The third-year dental hygiene student began to study more than the week before exams. She also broke up what she was studying into smaller sections and studied continuously.

Rai’s plan was a success.

Mary Bertone, director of the School of Dental Hygiene, and Jasmeen Rai.

At the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry and School of Dental Hygiene Awards Evening on Oct. 30, Rai received two of the School of Dental Hygiene’s most prestigious awards.

Rai was honoured with the Dr. A.W. Hogg Scholarship (awarded for highest standing in the second year of the program) and the Isbister Undergraduate Scholarship in Dental Hygiene (awarded to the student with the highest academic standing). She also received three more scholarships and made the Dean’s Honour List.

“I’m very excited,” said Rai, following the event in Frederic Gaspard Theatre on the UM Bannatyne campus. “I did work very hard last year. I changed a lot of my habits and it’s just nice to see it all pay off.”

Dr. Anastasia Kelekis-Cholakis, dean of the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, and Hannah Shi.

Second-year dental student Hannah Shi received two of the dental college’s most prestigious awards.

Shi is the recipient of the Dr. A.W. Hogg Undergraduate Scholarship for Dentistry (awarded on the basis of eligibility for the Dean’s Honour List and for the highest average standing in years one to three) and the Isbister Undergraduate Scholarship for Dentistry (awarded to the student with the highest sessional grade point average irrespective of the year, excluding the graduate class).

“It’s great,” Shi said. “It took a lot of work.”  

In total, more than 60 student awards were handed out and 12 awards were presented to faculty and staff.

Anastasia Kelekis-Cholakis, dean of the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, speaks to the audience at the Awards Evening.

“Tonight, we are here to recognize our efforts, encourage and applaud them,” said Dr. Anastasia Kelekis-Cholakis, dean of the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry. “For us as educators, supporting our students and seeing them succeed is really one of the most rewarding aspects of our work.”

Mary Bertone, director of the School of Dental Hygiene, told the audience that the awards evening is a moment to celebrate the hard work and accomplishments of students, faculty and staff.

“As you receive your awards tonight, remember, this is not just a recognition of what you’ve achieved, but a reflection of who you are – determined, empathetic and ready to make a difference,” Bertone said. 

View the full list of award recipients.

When the group realized it had a surplus of $3,400 from all the different fundraising activities, the graduating students decided to donate the money to the School of Dental Hygiene’s patient support funds.

“I think the reason we felt so compelled to donate was because of our excellent experience in the program. I think our instructors and supervisors really instilled in us the importance of giving back and being able to advocate for our patients,” said Lexy Müller Morán, president of the Dental Hygiene Class of 2025.

Dental Hygiene Class of 2025

The donation will go towards two patient support fund initiatives, which help those who don’t have access to public or private dental insurance and aren’t able to pay out of pocket.

Smiles for Miles helps newcomers and refugees. And DH4U enables dental hygiene students to advocate for their patients and make the case to help cover the cost of their care.

Müller Morán recalled a time when one of her classmates had a patient who feared seeing the dentist, and because of it, their oral hygiene suffered.  

“My classmate’s patient was so dedicated to wanting to improve their oral hygiene she felt the need to advocate for this patient. Ultimately, the patient was able to come to the clinic and afford the treatment because of the DH4U fund,” Müller Morán said.

Mary Bertone, director of the School of Dental Hygiene at the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, is proud of the Class of 2025.

“It means a lot that this class made a donation. It shows a sense of social responsibility and a commitment to paying it forward, so future students can advocate for patients who need care,” Bertone said.

Müller Morán said that her class thought it would be great to give back, even though they only graduated in May.

“We felt it would be good to start early,” Müller Morán said. “We thought, if we can make an impact now, then why don’t we do that. I think it’s just going to encourage all of us to give back in the future.”

If you would like to donate to the School of Dental Hygiene patient funds, please get in touch with Brooke Karlaftis, UM donor relations officer, at Brooke.Karlaftis@umanitoba.ca.

Dr. Patricia Kmet, a recently retired Winnipeg dentist who has served as president of the Manitoba Dental Association (MDA) and for several years chaired the annual MDA convention, will receive the 2025 Alumni of Distinction Award from the UM Dental Alumni Association.

Mary Bertone, a faculty member who is director of the UM School of Dental Hygiene and past director of UM’s Centre for Community Oral Health (CCOH), will be recognized with the 2025 Alumni of Distinction Award from the UM School of Dental Hygiene Alumni Association.

