Dr. Timothy Benstead retired from his AFP position with the Division of Neurology following a 37-year career with the Department of Medicine on June 30, 2023. He will continue teaching through a post-retirement appointment with Dalhousie. Dr. Benstead has had a career that epitomizes excellence in education, clinical care and research. His dedication, over the years, to mentoring members of the DoM and his positive influence within our department will continue for many years to come.

Dr. Martin Gardner retired from the Division of Cardiology on March 31, 2023. He will be keeping a post-retirement appointment to do some teaching. Dr. Gardner joined the Department of Medicine in 1981. He was born in England and grew up in Cape Breton, where he met and married Dominica, and came to Halifax for medical school, residency in Internal Medicine and Cardiology before traveling to Philadelphia to UPenn to train with Dr. Mark Josephson, one of the founders of the specialty of Cardiac Electrophysiology. He returned to Halifax to establish a laboratory and program in Cardiac Electrophysiology. During this period of explosive growth in knowledge, technology and interventional capability, Martin grew the service, recruited colleagues, and brought the new technique of radiofrequency catheter ablation to the Maritimes in 1991. Martin played a key role in several of the seminal randomized clinical trial which still inform our therapy for atrial fibrillation, prevention of sudden death and defibrillator management. In 2002, he went on sabbatical to learn the new field of inherited cardiac arrhythmias and came back to establish one of the first inherited arrhythmia disease clinics in Canada—now viewed as an integral part of tertiary arrhythmia care. A full Professor of Medicine since 1995, Martin carried out an ambitious research program and was recipient of numerous research grants from MRC, Heart and Stroke and others, and was recognized with research awards from the department. He also served as a dedicated teacher, recognized with the coveted Teacher of the Year Award in Cardiology, and the Brian M. Chandler Award for Lifetime Achievement in Medical Education, as well as Mentor of the Year Award from the Royal College. He played key roles in Cardiology residency training, undergraduate training, and served 10 years as associate dean of postgraduate medicine for the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie. He has been closely involved with the Canadian Cardiovascular Society, the College of Physicians, and was a key inspiration to the formation of the Canadian Heart Rhythm Society, which he led as president 2006-2008. Martin is retiring from clinical practice this year after 42 years, leaving behind a legacy of exemplary patient care and academic dedication.

Dr. B. Lynn Johnston officially retired on December 31, 2022 from her AFP position in the Division of Infectious Diseases and kept an academic appointment until June 30, 2023. After graduating medical school in 1979, Lynn completed residencies internal medicine (1984) and infectious diseases (1987). At this time, Lynn experienced the HIV epidemic as a new ID Specialist. Dr. Johnston held various leadership positions including Head, Division of Infectious Diseases. She has extensive experience at the provincial and national level in infection prevention and control having chaired the Public Health Agency of Canada’s (PHAC) Steering Committee on Infection Control Guidelines and was a founding member of the Canadian Hospital Epidemiology Committee. With PHAC, she guided the Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program (CNISP) and chaired the Specialty Committee in Infectious Diseases, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Johnston’s research interests include the epidemiology of hospital-acquired infections including projects on the prevalence of hospital-acquired infections in CNISP hospitals and incidence of central venous catheter associated infections and prosthetic joint infections. With colleagues in the Division, she collaborated on studies of the immune response in people with hepatitis C and HIV infection. Dr. Johnston experienced working with the World Health Organization in West Africa during the Ebola outbreak. Most recently, her knowledge and experience influenced policies and activities of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Johnston’s wisdom and leadership will be missed in the Department. We wish you a happy and healthy retirement.

Dr. Roger McKelvey retired from the Division of Neurology on December 31, 2022. Originally from New Brunswick, Dr. McKelvey attended Dalhousie medical school and then worked as a family physician in New Brunswick for several years. He then did his neurology training, followed by a behavioral neurology fellowship, both at McGill University. He worked as a community neurologist for many years in Fredericton and subsequently in Dartmouth. Dr. McKelvey joined the Division of Neurology as a hospital-based neurologist in 2018. He served as director of the MS clinic and made important contributions to care in movement disorders and behavioral neurology. He now gets to indulge in artistic pursuits and sailing on the Saint John river. Big shoes to fill--we wish him the best in his retirement.

Patricia Wyman retires from the Department of Medicine after 40 years of service on June 30, 2023. She is a dedicated, patient and trustworthy worker holding roles such as Team Lead in Infectious Diseases and Administrative Assistant in Digestive Care & Endoscopy. Her institutional knowledge will be missed! Thank you for all your service and contributions in the Department of Medicine. We wish Patricia all the best in her retirement.

