News
Western research shows men sleep better than women
November 29, 2023
"The study found sleep quality was significantly linked to sex, age, income, education and ethnicity."Western study shows: Exercise gains stick after financial rewards fade
November 14, 2023
Western researchers studied the impact on physical activity after financial incentives were offered and then removed a year later.Western prof’s service to country inspired by medical career
November 09, 2023
Dr. Ian Ball, MD’02, was a well-established critical care physician when he joined the Reserve Force of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in 2018. Inspired to improve care for sick and injured CAF members, he supports medical training and contributes to trauma and toxicology research for the military.Western researchers chart new approach to improving kidney transplant access
November 07, 2023
“Patients with advanced kidney disease in the trial were either approaching the need for dialysis or were already undergoing maintenance dialysis,” said Garg. “About half the patients approaching the need for dialysis started dialysis during the trial period.”A new classification of heart rhythm for stroke patients
October 13, 2023
The study, led by Western professor Dr. Luciano Sposato, proposes that atrial fibrillation detected post-stroke exhibits distinct characteristics. It has a lower prevalence of risk factors, cardiovascular comorbidities, and changes associated with upper chambers of the heart than atrial fibrillation known prior to the stroke. This could potentially explain its association with a decreased risk of another ischaemic stroke, which results from a blocked artery.Study Reveals Food Insecurity Doubles the Incidence of Severe Hypoglycemia in Adults with Diabetes
October 13, 2023
"We have shown that food insecurity is prevalent across this population in the U.S. and it more than doubles the rate of severe hypoglycemia. Even in Canada, about one in five people experience food insecurity. " Dr. Alexandria Ratzki-Leewing says.Expert Analysis: COVID-19 Outlook for the Upcoming Autumn
October 05, 2023
Nearly four years have elapsed since the initial human cases of COVID-19 infection, triggered by SARS-CoV-2, were documented. Despite the cessation of the global health emergency on May 5, 2023, COVID-19 continues to pose a significant public health challenge. As we approach the autumn and winter seasons, characterized by heightened respiratory virus activity, it is prudent to reevaluate the prevailing risks associated with COVID-19 and the corresponding recommendations.New study finds Canadian children’s visits to the ER for mental health concerns increased during the pandemic
September 21, 2023
“This is the first study to explore the relationship between children’s mental health and food insecurity by examining linked health record and survey data, which gives us an accurate snapshot of how food-insecure children are using mental health services,” said lead author Kelly Anderson, associate professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Canada Research Chair in public mental health research, and adjunct scientist at ICES Western.Study finds food insecurity link affects children’s mental health
July 25, 2023
“This is the first study to explore the relationship between children’s mental health and food insecurity by examining linked health record and survey data, which gives us an accurate snapshot of how food-insecure children are using mental health services,” said lead author Kelly Anderson, associate professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Canada Research Chair in public mental health research, and adjunct scientist at ICES Western.Schulich Medicine & Dentistry joins historic pledge to preserve planetary health
May 17, 2023
“Our planet and our health-care systems are stressed. We are witnessing environmental devastation that impacts the lives and health of some of the most marginalized and underserved populations globally. Health-care professionals and health systems need to be prepared for this,” said Western professor Nicole Redvers, co-chair of AFMC’s Committee on Planetary and Global Health. Redvers is director of Indigenous Planetary Health and associate professor in the department of epidemiology and biostatistics at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry.Western study explores link between neighbourhoods and heart health
February 23, 2023
While it can be debated whether good fences make good neighbours, a new study by Western researchers, Dr. Sarah S. Singh, Dr. Saverio Stranges and Stephanie J. Frisbee, shows that good neighbourhoods could indeed do a lot of good to your heart.Research projects receive more than $9 million in federal funding
February 23, 2023
Shehzad Ali, whose research focuses on the equity and efficiency of health systems, is undertaking a project on how to maximize population health while integrating equity into policy evaluations to better inform decision-making. The resulting guidelines will, for the first time, facilitate integration of equity into economic evaluations. The project received CIHR funding of $439,876 over four years.Expert insight: Ontario telehealth cuts mean fewer trans, non-binary people will have access to life-saving health care
February 03, 2023
Exemptions from funding cuts are needed to ensure trans and non-binary people can get medical careStudy shows virtual care removed barriers for patients during pandemic
January 23, 2023
The study, recently published in BMC Primary Care, was led by Dr. Bridget Ryan, Assistant Professor in the Centre for Studies in Family Medicine, the Department of Family Medicine and the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry.Making clinical trials research more efficient focus of new funding
January 19, 2023
