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Our 2024-2025 annual report is now available! Read it today – Communities of Care
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Read the latest on the Department's Strategic Plan Renewal and find out how to get involved
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Don't miss the latest opportunities to engage with the DoM's CPD and Research Committees – a new podcast episode with Dr. Allen Tran, a CPD webinar this Friday, and a call for proposals for 2026's Research, Innovation, and Quality Day
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Listen to media interviews with Drs. Ali Imran, Christine Short, and Ken Rockwood in our "In the News" segment
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Save the date for the DoM Holiday Celebration on December 4 in "Dates and Events" – everyone in the Department is welcome!
| | The "Short" Report from Dr. Christine Short | | |
It’s hard to believe November is nearly over! I hope this issue finds you well as we approach the shortest day of the year in just a few weeks.
I’d like to start my Short Report this month with an update on the engagement process for our 2026-2030 strategic plan. So far, we’ve had group discussions with several divisions and admin groups – with more ongoing – and yesterday, we held the last of our four open houses. I want to express my sincere thanks to everyone who has taken part. Whether you answered our survey, stopped by one of the open houses, participated in an interview, shared a thought in passing, or contributed during a meeting, your input has been incredibly valuable.
One of the things I appreciate most about this process is hearing, directly from you, what supports your work and what could strengthen it. Across roles and divisions, a few themes have come through consistently. Many of you have highlighted how essential strong administrative support is in every part of our department. Others have spoken about the need for clearer communication, better alignment between teams, and workplaces where respect, inclusion, and psychological safety are felt day to day. We also continue to hear how the ever-growing clinical pressures make it really challenging to carve out academic time for teaching and research.
What stands out to me is that, regardless of your role, there is a clear and collective desire to build a department where people can do their best work and feel supported in doing so, and we are taking this feedback to heart. Your honesty and thoughtfulness are shaping our plan in very meaningful ways.
You’ll find more strategic planning updates in the body of this month’s newsletter, which we’ll continue sharing in each issue until our new plan is published. In the meantime, I encourage you to continue taking part in the engagement opportunities ahead. Your voice will help ensure that the final strategic plan reflects both where we want to go as a department and the realities of our work. For now, thank you for the time and care you’ve already contributed – it truly makes a difference.
You’ll also notice that this month’s “Community Dates to Know” section is longer than usual. November brings many important observances, and we wanted to acknowledge them with intention and care. This includes National Nurse Practitioner Week, which recognizes the tremendous contributions of nurse practitioners in our system. Their expertise, leadership, and commitment to patient care play a pivotal role in the health and welfare of our communities by expanding health care access, promoting health equity, and improving health outcomes for all.
In addition, today marks International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Gender-based violence has profound and lasting health repercussions – physical, psychological, and social – and its impacts ripple across families and communities. Women and girls, especially trans women, continue to face disproportionate risk, and many of the effects of that violence are carried into the clinical, research, and educational spaces we work in every day. It is an important reminder of the role we play, as healthcare professionals and educators, in advancing safety, dignity, and equity.
Thank you again for your engagement and for all that you contribute to the Department of Medicine.
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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Communities of Care: The Department of Medicine 2024-25 Annual Report – Out Now!
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We are thrilled to share our 2024-25 Annual Report, Communities of Care!
This year’s report celebrates the strength we draw from connection — with one another, with our patients and their families, and with collaborators across the Faculty of Medicine, Nova Scotia Health, and beyond.
Inside, you’ll find:
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Stories of innovation, compassion, and improved access, such as redesigned referral pathways that help patients reach the right expertise sooner.
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Division highlights that showcase accomplishments across clinical practice, research, education, and leadership – including new clinics, expanded programs, and award-winning initiatives.
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Research and education milestones, such as high-impact studies and strengthened residency programs that continue to distinguish our academic mission.
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Examples of “communities of care” in action, from interdisciplinary teams working side by side to regional partnerships that bring care closer to where people live.
Together, these stories show the breadth, depth, and collective dedication that define the Department of Medicine.
Read it today: Annual Reports - Department of Medicine - Dalhousie University
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National Nurse Practitioner Week, November 9-15
To recognize these essential health care providers and their impact on communities, Canada celebrates National Nurse Practitioner Week annually, this year from November 9-15.
The rise of NPs across a wide range of specialties couldn’t be timelier, as millions of Canadians currently face barriers to timely, quality primary care.
From urban centers to rural and remote communities, the NP role has proven vital in meeting these needs, and recent policies providing NPs with expanded practice authority is helping to ensure Canadians receive essential health services.
Learn more: NPAC-AIIPC | Association des infirmières et infirmiers practiciens du Canada
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Transgender Day of Remembrance, November 20
Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance on November 20 that honors the memory of transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence.
The week before TDOR, people and organizations participate in Transgender Awareness Week to help raise visibility of transgender people and acknowledge the community’s contributions to society.
The Department of Medicine recognizes this day as an important opportunity to honour the lives of those we have lost and celebrate the resilience of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community who face disproportionate violence and discrimination just for living authentically as who they are.
Visit Transgender Day of Remembrance | Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission to learn more.
