Advancing rehab in First Nations communities 

Two major wellness initiatives launched in the spring through a partnership between First Nations communities and UM’s College of Rehabilitation Sciences. 

Wiiji Bimoseyang Binesi (Thunderbird Helping Them Walk), a 10-unit housing complex in Sagkeeng First Nation, supports adults who have lived with disability and homelessness. 

Grow Our Own Specialists through Education (GOOSE) addresses the shortage of rehabilitation health-care professionals in northern Manitoba and the underrepresentation of Indigenous people in rehab careers. Read more 

Dr. Kellie Thiessen, Dr. Hope Anderson and Dr. Josée Lavoie

Three new leaders take the helm 

Dr. Kellie Thiessen – an associate professor, midwife clinician-scientist and registered nurse – was appointed dean of the College of Nursing on Feb. 1. She previously led the development of UM’s midwifery program and directed it from 2015 to 2023. Read more 

On July 1, Dr. Hope Anderson became dean of the College of Pharmacy. A professor and principal investigator with the Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine at St. Boniface Hospital, Anderson brings expertise in cardiovascular health and academic leadership. Read more 

As of Aug. 1, Dr. Josée Lavoie leads the new College of Community and Global Health as its inaugural dean. A professor of community health sciences, she directed Ongomiizwin Research – Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing from 2014 to 2023. Read more 

Drs. Henry Friesen and Estelle Simons

Remembering health pioneers 

The Rady community paid tribute to two influential figures from the Max Rady College of Medicine. 

Dr. Henry Friesen, a UM medical alum and visionary leader, died April 30 at age 90. His work led to the founding of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research 25 years ago. Read more 

Professor emerita Dr. Estelle Simons died Nov. 5 at age 80. A pioneer in pediatric allergy research, she was renowned for her groundbreaking research on allergic diseases. Read more 

Mpox virus

Mpox on the move 

Dr. Jason Kindrachuk, Canada Research Chair in molecular pathogenesis of emerging viruses and associate professor at the Max Rady College of Medicine, is part of an international team tracking the rapid spread of mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). 

The research team had a study featured on the cover of the prestigious journal The Lancet. It found that mpox has now spread to nearly every region of the DRC, with cases rising from 18 provinces in 2010 to 24 provinces in 2023. Read more 

(From left to right) Terry Duguid, Dr. Anastasia Kelekis-Cholakis and Dr. Doug Eyolfson

$6.1M for better access to dental care 

The Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry received more than $6.1 million in federal funding to improve access to care for marginalized Manitobans and give students experience in caring for underserved populations.  

The funding supports four UM projects through Health Canada’s Oral Health Access Fund, which supports initiatives that reduce barriers to care for groups including children, Indigenous Peoples, newcomers and seniors. Read more

Dr. Sabine Mai gives a tour of the Nano and Cell Imaging Facility during its grand opening.

New home for Nano and Cell Imaging Facility 

The Rady Faculty’s Nano and Cell Imaging Facility (NCIF) has a new home on the Bannatyne campus. 

After three years of planning and renovations, the facility moved from CancerCare Manitoba to the department of physiology and pathophysiology on the fourth floor of the Basic Medical Sciences Building. 

NCIF is open to students, faculty and researchers from across Canada and beyond. Read more 

Elder Charlotte Nolin

Honouring transgender lives 

More than 60 people attended the first Transgender Day of Remembrance ceremony held on the Bannatyne campus. 

The day is observed on Nov. 20 to remember transgender people who have been lost to transphobic violence, suicide and other violent deaths. Speakers called for safety for all trans people. 

Elder Charlotte Nolin, a two-spirit Elder-in-residence at Ongomiizwin, urged those in attendance to speak out when they witness discrimination toward trans people. Read more 

Md. Abdul Aziz, Deanne Nixie Miao and Barrett Monchka.

Vanier Scholars from Rady Faculty 

Three of the four UM PhD students awarded Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships in 2025 – each worth $150,000 over three years – hail from the Rady Faculty.  