Dr. Patricia Kmet

Kmet was raised by Ukrainian immigrant parents in Winnipeg’s North End. She earned her UM bachelor of science in 1983 and graduated from the UM dental school in 1987.

She practised at Regent Avenue Dental for 35 years, from 1989 until her retirement in 2024. She was a board member of the MDA from 2002 to 2009, serving as president in 2008-09.

For 10 years she was a part-time instructor in the restorative and pediatric departments at UM’s Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry. She also served as a longtime examiner for the National Dental Examining Board of Canada.   

Kmet’s honours from the dental community include being inducted into the Pierre Fauchard Academy and the International College of Dentists. She received the MDA President’s Award of Merit in 2022.

Recently, she has given back to UM by fundraising for the leading-edge dental clinics planned for the Dr. Gerald and Reesa Niznick Centre, now under construction on the Bannatyne campus.

Kmet has also generously given her time to the Ukrainian community, serving in leadership roles with organizations such as the Kyiv Pavilion at Folklorama and Holy Family Home.      

Mary Bertone

Bertone earned her diploma in dental hygiene at UM in 2005. She also holds a bachelor of science and master of public health from UM. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in rehabilitation and health leadership at Queen’s University.

She has led the School of Dental Hygiene since 2014 and concurrently led the CCOH from 2017 to 2021.

Her provincial and national leadership roles have included serving as president of the Manitoba Dental Hygienists Association and the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association.

Throughout her career, Bertone has been committed to improving oral health care for underserved populations, including elderly people, those with disabilities, care home residents, people in remote communities, Indigenous people and newcomers to Canada.

In spite of her leadership commitments, she continues to maintain a clinical practice in the northern community of Churchill. She has twice been honoured with the UM Community Outreach Award.

Bertone has also been involved in many research projects, on topics such as the promotion of early childhood oral health.

Her nominators for the Alumni of Distinction Award wrote that she “has selflessly and significantly contributed to the dental hygiene profession through her extensive leadership, community involvement, collaboration, health promotion and volunteer experiences.”

Tickets for the Sept. 19 Alumni of Distinction Awards Evening at the Fort Garry Hotel, honouring Kmet and Bertone, are available through the UM Dental Alumni Association website. The event will also pay tribute to the Dentistry Class of 1975.

Alwyn Gomez
Governor General’s Gold Medal (Ph.D)
(for outstanding performance at the graduate level)
Doctor of Philosophy: Medical Sciences

Midway through his neurosurgery residency, Alwyn Gomez chose to pause his clinical training and pursue a PhD. The decision was sparked during a call shift at Health Sciences Centre, where he treated a young patient with a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

“I spent hours talking with the family,” Gomez says. “But in the end, they just wanted to know how their loved one was going to do. I did not know. The truth is no one knew.”

Determined to help improve outcomes for TBI patients, Gomez focused his doctoral work on brain injury research. He contributed to HEMOTION, a multi-institutional randomized control trial studying blood transfusion strategies in TBI care, which was later published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

At UM, Gomez remained deeply involved in the academic community. He taught anatomy, served as an examiner for medical students and developed a cadaver-based technical skills program to support surgical trainees.

Looking ahead, he hopes to build a research program that explores the physiology of the injured brain and advances more personalized approaches to care.

He credits his success to the support of his wife and daughter and reflects on the importance of appreciating the journey: “I would say this to my past self: you’re doing the right thing taking the time to smell the roses.”

Dallas Murphy
Governor General’s Gold Medal (Master’s)
(for outstanding performance at the graduate level)
Master of Arts: Clinical Psychology

Dallas Murphy didn’t imagine he’d end up here. In his first year of undergrad at UM, he failed some courses, barely passed others and eventually stepped away from university entirely. Two years later, he returned and everything changed when he chose to study clinical psychology.

“I came back to university after my break and started pursuing a degree I wasn’t interested in because it was what I thought I ‘should’ do. I hated every second of it. It wasn’t until I finally committed to pursuing clinical psychology that coming to UM every day became a joy,” Murphy says.

Now, his passion lies in applied research that makes mental healthcare more accessible. His work has included developing interventions to reduce internalized ageism in older adults, examining the neuropsychological effects of therapy for PTSD and evaluating strategies to boost academic performance in university students.

He also served as president of the Graduate Association of Students in Psychology, volunteered as a mentor through Project Short and held a regional leadership role with a nonprofit dedicated to fighting prejudice on campuses.

