November 2012

It may seem intuitive that frailty and age go hand-in-hand. But anyone who’s attended a high school or university reunion can testify that no two people age the same way. Currently, very little is known about frailty and its effects on the body and organs like the heart. This is partly because researchers have not had an animal model to investigate frailty and its potential treatments.

Applying to medical school may be a clear and conscious decision for some, but for Ben Cameron, a first year medical student at Dalhousie University, the decision came with time and thoughtful consideration. “Try it all, that’s always been my approach to life,” said the 22-year-old. “I intentionally stay open minded about my future. If you try it all, you’ll find something that’s a hit.”

The official announcement of the Dr. R. Evatt and Rita Mathers Chair in Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Research could not have come a more auspicious time, according to Alan Cruess. Dr. Cruess, head of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Research, was the master of ceremonies for the official celebration last week for the endowed chair and its holder, Dr. Balwantray C. Chauhan.

New to the Maritimes and the Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Keith Brunt is helping to build Dalhousie’s research program in New Brunswick. Dr. Brunt’s area of focus is translational cardiovascular medicine. Translational medicine is a two-way exchange between scientists and clinicians to improve healthcare for patients.