PPW x CMHA Mental Health Panel
Panelists
Shelby Davidson
A Youth Mental Health Promotion Coordinator for the Canadian Mental Health Association, Manitoba and Winnipeg. Passionate about supporting youth and youth mental health. Currently, Shelby coordinates the Thrival Kits Project (www.thrivalkits.ca), which is a school-based mental health program for grades 4-6 based in Children’s Rights. When not working for CMHA Manitoba and Winnipeg, Shelby loves being out in nature. Hiking is her favourite activity and one of her favourite Manitoba sites to hike is Riding Mountain National Park.
Stephen P. Sutherland
An experienced Mental Health Clinician and educator with a history of working in the mental health care industry, post-secondary and the non-profit sector in both Canada and The United States of America. A dynamic speaker, engaging teacher, person-centred therapist and innovative leader – Stephen produces and drives positive change. Through the story, Stephen is authentic and vulnerable, sharing his lived and living experience/expertise with mental illness and how he has used connection as a vehicle of personal and professional transformation. Stephen is currently the Program Manager of Mental Health Promotion at the Canadian Mental Health Association Manitoba and Winnipeg office.
Video
On April 30th, 2022, Project Pulse Winnipeg hosted an event about mental health, featuring two speakers from the Canadian Mental Health Association. The speakers included Stephen Sutherland, who is currently the Program Manager of Mental Health Promotion at the Canadian Mental Health Association Manitoba and Winnipeg office, and Shelby Davidson, who is a Youth Mental Health Promotion Coordinator for the Canadian Mental Health Association, Manitoba and Winnipeg. The panelists gave insight to the audience about many topics concerning mental health, ranging from the different careers in the social sciences field to learning how to cope with stressors, and their informative and interactive discussion was immensely valued.
Radiology Panel
Panelists
Dr. Esther Kim
Dr. Esther Kim, who was born and raised in Winnipeg, MB. She completed both her Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine at the University of Manitoba and is a 4rd year Diagnostic Radiology resident and Chief Radiology Resident. Dr. Kim chose medicine because it is an ever-changing profession with innumerable chances to continuously learn and grow in many aspects. Particularly, she has pursued many leadership opportunities within and outside of the medical field, with a deep understanding and passion to improve healthcare on a broad scale.
She is honoured to be a part of the Project Pulse Winnipeg Radiology session and hopes that sharing her experiences will be inspiring to the next generation.
Dr. Jai Shankar
Dr. Jai Shankar is a professor at the University of Manitoba and a Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiologist at the Health Sciences Center. Dr. Shankar is also the principal investigator for ongoing clinical trials and a researcher. His research has received multiple grants (approx. 3 million grant money as Principal investigator) including CIHR grants. He has received many awards including, the Doctors Manitoba Medal of Excellence, Faculty of Medicine (Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation) Patient-Oriented Research Award 2017 and the Young Investigator Award, Canadian Association of Radiology. Dr. Shankar has had more than 125 publications in peer-reviewed journals, 2 book chapters, more than 80 invited lectures and more than 150 conference presentations.
Dr. Yi Yan
Dr. Yi Yan, graduated from Jinan medical school in China and then pursued postgraduate research at the University of Manitoba. He obtained his MSc and Ph.D. from the Department of Biochemistry and Medical genetics/CancerCare Manitoba. Dr. Yan enjoys basic medical research, but also has a passion for clinical medicine. He has undertaken an ultrasound training program in Winnipeg. Subsequently, he became a full-time sonographer at St. Boniface Hospital for 5 years. In 2018, Dr. Yan started a new journal and became a radiology resident. Now he is a PGY4 resident at the University of Manitoba.
Video
Project Pulse Winnipeg hosted a radiology interview in which three radiologists with diverse backgrounds and unique experiences were invited to provide insight and advice for future health sciences students. The highlights of this event have been summarized below, but the full recording with timestamps for each question can be found in the link below.