Md. Abdul Aziz, College of Pharmacy, is studying patterns of antidepressant use in Manitoba, and why some patients discontinue treatment. Read more  

Deanne Nixie Miao, Max Rady College of Medicine, is researching the genetics of permanent hearing loss caused by cisplatin, a common cancer drug. Read more 

Barrett Monchka, College of Community and Global Health, is improving data-linkage techniques to enhance research reliability, efficiency and privacy. Read more 

Nitesh Sanghai

New hope for ALS patients 

Nitesh Sanghai, a PhD candidate in the College of Pharmacy, and his supervisor, Dr. Geoffrey Tranmer, co-invented a promising new drug candidate for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), earning Sanghai the Mitacs Innovation Award. 

The drug, borsantrazole, offers an improved version of edaravone, one of the few treatments currently available in North America to slow ALS progression. 

Still in pre-clinical testing, borsantrazole has shown strong safety and efficacy in lab mice engineered to mimic the disease. Read more 

Dr. Tamara Taillieu will study population data to understand the effects of legalization on vulnerable children and youth in Manitoba.

Funding boost for early-career researchers 

Five assistant professors from the Rady Faculty were among 24 recipients of nearly $1.8 million in New Investigator Operating Grants from Research Manitoba.  

The program supports researchers within four years of their first academic appointment, providing up to two years of funding to help establish research programs, build collaborations and generate results for future national-level grants. Read more 

“Art is how some projects need to be realized,” says the assistant professor of occupational therapy. “Creative methods are a versatile way for people to share stories.”

Burghardt, who holds a PhD in critical disability studies from York University, became a faculty member of the College of Rehabilitation Sciences in 2023.

One of her current projects focuses on objects that may hold traumatic memories for formerly institutionalized people with intellectual disabilities.

The objects are artifacts from the Manitoba Developmental Centre (MDC), a facility in Portage la Prairie that closed in 2024, after the Manitoba government issued a public apology to former residents who had been mistreated there.

Through a class action lawsuit filed by former residents, Burghardt was able to retrieve artifacts that were considered to have historical or social value.

Keys that symbolized the control the MDC
staff had over residents.

Over the last year, she’s been working with a group of MDC survivors to decide what to do with the items, such as newspaper clippings, photos, medical equipment, a child’s crib and a leather strap that was used to restrain a person in their bed.

The survivors have responded to the objects through artistic methods such as photography, collage, movement and improvisation.

“One participant picked up this old black phone from the MDC and ‘called’ the institution, improvising with the phone, literally talking back to the institution. And then others followed. It was so powerful.”

Another object that evoked a strong response was a set of skeleton keys that staff carried with them. Burghardt says a local metalworker is collaborating with the group to create a sculpture of a bird, using the keys to represent freedom.

“The keys symbolized the control the staff had. But today they also represent freedom, because the survivors have transitioned to community living and now have keys to their own homes.”

Working with artists Natalie Baird [B.Env.Sc.(Hons.)/14, M.ENV./20] and Toby Gillies [BFA/09], Burghardt and the survivors hope the objects they are “transforming” can one day be shared in a human rights-themed exhibit.

A phone from MDC that a participant used to ‘call’ the facility.

“The participants have been very clear in saying, ‘Our rights were violated,’” the professor says.

Burghardt grew up near Hamilton, Ont., and earned her degree in occupational therapy (OT) at the University of Toronto in 1987.

She started out working with children with disabilities, first in northern Ontario and then in Zimbabwe.

“What appealed to me about OT was it had a real creative element to it. You’re problem-solving to support people in living a meaningful life.”

Burghardt has published research in journals such as the Canadian Journal of Disability Studies. Her doctoral research, which examined the experiences of institutional survivors and their families in Ontario, led her to author a 2018 book, Broken: Institutions, Families, and the Construction of Intellectual Disability.

She also has a role at the St. Amant Research Centre, where she is currently involved in a project with children’s caregivers in a respite program.

“I hope that these projects will support people with intellectual disabilities to share some of their experiences,” Burghardt says.

“And I hope that my work helps to transform traditional attitudes about people with intellectual disabilities.”

Season’s Greetings, everyone, and congratulations on all the hard work you have put in this year across the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. In the past year we’ve seen a lot of our programs expanding. We’ve also seen transformative leadership changes, with new deans bringing their vision to the College of Nursing, the College of Pharmacy and the College of Community and Global Health.

