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Celebrate African Heritage Month, Chinese New Year, and Ramadan with us!
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In honour of Resident Doctor Appreciation Week, read our spotlight on the Department's Core Internal Medicine (Core IM) Residency Program
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Catch up on the latest developments of our strategic plan renewal
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See which Department members have been recently recognized for their incredible work
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Watch a recording of the Department's latest CPD webinar on Lyme and anaplasmosis and listen to the latest podcast episode on AI in Internal Medicine
- Save the date for our second annual Research, Innovation, and Quality Day
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Don't miss some great events happening across Dalhousie and Nova Scotia Health Central Zone campuses, including tomorrow's Wear Red Canada event
| | The "Short" Report from Dr. Christine Short | | |
Hi everyone,
February has, so far, felt full in in the best way. Across the Department, there have been some great moments of recognition, reflection, and real connection.
First, I want to acknowledge Resident Doctor Appreciation Week (February 9-13). Our residents are the heart of so much of what we do. They are often the first physicians our patients meet in hospital and clinic settings, and they bring energy, insight, and compassion to every encounter. Internally, they strengthen our teams, elevate our academic discussions, and challenge us – in good ways – to keep learning and improving. I am deeply grateful for the skill and dedication they demonstrate every day. If you haven’t already, I hope you’ll take a moment to thank a resident for the difference they make in patient care and in our department.
February is also African Heritage Month, an important time for reflection and celebration here in Nova Scotia. This year’s provincial theme, “Strength in Unity: Moving Forward with Purpose, Prosperity, Power, and Progress,” reminds us that unity is far from passive – it’s instead an active force for change. In a department that serves diverse communities and supports learners at every stage, this theme resonates. Our strength truly grows when we stand together with shared purpose and remain committed to equity, opportunity, and justice in both our clinical and academic work.
February is Heart Health Month as well – an opportunity to reflect on cardiovascular health for ourselves, our families, and our patients. I encourage you to check out tomorrow’s Wear Red Canada event in support of women’s heart health. You’ll find full details in our “Dates and Events” section below.
As we move into March, many colleagues, learners, and patients will observe Ramadan, a sacred month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community for Muslims worldwide. In our academic and clinical environment, small acts of awareness can make a meaningful difference. Being mindful of fasting schedules, offering flexibility for prayer, or simply expressing good wishes are simple but important ways to foster inclusion. I encourage you to read this article: How to show respect and support for people observing Ramadan. To all who will be observing, Ramadan Mubarak.
Thank you as well to everyone who joined us for our “Beat the Winter Blues” Lunch on Tuesday, February 3. These gatherings are a small but meaningful way to bring us together and inject a bit of cheer during the long winter months. It was wonderful to see so many of you connecting over sandwiches, cookies, and conversation.
Finally, I want to thank everyone who participated in yesterday’s Strategic Planning Town Hall. The level of engagement and thoughtful feedback was energizing. We will now refine the document based on what we heard, on track to publish our renewed plan by mid-April. From there, we will move quickly into developing a clear implementation plan with specific, measurable actions. I am genuinely excited about the direction ahead and about continuing to move forward together with clarity and purpose.
We appreciate that schedules are busy and that not everyone was able to attend the Town Hall. If you were unable to join and would like to watch the recording and provide feedback on the draft strategic plan, please contact our Executive Assistant, Nicole Chiasson (Nicole.Chiasson@nshealth.ca), for the link. You are welcome to share feedback by email or through our anonymous DoM suggestion box, linked at the bottom of this newsletter.
As always, thank you for all that you do.
Warmly,
Christine
Christine Short, MD, FRCP(C), FACP
Professor & Head/Chief, Department of Medicine
Dalhousie University / Central Zone, Nova Scotia Health
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African Heritage Month 2026: Strength in Unity
"This year’s African Heritage Month provincial theme is “Strength in Unity: Moving Forward with Purpose, Prosperity, Power, and Progress.” The theme speaks to the power that comes when African Nova Scotians and people of African descent stand together with a shared sense of direction. It recognizes unity as an active force for change that strengthens communities, advances justice, and creates new opportunities." (Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia)
Learn more about this year's theme, the history of African Heritage Month in Nova Scotia, and what events are happening across the province at 2026 African Heritage Month Poster – African Heritage Month.
