Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Research
Schulich Medicine & Dentistry Research Office
Among the services that the Schulich Medicine & Dentistry Research Office provides to researchers, students, and trainees to encourage and support research are:
- identification of funding opportunities
- assistance with the development of research collaborations and teams
- assistance with administrative requirements for research proposals
- research opportunities for students and clinical trainees
- proposal review and grantsmanship
ALS Protein Interaction Discovery
Research spearheaded by Dr Michael Strong at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry has led to a groundbreaking discovery in ALS treatment. Their research identified a protein interaction that could potentially reverse ALS progression, significantly advancing medical research in neurodegenerative diseases. Supported by a $10 million grant from the Temerty Foundation, this finding highlights Western’s leadership in health innovation.
Dr Michael Strong
Alzheimer's Treatment Advancements
Researchers from Western University, Stanford University, and the University of California, San Francisco are advancing Alzheimer's treatment by targeting the P75 neurotrophin receptor. Findings published in Nature Medicine highlight promising results from initial human trials on patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. Further studies at Western’s Centre for Functional and Metabolic Mapping at Robarts use advanced brain imaging and animal models to refine this treatment, potentially transforming patient care and outcomes.
Professor Taylor Schmitz and Hayley Shanks
Marking a Canadian first: Robotic-assisted spinal surgery
A surgical team at London Health Sciences Centre, affiliated with Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western, has performed Canada’s first robotic-assisted spinal surgery. Using a new, minimally invasive technology, this procedure enhances surgical precision and improves patient recovery outcomes, setting a new benchmark in medical treatment and innovation.
Left, Dave Meyn, patient, with Dr Victor Yang. (Photo credit: Rena Panchyshyn)
Teaching
Community Service Learning Program
The Community Service Learning program offers undergraduate dental students opportunities for community service and engagement. They provide services at placements in local clinics and community sites in Southwestern Ontario. The program aims to provide person-centred and trauma-informed oral health treatment to equity-seeking community members.
Advanced Health Care Master’s: Diverse Specializations
The Advanced Health Care Practice master's program at Western is a unique, one-year, course-based initiative designed for seasoned healthcare professionals seeking graduate-level education in specialized fields. The program offers eight distinct fields of study:
- Clinical epidemiology and research management
- Sport and exercise medicine
- Upper extremity rehabilitation
- Comprehensive musculoskeletal physiotherapy
- Wound healing
- Interdisciplinary pain management
- Health equity and sustainability
- Applied health sciences
Global Health Systems
The Global Health Systems program is a one-year professional master’s degree focusing on international health, particularly in marginalized populations. Students have the opportunity to discuss solutions to issues in low- or middle-income countries while gaining the knowledge and skills to become leaders in this growing and dynamic field.
Master of Public Health Program
The Master of Public Health Program is a 12-month, case-based program that offers students the opportunity to learn from faculty across diverse disciplines. Throughout the program, students participate in seminars and workshops, complete a 12-week practicum in Canada or abroad, and develop the skills necessary to become leaders in public health.
Outreach
Advocating for Equitable Infant Hearing Health Services in Canada
Marlene Bagatto and the Canadian Infant Hearing Task Force (CIHTF) assessed infant hearing health services across Canada, highlighting significant disparities. Their report card showed many regions lacked sufficient services, impacting child development. Bagatto joined CIHTF members in Ottawa to present their findings to federal officials, advocating for national guidelines to standardize early hearing detection and intervention programs, ensuring equitable access to quality services for all Canadian infants.
"A postal code should not determine whether or not an infant has access to infant hearing health services." – Marlene Bagatto
Enhancing Youth Mental Health: HRPE and Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation
In partnership with Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation in Alberta, the Centre for School Mental Health is enhancing the Healthy Relationships Program – Enhanced to be culturally relevant for the Nakota community. The project integrates traditional Nakota teachings on well-being. It is led by a team that includes Elders, community knowledge holders, and an Indigenous educator. This initiative aims to counteract health inequities among First Nations’ youth. This includes a pilot program for grade 10 students aiming to address inequities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Peer Support Centre
The Peer Support Centre is a student-led initiative that aims to provide non-judgmental and confidential support from trained peers. The Centre fosters openness and understanding through providing a listening ear when needed. It includes support for accessing and finding services, such as emotional, mental, social, and financial. All volunteers are trained by mental health professionals in the model of peer-based support.
Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging
The CCAA is a unique national research and education centre within the Faculty of Health Sciences at Western promoting physical activity and well-being for older adults. Its education and leadership training programs instruct thousands of individuals across Canada through exercise classes, conferences, certifications, and more to enhance the functional fitness of older adults at every level of mobility.
Operations
Wellness Support
Health & Wellness Services offers free, confidential services to help students achieve personal, social, and academic goals. Services include consultations, referrals, therapy, workshops, and group sessions. Centralizing all services supports a holistic care model with a single intake for medical and counseling services and wellness education. The newly renovated Thames Hall features a central atrium adorned with a living wall. With plenty of natural lights, the study space is infused with beautiful scenery and nature sounds.
PurpleCare
PurpleCARE enhances student well-being through essential health services:
- My Virtual Doctor: Ensures 24/7 access to virtual healthcare across Canada, featuring multilingual support, quick consultations, and comprehensive medical services such as diagnosis, prescriptions, and specialist referrals.
- My Student Plan: Offers coverage for prescription drugs, vision, dental care, and mental health counselling, supplementing provincial health insurance.
- My Wellness Plan: Provides immediate online support for mental health challenges, including assessments, video counselling, and balancing tools.
Western's Trans Care Team
Recognizing the unique needs of gender-diverse students, the Trans Care Team consists of clinicians from both the mental and physical health support teams at Health & Wellness. Together, they provide specialized psychological counselling and medical care in a 2SLGBTQIA+ affirmative environment.
