Amrit Ahluwalia

This document introduces the Research Program Canvas, a tool designed to assist researchers with strategic planning for their programs. The canvas supports building and maintaining impactful research programs by helping articulate attributes and benefits, formulate a guiding vision, and operationalize the program. Key areas include identifying required resources, fostering partnerships, integrating program evaluation, and ensuring sustainability and success. It further aids in scaling research programs through grant funding and strategic investment.

This newsletter provides an update on the institution's strategic plan, highlighting progress across several key initiatives. It details advancements in establishing a new School of Public Health, growth in research programs and grant activities, and the development of an academic health sciences network with community hospitals. Furthermore, the plan includes efforts to restructure the school for optimized service delivery and a strong focus on global health and internationalization through expanded international collaborations, healthcare assistance in developing regions, and strategic partnerships with specific geographic and institutional areas.

The event featured an address by Dr. Max Eisen, the recipient of an honorary degree. Dr. Eisen discussed his life story as a Holocaust survivor, detailing his deportation to Auschwitz-Birkenau, the loss of his family, his survival through slave labor and a Death March, and his eventual liberation by the 761st Black Panther Tank Battalion. He emphasized the importance of education and acting from the heart, citing examples of humanity he experienced, such as a piece of bacon shared by his father, the risk taken by Dr. Thaddeus Assessment (Khanna) to save him from the gas chambers, and the kindness of strangers in Pilsen who threw bread to the prisoners. He concluded by urging the graduates to use their knowledge and courage to build a better world, act with integrity, and remember the Hebrew words 'Kazak We Amatz' (Be strong and of good courage).

This Dean's Message from the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry provides an overview of the Bachelor of Medical Sciences (BMSc) program, highlighting its significant growth and success in preparing students for professional and graduate medical careers. The program emphasizes a foundation in human biology and offers valuable research experience. The message also outlines a forward-looking vision, with ongoing task force efforts to assess program strengths, identify areas for expansion, and explore innovative teaching modalities to ensure continued excellence and growth in life and health sciences over the next five to ten years.

The event served as the 311th convocation, marking the graduation of students. Key proceedings included a land acknowledgment recognizing the traditional territories of Indigenous peoples. An honorary degree, Doctor of Laws honoris causa, was conferred upon Dr. Joanne Levy in recognition of her extensive global work in public and environmental health, mental health advocacy, and improving healthcare access for the ultra-poor. Additionally, Professor Emerita and Distinguished University Professor Emeritus titles were conferred upon Professor Carol Bynum and Professor Geoffrey Dickson, respectively, recognizing their long and distinguished service and research contributions in areas such as music education, vocal development, and bone biology. The ceremony concluded with the formal admission of graduating students to their respective degrees, diplomas, and certificates.