Initiated in 1999, this award is presented to senior physician members of the Department of Medicine who have demonstrated leadership in education beyond their role as a clinician and lecturer throughout their career.

Dr. Simon Jackson, a Professor in the Division of Cardiology, graduated from medical school in 1990, internal medicine in 1995 and a Cardiology residency in 2001 – all from Dalhousie. In 2002, he received a Master’s with distinction in medical education from the University of Dundee, Scotland. Dr. Jackson started his career as a family practitioner and later joined the Division of Cardiology in 2003. Throughout his career, Dr. Jackson has emerged as a natural leader winning many awards for both education and leadership. Awards have included: DoM Grand Rounds Overall Excellence Award, DoM Excellence in Medical Education Award, DoM Achievement Award, Lea C. Steeves Award, Young Alumnus of the Year and Faculty of Medicine Community Scholar Award. Of particular significance was the “Cardiology Teacher of the Year,” a highly sought-after award chosen by cardiology residents. Dr. Jackson has held numerous leadership roles including Program Director for the Dalhousie Cardiology Residency Training Program, Interim Head of the Department of Medicine and Interim Zone Medical Director at Nova Scotia Health. He has dedicated his time to national endeavors through his involvement with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons Training Committee. Despite Dr. Jackson’s busy schedule, his colleagues regard him as a mentor and guide. At the provincial level, Dr. Jackson has been the Chair and Director of the Atlantic Canada Cardiology Conference for several years. This is a province-wide annual CME event organized by the Division of Cardiology which has been successful under his leadership. Congratulations Dr. Jackson.

“Simon is one of the best teachers in the Division of Cardiology and Department of Medicine. This can be attested by numerous individuals. He is a very gifted teacher and changes his style of teaching based on the type of learners he is interacting with.”

– Dr. Ata Quraishi, Division Head, Cardiology

Dr. Scott Murray was a highly revered clinician and teacher in the Dalhousie Division of Dermatology over many years. In honor of his many contributions to education, the division hopes to preserve his legacy by the creation of an award in his name. By highlighting his unique skill set, we hope to encourage excellence in education, devotion to patients and the specialty and excellence in collaborative skills for future generations of dermatology trainees. Initiated in 2022, the award recognizes first and foremost, dedication to and excellence in medical dermatology. Like Dr Murray, the nominee will have demonstrated enthusiasm and dedication to medical education of learners, and strong interpersonal skills with a proven commitment to the advancement of dermatology clinical skills. A broad interest in humanities, music and a wicked sense of humor are also considered in nominees. This award will be presented periodically to a dermatology resident in any year based on nomination and support from division members.

Dr. Mike MacGillivary, a native of North Sydney, Cape Breton, embarked on a journey beyond the island to pursue a Masters of Science in Biology at Mount Allison University. He subsequently went into the field of Marine Biology and worked as a Marine Biologist at BIO.

Throughout his career, Dr. MacGillivary has consistently exhibited exemplary leadership within various medical associations, including Dalhousie Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctors Nova Scotia, Canadian Dermatology Association, and the Royal College. His extensive involvement in these organizations attests to his profound dedication to the medical profession.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, those fortunate enough to encounter Dr. MacGillivary within the hospital setting are likely to witness his vibrant sense of humor, remarkable trivia knowledge, and the ability to spontaneously perform impromptu song and dance routines, flawlessly reciting lyrics from popular songs. Remarkably, he possesses not only a knack for song lyrics but also an extraordinary memory for the names and origins of every nurse, ward clerk, housekeeping staff, and booking clerk.

In the wake of the passing of Dr. Scott Murray in August 2021, the Division of Dermatology established an award in his honor. Generous contributions from the community allowed us to award a new dermatoscope to an individual who embodies Dr. Murray's unwavering passion for medical education, exemplary interpersonal skills, and a commitment to advancing dermatological clinical expertise. Furthermore, the recipient of this prestigious award is expected to demonstrate a broad interest in humanities, a passion for music, and an impeccable sense of humor, such as the cherished qualities of Scott Murray.

Initiated in 1987, the Department of Medicine Achievement Award is designed to recognize an individual’s sustained, exceptional commitment to the mission of the Department, where “together, we advance patient care by fostering excellence in research and education”.