Murphy credits his success to his wife Rebecca, who proofread every document he wrote, and to a group of mentors who supported him throughout his degree.

To his younger self, he offers this: “Follow your interests and passion. Everything is easier when you deeply care about the work you’re doing. And don’t be afraid to bet on yourself.”

Dylan Ricard
Governor General’s Silver Medal
(for the undergraduate student who achieves the highest academic standing in a Bachelor degree program)
Bachelor of Science in Engineering: Mechanical Engineering

Growing up on a mixed grain and beef farm in southern Manitoba, Dylan Ricard didn’t set out with a clear plan to study engineering. At first, he considered accounting, inspired by an aunt and his time as treasurer for four student groups. But a conversation with his high school guidance counsellor changed everything.

“You like both math and science. Have you considered engineering?” the counsellor asked. That question eventually led Ricard to UM and to a degree in mechanical engineering.

Still, it took time to find his path. A first-year thermodynamics course sparked his interest and a fourth-year elective in HVAC sealed it. That course not only defined his career focus but led him to co-found the U of M ASHRAE Student Branch, a group that now hosts regular events and encourages students to explore careers in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning design.

Ricard also volunteered as a Buddy Leader in engineering orientation, worked as a TA and completed summer research modifying particle imaging software to track river flow from drone footage.

Now working in mechanical building design, he continues to advocate for sustainable building practices and student engagement in HVAC through his new role with the ASHRAE Manitoba Chapter.

“If you embrace uncertainty and keep an open mind, you will find opportunities for a fulfilling career, perhaps in areas you never expected.”

Jodh Ghuman
Governor General’s Silver Medal
(for the undergraduate student who achieves the highest academic standing in a Bachelor degree program)
Bachelor of Science

Born and raised in Squamish, B.C., Jodh Ghuman developed a deep connection with the natural world early on. That curiosity led him to UM, where he explored the biological systems that govern health and disease—ultimately focusing on microbiology and the impact of microbes on human health.

A turning point came during an infectious diseases course, where he began to see illness in a broader context.

“Diseases are more than just a scientific process,” Ghuman says. “Culture, politics and climate affect the spread and prevention of diseases.”

Outside the classroom, Ghuman immersed himself in initiatives that support well-being, equity and environmental awareness. He volunteered as a peer educator with Healthy U, later working as a staff member in the Student Wellness Centre. He led first aid training sessions as a medical first responder with St. John Ambulance and supported new students as a Supplemental Instruction Leader.

Through his work with Save Our Seine, he helped organize and lead river tours for more than 440 people, raising awareness of conservation efforts. Nationally, he has advocated for integrated youth services through Huddle Manitoba, Foundry’s Provincial Youth Advisory and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health’s national youth advisory.

This fall, Ghuman begins medical school at UM, where he plans to keep building connections with individuals and communities.

“In hindsight, I would tell myself to do my best, ask more questions and create early plans… join clubs, volunteer and try to gain more knowledge, skills and experience, all while having fun.”

Trent Delichte
Governor General’s Bronze Medal
(for the undergraduate student who achieves the highest academic standing in the Diploma in Agriculture program)
Diploma in Agriculture

For Trent Delichte, agriculture isn’t just a career—it’s a way of life. Raised in St. Alphonse, Manitoba, he enrolled in UM’s Diploma in Agriculture program to sharpen his farm management skills and prepare for the future of his family’s farm.

“I hope to be an advocate within my farm, the community and the industry for using new technology to help make our businesses and operations more successful,” Delichte says. With input costs rising and margins shrinking, he sees innovation and efficiency as essential to sustainability.

The Farm Management Project had a lasting impact. Working hands-on with his farm’s financials helped him understand the long-term effects of business decisions in a way that felt both practical and empowering.

“It will help me down the line, when I become lead farmer,” he says.

Outside of class, Delichte stayed connected to his community by volunteering at his local church and lending a hand when needed. He also played rec hockey and basketball during the school year.

He credits the diploma program’s structure, the support of instructors and peers and the friendships he formed along the way for helping him succeed.

Looking back, Delichte says he’d tell his past self to slow down and appreciate the experience: “I think I would tell myself to not be so worried and to live in the moment more… take each day one at a time and don’t overlook the little things, as once your university journey is over, you will look back and not regret it.”

Kiara Stefansson
Governor General’s Bronze Medal
(for highest standing in a diploma program of at least two years other than the Diploma in Agriculture)
Diploma in Dental Hygiene

Kiara Stefansson has long been passionate about preventative healthcare and applied science. After completing a Bachelor of Science at UM, she returned to pursue dental hygiene—drawn to a profession that blends clinical care with public education and advocacy.

