View in web browser

• Celebrate Administrative Professionals Week
• Learn about autism acceptance, organ and tissue donation, and more in "Community Dates to Know"
• Join us in congratulating Drs. Vinson, Soroka, Chen, and Lacas for their recent awards
• Celebrate the retirement of two distinguished DoM doctors: Rosario Rebello and Kevork Peltekian
• Get to know two DoM admins: Jaflet Jeskar and Miranda Purcell
• Learn about three DoM doctors making global impacts in our "In the News" segment
• Exciting events and learning opportunities

Thank you to our Administrative Team!

April 21-25 is Administrative Professionals Week, with Administrative Professionals Day on April 23.

We want to take this opportunity to recognize the vital contributions of the administrative professionals who keep our department afloat — and to express our sincere appreciation for all that you do.

Your dedication, attention to detail, and steady support for teams, physicians, and patients is nothing short of inspiring.

Be sure to take a moment next week to let the admins you work with know how much they’re appreciated!

🧁🎈💼🌟💐🎉

Pictured: DoM Admins Breanna Simmons (left) and Amanda Allen (right). Photo by Lenny Mullins.

In Case you Missed it - "Administration: the Village Behind Patient Care"

In an earlier newsletter, we shared the first of our 2023-24 annual-report stories, highlighting our administrators' essential roles ensuring the DoM’s clinical and academic operations run smoothly.

Read the story on page 19 to learn just how foundational our admins and administrative teams are to our success.

World Autism Acceptance Day (April 2) and Autism Acceptance Month

April is Autism Acceptance Month, and April 2 is World Autism Acceptance Day.

Autism acceptance is important because it represents a shift in perspective from focusing on "awareness" to embracing and understanding the diversity of individuals on the autism spectrum.

This autism acceptance month, let's celebrate neurodiversity and work towards a society that appreciates everyone's uniqueness.

Learn more at World Autism Acceptance Day | Autism Canada and Autism Acceptance Month | Autism Society.

National Organ and Tissue Donation Week, April 18 to 24

Did you know? "Not all people who are registered organ and tissue donors actually become organ donors at the end of their lives. In fact, very few do," Canadian Blood Services explains.

"Only 1-2% of people who die can be considered for organ and tissue donation. That’s because people have to die in a very specific way for organ donation to be an option. 

The more registered organ and tissue donors there are, the more chances there are to save and improve lives.

There are 4000+ Canadians on the organ waitlist. There are thousands more waiting for a life-improving tissue donation. This is why registration matters so deeply."

(Leave Well | Register to be an organ and tissue donor)

Here are a few highlights of physicians in our Department recently recognized for their dedication to the advancement of medical care. Congratulations to all!

Dr. Amanda Vinson Receives Making Waves Award from Nova Scotia Health

Congratulations to Dr. Amanda Vinson, recipient of the Early Career/Emerging Researcher Award in the Research and Innovation category of the 2024 Nova Scotia Health Making Waves Awards. This honour recognizes her leadership in advancing equity in kidney transplantation through innovative, patient-informed research.

As chair of the Gender Equity pillar of Women in Transplantation, Dr. Vinson’s work has brought long-overdue attention to gender disparities in transplant access, and her efforts continue to drive systemic change.

You can join in celebrating Dr. Vinson and all 2024 recipients by watching the Making Waves Awards Video.

And don’t miss this month’s annual report highlight, where we share more about her research and its impact.

Dr. Steven Soroka Awarded King Charles III Coronation Medal

Congratulations to Dr. Steven Soroka, who has been named a recipient of the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal by the Kidney Foundation of Canada in recognition of his significant contributions to renal care and health system leadership.

A professor of medicine and nephrologist, Dr. Soroka co-leads the Central Zone Renal Program and chairs the physician advisory committee for Accreditation Canada. His decades of service have had a lasting impact on kidney care in Nova Scotia and across Canada.

Dr. Luke Chen Awarded 2024 Physician of the Year by the Castleman Diseases Collaborative Network

Congratulations to Dr. Luke Chen, who has been named Physician of the Year by the Castleman Disease Collaborative Network (CDCN) for 2024. This international honour recognizes a physician each year who has made a significant impact in the fight against Castleman disease through research, clinical care, advocacy, community support, and collaboration.

