View in web browser

• Happy Pride! Check out some great resources and ways to participate
• Strategic plan survey – your last chance to shape the future of the DoM
• Our congrats to department members advancing in their careers and contributing to global discussions on equity in healthcare
• News on the department and department members from CBC, the QEII Times, and Nova Scotia Health
• A great story from our 23-24 annual report about advancing kidney transplant care through AI partnerships
• Calls for oncology research abstracts and applications for the DoM Clinical Fellowship Award
• And more!

Celebrate Pride Season in the Following Ways

For the Department of Medicine, Pride is a time to celebrate 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and commit to creating inclusive, affirming spaces in healthcare. As Halifax Pride approaches (July 17-27), we encourage all members of the Department to engage locally and reflect on how we can better support patients, colleagues, and learners of all identities.

Medical practitioners can explore the following resources to support inclusive care and patient advocacy in Nova Scotia:

• Halifax Pride – Festival info and events
• The Youth Project – Support for youth under 25 around sexual orientation and gender identity
• Halifax Refugee Clinic – Legal support for refugee claimants, with a multilingual Housing Resource Guide
• prideHealth – NSH resources for 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusive care

Want to show your support?

• March in a local Pride parade with Nova Scotia Health (register here) or with Dalhousie
• Hang this Positive Space poster in your clinic or workspace
• Add your pronouns to MS Teams or your email signature to foster a more welcoming environment for all

Last Chance to Shape the Future of the Department of Medicine

Our strategic plan renewal survey will close on August 15 – don’t miss this opportunity to lend your perspective!

Your input is essential to help shape a plan that reflects our shared priorities, challenges, and aspirations. Whether you share just a few quick thoughts or dive deeper, your voice will directly inform the direction of our department over the coming years.

The survey is open to all members of the DoM and takes just 10-20 minutes, depending on how much detail you’d like to provide.

Complete the survey here or scan the QR code above. Thank you for taking the time – we truly value your voice.

Please join us in congratulating the following members on their recent appointments and exciting opportunities – just a few among the many who are meaningfully contributing to the Department of Medicine and Canadian healthcare.

Dr. George Worthen Appointed Interim Medical Lead for Kidney Transplant Program

Dr. George Worthen has been named Interim Medical Lead for the Kidney Transplant Program. A transplant nephrologist with training from Mount Sinai Hospital in New York and a certificate in Implementation Science from UCSF, Dr. Worthen brings fresh clinical and academic expertise to this role. His research interests include the use of artificial intelligence to improve transplant outcomes, and he is an active member of the Kidney Research Institute of Nova Scotia.

Congratulations, Dr. Worthen!

Dr. Jasmine Mah Contributes to UN Human Rights Discussions on Racial Discrimination in Emergency Care

Department of Medicine trainee Dr. Jasmine Mah (third from left) recently joined collaborators from The Observatory on Human Rights at the UN to present a scientific report to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The report focused on territoriality, poverty, and racism in Canadian emergency care, supporting Recommendation 37 on the right to health. Dr. Mah also participated in meetings with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Permanent Mission of Canada. 

Her involvement highlights the vital role that clinician-advocates from Nova Scotia can play in advancing health equity, both at home and on the global stage – and it reflects the growing impact of Dalhousie trainees in shaping national and international conversations on human rights.

Way to go, Dr. Mah!

Dr. Mark Downing Appointed as Deputy Department Head, Clinical

Dr. Mark Downing has been named Deputy Department Head, Clinical for the Department of Medicine, where he will help lead clinical strategy and operations across the department. A specialist in Infectious Diseases, he brings a wealth of experience in clinical leadership, infection prevention, and health system ethics through his roles with Nova Scotia Health, Dalhousie University, and national health organizations.

Congratulations, Dr. Downing!

Dr. Peter Gregory Appointed as Simulation (SIM) Director of the Core Internal Medicine Residency Program

Dr. Peter Gregory has been appointed Simulation (SIM) Director for the Core Internal Medicine Residency Program, where he will lead the development, delivery, and continuous improvement of simulation-based education for trainees.

A member of the Division of General Internal Medicine and former Co-Lead Resident, Dr. Gregory brings exceptional communication skills, a passion for medical education, and a strong commitment to equity and inclusion. He is an active contributor to multiple educational committees and was recently recognized with the Dr. Stephen Couban Outstanding Faculty – Resident’s Choice Award.

Congratulations, Dr. Gregory!

Congratulations to Wendy McPhee on her Upcoming Retirement!

After 21 years with the Division of Neurology, Wendy McPhee, Secretary D, is retiring this August – her last day will be on the 29th.

Wendy joined the Department after relocating from Cape Breton and completing a medical office administration course – “the best thing I ever did,” she says. Over the years, she has become a cherished part of the team, known for her compassion, dedication, and the care she’s shown to both patients and colleagues.

Wendy reflects on her time in Neurology with deep gratitude, calling her coworkers a “family away from home” and her experience here “a very special time.” She’ll miss the routine and joy her role has brought her, but looks forward to spending more time with loved ones and enjoying a well-earned rest.

To her colleagues, she offers heartfelt thanks and a simple message: “I will deeply miss everyone.”

From all of us at the DoM, we wish you a wonderful retirement, Wendy!