Process of Choosing Your Field
All three professionals shared that being a radiologist wasn’t their initial choice. However, as they kept their options open, something they agree is extremely important, they explored and found out where their skills and passions lay. Their choice to become a radiologist was influenced by many other factors as well, as they had to factor in things like the opportunities available to them and what would help them support a living at the stages of life they were at. Dr. Yan talks about how although he was fortunate enough to be given an opportunity to become a radiologist, he had a backup plan and tells the audience that it is crucial to always have one. Many students, regardless of what stage in their educational journey they are at, may also feel intimidated by the future, being unsure of what career is right for them. In response to this, Dr. Shankar tells our audience: “You don’t necessarily have to know what you want to do. Take one step at a time. We can only plan for something that is in our sight and beyond that, we can’t. And it’s okay.” Dr. Shankar advises students to focus on the present, as if you do so, you will be able to explore and discover yourself, and only then will you find what you're passionate about.
Meeting the Unexpected and Staying Optimistic
It goes without saying that everyone in their life will be faced with something that they did not expect and that may throw them off track momentarily. Dr. Kim reassures our audience by saying, “life happens and it puts you in a path you weren’t expecting or you didn’t want to go, but things do work out at the end of the day. It’s okay to go through bumps throughout life”. She mentions how most people don’t go straight from A to Z, and “sometimes it's for the better, you do grow, you do learn, and you really do mature through those experiences especially if they are tough”. Dr. Yan emphasizes the importance of making mistakes and more importantly, learning from your mistakes, sharing anecdotes from his personal life. The optimistic outlook on these inevitable bumps and mistakes made in life is highly admirable, and Dr. Shankar shares the importance of optimism in the professional world. Dr. Shankar believes, “it’s the only skill that will take you further,” sharing how he was able to find a silver lining to the impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on his research. He also mentions that in order to do research, you must have hope and optimism, as the point of research is to discover new things. That being said, everything about research is full of uncertainty and mystery, and you must have this hope and optimism to push you to the finish line.
Final Words: Working Hard
On the topic of using optimism to persevere through hard times, the three professionals note that this optimism is crucial during the process of studying to become a doctor, as the process is long and requires lots of hard work. However, Dr. Kim says at the end of the day, “to know that you have made an impact on someone’s life in a moment of their most difficulty and desperation makes [the hard work] worth it”. Dr. Shankar also says that while there is a lot of hard work that needs to be put into becoming a doctor, “once you’re passionate about something, all that hard work becomes so easy and you start enjoying that process”. As their final words, the three professionals all share how they believe the most important qualities one can have to help them become a health sciences professional are being optimistic, open-minded, hard-working, and able to learn from your mistakes. They share that it is a very rewarding path and Dr. Shankar closes by saying that the “key is to remember, it’s a lifelong learning. As long as you’re ready for it, it is yours.”
Surgeon Panel
Panelists
Dr. Alysa Almojuela
Dr. Alysa Almojuela is in the final year of her neurosurgery residency at the University of Manitoba. She is originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba. She received her schooling at the UofM, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Microbiology in 2012, and joint Doctor of Medicine and Bachelor of Science in Medicine degrees in 2016. She also completed her Master of Science in 2021. Following residency, she will be completing a Complex Spine Fellowship at the University of Calgary. Outside of work, she enjoys travel, hiking, camping and cooking.
Dr. Biniam Kidane
Dr. Biniam Kidane is a Thoracic and Foregut Surgeon with a special interest in minimally invasive and endoscopic approaches to benign and malignant thoracic/foregut disease. He was recruited to Manitoba to establish an advanced diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy program for thoracic diseases. He completed his MD at the University of Toronto and his General Surgery Residency at Western University. He then completed Thoracic Surgery Residency at the University of Toronto. He had the privilege of pursuing further training in Interventional Endoscopy at McGill. Dr Kidane has a research interest in peri-operative care specifically in the thoracic surgery sphere but also in all surgical disciplines. His major interest is in lung protective ventilation during thoracic surgery as well as peri-operative practice variation and quality improvement.