CIHR grants fund training program for pragmatic clinical trials and create new pan-Canadian consortium.Expert insight: FAQ on COVID-19 subvariant XBB.1.5
January 17, 2023
XBB.1.5 is rapidly spreading across the globe and will likely become the next dominant COVID-19 subvariant2022 Highlights
December 13, 2022
This year our Department embraced changes, opened up to hybrid events and experienced many successes.Digital epidemiologist Western’s newest Canada Research Chair
November 16, 2022
Tarun Katapally engages citizens using mobile technology to solve societal problems, address inequitiesNew Chair seeks to merge two disparate worlds
November 02, 2022
Nicole Redvers’ work is a delicate dance between two health perspectives that, till this point in time, haven’t quite been in step with each other. Redvers comes to Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry as associate professor, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, and brings with her a new field of study as the University’s Western Research Chair and Director of Indigenous Planetary Health.First combined PhD graduate uses the power of AI to bring care to those at risk
October 20, 2022
Jaky Kueper’s research brings together epidemiology and biostatistics with computer scienceWestern researchers selected to the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences
September 14, 2022
Four Western researchers have been elected to the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS). Frank Beier, Dr. Ruth Lanius, Kathy Nixon Speechley and Nadine Wathen were among 71 individuals in the Canadian health sciences community to receive the honour.Does Shiftwork Impact Cognitive Performance? Findings from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA)
September 07, 2022
New research from our Department has found how shiftwork impacts cognitive performance. The article was published by the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. In the large, nationally representative sample, the study found that shift workers showed poorer cognitive scores on tests for executive functioning, compared to non-shift workers.Master’s student recipient of 2022 Women’s Health Scholars Award
July 29, 2022
At a time of unprecedented global migration, EpiBio MSc Candidate Jahin Khan’s research is aiming to better understand the factors that impact mental health for migrant women, specifically on how language may play a role in psychosis. Her work has been recognized with a 2022 Women’s Health Scholars Award from the Council of Ontario Universities. The award is one of eight across Ontario recognizing ground-breaking women’s health research.New Western-led project probes health benefits of parks in Canada
July 20, 2022
The research team, led by Jason Gilliland, EpiBio cross appointed professor and director of Western’s Human Environments Analysis Lab (HEAL), and Wilfrid Laurier University’s Chris Lemieux, are quantifying the geographic accessibility to parks and protected areas across the country, investigating the quality of experiences in these spaces, and uncovering the policy barriers to equal participation in parks, protected areas and recreational opportunities.Feature: Students prepare for the future through MD+ graduate training
July 19, 2022
Two Schulich Medicine & Dentistry School students will be taking part in the MD+ graduate training program this year. This is the program’s first year and the two students –Temitope (Temi) Akintola and Curtis Jeffrey – have both chosen the Basic Sciences Master’s in our EpiBio Department.Announcement: Drs. Craig Campbell and Ram Singh have been reappointed Co-Chair/Chiefs of the Department of Paediatrics
July 04, 2022
Dr Craig Campbell, cross appointee with the EpiBio department, has been reappointed Interim Co-Chair/Chief of the Department of Paediatrics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University and its teaching hospitals, London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph's Health Care London, effective July 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 or until a permanent Chair/Chief is appointed.World Refugee Day: Building knowledge and trust to support refugee care
June 22, 2022
With refugee numbers surging worldwide and Canada pledging to increase its intake to unprecedented numbers, Canadian doctors need new skills and greater insight into trauma in order to care for vulnerable newcomers, says Dr. Kevin Pottie, Western University's Ian McWhinney Chair of Family Medicine Studies and EpiBio Cross-Appointee.Learning bundles a gift of Indigenous knowledge
June 21, 2022
Indigenous peoples affiliated with Western have created six teaching modules instructors can use to share Indigenous knowledge and worldviews in their classrooms. Called learning bundles – an homage to traditional Indigenous bundles that contain Indigenous teachings and medicines – they are intended to enrich and Indigenize the curriculum at Western.Congratulations to our 2022 Graduates
June 20, 2022
Please join us in congratulating all the students who have graduated from our programs in 2022.Points to Consider for Diagnosis and Management of Autoinflammatory Type I Interferonopathies
June 15, 2022
Two new recommendations from the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) and the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) for the management of two groups of such autoinflammatory diseases: interleukin-1-mediated and Type-I interferonopathies were recently published.Recent immigrants less likely to have family doctor, study shows
June 07, 2022
Research from Western University, recently published in BMC Primary Care, shows that new immigrants to Canada are almost half as likely to have a family physician than established immigrants.Expert insight: What is monkeypox and what does the public need to know?