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Wear Red Day, February 13
Wear Red Day is part of Wear Red Canada, a national awareness campaign encouraging people across the country to wear red on February 13 to spotlight women’s heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women worldwide, yet many women don’t recognize their symptoms, and some heart conditions affect women differently than men.
Wear Red Day is a reminder to learn the signs, be proactive about heart health, and take steps to reduce risk. We encourage you to learn more through Wear Red Canada.
Nova Scotia Health staff can also take part in a Wear Red Day event on February 13 — see our "Dates and Events" segment for details.
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Chinese (Lunar) New Year, February 17
Chinese (Lunar) New Year begins on February 17 and is one of the most important cultural celebrations for Chinese communities worldwide. The holiday marks the start of a new lunar year and is a time for family, renewal, and good fortune.
This year is the Year of the Horse, symbolizing energy, perseverance, and forward momentum. We encourage you to learn more about the significance of this celebration and its traditions: Chinese New Year: 2026—Year of the Horse (Lunar New Year)
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Ramadan Begins February 18 in Halifax
For Muslims across the globe, Ramadan is a sacred time of devotion, reflection, and the celebration of Allah's (SWT) mercy and love.
As the Islamic calendar is based around the lunar cycle, the Holy month of Ramadan rotates by approximately ten days each year. This upcoming Ramadan is expected to begin on Wednesday, February 18th in Halifax, depending on the sighting of the moon: Halifax Ramadan Timetable 2026 | Islamic Relief Canada.
Ramadan Kareem to all who celebrate!
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Ongoing Dates to Know
While we would like to recognize all dates, weeks, and months that are important for our wider community, our selections are only a fraction of the many that are deserving of our attention and acknowledgement.
To stay up to date, we encourage you to review the following calendars regularly:
If you have suggestions for particular dates you'd like us to mention, let us know! Email Candice at candice.albright@nshealth.ca with your ideas.
| | | Spotlight on the Core Internal Medicine Residency Program: Building Community and Leadership in Residency | | |
At Dalhousie University, the Department of Medicine's Core Internal Medicine (Core IM) Residency Program is putting education first while also preparing future leaders
“Education is at the forefront of the experience for residents,” says Core IM program director Dr. Maia von Maltzahn. She describes a culture built on mentorship, feedback, and psychological safety. “There has been a strong commitment at the postgraduate level and in the Department of Medicine to create a learning environment that is supportive and psychologically safe.”
That approach has paid off. “I met with a number of residents from the graduating 2025 cohort, and there was a universal sentiment: they felt ready for practice and subspecialty training. I think that speaks to the connection trainees have made with faculty during their time in the program.”
Read the full story in our 2024-2025 annual report, Communities of Care (page 24).
| | DoM Strategic Plan Renewal: Latest Updates | | |
Strategic Planning Town Hall – Thank you & Next Steps
Thank you to everyone who joined us for yesterday’s Strategic Planning Town Hall. We saw strong engagement through live polling, open dialogue, and thoughtful contributions in the chat. Your contributions continue to shape the final result, so we're grateful for your input.
Next Steps
- Over the coming weeks, we will be collating and carefully reviewing the feedback and insights shared during the session. Where appropriate, we will incorporate this input into the draft strategic plan.
- We remain on track for a spring publication of the renewed Department of Medicine strategic plan. From there, we'll move into our implementation phase, so stay tuned for continued updates on our progress.
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We recognize that not everyone was able to attend yesterday's Town Hall. If you would like to watch the recording, please contact our Executive Assistant, Nicole Chiasson (Nicole.Chiasson@nshealth.ca), for the link.