How one family is transforming arthritis research and care

From CBC News:

"Dr. Legge [Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine] is the newly appointed and first-ever chairholder of the Quigley Family Endowed Chair in Rheumatology, a long-term research position supported by the Quigley family—the latest in a long line of philanthropic gifts from this generous family who appreciate the importance of this research.

Over the last 20 years, the Quigley family has donated more than $3 million to the QEII Foundation to both fund and accelerate critical arthritis research and care at the QEII Health Sciences Centre—impacting patients from across Atlantic Canada and beyond."

Read the full article here: Sponsor Content with QEII Health Sciences Centre: How one family is transforming arthritis research and care | CBC

Research on gene therapy for rare inherited disease reduces costly, regular treatment

From CBC:

"A researcher [Dr. Michael West, Divsion of Nephrology] says the experimental use of gene therapy for a rare inherited disorder is saving almost as much money for treatment of five patients as the study itself costs.

The early-stage study published last year found that three of the men being treated for Fabry disease were able to stop using enzyme-replacement therapy — which costs about $300,000 annually — once they started on the 'one-time' gene therapy."

Read the full article here: Research on gene therapy for rare inherited disease reduces costly, regular treatment | CBC News

Leading with Heart: Dr. Ratika Parkash is on a mission to improve cardiac care, expand research

From the QEII Times:

"To say Dr. Ratika Parkash [Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine] was passionate as a medical student would be an understatement. 'I was fascinated by the cardiovascular system, particularly electrocardiograms,' says Dr. Parkash.

'What attracted me to cardiology was the combination of anatomy, physiology, and electrical parts of the system. It’s an unbelievable feat of engineering and physiology.'

That early spark turned into a lifelong passion for understanding the heart, and now, more than 20 years later, she’s leading a new chapter in heart health for Nova Scotians..."

Read the full article here: QEII TIMES: Leading with heart | QEII Foundation

Advancing cardiology care with the Care Coordination Centre

From Nova Scotia Health:

"With the support of Nova Scotia Health’s new Care Coordination Centre (C3), it is now easier for healthcare teams to connect patients with the cardiology team at the QEII Health Sciences Centre for essential care and help them safely return to their home community as soon as possible..."

Read the full article here: Advancing cardiology care with the Care Coordination Centre | Nova Scotia Health

Meet affiliate scientist, Dr. Leah Cahill

From Nova Scotia Health's Innovation Hub:

"My research team studies healthy aging and the prevention and treatment of cardiometabolic diseases, especially heart disease, type 2 diabetes and clinical malnutrition. I studied nutrition and became a registered dietitian before going to graduate school, so my work has a special focus on nutrition because it’s been a passion of mine since I have seen firsthand how healthy eating makes a valuable difference to people's health."

Read the full Q&A here: Meet affiliate scientist, Dr. Leah Cahill | Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub

Advancing Transplant Care Through AI Partnerships

Dr. Karthik Tennankore’s work and collaborative partnerships are expanding the Department of Medicine’s reach and impact in the field of transplantation.

As the QEII Foundation Endowed Chair in Transplantation Research, Dr. Tennankore has joined forces with the kNowledge Intensive Computing for Healthcare Ecosystems (NICHE) Research Group at Dalhousie, using machine learning to improve outcome predictions for kidney transplant patients. This partnership enables the blending of clinical insights with cutting-edge artificial intelligence, creating opportunities to refine and personalize patient care.

Read the full story today on page 24 of our report!

Call for Abstracts! Second Annual Nova Scotia Oncology Research Day

Abstract submissions are now open for the 2nd Annual Nova Scotia Oncology Research Day (NSORD), taking place this November.

This is an exciting opportunity for trainees – including medical students, residents, fellows, graduate and undergraduate students, and others enrolled in Canadian programs – to showcase their cancer research to a province-wide audience.

All accepted applicants will have the chance to display their posters at this growing event, which brings together oncology researchers across disciplines for a day of collaboration, connection, and discovery. Judging will be conducted by a panel of Nova Scotian cancer researchers.

Don’t miss your chance to take part in shaping the future of cancer research in Nova Scotia! Apply today.

The Department of Medicine is now accepting applications for the 2025 Clinical Fellowship Award Competition, designed to support the development of future subspecialty clinicians following completion of residency training.

This opportunity is open to applicants in AFP divisions who – although not required – preferably have a planned return to a faculty role within the department. Awards are available for both internal (Dalhousie/Nova Scotia Health) and external training opportunities.

Download the application package here. Applications must be submitted as a single PDF by September 3, 2025.

For full details, contact Theresa Steele at Theresa.Steele@nshealth.ca.

Share our Newsletter with your Team and Contacts!

Know anyone who would be interested in our latest news and departmental highlights? Maybe a new team member or professional contact?

Share our sign-up link with them!

We issue monthly newsletters with important updates, our latest research, community and departmental events, stories of community impact, links to news and resources, and much more.

Whether a member of the department, member of the university or research community, or a healthcare professional, our newsletter is the best way to get to know us and our commitment to excellence in patient care and medical education.

Share the link today:

DoM Newsletter Sign-up



In Case you Missed it: 2025 2SLGBTQIA+ Affirming Care Conference

Champions from across the province gathered this spring to advance inclusive health.

If you missed the conference, you can watch the recorded sessions here and read the story here.

Department of Medicine

Mental Health & Well-Being

Nova Scotia Health

Additional Links

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.