For resources on how to be a better ally, visit Transgender Awareness Week Toolkit - It Gets Better Canada.
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November Health Awareness
November includes many important health-awareness observances relevant to the care we provide. While we are unable to highlight each one individually, we encourage all members of the Department to take a moment to review and reflect on the following observances this month:
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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.
| | | DoM Strategic Plan Renewal: Latest Updates | | |
Renewing our Strategic Plan - How it's Going
Our strategic plan renewal is moving ahead with strong momentum. Over the past two months, we’ve been:
- sharpening our focus on wellness, inclusivity, and excellence;
- gathering insights from teams across the Department;
- preparing for our next phase of engagement.
Your feedback continues to shape this work in meaningful ways. Thank you for your contributions so far!
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Get Involved
Although our Open Houses have now wrapped up, there are still many ways to participate:
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Join facilitated discussions in division or team meetings – ask your supervisor for dates, times, and preparation materials.
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Participate in individual interviews – contact Nicole Chiasson to schedule yours.
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Leave anonymous feedback in our departmental suggestion box.
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Attend our January Town Hall – more details on that below.
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Highlights from our Open Houses
Thank you to everyone who joined us! Together, we:
- explored our draft mission, vision, and values;
- reviewed proposed strategies for Foundations for Success, Clinical Care, Education, and Research;
- collected thoughtful written comments and held deeper one-on-one conversations.
We’re now synthesizing what we heard and refining our drafts based on your input.
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Our Achievements
As we mentioned in last month's newsletter, we’ve prepared a summary of achievements from our 2020-24 Strategic Plan, highlighting progress in clinical care, education, research, and foundations for success.
Our draft was previewed at our Open Houses, and we’ll share the finalized version as soon as it’s ready. Stay tuned!
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January Town Hall
Join us on January 12, 2026 from 4:30-6:00 pm for a department-wide Town Hall, where we’ll:
- share a preview of the refreshed strategic plan;
- invite your final thoughts and reflections;
- outline next steps as we prepare for launch.
Watch for Outlook invitations soon — we hope to see you there!
| | 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. | | |
Congratulations to this year's DoM Research Excellence Award Winners!
Every year, the Department of Medicine (DoM) distributes DoM Research Excellence awards to members within the Department who have made exceptional contributions to research in the previous three years.
The main purpose of these awards is to honor and publicly recognize the members’ research achievements. Presentation of these awards also aims to encourage research involvement amongst Department members. Congrats again, everyone!
| | Winner: Dr. Alex Legge, Rheumatology | | Winner: Dr. Curtis Marcoux, Hematology | | Winner: Dr. Leah Cahill, Howard Webster
Research Chair | | Winner: Dr. Karthik Tennankore, Nephrology | |
Acromegaly Awareness Day shines light on rare condition that is hard to diagnose - Dr. Ali Imran on CTV News Atlantic
From CTV News Atlantic, published November 1:
"Acromegaly Awareness Day is November 1. The rare condition affects adults and causes bones, organs and tissues to grow, resulting in joint pain, thick skin and other medical concerns. The rare condition is often misdiagnosed.
Dr. Ali Imran is the chief of endocrinology at Dalhousie University. He says the chronic condition is caused by high levels of growth hormone – one of several hormones produced by the pituitary gland.
'There are two distinct conditions caused by high levels of growth hormone,' Imran says. The first, gigantism, causes people to grow very tall and occurs when there is elevated growth hormone before someone reaches maturity..."
Read the full piece and watch Dr. Imran's interview: Acromegaly Awareness Day is November 1
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Women in Leadership - Dr. Christine Short on the Leadership PRN Podcast
In the Faculty of Medicine's "Leadership PRN" podcast, Dr. Lara Hazelton speaks with local experts about the joys and challenges of leading in the medical environment.
In this episode, Dr. Hazelton interviews our Department Head Dr. Christine Short about women in leadership.
Listen by clicking on the image above or by visiting Leadership PRN Podcast - YouTube.
| | Updates from the DoM Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Committee | | |
Webinar this Friday, November 28 - Vulnerable Populations Fireside Chat
The DoM Continuing Professional Development (CPD) committee invites faculty and clinicians to attend our upcoming Quarterly Webinar: Vulnerable Populations Fireside Chat – A conversation on care, equity, and access.
Presented by Dr. Tommy Brothers, Dr. Lisa Barrett, Dr. Leah Genge, Dr. Mike Gniewek
📅 Date: Friday, November 28, 2025
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
📍 Location: Hybrid
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In person at Halifax Infirmary, RBC Theatre and Victoria General, Auditorium (choose whichever location suits you best!)
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Virtually on Teams at this link: Join the meeting now
✅ RSVP: Click this link or scan the QR code above: https://forms.office.com/r/2ybixjMbQR
Learn more about our quarterly webinars and other CPD offerings at: Continuing Professional Development - Department of Medicine - Dalhousie University
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New Clinical Currents Episode: "Embracing the Grey: Dr. Allen Tran on General Internal Medicine"
In the latest episode of Clinical Currents, Dr. Meredith Chiasson and Dr. Peter Gregory interview Dr. Allen Tran, general internist, educator, and program director for Dalhousie's GIM subspecialty training program.