“Oral health is deeply interconnected with overall well-being,” Stefansson says. “Through this profession, I can educate my patients to make informed decisions that positively impact their health.”

During her studies, Stefansson spent a week in Churchill, Manitoba as part of Oral Health Promotion Week. Alongside a classmate and their program director, she delivered K–12 presentations, provided clinical care and worked with the Medicine Water Women’s Group on oral health programming.

“It was a life changing experience to visit such a warm and welcoming community, and I hope to return in the future,” she says.

Stefansson plans to work to the full scope of her profession, promoting prevention-based care and expanding access to services in underserved areas—especially rural communities like the one she grew up in.

She credits her third-year clinical instructor, Kaleigh Warden, with helping her become a confident and capable professional.

“She found a way to create an environment that is conducive to learning, fostering curiosity and allowing you to make mistakes, while also being able to give you that gentle push out of your comfort zone,” Stefansson says.

Reflecting on her journey, Stefansson offers this advice: “Your grades do not define you… when you look back in time, it will be the positive impact you had on the people around you that will matter most.”

UM Bisons are at the centre of it all, making a difference here in Manitoba and around the world. 3058 degrees are being awarded at Spring Convocation 2025, bringing the total number of UM graduates to 4200 so far this year. Many of these new alumni will stay in Manitoba, supplying high-demand skills to the labour market and contributing to UM’s $7.3 billion economic impact on our community.

Students shared powerful reflections on the impact their chosen teachers had on their lives, highlighting the dedication, compassion, and humour these educators brought to the classroom. For some, the most influential teachers were also the toughest—those who held them to high standards because they genuinely believed in their ability to succeed.

“My mom went to a parent-teacher conference. I had an excellent report card—except for all the classes I had with one teacher, Ms. Margaret Wiens. My grades in her class were thirty percent lower than every other class,” shared Christine Hay, the outstanding student selected from the Faculty of Education. “The rural school I attended was a Grade 4 to 12 school, with no high school art programming at all. Margaret Wiens was a teacher who saw the value of art in education. So, when I decided in Grade 12, four years later, that I wanted to apply to the School of Art at UM with no arts training at all, it was Ms. Wiens who learned how to build an entrance portfolio and mentored me through the entire process—during her lunches, her preps, and after school. I did end up getting direct entry into the School of Art. It is with deep gratitude that I stand here today and thank you, 23 years later, for showing up every day with grit, for showing me grace, and for being an example of how I hope to show up for my future students.”

Left image from left to right, Yvonne Fenner, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Occupational Therapy, outstanding student, Ms. Margaret Hart, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Occupational Therapy, outstanding teacher. Right image from left to right, Mr.  Ron Constant, Joe A. Ross School, outstanding teacher, Yvonne Fenner, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Occupational Therapy, outstanding student

This year’s Students’ Teacher Recognition Reception was held on May 5 bringing together students, their selected teachers, faculty representatives, and invited guests for an afternoon of meaningful celebration. The event was hosted by The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning and emceed by the Centre’s Director, Dr. Erica Jung.

Dr. Diane Hiebert-Murphy, Provost and Vice-President (Academic) brought greetings and shared her own reflections on the educators who made a lasting impact in her life. “I think back to my high school teachers’ who encouraged me to recognize potential that I didn’t fully see in myself, and some University Professors who helped shape the direction of my academic life, and ultimately my professional life. These individuals will never fully appreciate or know the impact that they had on me, but I certainly think about them every year when I come to this reception.”

Throughout the afternoon, students spoke not only about the academic guidance they received but also the personal support their teachers offered—support that extended beyond the classroom. Many shared stories of educators who cared deeply, often becoming mentors, role models, and even friends.

Yvonne Fenner, the outstanding student from the College of Rehabilitation Sciences, spoke with heartfelt appreciation about the many ways her selected teachers supported her. “It wasn’t only the educational part of this journey that she helped me with. Ms. Margaret Hart was there for me on a personal note, as I have called on her many times in the last two years.” Ms. Margaret Hart, a First Nations Indigenous educator in the health sciences, shared that the presence of Indigenous students carries deep personal significance. “I’m there to nurture the students’ learning, but also, I’m there to nurture their identities too”—a sentiment that reflects a commitment not only to academic growth but to personal and cultural growth as well.

