2025
Adult patients with sickle cell disease can now be treated with stem cell transplantation at LHSC
December 02, 2025
Stem cell transplantation is now available as a possible treatment option at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) for adult patients with sickle cell disease (SCD).Western EDI: Annual Impact Report
November 24, 2025
Western recently released its 2024–2025 Annual Impact Report, highlighting a year of initiatives designed to strengthen learning environments, advance inclusion, and deepen community partnerships. Covering the period from May 2024 to May 2025, the report captures major projects, signature events, and the collective efforts that continue to shape a more equitable campus experience.Gut feelings: Your microbiome and the future of cancer treatment with Saman Maleki, PhD
November 21, 2025
Can the trillions of microbes in our gut hold the key to transforming cancer treatment? Saman Maleki, PhD, is pioneering research that uses the gut microbiome and fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) to boost the power of cancer-fighting immunotherapy. In this episode of The Catalysts, he shares the science, the challenges, and the hope driving a new frontier in cancer care.International team uses AI to discover new drugs for fighting cancer and infectious disease
November 19, 2025
A Western-led interdisciplinary research team is using artificial intelligence (AI) to target a potentially harmful enzyme found in the human body that, if left untreated, can cause cancer and infectious disease.Komila Zakirova completes her PhD Thesis
November 13, 2025
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine would like to offer congratulations to Komila Zakirova, who has completed her PhD in Pathology. Dr. Fred Dick is Komila’s PhD supervisor.Western joins Global Virus Network as first Canadian centre of excellence
November 06, 2025
Western is the first Canadian institution to join the Global Virus Network, a coalition working to tackle viral threats and advance the world’s ability to manage them.Launch of Neuromuscular Disease Panel Testing
October 31, 2025
Exciting news for the Division of Molecular Diagnostics! Effective September 8, 2025, London Health Sciences Centre’s (LHSC) Division of Molecular Diagnostics will be offering a new neuromuscular disease testing panel in accordance with provincial testing recommendations.Halloween Costume Contest 2025
October 31, 2025
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine encouraged faculty and staff to dress up for this year's Halloween costume contest. Thanks to everyone who participated and also to our judges for helping choose our winners! We had more entries than expected, and it was absolutely fantastic to see such creativity and spirit.Pumpkin Carving Contest
October 31, 2025
Thank you to everyone who sent in photos of their pumpkins! We have quite the creative crew here in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. Winner - Elektra Hendrikx (MLA)2025 Patient Safety Champion Award Nomination
October 30, 2025
Congratulations to the Hemoglobinopathy Team on your nomination for an LHSC Patient Safety Champion Award. The Patient Safety Champion Awards recognize individuals and teams for demonstrating an ongoing commitment to improving quality and patient safety. Congratulations on being recognized by your peers with this nomination.Featured Cover
October 30, 2025
The cover image of the November issue of Histopathology (Special Edition on GU Pathology) features images from the article Renal cell carcinoma with fibromyomatous stroma (RCC FMS) and with hemangioblastoma-like areas is part of the RCC FMS spectrum in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex by Dr. Katherina Baranovaet et al.Jenna Orsava completes the Graduate Diploma Program in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
October 20, 2025
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine would like to congratulate Jenna Orsava, who has completed the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Graduate Diploma program. Jenna conducted her independent graduate research under the supervision of Dr. Jina Kum and Dr. Matthew Cecchini.Alumna Publication – Academic Pathology
October 07, 2025
We are proud to highlight a new publication by our alumna, “Exploring the pathologists’ assistant educational landscape in North America” (Lau et al., 2025), which provides the first comprehensive overview of Pathologists’ Assistant training programs across North America.Ginnian Leung completes her MSc Thesis
September 16, 2025
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine would like to offer congratulations to Ginnian Leung who recently completed her MSc in Pathology. Dr. Samuel Asfaha was Ginnian’s MSc supervisor.Urooj Syed completes her MSc Thesis
September 12, 2025
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine would like to offer congratulations to Urooj Syed, who recently completed her MSc in Pathology. Drs Zia Khan and Christopher Howlett were Urooj’s MSc supervisors.Dr. Gupta awarded European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Travel Grant
September 10, 2025
Dr. Ruchika Gupta has been awarded the prestigious European Society; of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMI D) Travel Grant in recognition of her exceptional contributions to infectious disease research. She also received the “Top Paper Award” at ESCMID for her groundbreaking work investigating the genetic underpinnings and clinical implications of vancomycin-dependent enterococci, which are bacteria that have changed so much they now need the antibiotic vancomycin to grow instead of being killed by it.Congratulations to Dr. Fatimah AlMutawa
September 08, 2025
Earlier in 2025, Dr. AlMutawa earned a Master of Education in Health Professions Education from the University of Ottawa, along with a Certificate in Universal Design for Learning from Western University.Nachuan (Harrison) Pan completes his MSc Thesis
