graduate studies at schulich school of medicine and dentistry

GRADUATE STUDIESSchUlIch School oF MEDIcINE & DENTISTRy

View book 2013 - 2014

View Book 2013 - 2014

I came to SchulIch medIcIne & dentIStry to complete my maSterS In phySIology and pharmacology becauSe of the School’S ouStandIng reputatIon In termS of SucceSS of graduateS and progreSSIve thInkIng. Martin Woo, MSc Student

Schulich School of Medicine & dentiStry

Message froM the associate Dean Graduate Studies at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry is an experience unlike any other. our programs provide advanced training in specific professional areas of interest and also in a diverse spectrum of health research, intensive MSc and PhD programs.

Students have access to specialized, state-of-the-art labs and research facilities, and outstanding instruction and support systems, all ensuring this next journey in your academic life is the best one possible.

More than 30 per cent of our graduate students successfully obtain external scholarship support for their studies, and virtually all of our research-based MSc and PhD students publish their research findings in strong peer-reviewed journals.

As a graduate student at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, you will find a very strong support network available to you in each of our graduate programs. We work closely with the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies at Western University to provide you with clear and consistent appointment procedures, orientation packages, and access to mentorship and career guidance opportunities.

My office is always available to assist you in any way to ensure your training experience at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry is “as good as it gets.” I look forward to meeting you and learning about your research and all the important discoveries that you will make during your time with us. See you in 2014.

Sincerely,

Andrew J. Watson, PhD

Associate Dean of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies

Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University

the schulich school of MeDicine & Dentistry at Western University has a long tradition of excellence, beginning with the founding of the medical school in 1881 and continuing with the formation of the dental school in 1964. We are dedicated to preparing tomorrow’s dentists, physicians and health researchers to become leaders who will optimize life-long health. The School is home to 17 prestigious canada Research chairs, and the internationally renowned Robarts Research Institute. We are also affiliated with a number of world-renowned research centres including the lawson health Research Institute. All of this combines to provide students with the opportunity to conduct research in outstanding, state-of-the-art facilities. Schulich Medicine & Dentistry strives to build new knowledge and sustainable health care systems in our province, country and around the world. We strive to provide an outstanding, research-intensive learning environment, where tomorrow’s physicians, dentists, health researchers and other scholars learn to be socially responsible leaders in the advancement of human health locally, regionally and globally.

Western university delivers an academic experience second to none. From its home in london, canada, outward across every continent, Western prepares future leaders to succeed. Since 1878, “The Western Experience” has combined academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social and cultural growth in order to better serve our communities. Western appeals to students with a broad worldview, those seeking to study, engage with and eventually lead in the global community. Students from more than 100 countries share in classroom experiences that broaden personal perspectives and understanding. combining more than 1,350 faculty members and more than 30,000 students, the University has established itself as a globally recognized destination for academic excellence and leadership development achieved through learning and research. Western prides itself on challenging the best and brightest faculty, staff and students to commit to the highest global standards.

Schulich Medicine & Dentistry

offers 132 years of experience

as a leading, research-intensive

medical and dental school.

Around the world, there are more

than 260,000 western alumni

making significant contributions

in every corner of society.

Our viSiOn iS bOlD – we will be A glObAl leADer in OptiMizing life-lOng heAlth thrOugh innOvAtiOnS in reSeArch, eDucAtiOn AnD Active engAgeMent with Our cOMMunitieS.

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through commIttee memberShIp and communIty outreach opportunItIeS, SchulIch medIcIne & dentIStry offerS many wayS of gaInIng valuable extracurrIcular experIence that complementS academIc traInIng. hilary Brown, PhD candidate

$1,183toronto

$1,150calgary

$919london

Cost of Living

* Data obtained from the fall 2012 canada Mortgage and housing corporation rental Market report. numbers based on a two bedroom apartment

$1,115ottawa

vancouver $1,261

View Book 2013 - 2014

living in lonDon With a diverse population of more than 366,000, london is canada’s 11th largest city and the economic, educational and cultural hub of Southwestern ontario. london offers the best of both worlds – big city excitement with a small town feel. It’s a city that knows how to have fun, and make everyone feel welcome.

