Message from the Department Head

A weekend for celebration and an excuse for some flag waving. I am of course talking both about the Ambleside centennial celebrations just down the street from my home, as well as recognizing many who may also be celebrating the Queen’s jubilee. Both of these events remind us of our history but also the importance of waterways and boats in our lives. One of our own faculty will be on the water this weekend on the Thames. Don McKenzie set up Abreast In A Boat in Vancouver in 1996 to test the myth that repetitive upper-body exercise in women treated for breast cancer encourages lymphedema. As a result of his research Dragon boat racing became a symbol of breast cancer survivorship but more importantly enabled survivors to resume active lives without the fear they were causing themselves harm. His research and dedication have led to an invitation to be on one of the pageant of boats on the Thames as part of the 1000 boat flotilla today and we wish him well on that voyage!  Don is an example of the excellence that this department embodies and the impact the research we undertake has on the communities we serve. The Allan McGavin sports medicine centre is continuing to provide leadership in both education and research and the department administration are working closely with the unit to develop a solid funding stream for their work, and potentially to find a way for them to say goodbye to their trailer units.

This week there was a very productive meeting of the full time academic faculty where groups tackled issues of merit, research support, Café Scientifique, and mentorship. Several briefing papers have come from this meeting to help the department move forward with full time faculty taking more active roles in the running and support of the department. These meetings, that happen three times a year, are a valuable opportunity to network and share ideas as well move forward on developing the departmental strategies.

As we approach the residency research day and the departmental research day it is remarkable how much work is being undertaken across the province and we should reserve some of the celebration for self congratulation. The list of grant achievements continues to expand with two Wall Institute awardees this week, Shafik Dharamsi gained a visiting scholar abroad award and Raina Elley (a visiting fellow starting in September) received an International Visiting Research Scholar award.

To the residents who have all just handed in their scholarship assignments, well done.  It is probably a feeling of relief but tempered with the other work that still lies ahead. Maybe looking at Don’s career might provide some inspiration as one sees the clinical practice, teaching, and research all combined and enjoyed successfully over a lifetime of achievement.

Martin Dawes