Dr. Richard Liu
Dr. Richard Liu is a Thoracic Surgeon with a clinical interest in minimally invasive surgery and advanced endoscopy. He completed medical school at the University of Alberta. He then completed General Surgery Residency and Master’s in Community Health and Epidemiology at Dalhousie University. He completed his Thoracic Surgery Residency at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Liu joined the Department of Surgery in 2019 as an Assistant Professor in Thoracic Surgery. He is currently the Postgraduate Program Director for Thoracic Surgery. Dr. Liu's clinical research interests include outcomes of minimally invasive and advanced endoscopic techniques in thoracic oncology, benign foregut surgery, and surgical education. He has particular methodologic interests in patient-reported outcomes, patient-important outcomes, and meta-analysis techniques.
Video
Project Pulse Winnipeg hosted a surgeons panel on March 19th, 2022 where an audience consisting of high school and post-secondary students joined to hear the insightful and enlightening words of our panellists. This panel consisted of Dr. Alysa Almojuela, a neurosurgery resident at the University of Manitoba, Dr. Biniam Kidane, a Thoracic and Foregut Surgeon, and Dr. Richard Liu, who is also a Thoracic Surgeon. The panellists answered all of the audience’s questions, all while educating and inspiring participants in a positive manner towards the health sciences.
Women in Stem Interview
Panelists
Amanda Allardice
Amanda Allardice is a second year medical student at the University of Manitoba. Prior to beginning her medical degree, she studied at the University of Winnipeg where she received a Bachelor of Science with a major in Biology and a minor in Rhetoric and Communications. She is passionate about the health of women, gender minorities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and is involved in a number of projects and groups through her medical school to advocate for these populations. Upon completion of her medical degree, Amanda hopes to pursue a residency in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
Dhriti Katoch
I am Dhriti Katoch an international student studying B.Sc. Biology at the University of Winnipeg. Owing to my curiosity, I have always been passionate about biological sciences. I aspire to enter med school and pursue my dream of studying medicine in an attempt to help people and bring smiles to their faces.
Having parents from STEM, I was always encouraged to ask questions during lectures since that’s the foundation for understanding any subject. Fortunately, their advice not only helped make my base strong in science but also gave me the freedom to be curious and ask numerous questions increasing my interest in science even more.
I would love to spread awareness about inclusivity in the science community and help others find their passion for science as well.
Mayoni Shukla
Hi, I am Mayoni Shukla, and my friends call me Mayo! I was born and raised in Central India. I am currently living in Winnipeg, Canada, as a full-time student at The University of Winnipeg. My Major is biology. Currently, I am working part-time for a company called SkipTheDishes, as a Courier Operations Specialist. I love making friends and I feel meeting new people widens your horizons. However, since COVID I have not been able to do so. I am extremely fond of nature. I love animals and plants. I am trained in Indian Classical Music and I have received a Senior Diploma in it. Often, I like to paint and write poetry.
Video
During Women’s History Month, Project Pulse Winnipeg is highlighting the stories of women in science. We met with three brilliant young women who shared their journeys in university thus far. Our speakers included Dhriti Katoch, Amanda Allardice, and Mayoni Shukla. Dhriti and Mayoni are both currently pursuing undergraduate degrees in biology at the University of Winnipeg while Amanda is pursuing her degree in medicine at the University of Manitoba.
Black History Month Event
Panelist
Uzoma Asagwara
Uzoma Asagwara is a Registered Psychiatric Nurse, Addictions Specialist and former member of the Canadian National basketball team and in 2019 made history as the first Black, Queer, Gender Non-Conforming person elected to the Manitoba Legislative Assembly and across Canada.
Most recently Uzoma became the first Black person to make a law in Manitoba when their Bill “The Somali Heritage Week Act” was passed in December of 2020 with unanimous support in the Manitoba Legislature.
Uzoma has been a long-time advocate alongside newcomer and refugee communities, two spirit and LGBTQ+ folks, youth and grassroots organizations.
