The Gasette

Exciting research is underway at IWK Health. Principal Investigator Dr. Mathew Kiberd and Co-PI Dr. Tristan Dumbarton are leading a Phase II clinical trial focused on preventing post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in young patients undergoing scoliosis surgery. As Dr. Kiberd emphasizes, "We have to do more for our scoliosis patients. A 40% rate of PONV is too high. I cannot imagine how miserable these patients must feel vomiting after having most of their spine fused."

Sub-investigators include a team of acute pain physicians, clinical nurse specialists, and a pharmacist: Drs. Allen Finley, Emma Kehoe, and Stuart Wright, Lori Campbell, Shelley Lowther, and Gina Vaninetti, along with research pharmacist Ewa Rasic and research coordinators Stephanie Blackman and Ashley Zahavich. Together, they are investigating the potential benefits of using Aprepitant as an add-on to standard care. The primary outcome will be the need for anti-nausea rescue medication after surgery.

The team is particularly interested in Aprepitant's potential as a preventative measure. "Aprepitant has shown great promise in its regular off-label use in patients with PONV," Dr. Kiberd explains. "We hope that it will have a similarly powerful effect as a prophylactic agent. I think one of the unique features of this trial, that is perhaps underappreciated, is we are trying to tackle delayed PONV, something that has been neglected by anesthesiologists for too long," Dr. Kiberd states. If successful, this could improve their recovery experience, potentially allowing them to return home from hospital sooner. Findings from this trial are expected in 2027.

April 8, 2025, marked a very successful Research Day for the Departments of Anesthesia, Surgery, Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, and the Dalhousie Pain Network. The annual event is an opportunity to celebrate trainee research, foster collaboration between researchers of the three departments, and disseminate emerging research to the broader community of knowledge users.

The day featured two keynote speakers, both from the University of Toronto. Dr. Karim Ladha opened the Anesthesia program with his engaging presentation, "Opioids, Cannabis, and Psychedelics: Important Therapeutics or Just Getting High?". Later in the day, Dr. Muhammad Mamdani presented to a combined audience with his timely and well-received research into the application, challenges, and implications of "Applied Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare."



The Anesthesia program showcased the research projects of our department’s trainees, with awards presented to graduate students Jennika Veinot and Bashir Bietar, residents Drs. Tommy Zhang and Kevin Choi, and undergraduate students Tom Lorenz and Zoe Takacs. This year’s program also introduced a collaborative Interdisciplinary Trainee Speaker Series, where one trainee from each of the three departments was invited to present their interdisciplinary research project to a combined audience. Second-year Anesthesia resident, Dr. Parnian Hosseini, was selected to present her research into the implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) for cardiac surgery at the QEII Health Sciences Centre. Overall, the program was well-received, and saw an attendance of around 140 trainees, faculty, and staff, an increase of 18% from last year.

"Research day is always a good reminder to practice evidence-based medicine and the importance of staying up to date,” shared one of the attendees in the evaluation survey. Congratulations to all presenters and their supervisors for their successful contributions to the Anesthesia research program!

As a department, we believe that our people are our greatest asset. Our strength lies not only in our commitment to exceptional patient care and academic excellence but also in supporting the wellbeing of our faculty throughout every stage of their medical careers.

As a follow-up to the dinner held in September with our early career staff, the Wellness Working Group turned its attention to our more experienced faculty who are considering the transition from clinical practice to retirement. For those who have dedicated their lives to the medical profession, retirement can bring unique challenges. To foster a sense of community and sharing in a social setting, the Wellness Group hosted a dinner in May for faculty contemplating this significant life transition. Through discussion and laughter, the gathering provided a space for faculty to explore the various aspects of retirement with trusted colleagues and guest speakers from Doctors Nova Scotia, Dr. John Chiasson and Katelyn Junus. Together, they shared valuable insights on navigating this important professional journey while prioritizing personal well-being.

“I firmly believe that a thriving workplace is built upon the well-being of its people,” affirmed Dr. Stephanie Power, Wellness Director. “By investing in our faculty and supporting them through various stages of their career, we strengthen our entire team and elevate the quality of our patient care, research, and innovation.”