- Additional feedback is always welcome. You can reach out directly by email or submit input through the anonymous DoM suggestion box, linked at the bottom of this newsletter.
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| This segment is dedicated to recognizing department members for their recent awards, appointments, and exciting opportunities – just a few among the many who are meaningfully contributing to the Department of Medicine and Canadian healthcare. | | |
Dr. Paul Hernandez Named 2026 CTS Honorary Lecture Award Recipient
Congratulations to Dr. Paul Hernandez, Respirology Division Head and recipient of the 2026 CTS Honorary Lecture Award, recognizing significant contributions to respiratory care through clinical practice, research, teaching, and mentorship.
Learn more about the award through the Canadian Thoracic Society.
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Dr. Evelyn Sutton Named 2026 CRA Distinguished Rheumatologist
Congratulations to Dr. Evelyn Sutton, named Distinguished Rheumatologist as part of the 2026 Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA) Awards of Distinction, recognizing outstanding contributions to rheumatology through research, education, patient care, and leadership.
Learn more about the award and recipients through the CRA: 2026 Award Recipients – CRA
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Dr. R. Lee Kirby Appointed Professor Emeritus
Congratulations to Dr. R. Lee Kirby, Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, on receiving a Professor Emeritus appointment from Dalhousie University, effective January 1, 2026.
This distinction recognizes outstanding academic contributions that significantly exceed the norm, including exceptional achievements in research, teaching, leadership, or academic service.
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Dr. John Sapp Receives CIHR Research Award
Congratulations to Dr. John Sapp, who has received a significant Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) award to support his research program advancing our understanding and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias.
Learn more about the project and CIHR funding through the CIHR decisions database: Funding Decisions Database - CIHR
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Dr. Nabha Shetty Appointed Assistant Dean of Professional Affairs
Congratulations to Dr. Nabha Shetty on her appointment as Assistant Dean of Professional Affairs (DMNS), effective March 1, 2026.
In this role, she will provide academic and administrative leadership to support healthy learning environments across the Faculty of Medicine, with a focus on professionalism, learner wellbeing, and addressing mistreatment.
| | Updates from DoM Education | | Updates from the DoM Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Committee | | |
Check out the Latest CPD Webinar on Lyme and Anaplasmosis
Missed our recent CPD webinar on Lyme disease and anaplasmosis?
This case-based session walks through real-world presentations in our region, evolving epidemiology in Nova Scotia, and key clinical clues to support timely diagnosis and management of tick-borne infections.
🎥 Watch the recording above (or see it on YouTube) and explore past sessions on our CPD Webinar webpage.
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New Clinical Currents Episode: "AI in Clinical Practice: What Internists Need to Know"
In the latest episode of Clinical Currents, Dr. Meredith Chiasson and Dr. Peter Gregory are joined by Dr. Islam Eissa, general internist at Nova Scotia Health and assistant professor of medicine at Dalhousie University, to explore the practical realities of artificial intelligence in internal medicine.
They discuss where AI tools can meaningfully reduce documentation burden and support clinic preparation, while also addressing important limitations, including hallucinations, over-reliance, and patient privacy considerations.
This episode offers balanced, real-world insights to help internists think critically about when and how AI can be used safely, ethically, and effectively in daily practice.
🎧 Listen now at Clinical Currents or wherever you get your podcasts! Each episode can be claimed for 0.5 hours of Section 2 MOC credit.
| | Updates from the DoM Research Committee | | |
Save the Date! Research, Innovation, and Quality Day - April 16
Mark your calendars! The Department of Medicine’s second annual Research, Innovation, and Quality Day is coming this spring.
Building on the momentum of last year’s inaugural event, the day will once again spotlight the breadth of work underway across our department — and the powerful intersections between research, innovation, and quality improvement that ultimately enhance patient care.