June 06, 2022
Dr. Sameer Elsayed answers questions on monkeypox including, what are the symptoms? And does the smallpox vaccine prevent it?Announcement: Dr. Vladimir Hachinski honoured with 2022 Potamkin Prize
May 20, 2022
Often described as the “Nobel Prize of Alzheimer’s Research,” the Potamkin Prize recognizes the achievements of scientific researchers who do innovative work, find ground-breaking discoveries and push forward the field of study in Pick’s, Alzheimer’s, and related brain degenerative diseases. Dr. Hachinski is a Distinguished University Professor in Clinical Neurological Sciences and Epidemiology & Biostatistics.New study shows significant gains from computer-based depression treatment
May 18, 2022
The study, published in JAMA Network Open, involved a clinical trial of 175 adult patients in the U.S., of which the majority (61.5 per cent) are in the low-income category, with low educational attainment and limited access to the internet – a relatively deprived and underrepresented segment in clinical trials, study co-author Shehzad Ali, professor at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, said. Nearly 85 per cent of participants also identified as belonging to racial and ethnic minority groups.New census report offers first-time insight on gender diversity
May 04, 2022
Western researcher Greta Bauer weighs in on historic report, says more work could be doneFeature: Bringing world perspectives to research
April 28, 2022
Dr. Saverio Stranges is committed to creating an equitable and inclusive environment, as well as championing research with global impact, as he begins his second term as Chair, Epidemiology and Biostatistics.Students bring home prize at the Proteus Innovation Competition
April 22, 2022
Ronald Cheung, Eastelle Ding and Clara Sun, along with their teammates, were among the top prize winners for their commercialization plan for the dynamic cardiovascular imaging for rapid patient treatment planning technology.Driving randomized trials for global impact
April 21, 2022
Dr. Amit Garg is leading a new initiative that will support and enable researchers to conduct randomized trials that directly influence health care.Global vaccine equity key to ending COVID-19 pandemic
February 02, 2022
As the COVID-19 crisis continues around the world, public health and infectious disease experts at Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry are pushing for global vaccine equity to end the pandemic.How can we improve mental health at the population level?
January 28, 2022
Kelly Anderson, PhD, Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Public Mental Health Research, is using population data to better understand the distribution of mental health disorders and patterns of service use.Artificial intelligence helps improve outcomes for depression treatment
December 09, 2021
Shehzad Ali, PhD, was the lead health economist on a first-of-its-kind clinical trial that shows the benefits of AI for mental health care.Study dispels harmful gender dysphoria myth
December 08, 2021
A first-of-its-kind study by Greta Bauer, PhD, and her team at Trans Youth CAN! dispels a controversial gender dysphoria theory that activists and experts have called inaccurate and harmful to transgender people.The Story of Insulin Starts Here: Unique Study Uncovers Realities of Hypoglycemia
November 03, 2021
Results of a break-through study led by PhD Candidate Alexandria Ratzki-Leewing and Dr. Stewart Harris, are giving voice to people living with diabetes and hypoglycemia, and challenging traditional assumptions surrounding the disease.New research to support suicide prevention
October 20, 2021
Clinical psychologist and associate professor Dr. Marnin Heisel will be working to prevent suicides among vulnerable populations thanks to two separate grants worth a total of $1.2 million from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Movember Foundation.New study explores transgender youth experiences in Canada
October 07, 2021
First-of-its kind research led by Greta Bauer, PhD, Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, aims to help inform gender-affirming care.New global study shows ‘collateral impact’ of COVID-19
October 07, 2021
Janet Martin, PharmD, and co-investigators find cancer patients missed scheduled surgeries due to lockdowns.New Space for the Start of the New Academic Year
September 15, 2021
The Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics has officially moved into our new space and is now located on the third floor of the Western Centre for Public Health and Family Medicine.Data-driven dementia prevention: Study of Canadian incidence aims to develop cost-effective models
July 30, 2021
Through support from the Weston Family Foundation’s Transformational Research 2020 Grant, Dr. Vladimir Hachinski, professor of clinical neurological sciences at Western, and cross-appointee with the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, is leading interdisciplinary research involving scientists from across Canada, as well as from the U.K. and New Zealand.New CFPC-AMS TechForward Fellow, Jaky Kueper, PhD Candidate, will explore artificial intelligence opportunities in family medicine
June 01, 2021
The College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) has announced Jaky Kueper, a dual PhD Candidate in Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Computer Science, and supervised by Daniel Lizotte, PhD, as the first CFPC-AMS TechForward Fellow.2021 Alumni of Distinction Award recipients include Ayden Scheim, PhD'17
April 21, 2021
Ayden Scheim completed his doctoral degree in Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry in 2017, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship in Infectious Disease and Global Public Health at the University of California San Diego. Scheim is currently an Assistant Professor in Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Drexel University in Philadelphia, an Affiliate Scientist in Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute at St. Michael’s Hospital and an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry.Dr. Saverio Stranges re-appointed as Chair of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
April 16, 2021
Dr. Saverio Stranges has been re-appointed as Chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, effective October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2026.CIHR Project Grant recipients announced
March 12, 2021
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) announced more than $7.4 million in research funding through their project grants competition for 12 research projects at Western University, including two projects led by members of our department. Congratulations to Principal Investigators, Sisira Sarma, PhD, and Marnin Heisel, PhD, and their teams.Research teams receive funding from the Faculty Support for Research in Education (FRSE) program.