Video
In light of Black History Month, Project Pulse Winnipeg was honoured to have Uzoma Asasgwara join our audience in an engaging and inspiring discussion on February 19th, 2022. Uzoma Asagwara is a Registered Psychiatric Nurse, Addictions Specialist and former member of the Canadian National basketball team and in 2019 made history as the first Black, Queer, Gender Non-Conforming person elected to the Manitoba Legislative Assembly and across Canada. During this event, not only did they share their experiences as a Black professional in the fields of health sciences, but also their insight on crucial topics, such as the importance of learning how to be an ally to the Black community. Their experiences and knowledge were incredibly enlightening and made for a memorable event.
Multidisciplinary Approach to Cancer Management
Panelists
Dr. Pamela Hebbard
Dr. Pamela Hebbard is a general surgical oncologist with CancerCare Manitoba and Shared Health/Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. She has an appointment as an assistant professor of surgery with the University of Manitoba. She was born in Goose Bay, Labrador and grew up there and in St John’s Newfoundland. Her bachelor's degree, medical degree and general surgery residency were obtained through the Memorial University of Newfoundland, as was a graduate diploma in clinical epidemiology. She then moved to the University of Calgary for a fellowship in general surgical oncology.
Dr Hebbard has been practicing in Winnipeg since 2012. Her clinical focus is on complex GI malignancy, breast cancer, and melanoma. She has research and administrative interests in optimizing surgical quality in cancer delivery.
Dr. Rick Bhullar
Dr. Rick Bhullar was born and raised in Winnipeg. With a B.Sc. in Life Sciences from Queen's University, Dr. Bhullar completed his medical degree and residency in Radiology at the University of Manitoba. He later obtained a fellowship in Musculoskeletal Imaging at UC San Diego. In 2002 he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee Medal, presented by the Lt. Governor and Premier of Manitoba to a person who has made “a significant contribution to Canada, to their community, or to their fellow Canadians”. Today, Rick is the Section Head of Musculoskeletal Radiology at HSC Winnipeg, combining his love of sports and medicine. Outside of medicine, Rick enjoys travelling and was a former competitive speed swimmer. He continues to swim regularly with a club at the Pan Am Pool.
Dr. Sapna Oberoi
Dr. Sapna Oberoi is a pediatric hematologist-oncologist at CancerCare Manitoba and the University of Manitoba. She has expertise in pediatric and adult sarcomas, adolescent and young adult (AYA) oncology and cancer survivorship. Her research focuses on AYA oncology, fatigue in children and adolescents with cancer, supportive care, symptom management and sarcomas. The goal of her research is to improve the outcomes and quality of life of children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer during and after cancer treatment. Besides being a pediatric oncologist, Dr. Oberoi is a wife and mother to an energetic 7-year-old daughter, who always keeps her on her toes! When not at work, she likes to spend time with her family.
Dr. Shantanu Banerji
Dr. Shantanu Banerji is a clinician-scientist with a practice focused on lung cancer and sarcoma. His laboratory at the CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute is focused on understanding prognostic and predictive biomarkers specific to the treatment of cancer. He is also the director of Precision Medicine and Advanced Therapeutics and an Associate Professor.
Multidisciplinary Approach to Cancer Management
Project Pulse Winnipeg’s first interview and blog post for the 2021/2022 season was dedicated to the Multidisciplinary Approach to Cancer Management. Four professionals, Dr. Shantanu Banerji, Dr. Rick Bhullar, Dr. Pamela Hebbard, and Dr. Sapna Oberoi, were invited to provide insight on their roles in this multidisciplinary process, as well as advice for future health sciences students. The highlights of this event have been summarized below, but the full recording with timestamps for each question can be found in the link below or on Project Pulse Winnipeg’s Youtube channel.