A clinical hematologist and Professor of Medicine at Dalhousie, Dr. Chen is known for his expertise in rare inflammatory diseases and his patient-focused, research-driven approach to care.

An Affiliate Professor at UBC, he returned to Dal in 2023 after nearly two decades in Vancouver and continues to play a leading role in advancing knowledge and treatment for rare conditions like Castleman disease and cytokine storm syndromes.

Pictured: Dr Fajgenbaum (middle) presents Dr. Chen (left) with CDCN "Physician of the Year" award and Dr. Lu Zhang (right; from PUMC Beijing, China's top research hospital) with "Researcher of the Year."

Dr. Alethea Lacas receives 2024 Lea C. Steeves Award

Congratulations to Dr. Alethea Lacas, Division of Geriatric Medicine, who has been named the recipient of the 2024 Lea C. Steeves Award. Presented annually by Dalhousie Medical School’s Continuing Professional Development, this award honours educators who consistently deliver exceptionally high-quality medical education.

Dr. Lacas is recognized for her outstanding commitment to teaching and for her meaningful contributions to continuing professional development. Her passion for education and dedication to her learners have made a lasting impact on the next generation of healthcare providers.

Dr. Rosario Rebello

After more than two decades of dedicated service, Dr. Rosario Rebello officially retired from the Department of Medicine on March 31, 2025. A general internist and Assistant Professor of Medicine, Dr. Rebello joined the department in 2000 and has been a valued presence ever since — known for his deep clinical expertise, kind mentorship, and commitment to patient care.

Dr. Rebello served as Director of the Hypertension Clinic at Capital Health, where he and his team provided care for patients with complex, hard-to-manage blood pressure and investigated causes of secondary hypertension. His clinical and research interests have centered on hypertension and cardiovascular disease. A passionate educator, Dr. Rebello has also long been involved in teaching clinical skills to medical students and supervising residents on the Medical Teaching Unit. Colleagues and learners alike will miss his generosity, good humour, and mentorship.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Rebello is known for his love of all things culinary — and we hope retirement brings even more time to enjoy his favourite pursuits. Thank you, Dr. Rebello, for your incredible contributions to our department and to the lives of so many patients and trainees.

Dr. Kevork Peltekian

After nearly 30 years of dedicated service, Dr. Kevork Peltekian retired from the Department of Medicine on March 31, 2025. A hepatologist and professor in the Division of Digestive Care and Endoscopy, Dr. Peltekian joined the department in 1995 and was promoted to associate professor in 2003 and full professor in 2016.

Dr. Peltekian served as Division Head for almost a decade, completing his term in September 2021. A passionate advocate for Atlantic Canadians living with liver disease, he is also Chairman and CEO of the Canadian Liver Foundation. His research has focused on the impact of fatty liver and hepatitis C infection in the region, with numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals. Over the years, he has been recognized with multiple awards for his excellence in undergraduate education, postgraduate training, and research.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Peltekian for his many contributions as a clinician, educator, researcher, and leader — and wish him all the best in retirement.

Breaking Barriers and Advancing Gender Equity in Kidney Transplantation 

Dr. Amanda Vinson has made it her mission to uncover and address gender disparities in kidney transplantation.

Her passion was sparked by her research examining sex and gender-based outcomes following kidney transplants, where she discovered alarming statistics: women were significantly underrepresented in transplant populations across the United States. This prompted her to investigate the situation in Canada, particularly in Nova Scotia, where she found a complete lack of contemporary data on gender inequities in access to transplant services.

With a national grant in hand, Dr. Vinson embarked on a groundbreaking study that revealed dramatic disparities in transplant access for women in Nova Scotia...

Read the full story on page 30 of our report!

Dr. Luke Chen Interviewed by New York Times and featured in Dalhousie Faculty of Medicine News

Dr. Luke Chen, Division of Hematology, was recently interviewed by The New York Times to share his experience collaborating with Dr. David Fajgenbaum, a University of Pennsylvania professor and founder of Every Cure — a nonprofit that uses machine learning to match existing drugs with diseases in need of treatment.