February 12, 2021
Congratulations to Greta Bauer, PhD. FSRE grants facilitate and enable scholarship in education at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry. These grants support projects with the potential to improve the state of knowledge and inform educational practice or curriculum.Research News: Incentive payments to physicians may reduce non-urgent ED visits
January 20, 2021
New research shows that providing primary care physicians with incentives to see patients after hours may result in fewer visits to the emergency department for non-urgent issues, potentially helping to reducing emergency department overcrowding and lowering health care costs.Research News: How do social media and loss of sleep affect young people's mental health?
January 15, 2021
How exactly does sleep influence mental health and how does social media play a role? Researchers in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics are working to understand the relationship in two recently published papers.Welcome to our New Faculty Members, 2020
January 01, 2021
A list of the new faculty members who have joined our department for the first time in 2020.Congratulations to our 2020 Graduates
January 01, 2021
Please join us in congratulating all the students who have graduated from our programs in 2020.A Message from our Chair
January 01, 2021
A message from Dr. Saverio Stranges, Professor & Chair, of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics.Annnouncement: Four new Canada Research Chairs named at Western, one renewed
December 18, 2020
Kelly Anderson, PhD, has been selected as the Canada Research Chair in Public Mental Health Research at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry.Research News: Exploring the experiences of trans and non-binary Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic
December 16, 2020
A new survey led by Greta Bauer, PhD, and co-principal-investigator Ayden Scheim, PhD, at Western University is exploring the experiences of trans and non-binary Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic – statistics that until now were largely invisible in the Canadian data. The first reports shown that during the pandemic, more than 30 per cent of trans and non-binary Canadians had interruptions to health care and one in ten avoided COVID-19 testing/care.Dual honours for a remarkable physician
November 16, 2020
London hospitals honour infectious diseases expert Dr. Michael Silverman, a cross-appointee with the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, for his tireless commitment and expertise from the earliest days of the pandemic.Guiding the Way Forward for Indigenous Health
October 30, 2020
Danielle Alock, an Assistant Professor in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, is guiding Schulich Medicine & Dentistry in creating a space that is representative of First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities as the School’s first Indigenous Lead.Global study finds ‘COVID-19 free’ hospital areas could save lives after surgery
October 08, 2020
Janet Martin, Associate Professor at Western University's Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry (including the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics), is part of the CovidSurg Collaborative which includes researchers working together from around the world. The team found patients undergoing cancer surgery had better outcomes when their operation and hospital care took place in ‘COVID-19 free’ areas.Funding: Researchers receive a multi-million dollar injection of funding through CIHR
September 15, 2020
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) announced the results of their project grants competition, awarding nearly $4.9 million in research funding to eight projects from the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. For Piotr Wilk, PhD, and his research team, the grant will support their research into climate change-related health inequalities in Canada.Funding: Researchers using modelling techniques to improve pandemic outcomes
August 31, 2020
How might COVID-19 policy decisions change based on understanding social determinants of health? How important are community-tailored solutions when making plans for reopening? These two questions will be addressed by Ava John Baptiste, PhD, Shehzad Ali, PhD, and Lauren Cipriano, PhD, thanks to new funding from the Society for Medical Decision Making (SMDM).Funding: Youth vaping problem nets research dollars
August 10, 2020
Vaping among teenaged Canadians has doubled in the past two years – a troubling trend that Western researchers will examine in depth with new funding through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR.) The researchers are working to understand the rapid rise of vaping in Canada and measure its health effects. One of the teams that will receive funding includes Jamie Seabrook (Adjunct Associate Professor with Epidemiology and Biostatistics) and Jason Gilliland (Cross-Appointed Professor with Epidemiology and Biostatistics) as co-principal applicants, and co-applicants Kelly Anderson (Associate Professor with Epidemiology and Biostatistics), Gina Martin and Jacob Shelley.Research News: Poor sleep linked to multiple chronic conditions
July 29, 2020
Researchers, including members of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, have shown that how well you sleep and for how long is linked to increased odds of living with multiple chronic conditions, and argue that promotion of good sleep habits should be given greater focus in clinical practice and public health.Funding: CIHR funding for COVID-19 project led by Maria Mathews, PhD
July 02, 2020
Project led by Maria Mathews, PhD, will address pandemic planning for COVID-19, thanks to new funding announced by the Government of Canada, through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), along with provincial partners.Feature: What strategies need to be implemented in order to curb the spread early for future outbreaks?