Among our highlights in 2025, in September more than 280 alumni from all the Rady colleges gathered for our Homecoming Breakfast, filling the Brodie Centre atrium with energy and excitement. We organized and hosted many other significant events, including a symposium on the recruitment and retention of Indigenous scholars in the Rady Faculty — something that’s critical to fulfilling our obligations under the Calls to Action made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Another productive event was a workshop on the Learning Health System, sponsored by the George & Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare Innovation. It focused on finding solutions to the issues facing the health system today, which is a goal we all share in the Rady Faculty. I am proud to be part of a multi-disciplinary UM community that invests so much in caring for Manitobans. I am also proud of all our efforts to advance equity, access and participation. 

As the year comes to a close, I sincerely thank you for all your dedication. I wish you a peaceful and restful holiday season, and I look forward to working with you in the new year.

But after a fieldwork placement in Thompson as an occupational therapy (OT) student, she took a position in the northern Manitoba city and has not looked back for the past 16 years.

Murie says she felt welcomed in the community and also appreciated the ability to use her OT skills in a variety of areas.

“Being a smaller team, we truly get to be part of an interprofessional collaboration. You don’t always see that in daily practice, but here we see it every day.”

Murie played a variety of sports in school and was interested in a career in social services. It was a family friend who worked in massage therapy who told her about OT.

“OT fit with my goal of wanting to help people and give them a better quality of life,” she says.

Today, Murie is the director of allied health and collaborative practice at the Northern Regional Health Authority. Her portfolio includes nearly 70 health professionals in OT, physical therapy, respiratory therapy, diagnostics, social work and more.

“At first, it was a bit daunting to move from a focused OT role into a broader leadership portfolio,” she says. “But the opportunity to support such a diverse group has really expanded my perspective on health care and deepened my appreciation for the unique contributions of each discipline.”

Murie stepped into her position in May 2020, as the COVID pandemic was hitting northern Manitoba. She says the interprofessional experience helped her adjust to the role at that uncertain time.

“Working as a generalist in that environment, you learn to be adaptable, to work across scopes and to collaborate with other professionals out of necessity. You also learn to approach challenges creatively because the resources are often limited,” she says.

Murie is also an advocate for allied health professionals at the provincial level through participation on several different bodies, including the Children’s Therapy Network of Manitoba’s provincial leadership committee.

“It’s important to have the allied health voice at some of the bigger provincial tables. We are not the people who save lives, but we are the people who give others their quality of life back.”

She is also a member of UM’s joint council rehabilitation science subcommittee.

“It’s amazing to go full circle. I had some phenomenal professors, and it’s great to work alongside them on program planning and things like that.”

While Murie has embraced northern living, she understands it’s not for everyone and acknowledges that it has its challenges.

“Staffing is tough, but we’re coming up with some innovative ideas to support people in the north to remain in the north,” she says.

Those ideas include working with UM and University College of the North to support community members in completing master’s degrees or diploma programs in the future.

“A key part of my advocacy work has been educating others about what the north has to offer — highlighting the uniqueness of our region, the resourcefulness of our teams, and the creativity required to overcome the complex challenges we face in delivering care.”

Dr. Jithin Sreedharan started his five-year term as department head on Nov. 24. He received the PhD from the Srinivas University in Mangalore, India. 

Before joining UM, he served as assistant professor and head of the RT department at the University of Doha for Science and Technology in Qatar for two years. He spent over a decade at the Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences in Saudi Arabia, serving in multiple leadership and academic roles.  

He also has extensive clinical experience in Singapore and in his home country, India. 

Sreedharan is considered an RT pioneer in India and was a founding member of the Indian Association of Respiratory Care, where he helped launch the Indian Journal of Respiratory Care. He also served as governor representing India on the International Council for Respiratory Care from 2020 to 2023. 

He has authored over 60 peer-reviewed publications, 14 book chapters, and is currently editor and co-editor of two forthcoming books focused on allied health education and respiratory care. 

We recently spoke with Sreedharan about his vision for the RT department. 

How did you get started in your career? 

Respiratory therapy was fairly unknown in India in 2004, when I started my bachelor’s degree. The first training programs were established in 1995, so it was still a new stream. Many people did not know what it was. I was posted in one of the emergency departments and that gave me a lot of opportunities and hands-on experience. I met with researchers that gave me a real interest to go further in the profession. Gradually, I started realizing that there was a real need for progression of the career.  

What attracted you to come to UM for this next chapter? 