festivals: londoners love to celebrate their diversity, and the city is home to numerous festivals year-round including Sunfest, home county Music and Art Festival, Rock the Park, Fiesta london, Festa Italiana, Pride london Festival, Native harvest Festival & Pow Wow, and Snowfest.

sporting events: london’s got game! The london Knights of the ontario hockey league, the london Majors of the Intercounty Baseball league, and the london lightning of the National Basketball league of canada keep the excitement going year-round, at prices students can afford. With world-class sporting facilities, london has hosted the Memorial cup, the World lacrosse championships, the Summer Paralympics, and the ISU World Figure Skating championships.

nightlife: A lively collection of night clubs, pubs, live theatre, as well as casual and fine dining makes Richmond Row the place to be seen after hours. you’ll find today’s hottest acts in the heart of downtown at the 10,000 seat Budweiser Gardens. Past headliners include Kings of leon, Pearl Jam, carrie Underwood, The Black Keys and Sarah Mclachlan. Movie fans can choose from a variety of screens around town, including IMAX, VIP, Repertory and Alternative cinema, while those looking for a laugh can take in the live comedy at yuk yuk’s.

shopping: From the unique, independent retailers along Richmond Row and in Wortley Village, to the trendy stores in suburban shopping malls, london is a great place to shop. Downtown is home to canada’s oldest department store and the country’s largest ceramic arts gallery. Foodies will enjoy exploring the locally produced offerings at downtown’s covent Garden Market, or at Saturday’s Western Fair Farmer’s Market.

recreation: Affectionately called the Forest city, london boasts an extensive trail system for walking, running, biking or inline skating that runs along the Thames River – right onto Western’s campus. Winter sports like skiing, snowboarding and tubing can be enjoyed at london’s Boler Mountain, while indoor and outdoor ice rinks are a popular choice for skaters and hockey players. In the summer months londoners head to the small beach at Fanshawe conservation Area, or take a short drive to Grand Bend (lake huron), or Port Stanley (lake Erie).

culture: london is home to a thriving creative community. From the professional offerings of orchestra london, the Grand Theatre and Museum london, to countless community ensembles, theatre troupes and specialty galleries, there’s something to fit every taste and budget.

getting here: located in the heart of Southwestern ontario, driving to london from Toronto, Windsor and many places in the United States is easy. Via Rail and Greyhound both have terminals downtown, and WestJet, Air canada, and United Airlines fly out of the london International Airport.


lOnDOn iS cAnADA’S 11th lArgeSt city

AnD the ecOnOMic, eDucAtiOnAl AnD culturAl hub Of

SOuthweStern OntAriO.

Graduate Studies at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry is home to more than 600 graduate students studying in our unique degree options in a range of fields and interests. our students work collaboratively with their professors and have the opportunity to work with world-class research scientists with state-of-the-art equipment. Research is conducted in clinical laboratories at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, Robarts Research Institute, and in a number of our partner sites across the city of london including london health Sciences centre, St. Joseph’s health care london, and lawson health Research Institute. This advantage allows our students to build strong ties in the industries with which they are interested in working. our friendly and knowledgeable Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies office actively supports the needs of our graduate students. There are many opportunities for social enrichment including organized trivia nights, open mic events, an annual charity volleyball tournament and community outreach events. All this combined makes for a great sense of graduate community spirit. Students will also benefit from our focus on professional development and from our support for successful student career pathways.

financial aiDThe Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry stipends are competitive with other canadian universities. Students are supported by different sources including Research Assistantships, Teaching Assistantships, and Graduate Research Scholarships. our graduate students have a high success rate in attracting internal and external scholarships. Most of our top students receive Graduate Research Scholarships upon entrance to the program.

beIng awarded an external ScholarShIp provIded me wIth the fInancIal freedom to dedIcate even more tIme to my reSearch at SchulIch medIcIne & dentIStry. Ben Kleinstiver, PhD

View Book 2013 - 2014


anatoMy anD cell BiologyThe Anatomy and cell Biology Program offers a modern collaborative training experience catering to the needs of the individual student pursuing an MSc or PhD degree. our dedicated, award-winning mentors and state-of-the-art facilities provide a rich training environment in which students can immerse themselves in one or more academic disciplines, including cell biology, neurobiology, anatomical sciences, and/or education scholarship. The Biological Research stream is a research-intensive, thesis-based program designed to prepare students for a career as a research scientist in academia or industry. our clinical Anatomy stream offers a unique training experience consisting of course work, research, and hands-on teaching experience intended to prepare the next generation of medical educators and scholars.