June 19, 2020
Epidemiologist and public health physician Dr. Saverio Stranges has been watching the COVID-19 pandemic unfold across the globe, exploring the evidence to help understand why some countries have succeeded at controlling the outbreak of COVID-19, and others have not.Announcement: Greta Bauer, PhD, named CIHR Sex and Gender Science Chair
May 19, 2020
Congratulations to Greta Bauer, PhD, who was named one of the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR)’s new Sex and Gender Science Chairs. Bauer is one of 15 awardees across the country who will be working on research projects aimed at deepening the understanding of how biological and social influences interact to affect health and disease.Future signaled in combined PhD candidacy
May 13, 2020
Jacqueline Kueper, MSC’17, did not intend to be a pioneer. But the more she thought about the possibilities, the more she realized becoming Western’s first combined PhD candidate made sense. She is pursuing a doctorate in Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Computer Science – the first Western student to study two different fields for one PhD.Department Office Hours
April 01, 2020
As Western University has moved to a required services model, the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics staff is working remotely to hep ensure the safety of everyone on campus. If you need assistance, please email epibio@uwo.ca. While it is our goal to respond to emails in a timely fashion, the current situation may not allow for a quick response. We kindly request that you are patient and we will respond as soon as we can.Watch Now: March 20 Seminar on COVID19 available as online video
March 23, 2020
Video of the March 20 seminar is now available: "COVID19: Lessons learned from the Italian Experience." with Dr. Saverio Stranges and, "How can we maintain social connection in the face of social distancing?" with Marnin Heisel, PhD.Researcher ‘optimistic’ as crisis hits close to home
March 20, 2020
Epidemiology and Biostatistics Professor& Chair, Dr. Saverio Stranges, has both a professional and personal interest in the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, as family members and friends are back home in the Lombardy Region of Italy, one of the hardest hit countries with more than 3,400 deaths.Exploring the future of diabetes management
March 12, 2020
Can artificial intelligence help in diabetes management? New technology may offer a non-invasive, wearable alternative for monitoring blood sugar levels without a finger prick.Media Release: Trans and non-binary Canadians report having unmet health care needs
March 10, 2020
Nearly half of transgender and non-binary Canadians who responded to the Trans PULSE Canada survey say they faced one or more unmet health care needs in the past year – with about 1-in-10 saying they avoided an emergency room visit completely. Greta Bauer, PhD, a professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, is a principal investigator on the project.Western teams recruited in effort to combat COVID-19
March 06, 2020
Associate Professor, Anita Kothari, a cross-appointee with Epidemiology and Biostatistics, is part of a team aimed at helping public health agencies provide timely, credible, evidence-based information on social media channels.Balancing act: Addressing important questions in research ethics
February 14, 2020
Dr. Charles Weijer, a Cross-Appointee with the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, is unpacking complex questions in research ethics. He recently authored a set of guidelines for the World Health Organization on ethical considerations for health policy and systems research.Dr. Manuel Montero-Odasso named as one of most influential Hispanic Canadians
February 13, 2020
Please join our department in congratulating Dr. Montero-Odasso, Clinician Scientist at Lawson Health Research Institute, Director of the Gait and Brain Lab, and a professor of Medicine, and Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Western University, on being named one of the 10 most influential Hispanic Canadians for 2019.Announcement: Danielle Alcock, PhD, appointed as Indigenous Leader in Residence
February 03, 2020
Danielle Alcock, PhD, has been appointed as the Indigenous Leader in Residence (ILIR) effective February 11. In this role, she will also be an Assistant Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics.Coronavirus information students, faculty and staff
January 28, 2020
Information for Western students, faculty and staff regarding Novel Coronavirus.After stroke, both women and men are significantly more likely to suffer dangerous heart complications
January 15, 2020
New research from Western University has shown that both women and men are significantly more likely to have a heart attack or another major cardiovascular event within thirty days of having a stroke. The study led by Dr. Luciano Sposato, Associate Professor (and Cross-Appointee with Epidemiology and Biostatistics) and the Kathleen and Henry Barnett Chair in Stroke at Western’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, was published in the American Heart Association Journal, Stroke.World Health Organization document is evidence of the international impact of research ethics scholarship at Western University
December 17, 2019
Writing team led by Cross-Appointed Professor, Charles Weijer, produced the newly published World Health Organization document on “Ethical Considerations for Health Policy and Systems Research.” This new publication from the Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research (WHO) and the Global Health Ethics Unit (WHO) considers fourteen ethical questions when conducting health policy and systems research (HPSR).A Message from our Chair
December 02, 2019
Dr. Saverio Stranges would like to thank our department members for another wonderful year in Epidemiology and Biostatistics.Highlights from 2019
December 01, 2019
Take a look at some of the changes, events and news that took place over the past year.Researchers recognized for high citations
November 25, 2019
Brian Feagan, Director, Clinical Trials, at Robarts Clinical Trials, Inc. and Cross-Appointed Professor with the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, is one of four Western professors lauded for multiple highly cited research papers, according to the Highly Cited Researchers 2019 list from the Web of Science Group.Media Release: Community-driven project improves patient outcomes for diabetes in Indigenous communities
November 05, 2019
The FORGE AHEAD project was launched in response to data showing the incidence and prevalence of type 2 diabetes was significantly higher among Indigenous populations and that people living in Indigenous communities were less likely to receive adequate care. Dr. Stewart Harris, Cross-Appointed Professor with Epidemiology and Biostatistics, is the FORGE AHEAD program’s Principal Investigator.Research: Involuntary admission for psychosis higher among some first-generation ethnic minority groups
October 21, 2019
A new study by Kelly Anderson, PhD, and her team demonstrates that involuntary admission due to first-time diagnosis of psychosis is higher among some first-generation ethnic minority groups, particularly African and Caribbean migrants.The real low-down on diabetes
September 19, 2019
Principal investigators from the Schulich Medicine & Dentistry’s Diabetes Alliance, Dr. Stewart Harris and Alexandria Ratzki-Leewing, PhD Candidate, and co-investigators Drs. Bridget Ryan and Guangyong Zou, from the Departments of Family Medicine and Epidemiology and Biostatistics, received more than $1 million to lead a global, real-world study on diabetes-related hypoglycemia.Can air pollution and noise lead to epilepsy?