I decided to join the university because of the uniqueness of the RT program, its strong legacy spanning many decades, and the opportunities it offers for the future. This is the only university in Canada offering an English-language bachelor’s degree in RT, making it an ideal foundation for developing advanced programs such as a master’s or PhD, with significant visibility and impact. 

Respiratory therapists are in extremely high demand in the region, with an expanding scope of practice and significant research potential. There is tremendous opportunity to develop degree advancement options, micro-credentialing and specialty tracks. When the dean, Dr. Reg Urbanowski, shared his vision for the program, I was immediately inspired, and this was further reinforced through my interactions with the broader leadership team and the exceptional faculty. 

What vision do you have for the department? 

My vision is to enhance our global visibility, increase research output and elevate the program as a referral centre for excellence in respiratory care. 

I aim to empower our faculty, providing guidance and inspiration for research at all levels – from foundational studies to high-impact projects. By doing so, we will bring recognition to our faculty, attract collaborations with internationally renowned universities and position our department as a hub for innovation in respiratory care. 

Increasing awareness of RT as a career is also a key priority. Many people outside the health-care system are unfamiliar with the profession, and I want to highlight the opportunities it offers, particularly among Indigenous communities, demonstrating the potential for fulfilling and impactful careers. 

Collaboration will be central to achieving this vision. I plan to work closely with Manitoba’s clinical community, leveraging their expertise to support clinician-led research and community-based initiatives. This will also open avenues for research grants, funding opportunities and resource development, directly benefiting clinicians, students and communities. 

Hoque, who studies health sciences in UM’s interdisciplinary health program on the Fort Garry campus, said: “I want to see what’s available and who does what. As a first-year student, I really don’t know what’s available.” 

The information village on Joe Doupe concourse.

The annual Graduate Studies Open House started with an information village where students visited booths, followed by presentations from 13 graduate programs in Theatre B at the Basic Medical Sciences building.  

Departments highlighted what makes them unique and the supports available, including financial assistance, research funding and professional development opportunities. 

Presenters also talked about what graduates’ careers can look like in the future, from working in academia and industry to non-profits and government.  

“When I came here today, I thought, ‘Whoa! There’s so much more than I imagined,’” said Hoque. “There are so many opportunities.” 

Why choose graduate studies? 

Dr. Samantha Pauls, assistant professor at the College of Pharmacy and Rady Faculty programming lead for graduate student professional development, spoke about why students should consider graduate studies – both the professional and research programs. 

The professional programs, which include master of physician assistant studies, master of public health, master of science in rehabilitation sciences, master of nursing and others, emphasize coursework and clinical training. 

Dr. Samantha Pauls addresses event participants in Theatre B at the Basic Medical Sciences building.

“Health care is a team sport. MDs and nurses just can’t do all of the health care that’s needed for our communities and society,” said Pauls. 

“These professional programs – that are master’s programs – really will turn you into competent and compassionate members of the health-care team as a whole.” 

The research programs in departments such as medical microbiology and infectious diseases and human anatomy and cell science typically require a thesis and involve significant research work.  

Pauls said undergraduate studies focus on “what we already know.” Graduate research asks, “What don’t we know?” and challenges students to add new knowledge that could lead to better health treatments and policies.  

Building on a passion for research 

Hans Sanchez, a soon-to-graduate student in microbiology on the Fort Garry campus, is considering graduate studies. His interest lies in improving human health through research. 

He has research experience through a co-op term in associate professor Dr. Ayesha Saleem’s lab at the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry. 

Sanchez attended the open house to learn about what different departments and colleges provide to their graduate students. 

“I’m here to figure out which grad program will best support my research interests,” he said.  

“What classes can we take? Do we have a stipend? I love presenting, so I’m finding out what opportunities they have for grad students to present their work – whether it’s local or international. I want to be in a program that will support my academic goal.” 

Graduate programs offer interdisciplinary paths 

Both Sanchez and Hoque were excited to learn that graduate studies offer interdisciplinary opportunities. 

“Programs aren’t limited to their college’s name – pharmacy programs, for example, explore much more than pharmaceuticals,” said Sanchez. 

Hans Sanchez (left) and Raeesa Hoque (right) at the University of Manitoba’s Bannatyne campus.

Hoque, whose interest is in neuroscience and global health, said she appreciates the knowledge she gained at the event. 