Dr. Timothy "Tim" Benstead is a widely respected physician, teacher, and researcher. He is an expert in conditions such as ALS, diabetic neuropathy and other neuromuscular disorders. A leader in neurological care for over 35 years and known for his compassion and dedication to the profession, Dr. Benstead was the recipient of the 2010 College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia Gold-Headed Cane Award for Professionalism in the Practice of Medicine. With residency training from Dalhousie and fellowship training at the Mayo Clinic in neuromuscular disease, Dr. Benstead built the EMG lab at the VG (and later Halifax Infirmary) into a state-of-the-art unit for electrodiagnostic medicine as well as establishing national standards in electrodiagnostic medicine. Tim has had a long and distinguished career as a teacher and received several teaching awards as well as holding key positions at Dalhousie, including head of the Med II Brain and Behavior Unit and program director of the adult neurology residency training program for many years. He has been active with the Royal College, having served on the neurology exam board. Dr. Benstead was also one of the founders of the Canadian Society of Clinical Neurophysiologists annual EMG exam and served an examiner for many years in both Canada and the US. Most importantly, he has been a key teacher and mentor to a generation of Canadian neurologists. Dr. Benstead retired from full time practice in June of 2023. He will be keeping a post-retirement appointment for teaching purposes. We wish Dr. Benstead all the best!

“As a neuromuscular neurologist myself, I am particularly fortunate to have worked closely with Dr. Benstead through my career. I have learned more from him than from any of my professors--not just knowledge about how to manage various clinical problems (though his experience and clinical acumen have been invaluable) but more importantly his trademark calm, warm demeanor that has meant so much to his patients and colleagues over the years.”

– Dr. Ian Grant, Division Head, Neurology

Dr. Osama Elkhateeb has built his career in Halifax and in Saudi Arabia. In 2001, he arrived at Dalhousie University and started as a clinical associate in Cardiology. He subsequently completed his Internal Medicine and Cardiology residencies followed by an Interventional Cardiology Fellowship at Dalhousie. Dr. Elkhateeb was offered his first staff position in Halifax in 2009 and worked here until 2011. He left Nova Scotia to set-up a new program at King Abdullah Medical City Specialist Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. While abroad, he gained additional expertise and training in treating chronic total occlusions (CTO), Complex High-risk Indicated Percutaneous (CHIP) coronary intervention, mechanical support, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and additional structural heart interventions. In 2018, Dr. Elkhateeb returned to Halifax and is known to be an excellent collaborator and health advocate. As the Director of the Provincial Tertiary Care Program and Patient Flow Manager, he is involved with triaging and transferring thousands of patients annually throughout Nova Scotia. In addition to his heavy clinical volume, Dr. Elkhateeb is the Director of the Adult Interventional Cardiology AFC program for the past few years. His colleagues view him as an expert clinician, mentor, teacher, and a “go-to” resource for complex procedures.

“Dr. Elkhateeb has a strong commitment to the clinical service by working longer hours, assuring he delivers the best clinical care to his patients, and through his excellent interventional technical skills. He has provided help to many patients and impacted their families and their lives.”

- Dr. Hussein Beydoun, Division of Cardiology, Director, Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory

Dr. Kaiser is a graduate of University of Toronto and completed her medical training in Ottawa, Saint John’s, and Montreal. She also completed an MRC Research Fellowship in Montreal. Dr. Kaiser has a distinguished medical career in endocrinology. Her accolades for teaching and education include the Canadian Society of Endocrinology & Metabolism Educator Award in 2009 and the Lindsey Fraser Award from Osteoporosis Canada in 2017. In addition to her leadership as Division Head of Endocrinology in the Department of Medicine and serving as President of the Canadian Society of Endocrinology & Metabolism from 2013-2015, Dr. Kaiser has been heavily involved with the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada as a surveyor, reviewer, and representative for the Specialty Committee for Endocrinology. Dr. Kaiser is a known expert in osteoporosis and has greatly contributed to this specialty by participating as a member of the team which developed Osteoporosis Canada Guidelines.

“Dr. Kaiser initiated the Osteoporosis program in Halifax and has delivered excellent care to patients with bone disorders and is regarded as the top expert in Canada. Her work from our centre has achieved national and international recognition as she has been instrumental in bringing state of the art treatment options for patients with bone disorders through her clinical trial research program. This has immensely benefitted patients with rare endocrine disorders.”