Following the ceremony, attendees had a chance to mingle, take photos, and reflect on the meaningful connections that helped shape their journeys.

Faculty of Law student Alessandro Potenza put it best: “I know that we were not uniquely smart, but instead, that we had a uniquely exceptional teacher.” A sentiment echoed by many—while talent may open the door, it’s great educators who help students walk through it.

For a full list of award recipients, please visit our webpage.

The Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry Class of 2025 is made up of 30 doctor of dental medicine graduates. Six of the grads were international dentists originally educated in Nigeria, Hungary or India and have earned Canadian degrees through UM’s International Dentist Degree Program.

The School of Dental Hygiene Class of 2025 includes 26 graduates. And the College of Pharmacy Class of 2025 is comprised of 31 graduates who received the doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) undergraduate degree.

Dr. Michael Benarroch, UM president and vice-chancellor, told the students seated in the Brodie Centre atrium that they were about to be at the centre of so much.

Dentistry, dental hygiene and pharmacy students took part in the Convocation ceremony.

“Be proud to take your place there – you’re Bisons – and as graduates of this esteemed faculty, you have become the changemakers we need, and that is in part thanks to the many gifted practitioners, including alumni, who have helped train you,” Benarroch said.

In UM Chancellor Anne Mahon’s last Convocation address before the end of her second term, she told the students she was proud of everything they’ve achieved at UM.

“Our stories make us who we are. I challenge you to be vulnerable and to share the truths of your lives, and if offered someone else’s story, I encourage you to really listen and to hold it carefully,” Mahon said.

After the students crossed the stage, Tracy Bowman, executive director of alumni relations at UM, welcomed the graduates into the alumni community.

“Congratulations on your hard work and realizing this amazing, exciting milestone – Convocation,” Bowman said. “What you’ve achieved at the University of Manitoba is just the beginning. You were students for several years, but now you’re alumni for life.”

School of Dental Hygiene Class of 2025 students.

Farah Cheah was attracted to dental hygiene because of its focus on prevention and education. She was nervous, and her heart was thumping before she crossed the stage.

“When I was going up on stage, I thought, ‘I deserve it. It was really worth it. The journey was really great,’” said Cheah, who immigrated to Winnipeg from Malaysia as a teenager. She will be working as a dental hygienist in Winnipeg.

Dr. Allissa Morrice was drawn to dentistry because the profession brings together art and science. Looking back over the past four years of dental school, she is glad she chose UM.

“We had such a good clinical program. I’m coming out of school feeling quite confident. I think it’s good we got a lot of clinical experience. We had a small class size, so everybody was able to help each other out,” said Morrice, who is Métis, Southeast Region, St. Adolphe Local, and grew up in La Salle, Man. She will be practicing dentistry in Winnipeg.

Dr. Catherine He was a dental hygienist before entering dentistry. A highlight of dental school was finally being able to go maskless around her classmates.

“Because our four-year program started during COVID, one of my strongest memories is when COVID was done, and after two years, we were able to remove our masks. We were so happy to see each other’s faces,” said He, who immigrated to Canada from China as a teenager. She is planning to practice dentistry in British Columbia.

Dr. Scott Thomas was inspired to pursue pharmacy because a pharmacist once went “above and beyond” and opened his business after hours to help Thomas’s mother when she ran out of medication. A highlight of the program for him was gaining practical experience in his second year.

“It really brings to the forefront the aspect that you are caring for people, and these are real people, and they need your help. It’s a big deal, so it brings a little realism to your perspective, and I think on-the-job education was really what struck me,” said Thomas, who is Métis and grew up mostly in Winnipeg. He is interested in oncology and hopes to work with CancerCare Manitoba.

Dr. Shaelyn Gustafson received the UM Gold Medal in Pharmacy for the highest standing in the College of Pharmacy. During the ceremony, she was thinking back to when she was in her first year, and it felt like ages ago.

“There’s been a lot of hard work that has gone into reaching this point, so I felt really happy to be able to celebrate it here today,” said Gustafson, who has a job lined up in her hometown of Brandon, Man.

Watch an Instagram reel showing highlights of the ceremony.

These questions point to three key principles — empathy, resilience and reflection — that underpin the intrapreneurial mindset, says Janine Carmichael, a faculty specialist in entrepreneurship at UM’s Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning. In her role, she offers workshops and in-person support to help people incorporate those principles and cultivate related skills.

