Laura Hubley was the head nurse and matron of the No. 7 Hospital. Ms. Hubley established training standards for nursing education in Nova Scotia and beyond. She retired from nursing practice in 1938. Interview with Bruce Frisko, CTV News Atlantic, begins at 28:00 minute mark. Posted November 9, 2015.
October 2015
Can an app change the way Nova Scotians live with atrial fibrillation
Dr. Jafna Cox, Division of Cardiology, is co-investigator in a study of 4,000 patients that will assess an app that may contribute to outcomes for patients living with atrial fibrillation, an electrical issue with the heart that causes an irregular heart beat. Posted October 26, 2015.
PATH clinic: the philosophy and care of frail seniors
Drs. Laurie Mallery and Paige Moorhouse, co-founders of the Palliative and Therapeutic Harmonization (PATH) Clinic at the QEII Health Sciences Centre, discuss the clinic’s philosophy and care of frail seniors on CBC Radio’s The Current. An interview with the two members of the Division of Geriatric Medicine, is first up on the show. Posted October 6, 2015.
September 2015
Dr. Lisa Barrett leads hepatitis C study in PEI
Dr. Lisa Barrett, Division of Infectious Diseases, is leading study in Prince Edward Island hoping to cure participants of hepatitis C. She is also looking at whether the immune system changes and improves once the disease is treated. This is the first time a Canadian correctional facility has participated in a drug intervention study in 40 years. Posted September 18, 2015.
May 2015
Dr. Richard Langley receives funding to improve skin cancer diagnosis, treatment and research
Dr. Richard Langley, Director of Research, Division of Clinical Dermatology & Cutaneous Science, is first to receive funding from a recent $1 million donation to the Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation to improve skin cancer diagnosis, treatment and research in our region as reported by MetroNews, The Chronicle Herald and Global News. Posted May 19, 2015.
April 2015
A silent epidemic: Dal medical researchers tackle fatty liver disease
Dr. Kevork Peltekian, Head, Division of Digestive Care & Endoscopy, is one of three Dalhousie researchers combatting the silent epidemic of fatty liver disease. Reposted April 23, 2015.
Connecting the dots between hepatitis C and the aging immune system
Dr. Lisa Barrett, Division of Infectious Diseases, is hoping to uncover the secrets of keeping our immune systems young. She talks here about her research into hepatitis C, particularly how new-generation antivirals help the immune system bounce back from hepatitis C infections. Posted April 2, 2015.
March 2015
New dialysis unit at Halifax Infirmary site
Division of Nephrology instrumental in supporting new dialysis unit at the HI Site of the QEII Health Sciences Centre. Posted March 25, 2015.
Renewed investment in our knowledge of aging
The Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA), which aims to provide in-depth understanding of aging, has been awarded a $41.6 million grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to continue its work for the next five years. Dr. Susan Kirkland, Dalhousie Department of Community Health & Epidemiology and Division of Geriatric Medicine, is one of three principal investigators. Posted March 16, 2015.
Health Canada approves new psoriasis drug
Health Canada approves new psoriasis drug: Cosentyx. The injection, which is the first treatment of its kind, was discovered and tested by Dr. Richard Langley, Division of Clinical Dermatology & Cutaneous Science, and a team of international collaborators. Posted March 11, 2015.
February 2015
On the path to early detection of Alzheimer's disease
Dr. Sultan Darvesh is working to definitively diagnose Alzheimer's disease sooner rather than later. He and his work are featured in this month's QEII Times. Posted February 23, 2015.
2014
December 2014
Dr. Thomas Marrie will join Order of Canada
Congratulations to Dr. Thomas Marrie, Dean, Dalhousie Faculty of Medicine, who will soon receive the Order of Canada. Posted December 29, 2014.
Dalhousie University names new dean of medicine
Dr. David Anderson, head, Department of Medicine, named Dalhousie University Dean of Medicine effective July 1, 2015. Posted December 10, 2014.
October 2014
Alumni honoured with volunteerism award
Dr. Colin VanZoost was one of four Dalhousie University alumni to be honoured with a 2014 Dalhousie Alumni Award. The internist was recognized with the Volunteerism Award for his work to support those in Halifax living below the poverty line. Posted October 17, 2014.