– Dr. Ali Imran, Division Head, Endocrinology

Dr. Ramjeesingh joined the Division of Medical Oncology in 2015 and is currently an Associate Professor. He is cross appointed to Community Health and Epidemiology as well as the Department of Surgery at Laval University. Dr. Ramjeesingh completed his PhD in Biochemistry focusing on cancer. Dr. Ramjeesingh’s clinical practice focuses on Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) cancers. When Dr. Ramjeesingh started his clinical practice here in 2015, he immediately recognized that HPB cancer patient outcomes in this region were poor. To improve outcomes, Dr. Ramjeesingh set out to systematically study the causes of this discrepancy through his own research program and responding to the identified patient care needs. In 2017, Dr. Ramjeesingh became the Chair of the Nova Scotia Cancer Care Program’s Multidisciplinary HPB Cancer Site Team. Through this role, Dr. Ramjeesingh initiated regular provincial HPB cancer multidisciplinary meetings to identify concerns and allow for these to be addressed. He has also personally led the creation of provincial guidelines for the diagnosis and management of pancreatic cancer. Dr. Ramjeesingh has taken over most of the clinical care for patients with HPB cancers across the province. Through his advocacy and dedication, there have been significant early improvements noted in the quality of care provided to patients. The average wait time for medical oncology consultation in NS for patients with pancreatic cancer has decreased to 16 days (57% relative decrease). Similarly, the percentage of local patients with pancreatic cancer who receive chemotherapy as part of their treatment has increased to 74% (51% absolute increase). On a national level, Dr. Ramjeesingh is on the board of Craig’s Cause, a national patient support organization for pancreatic cancer.

“His [Dr. Ramjeesingh] clinical work in HPB tumors over the past seven years is exemplary and is the subject of this nomination. In this area, Dr. Ramjeesingh has demonstrated that he is a role model for excellence in patient care. He has also shown outstanding service to his community that has resulted in meaningful system-level change.”

– Dr. Nathan Lamond, Division Head, Medical Oncology

“Her strong work ethic, attention to detail, and collegiality is noted and appreciated by my specialty nursing and physician colleagues who interact with her. She is committed to our patients and understands the multiple moving parts required to get them through our often complex outpatient procedures. ... She is noted for her patience and kindness when assisting junior colleagues.”

- Dr. Doug Hayami, Cardiologist

“I have worked with Athena since she started with our Division and I can truly say that she is gifted at anticipating and addressing the myriad needs of our Division members expertly and with much grace. She is a revered member of our team.”

– Dr. Paige Moorhouse, Acting Division Head

“She is a vital member of the GIM care team, and is driven by the desire to improve the patient care experience. I know Katie is destined to climb her professional ladder and, I believe, has the potential to go to the very top.”

- Dr. Nabha Shetty, General Internist

Note: Katie moved to a new position within NSH in July 2023.

“Sandy, as our team lead has managed to maintain the morale of her entire team during difficult and challenging times. She never complains or gets stressed despite having many good reasons to and in doing so, leads by example. She has been instrumental in launching two different EMR platforms (Nightingale and most recently Med Access) and has helped our administrative staff and physician group onboard easily.”

- Dr. Sunil Patel, Gastroenterologist

Note: Sandy retires in August 2023.

“Patricia’s work ethic is second to none and she prides herself on doing an amazing job. She is kind and compassionate. She is exceptionally well organized and is a strong advocate for patients and her colleagues. She is a major team player and has always set a very strong example to her peers.”

- Dr. Jennifer Jones, Gastroenterologist

Note: Pat retired in June 2023.

Initiated in 2019, the Department of Medicine Excellence in Leadership Award will honor and recognize a physician who is an emerging or established leader who has made, or continues to make, a significant contribution to leadership and development in the DoM. The recipient demonstrates leadership qualities including innovation, compassion, accessibility, mentorship, and the highest standards of the profession.

Dr. Short completed her MD at Dalhousie in 1994 followed by her residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation which she completed in 1999. She joined the Department of Medicine in 1999 and has held numerous leadership positions since that time including Program Director, PM&R, Division Head PM&R, Senior Medical Director for Redevelopment, Central Zone and Department Head of Medicine for Dalhousie Faculty of Medicine and the Central Zone, Nova Scotia Health. She is currently serving her second 5-year term as the Head of the Department of Medicine. Dr. Short is also the president of the Canadian Association of Professors in Medicine, Vice Chair of the Doctors Nova Scotia Section of Physician Leaders and the Chair of the Clinical/Academic Department Heads for the Faculty of Medicine and the Central Zone. Dr. Short has been practicing as a spinal cord injury and neuro-rehabilitation specialist for over 20 years. She serves on several national working-groups dedicated to providing the best evidence for clinical management of persons with Spinal Cord Injury and she was a physician lead for the development of the Accreditation Standards for acute and rehabilitative care for persons with SCI for Accreditation Canada. The rehabilitation medicine philosophy is grounded in team-work and innovative thinking and Dr. Short has carried this approach into her clinical, academic and leadership work. Dr. Short teaches at the undergraduate, graduate and continuing medical education levels. She has several research interests that focus on improving function in persons with neurologic disorders and access to health care for women with disabilities. She also has an interest in educating on and promoting physician leadership with a focus on equity, diversity, inclusion and women in medical leadership. Her leadership philosophy is grounded in working together to elevate each other and the system for better care of our patients. She believes one of the most powerful things we can do on a daily basis is to be kind.  