Attendees can expect:
- Engaging presentations from faculty and residents
- Showcases of research and quality improvement projects
- Opportunities to learn new approaches and methodologies
- Time to connect with colleagues and spark future collaborations
At the event, we’ll also present our Research Staff Awards and Quality Award.
More details — including this year’s theme, award applications, and event registration information — will be shared soon. In the meantime, please save the date and plan to join us!
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Research Reminder
Dalhousie is a member of the Canadian Research Knowledge Network. Look up what journals have Open Access Publishing Fees covered through the network here:
https://www.crkn-rcdr.ca/en/open-access
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January
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Neeta Rani, Administrative Assistant, joined the Division of Digestive Care & Endoscopy
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Dipesh Yadav, Administrative Assistant, joined the Division of Cardiology
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African Heritage Month – Ongoing Events at Dalhousie (Feb. 12 +)
African Heritage Month continues across Dalhousie with events celebrating the history, culture and contributions of African Nova Scotian, Black and African Diaspora communities.
Highlights from today onward include a panel discussion on African-centred approaches to Black health (virtual, Feb. 12), community “Everyone Every Day” arts and cultural activities (Feb. 12, 20, 26), the Halifax Black Film Festival (Feb. 20–24) and the African Heritage Month Gala (Feb. 28).
We encourage you to explore the full schedule and participate in events across campus and the wider community: African Heritage Month | Welcome to Dalhousie University
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NSH Wear Red Canada Event, February 13
Join Nova Scotia Health tomorrow for Wear Red Canada, a national event that raises awareness about women’s heart health.
Organized in part by the Department of Medicine's Dr. Sharon Mulvagh, a province-wide Lunch and Learn – featuring presentations from the Nourish Research Group under the leadership of Dr. Leah Cahill, Howard Webster Research Chair with the Department of Medicine – is being held from 12:00-1:00 p.m. tomorrow in the RBC Theatre at the Halifax Infirmary, with a live broadcast via Microsoft Teams to sites across the province.
Learn more about the event and how to participate: Wear Red Canada Day – February 13, 2026 (NSH SharePoint - Access restricted to members of Nova Scotia Health)
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Practical AI for Administrative Professionals, February 23
The Department of Medicine is pleased to offer another professional development session for our administrative staff!
Practical AI for Administrative Professionals will focus on making your everyday work easier. You’ll learn how AI tools can help reduce repetitive tasks and mental load for everything from drafting agendas and minutes, managing emails and calls, updating CVs, preparing reports, to tracking physician activity and more.
Learn more about and save this opportunity in your calendar with our event posting: Practical AI for Administrative Professionals (Department of Medicine SharePoint - Access restricted to members of the Department of Medicine)
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Academic Promotion – 2026-27 Departmental Application Deadline, May 31
The Department of Medicine is now accepting faculty applications for academic promotion to be considered in the 2026-27 academic year. The departmental deadline for application submission is May 31, 2026.
Information about the application process and annual info session has been distributed to faculty with continuing academic appointments via email – please contact Heather.Fraser@nshealth.ca if any questions about the process or application document requirements.
More information about promotions at Dalhousie University can be found at: https://medicine.dal.ca/for-faculty-staff/promotion_tenure.html
| | Upcoming Dalhousie Deadlines for Faculty and Residents | | |
DoM Suggestion Box
Have any suggestions for the department? Leave them anonymously here:
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DoM Research
https://sites.google.com/view/domresearch
The page was initially developed for the resident group, but it’s also useful to faculty and their research teams. DoM Research wants to ensure that the link is easily accessible to anyone in the department.
| | Mental Health & Well-Being | | When you take care of yourself, you take care of others. | | |
We Teach, Research, and Serve our patients on Mi’kmaw territory, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people. The people of the Mi’kmaw Nation have lived on this territory for millennia, and we acknowledge them as the past, present, and future caretakers of this land. We are all Treaty people.
We recognize that African Nova Scotians are a distinct people whose histories, legacies, and contributions have enriched that part of Mi’kma’ki known as Nova Scotia for over 400 years.
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