[email protected] www.uwo.ca/anatomy/grad/grad.html

BiocheMistryResearch programs in Biochemistry are categorized into six major areas: Genome Dynamics, Epigenetics, & Gene Expression; human Genetics & clinical Biochemistry; Macromolecular Structure & Dynamics; Signal Transduction & Intracellular communication; Proteomics; and Bioinformatics. State-of-the-art facilities are available in the areas of protein structure, genetics and proteomics, and cellular signal transduction. We are committed to graduate student teaching and we provide a wide range of specialized graduate courses as well as opportunities for students to present their research each year. [email protected] www.biochem.uwo.ca/grad/grad.html

BioMeDical engineeringThis graduate program binds the tremendous research and teaching strength within Western’s Engineering and health Sciences faculties and the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry with the University’s affiliated research institutes and hospitals. As graduates take their knowledge to industry, government and academia, they will advance the frontiers of biomedical engineering research and improve human health. Biomedical Engineering offers master’s and doctoral degrees in Biomaterials, Biomechanics, Imaging and Robotics.

[email protected] www.eng.uwo.ca/research/biomed

DevelopMental BiologyA collaborative graduate program with the Faculty of Science, our primary objective is to train professional developmental biologists who will make significant contributions to the field. Students are enrolled in one of the affiliated graduate programs in the Faculty of Science or the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and in addition to their research take joint courses/seminars in developmental biology that, in most cases, replace other graduate requirements.

[email protected]

Average

number of

hours spent

in labs/on

research:

40+ per week

epiDeMiology & BiostatisticsWe offer MSc and PhD degrees in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. Degrees with a specialization in Biostatistics are offered through a collaborative program with the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Sciences in the Faculty of Science. Epidemiology & Biostatistics students are exposed to a full breadth of policy-relevant methodologies from the fields of epidemiology, biostatistics, health services research, health economics, genetic epidemiology, and program evaluation.

[email protected] www.uwo.ca/epidem

faMily MeDicineThis Master of clinical Science program attracts family physicians from around the world who wish to enhance their knowledge, skills and leadership within the discipline of Family Medicine. combining on-site with distance learning, the course of study is designed to fit the needs of the individual applicant. The PhD program aims to produce family physicians who will be competitive researchers at the highest level internationally. The focus is on enhancing the candidate’s ability to design and conduct research relevant to significant issues and demonstrate a commitment to the advancement of knowledge in Family Medicine. Both programs are offered part-time and full-time.

[email protected] www.schulich.uwo.ca/familymedicine

MD/phD prograMThe MD/PhD program selects a few exceptional students with a passion for research and combines this with undergraduate medical training, preparing them to become future leaders in medical research and patient care. The program offers training with leading scientists and integrates laboratory work with medical school, compressing the time to obtain both degrees to just seven years. Students who are accepted into the MD/PhD program carry out their doctoral research through one of the graduate programs in Schulich Medicine & Dentistry.

[email protected]/medicine/MD_PhD

MeDical BiophysicsWe are internationally known for multidisciplinary research in the fields of medical imaging; microcirculation; hemodynamics and cellular biophysics; biomechanics and biomaterials; medical physics and radiobiology in cancer treatment and research; and bioelectromagnetics. our motto is “learning through research.” Successful applicants come from a wide range of backgrounds including physics, biology, computer science and engineering. They conduct their research in partnership with globally recognized faculty supervisors and clinicians in state-of-the-art facilities located at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, Robarts Research Institute and Western University. Research is also conducted at our affiliated sites including london health Sciences centre, lawson health Research Institute, and the london Regional cancer Program. Students with a strong physics background who are interested in a career in clinical physics should consider our newly accredited cAMPEP option.