When not at work Dr. Short is a wife, Mother of three and Grandmother of one. She loves spending time on the lake, reading, cooking and walking her two Doodles.

“What sets Christine apart as a leader is her tireless dedication to improving the department and the healthcare system in Nova Scotia as a whole. She consistently goes above and beyond her specific responsibilities to initiate positive changes.”

– Dr. Shelly McNeil, Deputy Head Academics and Division Head, Infectious Diseases

Dr. Forward has been heavily involved in medical education at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels since he joined the Division of Hematology. As a member of the Undergraduate Medicine Education Committee (UMEC) since 2019, Dr. Forward has advocated for medical students and clinical clerks throughout their medical education. He has also been a member of the DoM Education committee since January 2020 working with other department members to ensure the best educational experience for medical clerks and residents. Dr. Forward has consistently been an advocate and support for medical education within the division and the department. He has been a longstanding member of the Hematology Residency Program Committee. Dr. Forward has been an Academic Advisor for several core Internal Medicine residents during the first several years of the Competence by Design transition. More recently, Dr. Forward has progressively taken on larger roles in medical education. He was the Assistant Director for Clerkship for the department from October 2021 to June 2022 and was a key player in coordinating the clerkship program for the department. As of June 2022, he has assumed the role of Clerkship Director and is working diligently to manage and improve the clerkship experience in the department. Dr. Forward has been working on improving medical education at a national level. He has been a voting member of the Royal College Subspecialty Committee for Hematology since September 2019 where he has been pivotal in representing the needs of residents from the Atlantic provinces in areas such as assessment, curriculum development and program design, which has been especially important as Canadian Hematology residency programs make the transition to a Competency by Design structure.

“He [Dr. Forward] has constantly been active in numerous teaching activities, including being a mentor to a myriad of residents and medical students for research projects, participating in countless teaching sessions for rotating residents and at various Academic Half Days, supervising rotations in his area of specialization (Lymphoma), and always advocating for the best interests of residents and medical students.”

– Dr. Sudeep Shivakumar, Interim Head, Division of Hematology

Dr. Hayami joined the Division of Cardiology in 2015 after completing a Fellowship in Echocardiography. He also holds a Fellowship in Preventive Cardiology from the Montreal Heart Institute. Since joining the division, Dr. Hayami has been actively involved in education and teaching. He is a member of the Residency Training Program Committee and supervises the residents’ Journal Club. In addition to resident and undergraduate teaching, Dr. Hayami has been instrumental in setting-up mock exams for residents and has delivered innovative seminars such as the interactive session on congenital heart disease. A popular teacher in the division, Dr. Hayami has received the Cardiology Residents’ Choice Teacher of the Year Award twice over the last few years. On a national level, Dr. Hayami has delivered several CME courses. He is currently the Director of the Cardiomyopathy Clinic and has delivered Grand Rounds on cardiac sarcoidosis for the Division of Respirology. Dr. Hayami routinely supervises several medical students, participates in resident bedside teaching, and delivers core cardiology teaching round lectures. His colleagues note that that although he has a large volume of teaching at the program level, he goes out of his way to provide extra training and resources for the trainees.

“As a learner, I can always look to Dr. Hayami to broaden my knowledge. He has a unique understanding of cardiovascular physiology and a methodical approach to clinical decision making. He has taught me how to think critically about the value of investigations and how to navigate through clinical dilemmas. His dedication as a teacher is undeniable, as he would always take the time to answer learners’ questions and to explain difficult concepts. Dr. Hayami has the distinctive ability to inspire his students to become excited about learning.”