September 13, 2019
As part of a research team led by Dr. Jorge Burneo, Tresah Antaya, an MSc candidate in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, has won funding via a Student Award from Lawson’s Internal Research Fund (IRF) for a new study that will examine data from the 2006 long-form Canadian census as well as environmental and health care data to determine whether long-term exposure to air pollution and city noise increases a person’s risk of developing epilepsy. In addition, the project is receiving funding through the Collaborative Research Seed Grant competition from the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University.Survey explores nationwide trans, non-binary population
August 09, 2019
Epidemiology and Biostatistics professor Greta Bauer, PhD, expects the nationwide Trans PULSE Canada survey to bridge a massive “deficit of quantitative data across Canada on the health of trans and non-binary people.”Depression drives substance use during pregnancy
August 08, 2019
The discovery that depression is the single largest driver of substance use during pregnancy – more important than education, income, or age – highlights the need for greater supports for the mental health of mothers-to-be, according to a team of Western researchers, including Dr. Jamie Seabrook, Adjunct Associate Professor with Epidemiology and Biostatstics.New surgery method reduces transfusion need
August 01, 2019
A new method that limits the number of blood transfusions needed during heart surgery showed no additional risk to patients when it came to kidney injury, a common outcome of the surgery, according to a recent study. The findings could be a game-changer for a health-care system constantly seeking ways to balance demands on its blood supply. Professor Amit Garg, cross-appointee with Epidemiology and Biostatistics, stresses the importance of analyzing the use of blood transfusions during surgery. “A lot of people are generous in giving blood,” he said. “At the end of the day, we want to use this precious resource wisely.”Group calls on international community to prevent dementia by preventing stroke
July 18, 2019
The risk factors for stroke and dementia are the same, and a growing body of evidence demonstrates that preventing stroke can also prevent some dementias. Now, a group of experts led by Western University Professor and Cross-Appointee with Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dr. Vladimir Hachinski, are calling on the global community to come together to take action on preventing dementia by preventing stroke.Partnership brings hope to epilepsy patients in Peru
June 27, 2019
Dr. Jorge Burneo and Dr. David Steven, both cross-appointees with Epidemiology and Biostatistics, collaborate on the set up of epilepsy surgery programs in Peru.London scientists key players in national dementia strategy
June 24, 2019
Led by Dr. Manuel Montero-Odasso, a Cross-Appointed Professor with Epidemiology and Biostatistics, researchers in London have been awarded $1.345 million over five years through the second phase of the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA), announced as part of Canada’s national dementia strategy. CCNA is a collaborative research program tackling the challenge of dementia and other neurodegenerative illnesses.Announcement: Shehzad Ali, PhD, named a CRC (Tier 2) in Public Health Economics.