The story highlights a remarkable case in which Dr. Chen used an AI-predicted therapy, adalimumab, to treat a patient with Castleman disease who had exhausted all other options. The treatment led to a dramatic recovery, now detailed in a research letter Dr. Chen published with Dr. Fajgenbaum in The New England Journal of Medicine.

Dr. Chen was also featured by Dalhousie Faculty of Medicine for this pioneering research and his work to launch the Coastal Rare Inflammatory Diseases Program: a new Dalhousie-UBC collaboration focused on transforming care and research for patients with rare inflammatory diseases. Read the full story here.

Dr. John Sapp featured in Dalhousie News: "Breakthrough in heart treatment best practice sparks global rethink"

Dr. John Sapp of DoM's Division of Cardiology, is "prompting a re-evaluation of heart treatment worldwide" with his work on catheter ablation as the most effective treatment for ventricular tachycardia.

Read the "Dal Soutions" feature article to learn about a compelling patient case and the promising trajectory of Dr. Sapp's research, which was recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Dr. Paul MacDonald featured on Nova Scotia Health's Research and Innovation Hub: "Cape Breton shaping the future of heart health with milestone in clinical research"

Dr. Paul MacDonald, Assistant Professor with the Division of Cardiology and cardiologist at Cape Breton Regional Hospital, leads a research team that has secured a global First Subject In (FSI) for the AstraZeneca Prevent HF clinical trial, surpassing 34 other countries to enroll the world’s first patient.

"This groundbreaking cardiology trial is investigating a new drug designed to delay the onset of heart failure in at-risk patients, including those with cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. It’s focus on prevention offers a unique perspective - setting it apart as a key differentiator in clinical studies currently happening in Nova Scotia."

Read the full story here.

In honour of Administrative Professionals Week, we interviewed two team members whose professional journeys highlight how administrative roles offer fulfilling opportunities for growth and development.

Up first is Jaflet Jeskar, Secretary D for the division of Hematology. Jaflet is an internationally trained physician who was recently matched with the Family Medicine Residency program in Yarmouth. 

First of all, congratulations on matching to the Family Medicine Residency program in Yarmouth – what an incredible achievement! Can you share what this milestone means to you, and what your path to this point has looked like?

By God's grace, I matched in my first cycle, and this milestone truly means a lot to me. I see it as the beginning of an exciting new chapter in my life. My journey in Canada began as a COVID site screener. From there, I transitioned to Secretary B, then to Secretary D, and now I am about to begin my residency in Family Medicine. It has been a long and challenging road—one filled with growth, perseverance, and resilience.

One of the most difficult decisions I faced along the way was whether I could manage studying for medical exams while working full-time. I chose to do both, and that decision required many sacrifices. I’m incredibly grateful to my husband for his unwavering support through every step of this journey. There were moments of doubt and setbacks, but I truly believe that consistency and determination were the keys to reaching this point. My journey has included not only moments of success but also failures—and through it all, my greatest source of strength has been my family. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to them. Their love, encouragement, and belief in me have been the foundation of everything I’ve achieved. I could not have come this far without their support.

You’ve worked as a Secretary D in the Division of Hematology while pursuing your goal of practicing medicine in Canada. How has this role supported or influenced your journey toward becoming a family physician?

While working in various roles, my time as a Secretary D in the Division of Hematology provided me with invaluable insight into a physician’s daily routine and time management. It also deepened my appreciation for the importance of teamwork in delivering effective patient care. These experiences have significantly influenced my journey toward becoming a family physician by helping me better understand the collaborative nature of medical practice and the structure of our healthcare system.