Each year, the Department hosts the Awards of Excellence & Retirement event to celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of our members. On May 7th, we gathered to recognize seven exceptional individuals and teams with Awards of Excellence for their remarkable impact. We also congratulated three clinical faculty members who have advanced their academic careers through well-deserved promotions, effective July 1, 2025.

This year’s event also marked a fond farewell to four retirees who have dedicated their careers to patient care and advancing Dalhousie’s academic mission. Over the years, they have cared for thousands of patients, attended countless meetings, mentored and inspired numerous students and residents, and contributed meaningfully to clinical, educational, and research initiatives—all helping to uphold our commitment to delivering the highest standard of anesthesia care.

With more than 80 department members and guests in attendance, the evening was a memorable celebration filled with heartfelt tributes, shared laughter, and a strong sense of community and accomplishment.

A special thank you to Dr. David Anderson, Dean of Medicine, and Dr. Douglas Sinclair, IWK Health VP of Medicine and Quality, for joining us in commemorating this special occasion.

Congratulations to the following individuals:

Awards of Excellence recipients:

• Dr. Sally Bird, Chief, Department of Pediatric Anesthesia, IWK Health                           

Dr. Tom Marrie Leadership Award

• Enoch Ng, Communications & Special Projects Advisor, Dalhousie

Internal Individual Award

• Jane Marchildon, Child Life Specialist, IWK Health

External Individual Award

• IWK Women's Health Program Anesthesia Assistant Team

Internal Team Award

• Susie Marshall-McFarlane, Anesthesia Assistant, NSH

Dale Morrison Memorial Award for an Anesthesia Assistant

• Sonia Arfaoui, Anesthesia Technician, NSH

Dale Morrison Memorial Award for an Anesthesia Technician

• Lynn Langille, Acute Pain Service Case Management Coordinator, NSH

Dr. Fiona Roper Wellness Award

Academic Promotion:

Promotion to Associate Professor

• Dr. Jon Bailey
• Dr. Susanne Retter

Promotion to Full Professor

• Dr. Vishal Uppal

Retirements:

• Dr. Ruth Covert, Anesthesiologist
• Dr. Julie Williams, Anesthesiologist
• Dr. Adam Law, Anesthesiologist
• Carl Stevens, Managing Director of Finance

On June 14th, the Department celebrated its ongoing commitment to fostering a high-quality learning environment at the annual send-off celebration. Over 120 department members and guests came together to toast our graduating residents and fellows, and celebrate excellence in education with teaching awards.

The event marked a significant career milestone for our five residents and three fellows. "Their immense dedication, hard work, and relentless pursuit of excellence are the bedrock of our program's success," said Dr. Shannon Bradley, Residency Program Director. "It has been an honour to watch them grow into remarkable professionals, ready to embark on their next adventures."

The Department also extended a special thank you to Dr. Andrew Jarvie, who has been an invaluable presence as Associate Postgraduate Program Director since 2021. We warmly welcomed Dr. Stephen Middleton onboard as he steps into this role.

The Department sends heartfelt congratulations to:

Residents:

• Dr. Katija Bonin
• Dr. Jade Panzarasa
• Dr. Mike Smyth
• Dr. Michelle Trenholm
• Dr. Tommy Zhang

Fellows:

• Dr. Abdulelah Alhatan, Pediatric Anesthesia
• Dr. John Bartolacci, Cardiac Anesthesia
• Dr. Loran Morrison, Women’s and Obstetric Anesthesia

Teaching award recipients:

• Dr. Ben Schelew - Undergraduate Teacher of the Year  
• Dr. Mallory Garza - Daily Encounter Cards Award
• Dr. Paula Kolysher - In-Training Assessment Report Award
• Dr. André Bernard - Mentor / Role Model of the Year
• Dr. Shannon Bradley - Resident Advocate of the Year
• Dr. Anna Nunokawa - Clinical Teacher of the Year: Community
• Dr. Claudio Di Quinzio - Clinical Teacher of the Year
• Dr. David Greencorn - Resident Teacher Award