– Dr. Karen Ho, Cardiology resident PGY5

Dr. McKelvey has contributed to medical education throughout his career, including when he ran a busy community practice. Dr. McKelvey was deeply committed to his students. He would stay late to review topics for those writing their Royal College exams and would bring in patients specifically for medical students and residents to examine when he was assigned to clinical skills. On rare days when there was not a resident in clinic and he found an uncommon exam finding, he was known to look for residents or to page them for learning opportunities. For years, residents coveted their month-long community neurology rotation in his Dartmouth practice. His reputation for being an excellent bedside teacher was well known amongst residents. He maximized and valued hands-on learning and would regularly send the resident to see the next patient while he would dictate the last encounter and do the necessary paperwork. His reputation for educational excellence spread to other divisions. Senior psychiatry residents and geriatric fellows were known to request electives with Dr. McKelvey in their final years. In the last few years of his career, he joined the hospital group and residents were delighted to benefit from his teaching on a more regular basis. As part of this transition, he became the academic half day coordinator for the adult neurology residency program and served on the Resident Training Committee. Academic half days supervised by Dr. McKelvey were particularly popular as he was always engaged with practical, relevant, and high yield clinical teaching points. Although Dr. McKelvey has recently retired from the Division of Neurology, his impact on our trainees and their education persists through his years of dedicated teaching both as a community and hospital based academic neurologist.

“Above all, Dr. McKelvey emphasized and modelled the importance of being a continual learner, even as a staff neurologist. He was known to ask thoughtful questions and chime in with differentials during our Neuroscience Grand Rounds and Friday Noon Rounds. He was always curious and humble, and in the rare instance he didn’t know something, he would readily state that and would do a literature review with the resident in the moment, so that both would learn.”

– Dr. Caitlin Tarlton, Division of Neurology

Dr. Ramer received her medical degree from University of Calgary and completed her Internal Medicine Residency and training in adult cardiology from Dalhousie. After completing a fellowship in Echocardiography, she joined the Division of Cardiology in November 2007. Dr. Ramer has been heavily involved in teaching throughout her career. From 2007-2012 she was the Component Head for the Cardiology block. During this time, she also became the Director of Echocardiography Education and participated in the Curriculum Renewal Committee for Dalhousie University. Dr. Ramer was the Director of the Adult Cardiology Residency Program from 2012-2019. During COVID, Dr. Ramer developed innovative ways for teaching and engaging students. She started using an iPad and FaceTime to facilitate remote teaching opportunities. She was able to share the heart sounds and murmurs with her students with the help of her electronic stethoscope. Dr. Ramer’s passion for teaching and mentorship has earned her several awards within the Division of Cardiology including the Cardiology Residency Training Program Teacher of the Year Award which is selected by the residents. Dr. Ramer’s colleagues admire her dedication to all learners, regardless of their stage, and how she provides direct and dedicated attention to all equally.

“Her [Dr. Ramer] clear dedication over time, willingness to innovate, and overall enthusiasm for medical education deserve to be recognized for the positive impact they have had on me, my class, and I am certain the classes of previous years, and years to come.”

- Adam Pomeroy, MD Candidate, Class of 2023, DMNS Campus, Dalhousie University

Initiated in 2019, the Department of Medicine Excellence in Quality & Innovation Award acknowledges excellence in quality and innovation among our departmental members, and to encourage their continued efforts in participating in quality improvement in the Faculty of Medicine and Nova Scotia Health.

Dr. Paul Bonnar has been the Medical Director of the NS Health Antimicrobial Stewardship Program since joining the Division of Infectious Diseases in 2017. In this role, he has been an enthusiastic and hardworking champion for improving the quality and appropriateness of antimicrobial prescribing and achieving and measuring the goals of the AMS program through many varied initiatives such as guideline development, prospective audit and feedback, education and research. Overall, since its inception in 2017, the AMS Program has reduced overall antimicrobial use in NS Health by 20% and demonstrably improved appropriateness of use. 

Dr. Bonnar’s initiatives include the development of 37 guidelines housed on both the AMS website/Firstline app and Prospective Audit and Feedback (PAF) for improving antimicrobial prescribing. Dr. Bonnar works with the Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program (CNISP) to improve antimicrobial use for surgical prophylaxis, as well, work with the NSH Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) program on several initiatives, including a new initiative to improve C. difficile rates. Dr. Bonnar provides a wide variety of educational sessions and has ongoing research.

“Overall, since its inception in 2017, the AMS Program has reduced overall antimicrobial use in NS Health by 20% and demonstrably improved appropriateness of use.”

– Dr. Shelly McNeil, Division Head, Infectious Diseases

For his presentation on September 6, 2022 titled “Contemporary Management of Cardiogenic Shock"

For the JFL Woodbury Lecture in Rheumatology presented on May 9, 2023 titled “Diagnosis and Management of Fibrosing Lung Disease with Autoimmune Features”

For Clinicopathologic Conference (CPC) Rounds presented on November 29, 2022

• Dr. Mary Purcell - Case Presenter
• Dr. Scott Lee - Case Discussant
• Drs. Lisa Johnson & Shannon Murphy - Guest Speakers

Initiated in 2020, the Department of Medicine Outstanding Consultant Trainee Award will be given annually to a subspecialty resident who stands out from their peers in providing the highest quality patient care as part of an integrated interdisciplinary team.