The skills can be learned by anyone, she emphasizes, and applied in many different situations. In fact, an intrapreneur is someone who behaves like an entrepreneur while working within an organization, driving change, seeking solutions and fostering growth from within.

The breakthrough

Recently Carmichael supported associate professor Kathy Yerex in steering UM dental hygiene students in a challenge to expand the scope of dental hygiene and tackle unmet oral healthcare needs of Canadian seniors.

As the students wrestled with the problem, they were guided through design thinking for problem-solving — but the breakthrough came during a special class with six guests. Every 10 minutes, each student group moved to a new station to talk to someone else about their idea.

The goal, says Carmichael, was not the product or the solution. Instead, it was about engaging.

The shift to process is significant. “It’s a very big shift for us in education, right?” she says. “Because we’re used to: ‘What did you produce at the end of the term?’”

Listening and power of empathy

“In entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship, we really want to get away from starting with a solution,” notes Carmichael. “Instead, we should ask, ‘What problem do you want to solve?’”

Empathy gets to the root of the problem by connecting to who has that problem and understanding it from their perspective, she says.

To cultivate empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, she suggests starting by practicing active listening. This means fully concentrating on what the other person is saying, without interrupting or planning your response while they are speaking. Reflect on their words and emotions and respond thoughtfully.

“We want to hear in their own words,” she explains, “asking good, open-ended questions like ‘Why is this a problem? What have you done to address this problem in the past. Has that worked or not? Why? How does it make you feel?’”

She continues, “And so the interview piece is so important in developing intrapreneurial or entrepreneurial skills. We can send students out to talk to the people that they want to serve, or sometimes in the classroom environment, we can bring in people to share those problems with students.

“Because now they’re learning how to interview. They’re learning about active listening and being compassionate. They’re learning about holding their solutions lightly,” she says.

Building resilience for intrapreneurial success

Resilience, the ability to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to change, is another crucial skill. A path of change or innovation is often fraught with failure, but resilience enables you to learn from mistakes and persevere.

Carmichael explains, “Building resilience starts with developing a growth mindset. This means viewing challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than as insurmountable obstacles. Embrace failures as learning experiences and seek feedback to improve.”

She also highlights the importance of mentorship and role models. She suggests looking for mentors within your organization or industry who can provide guidance and support.

Role models, on the other hand, she says, can motivate you by demonstrating what is possible. Observing how they handle challenges, interact with others and drive innovation can provide valuable insights and lessons.

Check out these stories about UM intrapreneurial role models who made a difference: biology technician Carl Szczerski uses 3D printing to support teaching and learning; staff member Farzana Ebrahim gets intrapreneurial with Microsoft power apps.

Reflective practices for continuous improvement

Reflection is another powerful tool for personal and professional growth. Regularly reflecting on your experiences, successes and failures can help you gain insights, identify areas for improvement, and reinforce positive behaviours.

Effective reflective practices could include seeking feedback from others and journaling on what went well, what could have been done differently and what you learned. Use this feedback to identify strengths and areas for improvement. Be open to constructive criticism and view it as an opportunity to grow.

Carmichael shares, “We don’t learn from experience; we learn from reflecting on experience. It’s important to be intentional about pausing to reflect on what worked well, what didn’t, and what could be done differently next time.”

UM offers many curricular, co-curricular and professional development opportunities to cultivate and build intrapreneurial/entrepreneurial skills, including the Stu Clark New Venture Championship, Better Together, Faculty of Science 3K Pitch Competition, and teaching practices used by Dr. Snehil Dua.

Having more dental hygienists involved in advancing science, she says, would elevate how the profession is viewed by academics and the public.

“It would add more credibility to our profession,” says the assistant professor at the School of Dental Hygiene, who joined UM as a part-time instructor in 2007 and as a full-time faculty member in 2017.

Yerex got her start in research while pursuing her master of science in oral biology at the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry.

Her thesis focused on investigating the oral microbiome of people who have tooth resorption – a rare, destructive condition whose causes are not fully understood. Yerex speculated that tooth resorption in humans might be linked to cross-species transmission of oral bacteria from cats.

She found that three bacteria are common to the oral microbiomes of humans and felines with tooth resorption. But more research is needed to determine whether there is a connection between the condition in people and contact with their pet cats.

Yerex’s master’s research opened the door to her current Canadian Institutes of Health Research-funded projects.

She is a principal investigator on two studies related to First Nations and Métis children in Manitoba. One project is looking at kids’ oral microbiome and cavities risk, and the other is about implementing new, culturally informed early childhood oral health programs and services.