I am incredibly grateful to have worked closely with a remarkable team of physicians who have supported and inspired me throughout this journey. I want to sincerely thank Dr. Amye for her unwavering encouragement; her support played a vital role in helping me match into residency. I’m also thankful to Dr. Chen, who immediately invited me to shadow him in his clinic after I shared my match news. Dr. Robinson taught me how to communicate professionally with physicians and helped me learn from my mistakes with kindness and patience. A very special thank you to Elaine, my team lead and dear friend, who supported me through every challenge in my role. Her guidance taught me the level of dedication and professionalism required in this field. I’d also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Dr. Sudeep, Dr. Shannon, Dr. Fraga, Dr. Rachelle, Dr. Ron, Dr. White, Dr. Elsawy, and Dr. Trottier. I had the privilege of working closely with each of them, and I truly appreciate their kindness, mentorship, and the positive impact they’ve had on my journey. Although I’ve only been part of the Hematology team for a few months, it already feels like a meaningful chapter of my life that I will dearly miss.

What have you learned through your time in the Department of Medicine – professionally or personally – that you’ll take with you into your residency and future medical career?

Professionally, one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned during my time in the Department of Medicine is the true meaning of teamwork. In my previous roles, most of the work was fairly independent, but when I joined this department, especially during a period of unexpected staff shortages, I experienced firsthand the power of collaboration. We supported each other by sharing responsibilities, communicating openly, and stepping in whenever needed. This environment helped me develop critical time management skills, and I began implementing tools like to-do lists and priority planning to stay organized and efficient. This experience also taught me how to adapt quickly under pressure, remain calm during high-demand situations, and be resourceful. I became more confident in my ability to handle challenges, multitask effectively, and contribute to a fast-paced healthcare setting, all of which are essential skills as I enter residency.

Personally, the lessons I learned extended beyond the workplace. By applying the same organizational strategies to my everyday life, I became more productive and balanced. I developed better habits around planning, goal setting, and self-discipline. Most importantly, I realized the value of a supportive team and a positive work culture, something I will always seek and strive to contribute to throughout my medical career. The Department of Medicine has shaped not just my professional growth, but also my character. It taught me humility, patience, resilience, and how small efforts, when done consistently and with heart, can lead to meaningful impact.

What advice would you offer to other internationally trained physicians navigating the Canadian healthcare system or considering admin roles as part of their path?

One piece of advice I would offer to other internationally trained physicians is this: never think it’s too late to start. My husband used to tell me, "Nothing is too late—start today, because every day is a new opportunity to prove yourself." That mindset carried me through some of the toughest times on this journey. Navigating the Canadian healthcare system as an internationally trained physician can be long and challenging. There will be obstacles, uncertainties, and moments where you may feel discouraged, but don’t lose hope. Stay focused on your goals, be patient with the process, and trust your ability to grow through every experience. Taking on administrative roles can be a meaningful part of the journey. These roles offer a valuable inside look at how the healthcare system functions, help you develop transferable skills, and allow you to build relationships with mentors and future colleagues. Don’t hesitate to start wherever you can, what matters most is moving forward. Stay consistent, stay curious, and surround yourself with people who uplift and believe in you. Every small step counts, and with determination and resilience, your dream will become reality.

Next up is Miranda Purcell, Secretary E for Rheumatology. Her career aspiration is to be a Counselling Therapist, and she's well on her way.

Can you tell us about your role as Secretary E in the Division of Rheumatology — how long have you been with the Department of Medicine, and what does a typical day look like for you?

I have been working as the Division Assistant for the Division of Rheumatology and the DoM for one year in May! My typical day includes me commuting from Purcell’s Cove where I begin my day at the NSRAC for 7:30 AM every day. I work for a lovely team of 10 Rheumatologists, and I support them as well as the members of our division (i.e. clerical staff, administrative staff, nursing) as needed. My day is filled with lots of organizing, faxing, attending and taking minutes at meetings, scheduling meetings, and responding to lots and lots of emails! I ensure that all of our information and schedules are up to date and that all of our doctors have what they need throughout their day.

How has your role in the Department of Medicine supported your journey toward a clinical career in mental health and addictions?

When I was hired on as the Division Assistant for Rheumatology I was actively working towards my career as a Counselling Therapist. My manager has been actively supporting my journey, and I have felt encouraged to continue pursuing my dream career by all of our team members! Everyone in our division demonstrates respect and kindness, which are foundational skills for any effective therapist. I feel so fortunate that the team has embraced me in this role and that I have received the support and flexibility to pursue my career while making a valuable contribution to Nova Scotia Health as an administrator.