Despite being in different specialties, all four of them work together in different ways to help with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Starting with the radiologist, Dr. Bhullar shares that he is involved in the imaging of patients, which can be done through x-rays, MRIs, ultrasounds, etc. He helps in the process of diagnosing the type of cancer and its relationship to structures in the body, along with treatment planning. As a surgeon, Dr. Hebbard also aids in the process of diagnosing but can also try to remove tumours. She also takes on an administrative role as the lead for cancer surgery in Manitoba, completing paperwork to direct policies for the health system for cancer surgery. Both Dr. Banerji and Dr. Oberoi are oncologists, with Dr. Oberoi specializing in adolescents with cancer. They share that oncologists work with surgeons to acquire tissues important for localized cancers, remove tumours, identify their size, and find out if they are involved in lymph nodes. Oncologists will then give systematic therapy, which comes in three forms: chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and the newest form of therapy, immunotherapy.
Technological Advancements – The Importance
The topic of technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence and immunotherapy, in medicine, is touched on, along with a bittersweet story from Dr. Banerji highlighting the importance of the continuous evolution of technology and techniques. One of his most memorable cases is a patient who ran out of treatment options and would’ve died if it wasn’t for a new gene test. As a Hail Mary, the tissue was sent for testing and the patient was put on a new drug. Dr. Banerji shares, “This was someone who could barely walk 10 feet to suddenly within the span of 2 weeks of being on the medicine, was able to function normally again. Wound up living another 3 years of really excellent quality of life”. From this story and many other revelations about new medications, the evolution of technology is revealed, as it opens up more possibilities for patients.
Priorities, Passion, and Perseverance
Perhaps the biggest takeaway that students should take from this interview was the repetition of the importance of priorities, passion, and perseverance.
As many know, the learning journey to becoming a doctor occupies lots of time, and Dr. Banerji discusses the importance of picking and choosing priorities. Dr. Bhullar shares that the learning journey that got him to where he is today never ends, as “Medicine is the type of thing where you have to stay on top of it. Everything is changing all the time”. While all four professionals agree that this is a process that requires dedication and time, Dr. Oberoi shares, “Yes, being an oncologist is a lifelong commitment to learning. The field is ever-changing and it does require lots of time. But this being said, I never regret it. It is very satisfying, having the patients go through this journey and supporting them through this cancer journey is very rewarding”. The distinguised professionals all reveal how important the bonds and connections they have made with patients are, to both them and the patient themselves. Dr. Hebbard shares that although it is devastating to tell patients unfortunate news, patients often feel supported because of the relationship formed between the doctor and patient.
Along with the rewards of being a doctor, which the professionals agree is one of the many sources of motivation they have to pursue a path in medicine, all four touch on the importance of passion. Dr. Hebbard talks about how time did not feel like an issue, as “It’s my job, my hobby, my passion. Because of that, it doesn’t feel like a sacrifice. I’m all in”. Dr. Banerji echoes this, informing the audience, “You really have to have a passion for it. It’s not a great field if you don’t have a passion for it. The reality of it is the drive for learning, the drive for knowledge and medicine has to come from within because if you don’t have that passion for learning, the willingness to adapt to the field of medicine can consume you and slowly knock you down over time. So you really have to be passionate”.
The Undergraduate Journey
Panelists
Apara
My name is Apara and I am in my fourth year of my science degree at the University of Winnipeg where I am doing a double major in biology and biochemistry. I am currently involved with Students for Herd Immunity as an ambassador for vaccine literacy and I am the current secretary and treasurer of the University of Winnipeg Biology Students Association. I have been involved in research throughout my high school and university career with a focus on oncology research. I have worked at labs at both Cancer Care Manitoba (2017) and the University of Winnipeg (2020-2021) and I have also volunteered at a lab at the University of Manitoba (2015-2016). I am looking forward to telling you about my undergrad journey so far!
Alexa Pommer
Alexa is a second-year student in the Bachelor of Health Sciences program at the University of Manitoba. This year, she is a general member on the Community Health Sciences Student Association (CHSA) and a trainee in the new Multidisciplinary Health Research Experience (MHRE). She aspires to pursue further studies in a professional heath program or graduate program. Alexa has a passion for the health sciences and is looking forwards to sharing her experience thus far. She hopes to inform prospective students and provide them with a better understanding of the university experience.
