Dalhousie University

A new patient-directed research program, Patient Voices in Research, led by Terry Fox Research Institute, will fund $1.8M to 10 Canadian research teams to address gaps in precision oncology identified by cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. One team, led by Dr. Bishal Gyawali, received $180,000 to study disparities in access to precision oncology drugs across Canada, aiming to identify barriers and improve timely access to life-saving treatments.

Scholars debate FDA's accelerated approval mechanism, focusing on its benefits and controversies, particularly after the aducanumab approval for Alzheimer's, which led to mixed opinions on the ethical justification of the process.

MS Australia launches EBV in MS National Collaborative Platform to unite top researchers, aiming to revolutionize MS treatment, prevention, and cure by exploring the link between Epstein-Barr virus and MS.

Ablation, typically Plan B for rapid heartbeat after heart attack, should be first-line treatment, suggests research presented at American Heart Association meeting and published in NEJM. Lead author Dr. John Sapp says ablation, targeting abnormal scar tissue, offers better outcomes than medications, which can affect other organs. Study of 416 patients with implanted defibrillators found ablation reduced death and VT episodes by 25%.

Drs. Yasmin Sadri and Nima Fomani, originally from Iran, pursued medical careers at Iran University of Medical Sciences, later moving to Nova Scotia for further specialization. They now practice at Middleton & Area Family Health Centre and Soldiers Memorial Hospital, enjoying the supportive community and work-life balance in Nova Scotia. Their advice for healthcare professionals includes embracing technology and AI for personalized care.

Erin Sephton, a PA at Dartmouth General Hospital, received the 2024 Tom Ashman Award from CAPA for exceptional service and leadership in the PA profession. Sephton, who started as a paramedic, pursued a Master’s PA program at McMaster University and returned to Nova Scotia to join DGH in 2020, significantly impacting orthopedic care. Her role as a PA, still new in Nova Scotia, eases physician workload and improves care continuity. Sephton also teaches at Dalhousie University and was honored during CAPA’s national conference on her birthday.

University of Alberta-led research introduces FAST-PLV, a proteolipid vehicle platform that bypasses the liver, enabling effective gene therapy delivery to target tissues like the brain and lungs. This platform could revolutionize treatments for diseases such as muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s, with potential for a new COVID-19 vaccine and cancer therapies.

The Mid Valley Region Physician Recruitment & Retention Committee supports physicians with housing, childcare, and community events, including a West African garden and annual cultural event. They collaborate with NSCC Annapolis campus for the garden and partner with Soldiers Memorial Hospital Foundation for community initiatives, fostering an inclusive environment for physicians.