“This is why the open house is so good – to network, to talk, to do hands-on activities,” she said. “After the presentations, it made me think maybe I’d want to do a joint program instead of focusing on just one department.” 

Sanchez shared some advice for students considering research. 

“Put yourself in uncomfortable situations and get your foot in the door,” he said. “Go to those open houses, talk to those professors. They’re there to help and guide you in achieving your career goals. And maybe one day, you’ll also be a leader in health care. It just takes one small but important step.” 

*** 

Learn more about graduate programs in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences at  umanitoba.ca/health-sciences/programs-of-study 

Stoliar Rotband, who worked as a general dentist and endodontist in Brazil, is now a fourth-year student in the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry’s International Dentist Degree Program and provides dental care at the college’s clinic. 

Rafael D’Giovanni-Rotband with a finger mould and tooth model, each from a different exercise in the dentistry session.

“It’s a lot because of my dad,” said D’Giovanni-Rotband. “If you’re a perfectionist, it’s really easy to like dentistry because you really want to be good at it.” 

D’Giovanni-Rotband, who goes to school at Collège Jeanne-Sauvé, was one of 50 students in Grade 9 who participated in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences’ Take Our Kids to Work Day on Nov. 5, 2025. It gave them a chance to explore future health professions and the biomedical sciences through hands-on activities — and meet the people who work in these areas. 

“I got a taste of what it could be … I really got to experience what I could be doing in the future,” said D’Giovanni-Rotband. 

Learning about different health sciences professions 

The first session was held at the Clinical Learning and Simulation Program’s (CLSP) simulation labs. Students learned about cardiac arrest and procedures to address it. They practised on manikins — from performing CPR and doing an ultrasound to administering medication and fluids through different methods. 

Danny Kustra, clinician educator at CLSP, supports students practicing on a manikin in a clinical skills activity.

At the College of Pharmacy, they learned about what pharmacists do, and made lip balm and sunscreen to take home.  

Students explored microbiology during a microscopy session with the department of medical microbiology and infectious diseases at the Max Rady College of Medicine. They looked through microscopes and examined bacteria from samples taken from different surfaces, such as a doorknob. 

At the College of Rehabilitation Sciences, students learned about occupational therapy, respiratory therapy and physiotherapy. 

A participant favourite was the dentistry session, where they did tooth fillings, drilled on teeth models, and made a mould of their fingers. 

What students had to say 

“It was really fun! I think it can help people find a career if they’re unsure,” D’Giovanni-Rotband said. “You meet a lot of fun people, and the day goes by really fast. The people who give you their experience are really nice.” 

Adriel Gelle, a Murdoch Mackay student whose dad works at CLSP, said he found the experience extremely exciting: “I found all the activities interesting and extremely interactive.” 

Ololade Bankole from Linden Christian School said she enjoyed learning from each session. 

“It just makes me think, ‘Oh, what place do I want to go to when I get into university?’ I do want to come to University of Manitoba since my mom works here,” said Bankole. “It’s been a nice experience, seeing different sections — and I just really enjoyed it!” 

***

Watch highlights from the 2025 Take Our Kids to Work Day on Instagram.

In total, 127 Rady Faculty of Health Sciences students graduated, including 47 in the Master of Occupational Therapy program, 46 in the Master of Physical Therapy program, 18 in the Bachelor of Respiratory Therapy program and 15 in the MPAS program. 

It was the last convocation ceremony to be held at Bannatyne due to growing class sizes. Next year, all Rady students will convocate at Fort Garry campus. View a video retrospective of convocations at Bannatyne campus below.

The ceremony included greetings from Elder Charlotte Nolin, of Ongomiizwin – Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing, UM president Dr. Michael Benarroch and UM Chancellor Dave Angus, who encouraged the graduates to be curious and seek inspiration as they enter the next chapter of their lives. 

“When you are curious, that comes with empathy, that comes with understanding and innovative new thinking and ideas,” Angus said. “There is inspiration all around us. Seek it out, because those who are inspired are the ones who inspire others.” 

Respiratory therapy graduate Rachel Donelly received the UM’s Gold Medal, which is awarded to the student with the highest standing in an undergraduate faculty, college or school. Donnelly worked as a respiratory therapy assistant at St. Boniface Hospital while in the program, and now works there as a full-time RT. 

“I’m super grateful,” she said. “Our class was very competitive, so it’s an honour to get this award.” 

