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  6. Announcement: Walter Rushlow, PhD, appointed Assistant Dean, Program Review and Development

Announcement: Walter Rushlow, PhD, appointed Assistant Dean, Program Review and Development

Office of the Dean
Office of the Dean

Office of the Dean

Walter Rushlow, PhD
Walter Rushlow, PhD

I am pleased to announce that Walter Rushlow, PhD, has been appointed as Assistant Dean, Program Review and Development at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, effective December 1, 2025 to November 30, 2030.

Dr. Rushlow obtained his HBSc in Genetics and MSc in Anatomy and Cell Biology from Western University in 1990 and 1993, respectively. He completed his PhD in Anatomy and Cell Biology at Western in 1998. Following this, Dr. Rushlow became a postdoctoral fellow at London Health Sciences Centre, working in Psychiatry. 

In 1999, Dr. Rushlow was recruited to the Department of Psychiatry at Western. He is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, with a cross-appointment in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology. He recently served as Acting Associate Dean, Basic Medical Sciences Undergraduate Education (BMSUE) from September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2025.

Dr. Rushlow’s role and expertise in multiple collaborative research projects include molecular analysis of complex behaviours, signal transduction and behavioural testing. The research projects focus on investigating the effects of nicotine, opiates and cannabis on the brain and their potential relationship to neuropsychiatric disorders such as addiction, anxiety and schizophrenia. The research team has also initiated several studies involving stem cells and brain organoids to investigate the effects of nicotine and cannabis on brain development given the increased use of these compounds during pregnancy.

Dr. Rushlow is deeply passionate about developing, advancing and renewing the BMSUE, Neuroscience and Public Health programs to navigate “the art of the possible”. He is committed to inclusive program development and to fostering academic environments that reflect the diversity of our community.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Rushlow on his appointment.

John Yoo, MD, FRCS(C), FACS
Dean, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
Western University