Kayla Kostal
Kayla Kostal is a Master of Science student in the Department of Community Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba. In May 2021, she received her BA (Hons) in Psychology with First Class Honours. Her undergraduate thesis examined changes in behaviour and mental health from transitioning to community homes in persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her research interests include epidemiology, health policy, mental health, global health, infectious diseases, health of vulnerable populations, and chronic conditions.
Video
Project Pulse Winnipeg is proud to present “The Undergraduate Journey,” an event held on Sunday, January 30th, 2022. Three university students shared their undergraduate journeys and spoke about choosing a program, admission, scholarships, and further studies. They shared useful advice for anyone hoping to pursue university studies in the next few years. This event provides relevant information pertaining to the beginning of a university journey and what supports are in place.
We thank Alexa, Apara, and Kayla for sharing their useful advice and memorable stories with us!
A Day in the Life of a University Student
Chioma
Project Pulse Winnipeg is proud to present our Day in the Life of a University Student event held on Saturday, December 18th, 2021. Our featured speaker, Chioma, who is a third-year university student at the College of Nursing at the University of Manitoba, walked us through what a day in her life looks like. Chioma spoke about her daily activities as well as the importance of school-life balance. This event provides a thorough look inside the life of a nursing student studying during a pandemic and what to expect during your first three years as a student in the College of Nursing. We thank Chioma for sharing her wonderful presentation, memorable stories, and useful advice with our audience.
Video
Health Sciences Week
For the first time ever, Project Pulse Winnipeg held a Health Sciences Week! During this coordinated week, we prepared and shared many resources relating to the health sciences to our social media followers, including ways to get involved in the health sciences during high school and ways to prepare for a future career. This resource week took place back in the beginning of December, and is fully accessible through our Instagram page!
Research Panel!
Panelists
Helgi Kuzmychova
She is an international student from Ukraine. Helgi finished the Biotechnology bachelor program at the University of Wroclaw, Poland, and after a short working period in the Experimental endocrinology lab in Ukraine, she came to Canada to further extend her field of expertise. Currently, Helgi is a 4th-year undergraduate student in the Genetics program at the University of Manitoba and is working on a research project focused on therapy-resistant brain tumours under Dr. Tanveer Sharif's supervision.
Emma Martell
Ph.D. Candidate, Departments of Human Anatomy and Cell Sciences and Pathology, University of Manitoba. Emma Martell completed her B.Sc. in Microbiology and immunology and M.Sc. in Pathology at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia. She is currently a third-year Ph.D. candidate studying at the University of Manitoba under the supervision of Dr. Tanveer Sharif in the departments of Pathology and Human Anatomy and amp; Cell Science. Her research project is focused on identifying and characterizing novel metabolic vulnerabilities as therapeutic targets in aggressive childhood and adult brain cancers.
Dr. Tanveer Sharif
Dr. Tanveer Shaif is an assistant professor in pathology at Rady faculty of health sciences, university of Mantioba. As a pharmacist turned researcher, he received his B.sc. in Pharmacy and MSc in Pharmacology. Sr. Sharif completed her Ph.D. at the University of Strasbourg in France before moving to Canada in 2013 to pursue his Postdoctoral fellowship at Dalhousie supervision of Dr. Patrick W.K. Lee Prior to his retirement. At. Dalhousie. Dr. Sharif studied the role of tumour suppressors and metabolism in embryonal carcinoma stem cells and patient-derived brain tumour initiating cells. In 2019, Dr. Shairf joined the University of Manitoba as a principal investigator to lead a new tumour suppressor biology, autophagy and metabolism program in the department of pathology.