June 17, 2019
An Associate Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Shehzad Ali has been named among Western’s nine new Canada Research Chairs (CRCs). The Canada Research Chairs Program aims to attract and retain some of the world’s most accomplished and promising minds. With this announcement, there are now 1,836 Canada research chairs at universities across Canada.News: London neurologist helps pen international dementia prevention guidelines
May 17, 2019
An internationally acclaimed Western University neurologist is going global once again, helping pen new international guidelines to help patients stave off dementia. Dr. Vladimir Hachinski, a Cross-Appointed Professor with Epidemiology and Biostatistics, contributed to and reviewed the recommendations released by the World Health Organization earlier this week — a gold-standard that will inform how doctors treat patients and how governments address the growing health issue.Awards: Congratulations to the H.O.P.E. Award Recipient, Kathy Nixon Speechley, PhD
May 13, 2019
Epidemiology and Biostatistics Professor, Kathy Nixon Speechley, PhD, recognized as the 2019 H.O.P.E. award recipient by Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario at the 33rd Annual Spring Gala.Bacterial communities and HIV: How the penile microbiome influences transmission
May 08, 2019
Researcher Jessica Prodger, PhD, a Cross-Appointee with the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, is exploring why circumcision is protective and how the penile microbiome may contribute to HIV incidence in heterosexual men.Feature: Team to offer insights into Crohn’s treatment tools
May 07, 2019
A North American team of researchers co-lead by Dr. Brian Feagan, Cross-Appointee to Epidemiology and Biostatistics and the 2019 Allan Donner Lecturer, hopes their work will ultimately lead to treatments that reduce infections, pain, and hospitalizations for millions of Crohn’s disease sufferers around the world.News: Government of Canada supports HockeyFIT expansion across Canada
April 08, 2019
Peter Fragiskatos, Member of Parliament, announced that the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) will be investing up to $2.5 million over three and a half years to help expand Western University’s Hockey Fans in Training (Hockey FIT) program across the country. Hockey FIT is led by Dr. Rob Petrella. Co-applicants on the project include three members of faculty from the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics: Dr. Saverio Stranges, Guangyong Zou, PhD, and Merrick Zwarenstein, PhD.Award: Lauren Cipriano recognized for advancing health technology assessment
April 05, 2019
Lauren Cipriano, PhD, a Cross-Appointed Assistant Professor with Epidemiology and Biostatistics, is being honoured as the 2019 recipient of the Dr. Maurice McGregor Award from Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH). The award recognizes rising stars in the field of health technology assessment.Award: Janet Martin recognized for contributions to health technology assessment
April 05, 2019
Congratulations to Janet Martin, PharmD, associate professor in Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine and Epidemiology and Biostatistics, on receiving an Anniversary Medal from the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH).Two-Eyed Seeing: The gift of multiple perspectives
March 22, 2019
CIHR-funded research project led by Maria Mathews, PhD, professor in Family Medicine and Epidemiology and Biostatistics, incorporates multiple perspectives to explore Indigenous participation in the physician workforce.Feature: Researchers explore the effects of a Mediterranean diet on cardiovascular health
March 13, 2019
The review published today in the high-profile journal Cochrane Review was led by Dr. Saverio Stranges, Professor and Chair, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, in collaboration with Manchester University and Warwick University in the UK. The review looked specifically at the effects of a Mediterranean-style diet on cardiovascular health.Dr. Ian Arra Appointed Medical Officer of Health at Grey Bruce Health Unit
February 13, 2019
The Board of Health for the Grey Bruce Health Unit is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Ian Arra to the position of Medical Officer of Health, effective January 25, 2019. Dr. Arra completed an MSc in Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Western University in 2011, supervised by Dr. George Rodrigues.Study debunks shortcuts to healthy lifestyle
February 04, 2019
A study led by Dr. Saverio Stranges has added further evidence to the growing understanding that not only do most nutritional supplements not prevent chronic disease or increase longevity, but their widespread use should be avoided.Media Release: More people die after surgery worldwide than from HIV, TB, and malaria combined
February 01, 2019
A new study co-authored by Janet Martin, PharmD, Associate Professor with the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, shows the global burden of postoperative death.Announcement: Dr. Stewart Harris reappointed as the Canadian Diabetes Association Chair in Diabetes Management
February 01, 2019
Dr. Stewart Harris has been reappointed to his third term as the Canadian Diabetes Association Chair in Diabetes Management at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University effective January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2023.Congratulations: Maria Mathews, PhD and Dr. Emil Schemitsch, receive CIHR funding
January 31, 2019
Maria Mathews, core-appointee, to receive CIHR funding for: “Increasing Indigenous Participation in the Physician Workforce,” while Dr. Emil Schemitsch, cross-appointee, to receive CIHR funding for: “The DECIPHER Study: DEterminants of Function and Clinically Important outcomes in Proximal Humerus Fractures in the Elder Population: A National CohoRt.”Website Update Notice
January 04, 2019
Beginning Monday, January 7, our department website will be locked down as we update to the new template provided by Western University. During this process our website will still function as usual but we will be unable to publish any changes to content. Updates, news, events, etc., will be posted to our social media feeds during this time and we strongly recommend all faculty, students and staff follow our department on Twitter and Facebook (handle: westernuepibio).Announcement: Dr. Jorge Burneo appointed as the Jack Cowin Chair in Epilepsy Research
December 10, 2018
Dr. Jorge Guillermo Burneo, Professor of Neurology and Cross-Appointed Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Western University, has been appointed as the Jack Cowin Chair in Epilepsy Research, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University effective November 1, 2018 to October 31, 2023.Jeffrey Chow, MSc, has paper published in European Journal of Anaesthesiology
