This is a round-up of relevant news and media stories involving the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry. We appreciate you relaying information which is relevant to faculty members in your respective areas.
TOP STORY
Global National: Access to Aboriginal doctors a struggle for Indigenous population
The TRC's final report called on governments to increase the number of Indigenous health-care workers in Indigenous communities, but three years later, there is still a significant gap in the number of Indigenous doctors to serve their own communities. Tibetha Kemble, director of the Indigenous Health Initiatives Program at the U of A, is interviewed.
RESEARCH
CTV News: Alberta researchers hope to detect Alzheimer's with saliva test
Researchers at the U of A are testing how biomarkers in saliva could be used to detect Alzheimer's disease. Liang Li, a professor in the Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Roger Dixon, a professor of psychology, launched a study to find an inexpensive way of diagnosing mild cognitive impairment with metabolites. Coverage also appears on Global News, Edmonton Journal and Times Now.
Global News: Alberta scientists make breakthrough in drug treatment for ALS
Ted Allison (Faculty of Science) and MD/PhD student Michele DuVal believe a new application of the drug telbivudine could significantly slow the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Coverage also appears on Consumer Affairs.
EXPERT
CBC News: 'It was made to seem like getting a haircut': Patient says breast implant sales pitch glossed over risks
Jan Willem Cohen Tervaert, director of the rheumatology division at the U of A's Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry and a co-author of several studies detailing connections between breast implants and autoimmune illnesses, says research shows new breast implants can leak into the body if ruptured.
Global News: Super Awesome Science Show Recap: Pandemic State Of Mind
David Evans, a professor of medical microbiology & immunology at the U of A, discusses whether or not we may be able to make a pandemic virus in the lab.
Global News: Alberta man getting new teeth for Christmas thanks to special team
An Alberta man has only been able to eat soft food for years but he's now getting new teeth for Christmas thanks to a specialized team in Edmonton. Suresh Nayar, a maxillofacial prosthodontist and associate professor of surgery at the U of A's Institute for Reconstructive Sciences in Medicine, is interviewed.
StarMetro Edmonton: Health Canada introduces new safeguards against faulty medical devices
Health Canada has released a detailed blueprint for beefing up policing of medical devices, including a new online database of device-related health incidents. Comments from Sue Ross, a professor in the U of A's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, are included in the article.
PEOPLE, PARTNERSHIPS AND EDUCATION
Star Metro Edmonton: Medical students calling on government to take action on Alberta's low rate of organ donors
A group of medical students from the U of A and University of Calgary met with MLAs in early December to come up with new strategies to educate the public and increase donor rates in Alberta. Coverage also appears on Global News.
The Gateway: U of A alumnus develops new, convenient container for heart attack medication
A University of Alberta alumnus recently launched a product that allows heart attack sufferers to have instant access to potentially life-saving medication. John Mackey, '90 MD, professor of oncology and director of clinical trials at the Cross Cancer Institute, designed the SMHeartCard as a way to conveniently and safely store medication so it can be instantly available in the case of a sudden heart attack.
Alaska Highway News: Pioneering Fort St. John doctor mourned
Keith Dixon, one of Fort St. John's pioneering doctors, has died at the age of 92. Dixon graduated from the U of A with degrees in pharmacy and medicine. In 1957, he and his classmate Gary Westover came to Fort St. John to begin practicing. Together, they founded a medical clinic in the city.
A feature on the Edmonton Oilers' head physician, Dhiren Naidu, an associate professor in the U of A's Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
CBC Radio One: How pharmacies are expanding their roles in health care
An interview with U of A professor of cardiology Ross Tsuyuki and Christine Hughes (Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences) on the expanding role of pharmacies in the health-care system. No link.
The Gateway: U of A medical program removes cap for Indigenous student enrolment
The U of A is eliminating a quota system that caps the number of Indigenous students admitted to its medical school each year through the Indigenous Health Initiatives Program process.