Introduction to Regulatory Affairs Fall 2025 Offering Wraps Up at the ATM
The first course in the 2025/2026 Regulatory Affairs in the Life Sciences Micro-Certificate series builds a solid foundation in global regulatory systems and their impact on health products. The ATM recently concluded Introduction to Regulatory Affairs, the first course in our 2025/2026 Regulatory Affairs in the Life Sciences Micro-Certificate series. Since September, learners have been […]
Building the Next Generation of Health Systems: ATM at AKU Nairobi
In October, Dean A. Regier, Deirdre Weymann, Emanuel Krebs, Vicki Cormack, and Steven Jones visited Aga Khan University (AKU) in Nairobi to represent the ATM at a workshop titled Towards a Next-Generation Health System: Integrating Genomics, Bioinformatics, EHR, Data Mining, and Population Health for Data-Driven Clinical Decision Making. The workshop brought together researchers, clinicians, and […]
UBC AI & Health Network: Delivering AI’s promise of better health care
Time is everything in health care. Imagine a loved one with high-risk breast cancer being prioritized for treatment in days, not months. A doctor who is able to spend more time with patients and less on paperwork. A breakthrough treatment developed and approved in months, not years, to outpace fast-moving viruses and drug-resistant cancers. Launched in June with the support of a $22.5 million gift from the Gordon B. Shrum Charitable Fund, the UBC AI and Health Network brings together researchers, clinicians and health system partners to apply Canadian-made AI solutions to the challenges facing patients and health systems.
New test identifies high-risk childhood brain tumours, improving treatment decisions
At UBC, researchers including Dr. Poul Sorensen have developed a way to determine severity of childhood brain tumours called medullobastomas. This new technique allows testing to be done quickly in any pathology lab, making it accessible. By identifying which children aren't indicated for certain treatment, the results can indicate which children do or don't require certain treatments (such as radiation), to reduce unnecessary exposure. This translational work can be integrated into clinical use almost immediately. The article, written by the Faculty of Medicine, includes interesting details, worthy of reading.
Can an Ultrasound be transformed into an MRI? Dr. Hacihaliloglu works towards an answer
Dr. Ilker Hacihaliloglu is playing an active role in being a first to test image-to-image synthesizing technology, by researching whether MRIs can be generated by ultrasound scans of prostate cancer. With the influx of artificial intelligence algorithms' ability to produce complex images, this possibility is more feasible than ever. With more data input, the technology refines its accuracy, speed, and ability to transform one ultrasound into an MRI or other medical diagnostic image. Dr. Hacihaliloglu describes how this has tremendous impacts on patient care.
Recommended Reading: Connecting the Dots – Building a Collaborative Approach to Data Sharing
Genome BC's Annual Report has an interesting article, touching on the importance of data sharing and collaboration in genomics. Biobanks are integral to this approach, with large stores of biological samples alongside helpful health data. With the ability to provide large-scale data while ensuing that diversity is included, the genetic variants and associated drug reactions as well as risk of disease, provide an opportunity for more targeted effective treatments as a result. Due to these needs, the Health Metadata Commons was introduced by Genome BC last year, improving researcher accessibility to the samples and datasets that responsibly help propel their research.
With Portable Neuroimaging, Dr. Shannon Kolind Brings Translational Medicine to Multiple Sclerosis
Dr. Shannon Kolind is featured in the Faculty of Medicine's Pathways Magazine for bringing cutting edge technology to reality for those with MS, via portable MRI machines. The ATM commends Dr. Kolind for her outstanding contributions to translational medicine at UBC and beyond, and encourages the ATM Community to learn about this technology and potential impact.
Dr. Daniel Vigo Named in Vancouver Magazne’s 2025 Power 50 List
Please join us congratulating Dr. Daniel Vigo! In 2024, Dr. Vigo, who is a member of the ATM, was appointed BC's first ever Chief Scientific Advisor for Psychiatry, Toxic Drugs and Concurrent Disorders. He has now been named in the Vancouver Magazine's 2025 Power 50 List, for taking action against an epidemic.
Dr. Catrina Loucks Receives Terry Fox New Investigator Award for Research Addressing Inadequate Pain Management for Pediatric Cancer Patients
As an awardee of the Terry Fox New Investigator Award, Dr. Catrina Loucks receives $525,000 in funding for the project "Harnessing pharmacogenomics to reduce opioid-induced harm and ineffectiveness in children with cancer."