“I’m glad that I have these opportunities to do research that will hopefully benefit Métis citizens,” says Yerex, who is a Red River Métis citizen and grew up in Winnipeg.    

Yerex, who also pursues research related to the scholarship of teaching and learning, belongs to a group at UM’s dental school that’s looking at the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on dental and dental hygiene education.

She has a keen interest in using technology in the classroom and has won the dentistry dean’s teaching award for innovative use of tech several times. Currently, she is integrating AI into her teaching methodology by allowing students to use ChatGPT for specific assignments.

“You have to embrace AI,” she says. “It’s not going anywhere.”

Yerex’s varied research interests are apparent from the papers on which she has collaborated. One study, published in the International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry, was a systematic review of cavity risk in children under six.

Another that appeared in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences focused on the molecular mechanisms that make three pathogenic bacteria resistant to antibiotics.

A study in BMC Oral Health discussed novel approaches for treating periodontal disease, including the possibility of improving the oral microbiome through microbiota replacement therapy or probiotic therapy.

While Yerex’s scholarly interests are diverse, she would like to develop more expertise in one area and is considering a PhD. Still, she says, the variety has been an advantage because it informs her teaching. 

“I feel that my research has helped me become a better educator, because it’s not just me talking about information from a textbook. I’m sharing real lived experience.”

A total of 205 students graduated, representing three colleges in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences – the Max Rady College of Medicine, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry (including the School of Dental Hygiene) and College of Pharmacy.

Medical grads encouraged to embrace complexity, uncertainty

Dr. Graham Sher

At their convocation ceremony in the morning, Manitoba’s newest doctors were told to “be comfortable with the uncomfortable.”

Dr. Graham Sher was conferred an honorary doctor of laws degree at the morning ceremony at Brodie Centre on Bannatyne campus. A South African-born hematologist, he is chief executive officer Canadian Blood Services. He has been with the organization since it was established in 1998.

Addressing convocation, he talked about the strain that health care is under due to rising health inequities and an overstretched workforce. He encouraged the graduates to embrace complexity and uncertainty in their careers.  

“As you leave these halls and enter the halls of hospitals, clinics and research institutes know that two concepts will define and influence your careers. Learn to grasp them and to master them, as I had to and still do today,” he said.

The Max Rady College of Medicine Class of 2024 includes 106 graduates. Of these, 76 will undertake their residencies in Manitoba.

Dr. Peter Nickerson, vice-provost (health sciences) and dean of the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences congratulated the graduates, most of whom started their programs at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am in awe of your resilience and fortitude to overcome the immense and unprecedented challenges you faced these last four years, particularly beginning medical school in a virtual world,” he said.

“I’m excited knowing that, because you endured in the face of a global pandemic, you have a fantastic future in front of you.”

A Max Rady College of Medicine graduate reads the physician’s pledge.

The Class of 2024 also includes 12 students of Indigenous ancestry, many of whom intend to give back to their communities.

Dr. Gillian McIvor is Métis and grew up in Winnipeg. She is excited to begin her residency with the college’s family medicine northern and remote stream program.

“I entered medical school with a drive to work with Indigenous communities. The most notable physicians for me have been the ones who are completely intertwined in their communities and that is exactly what I want to be,” she said.

Dr. Stefon Irvine is Cree-Métis and grew up in northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan. He identifies as gay two-spirit and as a member of the queer community. During medical school he was heavily involved with creating programs to assist incoming Indigenous medical students, with the goal of seeing more Indigenous physicians graduate.

“I aim to bridge the health-care gap for Elders, residential school survivors, and those still affected by the ongoing impacts of colonization,” he said.

Irvine is also headed to northern Manitoba for his family medicine residency.

“It’s surreal to finally be able to call ourselves doctors. Med school is a lot of hard work, like anything in life, but you really have to push yourself to be here.”

Watch an Instagram reel showing highlights of the ceremony.

Dentistry, dental hygiene and pharmacy grads persevered through pandemic

Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry Class of 2024 graduates.

At the convocation ceremony in the afternoon, Dr. Anastasia Kelekis-Cholakis, dean of the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, and Dr. Lalitha Raman-Wilms, dean of the College of Pharmacy, commended the graduating students on their persistence and hard work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“You have worked during a pandemic under very challenging circumstances and are finally here to celebrate,” Kelekis-Cholakis told the 35 doctor of dental medicine graduates (seven were in the International Dentist Degree Program (IDDP) and 24 School of Dental Hygiene graduates.