September 2014
NS doctors join call for HPV vaccination program for boys
Dr. Shelly McNeil, Division of Infectious Diseases, calls for Nova Scotia to vaccinate girls and boys against human papillomavirus (HPV) because the virus can cause major health issues for both sexes. Posted September 26, 2014.
CTV Atlantic: Housecall focuses on brain research
Dr. Sultan Darvesh founded the Maritime Brain Tissue Bank. The bank, which is now 20 years old, will benefit from the proceeds of this year's Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation's Molly Appeal. Posted September 25, 2014.
Molly Appeal supports neuroscience research
The Maritime Brain Tissue Bank, founded by Dr. Sultan Darvesh, Division of Neurology, to Benefit from 2014 Molly Appeal. Posted September 15, 2014.
Great promise for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease
Dr. Sultan Darvesh, Division of Neurology, and Jyl MacKinnon, Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation, talk with Global News about the Maritime Brain Tissue Bank and the potential for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease. Posted September 8, 2014.
July 2014
Psoriasis sufferers benefit from Dalhousie University research
Dr. Richard Langley's research is shedding new light on psoriasis, the chronic dermatological condition which affects roughly one to two per cent of the world's population. Dr. Langley, Division of Clinical Dermatology & Cutaneous Science, headed an international team of researchers in a study which verified the protein that causes the inflammatory skin disease. The study also identified a promising new treatment. Posted July 18, 2014.
Meegan Dowe honoured by RCPSC
Meegan Dowe, education manager and postgraduate education coordinator, wins 2014 Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada inaugural program administrator award for innovation and excellence. Posted July 10, 2014.
June 2014
3D maps of the heart
Dr. John Sapp, Division of Cardiology, is leading a research project to better understand the heart’s electrical activity through 3D maps of the heart. Reporter, Julia Wong, Global Halifax, is in the operating room with him this morning, June 4th. Posted June 4, 2014.
May 2014
Call for more medical screening
Dr. Martin Gardner, Division of Cardiology, calls for more research into screening for arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. Posted May 29, 2014.
50 years in medicine
Dr. Jock Murray, Division of Neurology, talks about 50 years in medicine and his induction into the Canadian Medical Association's Hall of Fame. Posted May 6, 2014.
April 2014
Possible lead to definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease
Research led by Dr. Sultan Darvesh, Division of Neurology, could lead to definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Currently, physicians rely on MRI and/or CAT scans for the best available information, but the tools are not enough to produce an exact diagnosis. Posted April 29, 2014.
2014 Innovation in Practice winner
The Maritime Connective Tissue Clinic, co-founded by Dr. Gabrielle Horne, Division of Cardiology, and Drs. John Sullivan and Jeremy Wood, Division of Cardiac Surgery, named a 2014 Innovation in Practice winner by Progress Media. Re-posted April 29, 2014.
INSPIRED goes national
INSPIRED (Implementing a Novel and Supportive Program of Individualized Care for patients and families living with REspiratory Disease), a hospital-to-home, coordinated and proactive approach to care and advanced COPD spearheaded by Dr. Graeme Rocker, Division of Respirology, will now be implemented in health centres and hospitals across Canada. Posted April 24, 2014.
Atlantic PATH project sets Guinness World Record
The Atlantic PATH project, headed by Dr. Louise Parker, professor of medicine, and Canadian Cancer Society (Nova Scotia Division) Endowed Chair in Population Cancer Research at Dalhousie, recently set a Guinness World Record for its collection of toenail clippings. Researchers are using the toenails to measure arsenic levels, which increases the rates of several cancers. The Atlantic PATH project is collecting a number of measurements and data from participants to understand why Nova Scotia has the highest rate of cancer in Canada. Posted April 1, 2014.
Dr. Colin Van Zoost, internist, helps provide vaccines to homeless people in Halifax
Dr. Van Zoost, medical student volunteers, and Mobile Outreach Street Health (MOSH) nurses team up to provide influenza and pneumococcus vaccines to homeless people via HaliVAX. Posted April 1, 2014.