Praise Okafor

Praise Okafor graduated with a Master of Science (Rehabilitation) degree. Her thesis was on the impact of post-COVID symptoms among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.  

Okafor has a physiotherapy degree from Nigeria and moved to Manitoba to study at UM in 2022. She plans to work as a physiotherapist in Canada and bridge clinical practice with research. 

“I am so grateful,” she said. “One thing I really learned from my program was to appreciate evidence-based practice, and also the importance of an individualized holistic approach with individuals and their own symptoms.” 

MPAS students feel pride 

MPAS graduate Anna Zrinyi has already started working in pediatric general surgery at Health Sciences Centre. She said it was a proud moment crossing the stage.  

(L to R) Hailee Morisseau and Anna Zrinyi

“I felt proud to be a UM alum. I felt proud to be a physician assistant entering the health-care field. It was honestly a moment of gratitude,” said Zrinyi, who grew up in Winnipeg.  

Hailee Morisseau, also an MPAS graduate, has also started work in general surgery but in Brandon, Man. She said her rural rotations were a highlight of the program because she got to spend time in a few different communities, work alongside great mentors and be involved in patient care.  

“It was really special to finish this off with all my classmates. It’s been a really long journey, but it’s also gone by really fast. It was really special to wrap it up with them today and celebrate and just recognize all the accomplishments of everyone here,” said Morisseau, who grew up in Portage la Prairie, Man. 

Students awarded at luncheon 

Prior to the convocation, the College of Rehabilitation Sciences held its annual convocation award luncheon at Canad Inns at Health Sciences Centre. Twenty-one students received awards, with a total value of over $10,000 – including medals and professional association memberships.  

Kiera Martin-Shimoji and instructor Lisa Diamond-Burchuk.

“Being able to be recognized for the hard work that we’ve done throughout the program, it just feels great,” said occupational therapy graduate Kiera Martin-Shimoji, who won three awards. 

Martin-Shimoji is currently working in transitional care at Misericordia Health Centre. She said she’d also like to one day work in stroke rehabilitation or pediatrics. 

“I really love the holistic nature of the profession and the values that it holds when it comes to care for individuals,” she said. 

Among the other winners was Karanveer Multani, who won the Marjorie Spence Physical Therapy Achievement Prize for his community involvement and leadership qualities. 

Multani, who grew up in Winnipeg, is now working at a private physiotherapy clinic in the city. 

“I’m focused on continuing to grow my skills as a physiotherapist and pursue further education so I can better serve my clients. I’m excited to learn to see where this journey takes me,” he said. 

Watch a social media reel from the convocation.

Third-year respiratory therapy student Kaitlin Reilly received a UM undergraduate research award to work on a project this summer on the effects of e-cigarettes and vaping. 

Dr. Nicole Brunton, assistant professor of respiratory therapy at the College of Rehabilitation Sciences, led the study. She said that vaping has far surpassed cigarette smoking among youth in Canada, but that little research has been done in this area.   

“Kaitlin and I dedicated much of the summer to reviewing the literature – dating back to 1957 – to develop an evidence-informed method for measuring diffusion capacity during exercise using modern tools and technology. Results from [this work] was a critical first step in investigating the impact of electronic cigarette use on developing lungs,” Brunton said. 

Reilly also has a master of science degree in kinesiology from UM. She said she first connected with Brunton because she also came to respiratory therapy with a with a background in kinesiology. 

We recently spoke to Reilly about her experience on the project. 

When did you first become interested in respiratory therapy? 

When I worked as a kinesiologist, I worked with individuals with many chronic conditions – comorbidities such as COPD, some heart failure and things like that, doing exercise training. What fascinated me about that was how each disease process overlaps, and if you treat one condition, you have to consider the other and how one treatment might affect the other. Through this work, I heard about respiratory therapy. I looked into it and thought it would be a great way to apply some of the skills that I learned in kinesiology – soft skills like communication and things like that – while also getting a clinical piece.  

Also, respiratory therapists work in emergency situations, and I was drawn to that high octane piece of the job as well.  

What did you learn working on the study with Dr. Brunton? 

We worked on a project looking at diffusion capacity – or how well oxygen transfers from lungs into the bloodstream – for people who use e-cigarettes. So, if we exercise people on a bicycle and measure their diffusion capacity, how will it compare between people who vape and those who don’t vape? We want to measure pathologies or changes in the lungs to help make better-informed public health guidelines.  