Speaking to the 40 doctor of pharmacy graduates (PharmD), Raman-Wilms said they were challenged with a rigorous curriculum in a difficult time.

“You should be immensely proud of yourselves – as we are of all of you – your journey has been nothing short of extraordinary,” Raman-Wilms said.

Dr. Madison Wong, a PharmD graduate who served as president of the UM Pharmacy Students’ Association and of the Canadian Association of Pharmacy Students and Interns, which represents the interests of more than 4,000 pharmacy students across the country, said it was difficult for her class to grow close to each other at the start of the program because they were taking classes remotely.

“It feels incredible that I’ve gotten this far,” said Wong, who will be starting a hospital pharmacy residency with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. “It’s been a long four years.”

Dr. Dale Porth said that completing his dentistry degree was a whirlwind of emotions.

“I’ve been a student for the las 10 years, so having everything come to an end is almost like an ureal moment, but I’m just trying to soak it all in and enjoy it,” said Porth, who grew up in Winnipeg and his family is from Sioux Valley Dakota Nation.

Dr. Ayodeji Omotayo said he had a great experience at the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry.

“I came in here as a dentist, but I’m leaving here as a super dentist,” said Omotayo, who practiced dentistry in Nigeria before coming to Canada and entering UM’s IDDP. “Someone has refined you, has taken all those things you’ve learnt and polished you up. I’m leaving here with gratitude that I’ve received this education.”

When dental hygiene graduate Olivia Rodriguez crossed the stage to receive her parchment, she was thinking that it wasn’t the end but a new beginning.

“It’s just the start,” said Rodriguez, who will be working at a dental clinic in Winnipeg. “This is the beginning of a whole new life.”

The event took place in the Brodie Centre atrium Nov. 24., where more than 70 awards and scholarships were handed out by Dr. Anastasia Kelekis-Cholakis, dean of the dental college, and Lorraine Glassford, advisor to the School of Dental Hygiene Class of 2024.

Kelekis-Cholakis told the audience the awards celebrate the achievements of the students who have excelled in the college’s demanding programs. 

“For us as educators, supporting our students and seeing them succeed is one of the most rewarding aspects of this job,” she said.

Sophie Chen and Dr. Anastasia Kelekis-Cholakis

Dentistry student Sophie Chen received several awards, including the Dr. A.W. Hogg Undergraduate Scholarship for Dentistry (awarded based on eligibility for Dean’s honour list and for the highest average standing in years one to three) and the Isbister Undergraduate Scholarship for Dentistry (awarded to the student with the highest sessional GPA irrespective of the year, excluding graduate class).

“Dental school isn’t easy, so having these awards definitely is a good push for me to keep doing my best,” Chen said. “We’re so lucky to have all the donors to be able to supply these awards for us.”

Dental hygiene student Stacey Urban was awarded several honours, including the Dr. A.W. Hogg Scholarship (awarded for the highest standing in the second year of the dental hygiene program) and the Isbister Undergraduate Scholarship in Dental Hygiene (awarded to the dental hygiene student with the highest academic standing). She said she was honoured to receive the awards and it is motivation to keep working hard.

Stacey Urban and Dr. Anastasia Kelekis-Cholakis

“I want to keep going and keep doing my best, not just because of the awards, but because I love what I’m doing,” Urban said. 

Glassford told the audience that faculty and staff awards are the result of nominations made by students and peers.

“I do believe that these awards hold a special significance as they represent recognition from the people we serve and work with,” said Glassford, who spoke on behalf of the director of the School of Dental Hygiene Mary Bertone, who was unable to attend.

For the first time, Long-service Awards were handed out to part-time academic instructors who have been with the dental school for more than 10 years.

Long-service Awards were handed out to part-time academic instructors.

Dr. Vincent Chan was one of the dental professionals who received a Long-service Award.

“It’s quite an honour,” said Chan, who has been a part-time instructor with the Centre for Community Oral Health since 2000. “We want to give the students a good experience in school, so hopefully when they finish, they take that experience with them.”

Natasha Kravtsov, a part-time instructor with the School of Dental Hygiene, said it’s a pleasure to work with the students and the recognition is a nice pat on the back.

“It’s always rewarding to see students grow and find their way through the challenging program and become competent dental hygienists,” Kravtsov said. “Sometimes you feel like you’re sending off little birds into the world and they can fly, which is wonderful.”