Video with Winnipegs Research Panel
Project Pulse Winnipeg hosted a Research Panel on Saturday, November 20th where students learned more about Dr. Tanveer Sharif’s current research regarding identifying and characterizing new metabolism-based precision medicine therapeutic strategies for treating aggressive brain tumors. This panel consisted of Dr. Tanveer Sharif himself, Emma Martell, a PH.D candidate, and Helgi Kuzmychova, a 4th year undergraduate student. Not only did they provide our high school and post-secondary audience with insight on what research in a professional environment looks like, but gave inspiring and memorable words of advice regarding topics such as moving on from setbacks and working as both an individual and team.
It was an honour to be able to have Dr. Sharif, Emma and Helgi join us and our audience to learn about their unique experiences and more about the health sciences and research.
Instagram Live with CHSA
Stefan Urbano
Project Pulse Winnipeg is proud to present our Instagram Live Q&A event held on Saturday, November 6th, 2021 in collaboration with the University of Manitoba Community Health Students’ Association (CHSA). Our featured speaker, Stefan, who is majoring in health sciences at the University of Manitoba, answered questions that were submitted by our audience. Stefan also told us about the CHSA and his time as a member there. He shared what it is like studying the health sciences and mentioned the supportive environment that the U of M, as well as organizations like CHSA, foster.
We thank Stefan for sharing his experiences and inspiring the next generation of health science students! The recording of this enlightening event can be found on our Instagram page.
Professional Pathology Panel
Panelists
Dr. Gabor Fischer
Dr. Gabor Fischer is the Department head at the Department of Pathology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba and the medical Director of Anatomical Pathology at shared Health Manitoba. He is a certified Anatomical Pathologist and Cytopathologist. Dr. Fischer is The Chair of the Canadian Society of Cytopathology. He is a member of the Royal College Committee on Specialties. Dr.Fischer has been active in volunteer pathology projects to improve the diagnostic educational and clinical services in low-income countries, including Vietnam, Liberia, Cambodia and Peru.
Jason Morin
Jason Morin is a forensic pathologist working as a part of a team of forensic pathologists at the Health Sciences Centre and St. Boniface Hospital. He also has dual appointments as a medical examiner with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and as a clinical assistant professor with the University of Manitoba. In addition, Dr. Morin is the region’s representative on the specialty committee for forensic pathology for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. He completed an undergraduate degree at the University of Alberta in human physiology, followed by a medical degree at the University of Calgary. He then went on to complete a residency in anatomical pathology at the University of British Columbia and a fellowship in forensic pathology at the Office of the Medical Investigator in Albuquerque, New Mexico (through the University of New Mexico). Outside of his work life, Dr. Morin is an avid video game enthusiast and enjoys cooking and spending time with his family.
Yong Jia
Make it stand out
Dr. Jia completed an M.D degree at West China Medical School. Then she came to Canada to obtain a Master’s degree in Human Nutritional Science at the University of Manitoba. After that, she worked as a Pathology Assistant in Edmonton before residency. Currently, Dr. Jia is the fourth-year Anatomical Pathology resident at the University of Manitoba. Her past experience in pathology and research is definitely an asset to her residency training. In addition, Dr. Jia is the Chief Resident, who along with her colleague, the Senior Resident, takes the administration role and hosts clinicopathologic correlation rounds.
Video Interview with Pathology Professionals
Project Pulse Winnipeg hosted its first Professional Panel on Saturday, October 23rd, which was composed of a team of esteemed pathologists. Distinguished professionals Dr. Gabor Fischer, Dr. Jason Morin, and Dr. Yong Jia brought forth stimulating and informative presentations, giving our high school and post-secondary audience a sneak peek into the world of pathology. They provided an impactful and inspiring discussion including but not limited to their most memorable experiences as a pathologist, the process of becoming a fellow and resident, challenges they have faced and how high school and post-secondary students alike can find their passion.
Our viewers gained a strong understanding of what to expect not only in the fascinating field of pathology but in the broader world of health sciences. It was an honour to learn more about pathology through such a breadth of different perspectives and backgrounds, and we could not have asked for a more learned group of panellists!