We’re also looking at whether there’s a way to work with the kinesiology faculty to see if we can work with them on this. They have some of the equipment, like treadmills, bikes and machines that can measure diffusion capacity, so I think it could be a great way for the faculties to collaborate.  

What drew you to this research? 

Public health is something that I’ve always had an interest in, especially prevention and screening. Part of my master’s work was working with Dr. Todd Duhamel, professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, and we were developing a protocol for screening heart disease in women specifically, because historically the screening tools we have are meant for male patients. I fully believe in a preventative approach to health and I believe in finding screening tools that are simple to use and easy to implement, something that can catch things as early as possible, and then also specific to the population. 

Are you interested in continuing to do research? 

Pursuing a PhD isn’t out of the realm of possibilities – I did my master’s, so that could be another steppingstone. But I think how it applies to clinical practice, at least as an RT, is knowing how to search for informed evidence-based information, and then finding novel ways to measure things. For example, with diffusion capacity, finding different ways that we can measure it that might be more sensitive to people who vape – and then being able to inform the public about new research, and help them make informed decisions for their health. 

“Everyone in the health-care field — regardless of what they specialize in — has something to contribute to patient care and to improving the health-care system. Through interdisciplinary learning, students learn with and from others,” said Dr. Francis Diaz, event co-lead and fourth-year pediatrics resident at the Max Rady College of Medicine. 

Students practiced collaborative leadership, teamwork and relationship-focused care — with an emphasis on the person receiving care rather than clinical diagnosis. 

“They explored their roles within a health-care team and how to collaborate effectively to support the patient,” Diaz said. 

More than 260 students gathered in small groups comprising undergraduate students from the Max Rady College of Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy and College of Rehabilitation Sciences. Students from the University College of the North in The Pas and Thompson joined online as part of UM’s partnership in nursing education with the Northern institution. 

Why is there a need for interdisciplinary collaboration in health care? 

“Health care is complex. There aren’t enough health-care providers, such as physicians and nurses. So, it’s really important in team-based care to emphasize that roles sometimes overlap,” said Vladan Protudjer, event co-lead and interim director of the Office of Interprofessional Collaboration. 

Protudjer said overlapping roles offer many benefits, but also create challenges — particularly confusion and a lack of clarity around team members’ roles and responsibilities. 

“In a team, the question should be: ‘Who is best positioned — based on their scope of practice, skill set and training — to provide care for the person in need?’” he said. 

Interprofessional communication is another key aspect students must learn, Protudjer said: “It’s really important to speak up respectfully for the benefit of the patient and to communicate roles in concerning situations, even when it’s uncomfortable.” 

Responding to health care challenges as one team 

During the event, simulated clinical scenarios were acted out by standardized patients — actors trained to portray patients — at the Clinical Learning and Simulation Program’s simulation labs.  

One scenario involved a parent of a seven-year-old boy named Malcolm, who has cerebral palsy. As Malcolm was being discharged from the hospital, students had to discuss the discharge plan with his parent — someone understandably frustrated by complications during the hospital stay. 

Working together, students addressed the parent’s concerns, applying their communication and teamwork skills in a sensitive, real-world context. 

The activities taught Oluwadamilola Taiwo, a fourth-year nursing student, that working as one team with professionals from other disciplines is essential. 

“It showed me how intertwined our work is and how I can rely on others outside my scope to ensure the best care for our patients,” Taiwo said. “That goes a long way to ensure that patients leave with the best impression every time they visit the hospital.” 

Sofia Ebeo, a fourth-year pharmacy student, said the practical skills she learned are important to know before entering health care. 

“It’s one thing to be an expert in our own fields, but it’s another to also understand the expertise of other people on your team and how you communicate with each other, as well as with your patients,” Ebeo said. 

Dustin Erickson, a third-year medical student, said hearing perspectives from fellow students was beneficial.  

“It’s cool to hear how students from other disciplines approach the same problem differently — it’s incredibly valuable,” said Erickson. “This was a great experience, and I’m really excited to see where this program goes from here.” 

*** 

Learn more about interprofessional education at the Rady Faculty, visit: umanitoba.ca/health-sciences/student-experience/interprofessional-collaboration