What skills or insights have you gained in your administrative work that you think will help you in your future clinical practice?

Working as an Administrator for the DoM has taught me incredible time management skills, which is crucial when you are balancing a full course load while working full time. It has also taught me the importance of teamwork and collaboration; so many wonderful colleagues have assisted me with projects as I learned the ins and outs of our division and this position. Active listening and valuing the opinions of others are other skills I have expanded on since working in this role. I try to listen more intently to others when they speak and only speak up when I feel I have something important or beneficial to contribute to conversations. I feel this is essential when working on committees where there are multiple roles; there is so much we can learn from each other and so many problems that can be resolved when we take the time to really listen. These skills are invaluable and will serve me well when working with clients in my future career as a mental health professional.

What would you say to others considering an administrative role while pursuing studies or planning a career in healthcare?

To anyone who is considering taking on a Masters or Post-Graduate degree, I urge you to take the leap! There are managers and teams within Nova Scotia Health and within the DoM that will work with you and support you as you pursue your career goals. Some days may be more difficult than others, but ultimately, if you manage your time wisely and lean on team members when you need help, you can be successful! I feel very lucky to work with such a wonderful and supportive team.

Know an outstanding admin whose story or contributions deserve to be highlighted? We’d love to hear from you! Email candice.albright@nshealth.ca to nominate a colleague — or yourself — for a future feature.

Research, Innovation, and Quality Day – A Big Success!

We were thrilled to see a packed room filled with physicians, residents, researchers, grad students, and medical students at this year’s Research, Innovation, and Quality (RIQ) Day last Thursday. The event featured fantastic oral presentations, a dynamic keynote panel on AI, and engaging poster presentations that sparked thoughtful discussion throughout the day.

Congratulations to all of this year’s deserving award winners – and thank you to everyone who joined us! Stay tuned for a full event recap in next month’s newsletter.

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

Administrative Professionals Celebration - April 24

Our admins are invited to join us for a special appreciation event on Thursday, April 24, from 1-2pm in the Collaborative Health Education Building (CHEB), room 170 (5793 University Avenue).

Enjoy an hour of sweet treats, fun prizes, and well-deserved celebration with your colleagues. This event is our way of saying thank you for the dedication, skill, and support you bring to the department every day.

Please RSVP here: https://forms.office.com/r/nnw8qH77e3

HSMs – kindly share this invitation with your booking clerk teams.

We look forward to celebrating with you!

Department of Medicine Awards - Nominations Open until May 9

It's that time of year again when we celebrate our colleagues’ achievements by nominating them for DOM Awards! The deadline for the following categories is May 9:

Brian M. Chandler Lifetime Achievement Award in Medical Education

DoM Achievement Award

DoM Clinical Excellence Award

DoM Excellence in Leadership Award

DoM Excellence in Medical Education Award

DoM Excellence in Quality & Innovation Award

Outstanding Resident Award

Resident Research Excellence Awards

Resident Research Publication Awards

DoM Excellence in Administration Award

Department Awards - Department of Medicine - Dalhousie University

Have questions or need assistance gathering the required information for a nomination? Contact Kerri at kerry.purdy@nshealth.ca or Denise at denise.hatchette@nshealth.ca.

May 31 - Departmental Deadline for Academic Promotion Applications

The Department of Medicine is now accepting faculty applications for academic promotion to be considered in the 2025-26 academic year. 

The departmental deadline for application submission is May 31, 2025. Information about the application process will be distributed to faculty with continuing academic appointments via email – please contact Heather.Fraser@nshealth.ca if you have 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

Ongoing Continuing Professional Development and Medical Education

The Dalhousie Faculty of Medicine always has opportunities to extend your learning and professional development. Stay on top of what's going on by visiting Conferences & Events - Continuing Professional Development & Medical Education - Dalhousie University.

Review the calendar of events, and even receive weekly reminders of accredited events for physicians by completing and submitting the Contact Data Form.

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.