"Dr. Tommy Brothers continues to strive for better care for the vulnerable group of patients with substance use disorders. Locally, he has brought to light the special care needs of this population. Not only that, he has also exceeded expectations on translating this into actual change. None of the hospitals in Nova Scotia had an addiction medicine service available until Tommy brought about change while still in residency. He collaborated with community physicians who have an interest in addiction medicine to create such a needed service for the quaternary care centre in Nova Scotia. ... The most outstanding part of Tommy is his genuine desire to help and make a difference. 

… Even more impressive is Tommy’s vision for the future of our centre and province. He has already had numerous publications in high impact journals on his work in this area or through review articles."

– Dr. Allen Tran, Program Director, Division of General Internal Medicine

The Dalhousie University Department of Medicine Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to a member of the Department who has demonstrated outstanding achievement and excellence in research. This award will publicly recognize and honor the individual for their contribution to research.

Dr. Hull completed his medical degree at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. This was followed by a Master of Medicine at the University of Pretoria where he also did residency training in Dermatology. He then completed a PhD in human genetics at the University of Witwatersrand. In 1990, he was recruited to Head the Division of Clinical Dermatology at the University of Saskatchewan. He established a genetics lab and supervised several Master and PhD graduates. He was awarded the Practitioner of the Year in by the Canadian Dermatology Association in 2013 and the coveted Award of Merit in 2015. During his tenure at the University of Saskatchewan he had the opportunity to do research sabbaticals at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, the Epithelial Genetics Unit and the University of Dundee with melanoma research at the Waikato Hospital in New Zealand. In 2014, he was appointed as Head, Division of Clinical Dermatology and Cutaneous Science in the Department of Medicine. He has re-established his genetics lab where he is working on replicating inherited skin diseases in 3D keratinocyte cultures to study the downstream changes associated with these gene variations. 

Most recently, Dr. Hull is lead investigator of the Direct Access to Melanoma Identification and Treatment (DAMIT) study, supported by the Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation’s Shaw Endowed Fellowship in Melanoma Research which is aimed at the early detection and treatment of melanoma. A non-invasive machine takes a picture of a patient’s mole using a special camera that magnifies the mole by 20 times. The image is then analyzed with artificial intelligence to determine if the mole is safe or needs to be removed; detecting melanoma with a high level of accuracy. Dr. Hull eventually hopes to see the technology used to establish public screening centres across the province, similar to breast-screening centres.

Dr. Jordan Thorne is originally from Moncton, NB and completed a BSc at the University of New Brunswick before medical school at Dalhousie University. He started Nephrology subspecialty training this summer after the completion of Core Internal Medicine.

Dr. Suzanne Boursalie is a PGY4 (now PGY5) in Cardiology at Dalhousie University. She completed her Internal Medicine Residency at Dalhousie University and graduated from McMaster Medical School. 

Caoimhe (“Keeva”) McParland completed her PGY3 year of Internal Medicine here at Dalhousie. This year, under the mentorship of Dr. Meredith Chiasson, she published a case report in the Journal of Cystic Fibrosis and presented a moderated poster session at the Canadian Respiratory Conference in April. She looks forward to pursuing research as she completes a Respirology residency in British Columbia. 

Margaret Sheridan was born and raised in Nova Scotia. She obtained an undergraduate degree in Biology from Queen’s University, followed by a Masters in Public Health from Memorial University of Newfoundland. She then completed Medical School in Halifax at Dalhousie University, followed by Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology subspecialty residency training also at Dalhousie University. She is currently completing a Fellowship in Colorectal and Hepatopancreaticobiliary Cancer care through the Department of Medicine and Dalhousie University. Her research interests include quality assurance and improvement, as well as clinical trial involvement, screening programs, and local database projects, with the goal of optimizing cancer care in Nova Scotia. 

A new award for the 2021-2022 academic year, the Undergraduate Students’ Choice Teaching Award recognizes a faculty member within the Department of Medicine who has demonstrated excellence in undergraduate teaching. Nominations are solicited from medical clerks who participated in the IM-clerkship rotation.

"Dr. Dixon is extremely intelligent and thorough as well as thoughtful and deliberate with her assessments and plans. Dr. Dixon is an excellent mentor and teacher. I couldn’t have asked for better support during my rotation.”