[email protected]/biophysics

SupervISorS at SchulIch medIcIne & dentIStry are paSSIonate about theIr StudentS’ projectS and encourage StudentS to puSh paSt learnIng lImItS. Nicole Novielli, PhD candidate

347

333

the ratio of

male/female

students:

1.04 females

to 1 male

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SupervISorS at SchulIch medIcIne & dentIStry are paSSIonate about theIr StudentS’ projectS and encourage StudentS to puSh paSt learnIng lImItS.

MicroBiology anD iMMunologyThe graduate program in Microbiology and Immunology provides the opportunity for training in advanced research in the areas of infection and immunity. Areas of active research include how microorganisms interact with their hosts detrimentally (bacterial and viral pathogenesis) or beneficially (probiotics); immune responses to infection or transplantation; the basis of autoimmune disease; and the molecular basis of immune system development and cancer. our offerings include programs of study towards PhD and master’s degrees. A one-year master’s degree is also available to graduates of Western and Schulich Medicine & Dentistry’s BMSc honors specialization program. our goal is to train the next generation of scientists to find the answers to important questions at the interface of infection and immunity, and to combat disease in the 21st century.

[email protected]/mni/graduate/graduate_about.html

Molecular iMagingMolecular Imaging is a new and rapidly emerging biomedical research discipline that involves the non-invasive detection of changes in the expressions of genes, molecules and cells in vivo over time. It may be defined as the visual representation, characterization and quantification of biological processes at the cellular and molecular levels within intact living organisms.

[email protected] www.uwo.ca/schulich/molecularimaging

neuroscienceNeuroscience at Western is a signature research program with over 60 laboratories based in four faculties pursuing research in this discipline. The primary fields of training include: Behavioral-cognitive Neuroscience (BcN) which includes our Brain and Mind research group based largely in Social Sciences; Molecular-cellular Neuroscience based largely in the Robarts Research Institute and the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry; and a new Translational Neuroscience Field which welcomes our clinical colleagues and trainees from Psychiatry and clinical Neurological Sciences to our program.

[email protected]/neuroscience

oral anD Maxillofacial surgeryThe program in oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is designed to provide candidates with a comprehensive background for the practice of oral and maxillofacial surgery as a specialty, as well as to prepare them for examinations by the Royal college of Dentists in canada. The program includes extensive training in surgical correction of dentofacial deformities, maxillofacial trauma, maxillofacial pathology, maxillofacial reconstructive surgery, dentoalveolar surgery, implant surgery and ambulatory anesthesia. The program is six years in duration and is a combined MD/MSc degree program.

[email protected] www.schulich.uwo.ca/dentistry/oralmaxillofacialsurgery

orthoDonticsSchulich Dentistry offers a Master of clinical Dentistry degree in orthodontics which provides the academic background and clinical experience appropriate to the subspecialty of orthodontics. The 36-month program includes advanced training in the basic sciences pertinent to orthodontics, supervised diagnosis and treatment of orthodontic cases, the preparation of a research paper suitable for publication, and other related academic activities. candidates must possess a DDS degree or equivalent.

[email protected]/dentistry/gradortho

pathologyThe Department of Pathology offers full- and part-time MSc and PhD programs. Graduate research is focused on the mechanisms of cell and tissue injury; the etiology, pathogenesis and behaviour of disease; identification of novel biomarkers; potential treatment targets of various diseases; and molecular imaging. Also offered is a Master’s of clinical Sciences – Pathologists’ Assistant Graduate Program. This two-year program is the first in canada to receive NAAclS accreditation, graduating highly-skilled professionals to work in hospitals.

[email protected]/pathol

physiology anD pharMacologyWe are the only department in canada that offers MSc and PhD degrees in Physiology and Pharmacology. our graduate training is designed to equip students with a broad scientific background focused on understanding how molecules, cells, organs and the whole body work, and how medicines and drugs can be used to treat disease. Scientists in our graduate program are working to uncover the basis for cardiovascular disease, mental illness, cancer, endocrine disorders, and tissue regeneration using stem cells. Unique opportunities for research in state-of-the-art facilities prepare our graduates for successful careers in the biotechnology industry, drug and health regulatory agencies, health care organizations, academia, education, and professional health schools.

