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Dear faculty and staff,
The holiday season is a time for cheer, a time for giving, a time for reflection, and a time for thanks. As we look forward to the holidays, I wish to thank each and every one of you for your exemplary work this year.
In the spirit of the season, it is equally important to recognize the countless efforts of so many of our faculty and staff who give of their time, talent and treasure through quiet acts of charitable giving here at home and around the world. Their work shines a positive light on all of us at the UBC Faculty of Medicine and galvanizes others to act. Catch a glimpse of just a few of these remarkable people through their inspiring stories in our December Giving Series.
The Faculty was also the benefactor of significant contributions this year that will help us accelerate research, enhance education, and strengthen our partnerships to improve the health of families and communities here in B.C. and around the world.
This was highlighted with a $31 million award from the Canada Foundation for Innovation to lead eight projects, including piloting the production of cancer-killing isotopes and creating more personalized treatments for respiratory diseases. In addition, we received significant donations including a $6 million gift from two of our first faculty members, Sydney Friedman and Constance Livingstone-Friedman, to create the university’s largest-ever endowed scholarship. We also received a $1.5 million contribution from B.C.’s First Nations Health Authority for a faculty position dedicated to improving cancer outcomes and overall wellness among First Nations and Indigenous people.
This year, we also celebrated the 15th anniversary of the Aboriginal MD Admission program. Since the creation of the program, more than 70 Indigenous students have graduated, servings as doctors in communities across B.C. and Canada.
A first of its kind in western Canada, we also celebrated the launch the new School of Biomedical Engineering that we are deeply proud of. A partnership with the Faculty of Applied Science, the School will serve as a nucleus for research, innovation and education.
Throughout 2017, we led innovations in both research and education, including the creation of a new, interactive teaching tool called the HoloLens. Developed in partnership with Microsoft, it uses virtual reality and holograms to help students visualize the brain’s three-dimensional structure.
This year, we also made great strides in highlighting the impact of our global-leading health research and education by launching a new online magazine, PATHWAYS. In our most recent issue Hope & Promise, we delve into the challenging world of mental health and addictions and explore how our faculty, staff and learners are making a difference.
Most recently, we celebrated our fall graduates, who have set out on the next stage of their journey as healthcare professionals and researchers in a wide range of fields. Explore their stories and discover the impact they’re making in communities across B.C. and beyond.
Underpinning all these achievements is the tremendous support we receive from all of our administrative service teams. These are the people that fly below the radar and make the impossible happen under tight deadlines. Behind-the-scenes multi-taskers, they enable faculty leadership and learners to be successful. To that end, I wish to say thank you for your tireless efforts – your contributions are noticed and deeply valued.
As we come to the close of 2017, we can all be proud of many important milestones and advancements made in both research and education. I hope you will take time to enjoy this holiday season with your friends and family.
As the Irish like to say, “Ni Neart go cur le cheile” – Strength comes from togetherness.
Wishing you happiness and health,
Dermot Kelleher, MD, FRCP, FRCPI, FMedSci
Dean, Faculty of Medicine
The University of British Columbia |