- Sean Wang, Med 3

Stephen Couban Outstanding Faculty - Residents' Choice Award

Dr. Mariah Hughes, Division of Infectious Diseases

Excellence in Summer Grand Rounds 2022

Dr. Bethany Wilkes

Outstanding Academic Performance Award - PGY1

Drs. Victoria Howatt & John Shadarevian

Outstanding Academic Performance Award - PGY2

Dr. Alex Robin

Outstanding Academic Performance Award - PGY3

Dr. Smriti Singh

Outstanding PGY1 Internal Medicine Resident Award

Dr. John Shadarevian

Outstanding PGY2 Internal Medicine Resident Award

Dr. Jacob Michaud

Angie McGibbon Outstanding PGY3 Resident Award

Dr. Natasha Larivee

Co-Chief Medicine Residents – Halifax 2022

Dr. Hayam Hamodat and Dr. Alex Nachman

Chief Medicine Resident - Saint John 2022

Dr. Cameron Ashe

Chief Medicine Resident - Medicine Teaching Unit 2022

Drs. Jordan Thorne (Halifax) & Natasha Larivee (Saint John)

Academic Advisor of the Year Award in Core Internal Medicine

Dr. Myuran Thana

Fastest EPA Completion “Trigger Finger Award” Faculty – New Brunswick

Dr. David Bewick

Fastest EPA Completion “Trigger Finger Award” Faculty – Nova Scotia

Dr. Trudy Taylor

Fastest EPA Completion “Trigger Finger Award” Resident

Dr. Herman Stubeda

Highest Number EPA Completed Faculty – New Brunswick

Dr. Heather Chambers

Highest Number EPA Completed Faculty – Nova Scotia

Dr. Ziran Meng

Highest Number EPA Completed - Resident

Drs. Joshua Kandiah & Gabrielle Melanson

Highest Number EPA Completed - Subspecialty Resident

Dr. Alex Dittrich

*EPA: Entrustable Professional Activities

Promotion to Associate Professor

As of July 1, 2023

Dr. Ian Epstein - Digestive Care & Endoscopy

Dr. Nabha Shetty - Division of General Internal Medicine

Dr. Daniel Smyth - Division of Infectious Diseases

Dr. Allen Tran - Division of General Internal Medicine

Dr. Amanda Vinson - Division of Nephrology

Dr. Julie Zhu - Division of Digestive Care & Endoscopy (confirmed July 2023)

Promotion to Full Professor

As of July 1, 2023

Dr. Osama Elkhateeb - Division of Cardiology

Dr. Colleen O'Connell - Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Dr. Stephanie Snow - Division of Medical Oncology

Dr. Karthik Tennankore - Division of Nephrology

Dr. Nikhil Thomas - Joint with Department of Microbiology & Immunology

Dr. Elizabeth Mann Resident Award for Excellence in General Internal Medicine

Initiated in 2015 to honour Dr. O.E. Mann, an exemplary clinician, educator, administrator, and colleague in General Internal Medicine at Dalhousie University 1980-2014

Dr. Fadi Afram, PGY5 General Internal Medicine

Presented by the Department Head during Faculty of Medicine Spring Convocation on May 30, 2023.

Dr. I. M. Szuler Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Internal Medicine 

This award will recognize a student in their 4th year, who during their 3rd year clerkship MTU rotation in Internal Medicine, best displays the personal and academic qualities of compassion, high moral and ethical standards, will be highly respected by peers, teachers, nursing staff, and patients in addition to demonstrating satisfactory academic criteria.

Regan McKeough

Dr. Robert C. Dickson Prize in Medicine

Initiated in 1964, this prize is awarded to a medical student at convocation, who has had the highest standing in all examinations in Medicine throughout the four year course. An engraved plaque is updated annually in the Department of Medicine.

Micaela L. Sabean

Dr. W. H. Hattie Prize in Medicine

Initiated in 1931, this prize is awarded to a student at convocation who, at the completion of the fourth year, has reached the highest standing in Medicine. An engraved plaque is updated annually in the Department of Medicine.

Mark J. O'Reilly

Medical Oncology Undergraduate Achievement Award 

Awarded to a student who during clerkship rotations in Medical Oncology, best displays exemplary interpersonal and professional skills, knowledge level, and general interest in oncology.

Adrienne E. Barrie

The Barbara L. Blauvelt Cardiology Prize

An annual award for a fourth year student who has been judged by the Division of Cardiology to have shown the greatest interest and degree of inclination towards the study of Cardiology.

Olivia C. Mckee-Muir