College of Medicine - University of Saskatchewan

09/10/2026

For recent graduate Rhea Martin, research is about connecting the pieces.

Rhea returned to Dr. Linda Chelico's (PhD) lab for a second consecutive summer, building on work she began as an undergraduate student.

After graduating this spring with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Rhea is continuing her research as a graduate student at USask this fall.

Her work initially focused on proteins that help the body defend itself against HIV-1. During the school year, Rhea became interested in how a related group of proteins may play a role in cancer and shifted her research focus.

Supported by the Diefenbaker Memorial Scholarship, Rhea’s summer project explored whether APOBEC3B may also promote cancer by affecting genes that control cell growth in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. The findings could reveal a new way that APOBEC3B contributes to cancer beyond its role in causing changes to DNA.

"I love watching the story come together. It isn't just doing the experiments, reading papers, analyzing data or communicating the findings. All of these components are needed for the scientific story to come together. Watching this happen in real time is what I find most exciting,” she said.

09/09/2026

Today is USask Giving Day!

For one day only, gifts to USask are matched up to $1,000 per gift while matching funds last.

Join us in supporting students, advancing research and strengthening programs across Saskatchewan and beyond.

Donate at: donate.usask.ca

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09/08/2026

✨ Meet our students!

We asked our Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) learners what they're most excited about as they begin their program.

💬 Here’s what they had to say!

Saskatchewan Students

09/07/2026

2026 Award Recognition!

This award allows physicians in SIPPA to recognize individuals, teams, or organizations who they have worked with in their assigned communities who have positively impacted their experience.

Dr. Aghedo was nominated by Dr. Ileapigie Lamai, who highlighted his exceptional generosity, collegiality, and commitment to supporting SIPPA physicians and their families as they settle into both practice and community life. They noted his welcoming spirit, willingness to help others succeed, and the positive, lasting impact he has had on fostering belonging, collaboration, and well‑being within the Shellbrook community.

Sandra was nominated by Dr. Mahyar Sotoodeh who highlighted her support, leadership, and generosity in helping SIPPA physicians and clinic staff feel welcomed, confident, and supported within the Maidstone community. They noted her empathetic, patient‑centred approach to clinic management, her ability to foster teamwork and high standards, and the positive, lasting impact she has had on creating a respectful, empowering, and well‑functioning clinical environment.

Crystal was nominated by Dr. Nahid Yazdan Panah and Dr. Mojgan Yazdan Panah who highlighted her leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to supporting SIPPA physicians and strengthening the clinical community. They noted her proactive approach to physician development through tailored simulation‑based training, her calm and supportive presence in high‑acuity situations, and her curiosity‑driven efforts to improve systems and workflows.

See their Circle of Support statements on the awards webpage: https://medicine.usask.ca/awards.php

Join us in congratulating the recipients below!

USask Continuing Medical Education

09/04/2026

Welcome biomedical sciences students to a new academic year! 🎉

We were excited to bring together our first- and second-year undergraduate biomedical sciences students today for a welcome event to kick off the year. Students had the opportunity to connect with classmates, meet faculty members and student leaders, and learn more about program information and resources.

09/03/2026

“Access to outpatient physical therapy following total hip and knee joint replacement surgery is limited in rural and remote regions of Saskatchewan and is even further reduced among First Nation and Métis Peoples,” said Dr. Stacey Lovo (PhD) from the School of Rehabilitation Science

Thanks to a new four-year grant worth more than $680K from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Spring 2026 competition, Lovo, Dr. Brenna Bath (PhD) (School of Rehabilitation Science) and Dr. Veronica McKinney (MD) (USask Family Med) will study the use of virtual rehabilitation to improve access to this needed care.

Severe osteoarthritis of the hip and knee is often managed by joint replacement surgery to improve function, quality of life and pain control. Physical therapy helps improve surgical outcomes, optimize function and quality of life.