December 09, 2018
The research comprised a portion of Mr. Chow's thesis, investigating bibliometrics in the anesthesiology literature.Rapport Article, The Ups and Downs of Early Career Research, features Kelly Anderson, PhD and Dr. Luciano Sposato
November 26, 2018
Kelly Anderson, Luciano Sposato (both affiliated with Epidemiology and Biostatistics) and Stephen Renaud all agree that there are challenges to starting a research program when you are new to academia – but the rewards of the efforts are plentiful.Western profs treat epilepsy with mindfulness
November 14, 2018
Making Mindfulness Matter, an eight-week Canadian Institutes of Health Research project, is a community-based family treatment program for children with epilepsy between the ages of four and 10 and their parents. The program is co-led by Western University’s Dr. Kathy Speechley, a professor in the Departments of Paediatrics and Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, and Dr. Karen Bax, professor and managing director of the Mary J. Wright Research and Education Centre at Merrymount.Melissa Majoni, MSc Candidate, presented her research at the 2018 Canadian Cardiovascular Congress
October 24, 2018
Melissa Majoni, MSc Candidate, recently presented her a research project, part of her thesis work, at the 2018 Canadian Cardiovascular Congress in Toronto.Research Opportunities for Graduate Program Applicants (September 2019 Admission) Now Available
October 15, 2018
Considering applying to our graduate program? Take a look at a list of our research opportunities for graduate program applicants to discover numerous and diverse research projects seeking new students.Project and Bridge Grant Funding Announced by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
July 24, 2018
A total of 17 funded projects across the School and Lawson Health Research Institute were awarded project or bridge grant funding, as announced by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). The recipient teams included Epidemiology and Biostatistics members Dr. Greta Bauer, Dr. Ayden Scheim (Alumnus), Dr. Luciano A Sposato, Dr. Jason Gilliland, Dr. Saverio Stranges, Dr. Jamie Seabrook, Dr. Piotr Wilk, Dr. Evelyn Vingilis, Dr. Kathy Speechley, Klajdi Puka (PhD Candidate), Dr. Guangyong Zou, and Dr. Emil Schemitsch.Media Release: How family physicians are paid is linked to their rate of referral to specialists
June 27, 2018
Dr. Sisira Sarma, Associate Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Western's Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry is the first author on a study published in the journal Health Economics that shows family physicians who switched from a blended fee-for-service payment scheme to a blended capitation model (a fixed rate per patient per year) increased their referrals to specialists by more than five per cent.Dr. Evelyn Vingilis recognized nationally for impact on road safety in Canada
June 25, 2018
Congratulations Dr. Evelyn Vingilis, psychologist and Director of the Population and Community Health Unit, and Professor with the Departments of Family Medicine and Epidemiology and Biostatistics, on receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Canadian Association of Road Safety Professionals.Jacqueline Kueper attends CSHRF in Winnipeg
June 20, 2018
Jacqueline Kueper, PhD Candidate supervised by Dr. Dan Lizotte, recently attended the Canadian Student Health Research Forum in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She presented a poster titled, “A topic modelling approach to understanding the body of research on artificial intelligence and primary care.”Research Day with the University at Buffalo and McMaster University
May 28, 2018
Faculty and students from the Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University at Buffalo, Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, and the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, met in Buffalo on May 25th, 2018 to discuss research in their field and to foster collaborative links across the institutions.Dr. Hachinski Wins 2018 Killam Prize for Pioneering Work
May 09, 2018
Dr. Vladimir Hachinski – past president of the World Federation of Neurology and a world-renowned stroke expert – has been named a 2018 Killam Prize winner for Health Sciences. He is a Distinguished University Professor at Western, a Professor in the Department of Neurology and a Cross-Appointee with the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, in the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry.Successful Canadian Institutes of Health Research Funding Application for Hockey Fans in Training Team
February 25, 2018
Dr. Robert Petrella and the entire Hockey Fans in Training (Hockey FIT) team are thrilled to announce that their recent grant application to the Canadian Institutes of Health Research was successful. Co-Applicants and Collaborators include numerous individuals from Western University, including Dr. Saverio Stranges (Chair), Dr. Guangyong Zou, and Dr. Merrick Zwarenstein, of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics.Research by Dr. Shane Goodwin and Dr. Kathy Speechley finds that family environment influences emotional well-being in children with epilepsy
February 08, 2018
Published research by Dr. Shane Goodwin, PhD graduate from our program, and his former supervisor, Dr. Kathy Speechley, is highlighted in a media release from Lawson Research and in a recent interview with CTV news.Dr. Philip Jones' retrospective, population-based study published in the journal JAMA
January 25, 2018
Research by Dr. Philip Jones, Lawson Scientist, and Associate Professor, Department of Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine and Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, examines the practice of handing over patient care between anesthesiologists during surgical procedures.Research by Emaad Mohammad shortlisted as Highly Commended at 2017 Undergraduate Awards
January 18, 2018
Emaad's submission “The Effect of Statin Medication on Exercise Capacity in Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Retrospective Cohort Study” was selected as a Highly Commended Entrant in the Medical Sciences category of The Undergraduate Awards Programme 2017.Two New Research Chairs Named in 2020 from the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
December 05, 2023
This May, Greta Bauer was named one of the Canadian Institute of Health Research’s new Sex and Gender Science Chairs, and in December, Kelly Anderson was named Canada Research Chair in Public Mental Health. Congratulations to both researchers for their hard work and dedication.