[email protected] www.uwo.ca/physpharm/graduate/main.html

at SchulIch medIcIne & dentIStry you get the opportunIty to work wIth leaderS from a wIde range of dIScIplIneS on cuttIng-edge bIomedIcal reSearch.Matt Mccann, PhD candidate

Since 2012, six graduate Students at Schulich

Medicine & Dentistry have been awarded Vanier

Scholarships, one of canada’s most esteemed graduate

scholarships, worth $50,000 per year, for three years.

View Book 2013 - 2014


the schulich interfaculty prograM in puBlic healthThe Master of Public health Program is looking for tomorrow’s aspiring leaders and change agents who want to shape the future of public health. our 12-month, intensive full-time program will take you there. Using case method learning, you’ll tackle some of the world’s most critical health issues, from infectious diseases in developing nations to challenges closer to home: First Nations health, clean water, chronic diseases and maternal and child health.

[email protected]/publichealth

surgeryThe MSc in Surgery is tailored to the unique needs of surgical trainees, providing an intensive research experience and a solid foundation for success as an academic surgeon. The MSc in Surgery is intended to fully prepare individuals specifically seeking future positions in academic health science centres for the demands of a research career in relation to the canMeds roles of medical expert and scholar. Demonstration of core competencies will be required through coursework; basic, clinical and applied research, thesis preparation and defense.

Applicants must possess an undergraduate degree with a minimum average of 78 per cent over the last two years of an honors degree; an MD or equivalent; and have completed at least two years in a surgical residency program.

[email protected]/surgery/graduate-education

Schulich Medicine

& Dentistry is

home to 17 Canada

Research Chairs

application processProspective students must apply online through the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies at Western University by visiting grad.uwo.ca and providing education background, official transcripts, two academic reference letters and the application fee(s). you may also be required to provide English proficiency test results. For detailed requirements please consult with your graduate program(s) of interest.

application statusNo application will be considered until the entire package is complete. you must ensure all documents (e.g., transcripts, letters of recommendation, test results such as ToEFl scores) are submitted prior to the Schulich Medicine & Dentistry consideration deadline. As an applicant, you will be given instructions via email on how to activate your computer account. once you have activated your computer account, you will be able to log into the Student centre, Western’s portal for student information, which we will use to communicate with you about the status of your application.

the Western student centre will allow you to: •Updatepersonalinformation(includingcontactinformation) •Checkyourapplicationstatus •Acceptanofferofadmission

aDMissionsThe graduate program admission standards and practices at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry are unique to each program. To assess your graduate application, all programs will consider your combined academic and extracurricular achievements. your academic background, publication record, industrial or research experience and reference letters will also be used.

Many of the

graduate studies

programs at

Schulich Medicine

& Dentistry boast a

100% employment

rate upon degree

completion.

hireD100%

View Book 2013 - 2014


london health reSearch day gIveS StudentS a chance to ShowcaSe theIr work, and provIdeS them wIth conStructIve crItIcISm from a teachIng and reSearch StandpoInt. Baraa Al-Khazraji, PhD candidate

lonDon health research Day london health Research Day is presented in partnership with the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and lawson health Research Institute. The event showcases the research efforts of our School’s trainees, and offers the opportunity to celebrate the world-class medical and health-related research conducted in london.

The day features poster and platform presentations, as well as a keynote address from a leading researcher. All Schulich Medicine & Dentistry graduate students are welcome to submit an abstract for consideration in either the platform or poster presentations with awards available for top research in a number of different research areas. This unique event helps our trainees prepare for future academic conferences and presentations, providing them a career advantage.

graDuate career support In order to fully support student career development during graduate studies, Western University has a wide range of programs and services designed specifically for graduate students. Workshops and information sessions explore topics such as transferrable skills, understanding the needs of the labour market, networking, and finding strategies for succeeding in both an academic and non-academic job search. These programs, offered through the School of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies and The Student Success centre, are created to promote excellence and growth and to support career and professional development.

Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies office

Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry

western university

rix clinical Skills learning bldg, rm 3720

london, On, canada n6A 5c1

519.661.2111 ext. 80389

www.schulich.uwo.ca/gradstudies [email protected]

graduate studies at schulich school of medicine and dentistry

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