Initial work has focused on developing virtual and hybrid processes for pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation. The team has also identified health policy, sovereignty and sustainability recommendations for this innovative model of care.

Lovo notes that they are taking a community-based participatory action approach.

“Our team is honoured and excited to work with an advisory committee of First Nation and Métis experts who have experienced or are waiting for joint replacement to co-develop a virtual and in-person model of rehabilitation care for joint replacements.”

The advisory committee is led by Métis Elder Mervin ‘Tex' Bouvier and Cree educator Eric Honetschlager. The project will occur through the Virtual Health Hub, led by CEO and co-investigator Dr. Ivar Mendez (MD), to determine how virtual and hybrid rehabilitation could be integrated into health systems to enhance care for First Nation and Métis Peoples requiring total hip and knee replacements. First Nation and Métis patient experts, health providers and scholars on the team will help ensure the work is culturally safe, led by Indigenous knowledges, and responsive to the needs of communities.

(Pictured are Drs. Stacey Lovo, Veronica McKinney and Brenna Bath)

08/31/2026

From summer student to behavioural neuroscience researcher. 🧠

Aiden Glass's passion for behavioural neuroscience began at a department research night during her first year at .

After learning about the work happening in Dr. John Howland's (PhD) lab, Aiden connected with him to learn more and later joined the lab as a summer student. Over three summers, she gained hands-on research experience that deepened her interest in neuroscience and inspired her to pursue graduate studies.

Today, Aiden is a master's student in behavioural neuroscience, where she studies how brain circuits support memory and decision-making.

Read more in the latest Stories from Our Learners:

Aiden Glass's journey into research began during her undergraduate studies at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), where she gained valuable hands-on experience as a summer student in Dr. John Howland's (PhD) lab.

08/31/2026

2026 Award Recognition!

This award recognizes faculty who have made significant contributions to the teaching mission of the College of Medicine.

Dr. Baillie was nominated by Dr. Thom Fisher and Dr. Stan Bardal who highlighted his significant impact across medical, biomedical, and professional programs in the College of Medicine. They noted that he is widely praised by students and peers alike, and exemplifies teaching excellence through his thoughtful instructional design, fair and meaningful assessment practices, and unwavering commitment to inclusive, student‑centered learning.

Dr. Lapetsky was nominated by Dr. Nicole Shedden, Dr. Joshua Lloyd, Dr. Oriana Watt, Neda Moslemi, Dr. Jacqueline Kraushaar, Cassie Eskra, and Meghan Nelson who highlighted her thoughtful, innovative, and learner‑centered teaching as having had a significant impact on foundational clinical skills education. They noted her compassionate mentorship, commitment to fair and formative assessment, and leadership in continuous curriculum improvement.

Dr. Laubscher was nominated by Dr. Nicole Shedden, Dr. Nassrein Hussein, Loren Regier, and Dr. Meredith McKague who highlighted her teaching, mentorship, and national leadership as having had a profound and lasting impact on learners, colleagues, and clinical practice. They noted that her teaching is evidence‑based, compassionate, and highly engaging, and that she exemplifies the college core values of collaboration, curiosity, belonging, accountability, and well‑being.

See their Circle of Support statements on the awards webpage: https://medicine.usask.ca/awards.php

Join us in congratulating the recipients below!

08/28/2026

✨ What an incredible week for the SRS! ✨
We are so excited to have our Master of Occupational Therapy, Master of Physical Therapy and Master of Speech-Language Pathology students here with us! Seeing our newest students try out their new spaces and begin connecting with their programs during their program-specific Day 2 orientation was a highlight of the week.

Launching these new programs is a milestone that reflects the dedication and collaboration of many. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Government of Saskatchewan and to the occupational therapy and speech-language pathology communities. Your investment, advocacy, and partnership have been instrumental in making this achievement possible.

Together, we are creating new opportunities for students and helping shape the future of rehabilitation science education in Saskatchewan.

08/28/2026