Dr. Tran reflects on the rewards and challenges of the specialty, the breadth of practice – from thrombosis care to obstetric medicine – and the future of GIM in Canada.
He also shares advice for trainees and insights into the collaborative culture of the division at Dalhousie.
🎧 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 | | |
Call for Abstracts: DoM Research, Innovation, and Quality (RIQ) Day – Deadline January 26
*** Open to all DoM Faculty, Residents, Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students, Research Fellows, and Research Staff ***
Our next RIQ Day is April 16, 2026! The call for abstracts for this event is now open.
This will be a hybrid event, held in-person in Halifax with a virtual attendance option.
Abstract submission details:
- To recognize and showcase the breadth of patient-care improvement across all divisions, we are inviting abstract submissions in the following categories:
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Research
- Case Reports
- Quality Improvement
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Innovation — Abstracts in this category may encompass initiatives that do not “fit” neatly within either of the above categories (for example, those that have both quality improvement and research components, intervention development work, etc).
- Abstract submissions for research and QI protocols (approved by relevant REB or QI oversight body) and in-progress studies/initiatives are encouraged.
How to submit:
Abstract Deadline:
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Midnight on Monday, January 26, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
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Recap of Research Evening 2025
On November 5, the DoM Research Committee held the Department's annual Research Evening, and what an evening it was!
Thank you to our presenters Drs. Allen Tran, Jasmine Mah, and Caitlin Lees; to Simrat Singh for his support organizing the event; and to everyone who came to show their support and enthusiasm for the pursuit of knowledge.
Thanks, also, to this year's Research Excellence Award winners: Dr. Alex Legge, Dr. Curtis Marcoux, Dr. Leah Cahill, and Dr. Karthik Tennankore.
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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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October
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Shailja Kestwal, Administrative Assistant, joined the Department on Oct 6
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November
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Dr. Roople Unia joined the Division of Neurology in a locum from Nov 17, 2025, to Sept 21, 2026
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Varsha Jose, Administrative Assistant, joined the Division of Hematology on Nov 17
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Megan Wilson, Administrative Assistant, joined the Division of Cardiology on Nov 17
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Emma Michaud, Administrative Assistant, joined the Department on Nov 24
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Don't Miss the DoM Holiday Celebration, December 4 - All are Welcome!
Join us for food, refreshments, and holiday cheer in celebration of the festive season. All members of the Department are welcome, and please feel free to bring a guest!
📅 Date: December 4th, 2025
🕛 Time: Drop in any time between 6-8:30 pm
📍Location: The Prince George Hotel, 1725 Market Place, Halifax
See you there!
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DoM Halloween Party Recap
On Friday, October 31, we held a spooky get together in the Bethune Ballroom with food, fun, and prizes. We were so impressed by the creativity and dedication put into this year's costumes!
This year's "Best Costume" prize went to Laura Ring, Kaitlyn MacDonald-Comeau, and Tina Neath (above) who came as the Cat in the Hat and Thing 1 and Thing 2, but we also had a great group of Hogwarts students, a "smarty-pants," a "crazy cat lady," and more.
Thank you to everyone who came for a little festive fun and frivolity that afternoon, with a special thanks to Theresa Steele for organizing the event. Until next year!
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Webinar Recording Now Available: Why Healthcare Leaders Need to Care About Planetary Health - with Dr. Nabha Shetty
Physician accreditation organizations, such as the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada as well as the Association of Faculties of Medicine in Canada, have formally acknowledged that contributing to planetary health is an important objective in healthcare. There is a movement afoot among inspired healthcare professionals to unite and have a voice in making planetary health a priority.
This webinar (linked above), featuring General Internal Medicine's Dr. Nabha Shetty, provides insights into current state and encourages us all to participate in this important work.
| | Upcoming Dalhousie CPDME Faculty Development Opportunities | | |
White Fragility Clinics
Are you ready to take the next step in your journey toward becoming a more informed and impactful ally?
These highly interactive, supportive sessions are designed to deepen your understanding, build confidence, and equip you with practical tools for real-world impact — all in a safe, non-judgmental space. Sessions are held twice a month.
📢 Facilitator: Dr. Gaynor Watson-Creed
📅 Upcoming Dates: Nov. 20, Dec. 4 & 18, Jan 8
💻 Live on Microsoft Teams
Open to all Dalhousie Medicine faculty & staff.
🌟 Earn up to 1.0 certified Mainpro+® and MOC credits!
Click here to register. For more information, please contact gho@dal.ca.
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Revealing, Critiquing, Challenging – the Role of Critical Research in Medical Education
📢 Presenter: Dr. Monica Molinaro, McGill University
📅 Date: Dec 9
🕛 Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
💻 Where: Microsoft Teams
🌟 Earn up to 1.0 certified Mainpro+® and MOC credits!
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Using Technology in Teaching (Basic)
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Thur. December 18 from 12-1 p.m.
- Facilitated by Laurel King, MEd, and MedIT,
- Followed by 1-4 p.m. drop in, in-person
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Location: CRC C206
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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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