September 04, 2025
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine would like to offer congratulations to Harrison Pan, who has completed his MSc in Pathology. Dr. Anthony Nichols is Harrison’s supervisor.Celebrating Excellence: Dave Beaune Receives the inaugural Drs. Vipin and Bhooma Bhayana Award for Excellence in Laboratory Medicine
September 03, 2025
The Transplant Immunology Lab at University Hospital is proud to celebrate one of their own. Senior Medical Laboratory Technologist, Dave Beaune, has been recognized with the first annual Drs. Vipin and Bhooma Bhayana Award for Excellence in Laboratory Medicine.Elly Shin completes her MSc Thesis
September 02, 2025
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine would like to offer congratulations to Elly Shin who recently completed her MSc in Pathology. Dr. Christina Castellani was Elly’s MSc supervisor.CAP-ACP 2025 Scientific Meeting Awards
August 07, 2025
Congratulations to Kathryn Greenall and Emily Kyle, PA Program alumna, on awards presented at the 2025 Canadian Association of Pathologists (CAP-ACP) Scientific Meeting.Expert insight: How falling vaccination rates are fuelling the antibiotic resistance crisis
August 05, 2025
Western expert outlines the wide-scale impact of vaccine hesitancy. Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest health threats we face today. It’s often blamed on the overuse of antibiotics, and for a good reason. But there’s another major factor quietly driving this crisis that doesn’t get as much attention: low vaccination rates.Pride in Pathology 2025
July 31, 2025
Pride in Pathology Day was held on July 24, 2025! Thank you to all who participated by dressing in their rainbow-best and to the PaLM Social Committee for organizing the event.Welcome Dr. Saman Maleki
July 31, 2025
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Saman Maleki as a new member of our Basic Science (UWOFA) faculty, at the rank of Associate Professor, effective August 1, 2025. Dr. Saman Maleki is a translational immuno-oncology scientist at the London Health Sciences Research Institute (LHSCRI), Western University, and the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research in Canada.Student Spotlight: Luis Limo, PhD Candidate
July 28, 2025
Congratulations to Luis Limo, a second-year PhD candidate in the Society-To-Cell Oral Health Research Lab under the supervision of Dr. Noha Gomaa, who received the Outstanding Abstract Award (Pre-Doctoral Category) in the Behavioural, Epidemiologic, and Health Services Research area at the 2025 International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR) General Session in Barcelona, Spain.Major federal funding boost propels health research to new heights
July 25, 2025
With more than $20 million in new federal funding, researchers at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry are advancing a wide spectrum of biomedical and health research – from cancer immunotherapy and chronic disease to neuroscience, medical imaging and health systems innovation.Enhancing Blood Culture Diagnostics in PaLM Microbiology Lab: Efficiency, Education, and Research Integration
July 21, 2025
Sepsis is a medical emergency in which every hour of delayed appropriate therapy significantly increases mortality. Rapid and accurate microbiological diagnosis is central to guiding effective antimicrobial treatment. Blood cultures remain the gold standard for identifying bloodstream infections. Improving laboratory turnaround time for both organism identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing is therefore critically important for improving patient outcomes and reducing sepsis-related mortality.Dr. Lisa Cameron named Western Massey Fellow
July 11, 2025
Congratulations to Dr. Lisa Cameron who has been named a Western Massey Fellow from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. Western University and Massey College have partnered to create the Western Massey Fellowship Program, offering two prestigious fellowship positions each year to Western faculty members on sabbatical.MClSc-PA Program Cake and Tea Celebration 2025
June 27, 2025
On June 27, 2025, the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine hosted a Cake and Tea Reception to celebrate the accomplishments of our newest graduates from the Master of Clinical Sciences, Pathologists’ Assistant Program.Congratulations to Dr. Rebekah Jacques
June 26, 2025
Congratulations to Dr. Rebekah Jacques on the publication of her book titled Forensic Pathology: Death Investigation Bioethics and Other Medicolegal Principles (Springer, 2024). A tremendous professional accomplishment.Resident Cake and Tea Celebration and Dr. M.E. Kirk Teaching Award 2025
June 25, 2025
We had much to celebrate at the 2025 Resident Cake and Tea Celebration on June 20, 2025! Congratulations to Dr. Lindsay Ninivirta & Dr. Shervin Pejhan upon completion of their respective programs. We would also like to congratulate Dr. Lindsay Ninivirta (recipient of the PaLM Annual Resident Award of Excellence) and Dr. Michael Shkrum (recipient of the Dr. M.E. Kirk Teaching Award).Summer Social and Awards Ceremony
June 20, 2025
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine held its fourth annual Summer Social and Awards Ceremony on June 17, 2025 at Ivey Spencer’s Outdoor Pavilion. It was a lovely evening to come together and acknowledge several awards, honours and professional milestones.Western University Spin-Off Earns Top Prize at Start-up Pitch Competition
June 19, 2025
Congratulations to Dr. Subrata Chakrabarti and his team from i-RNA for winning the Grand Prize at the EFFERVESCENCE Start-up Pitch Competition in the Biopharmaceuticals and Biotechnologies division. i-RNA also won the overall Impact Award.CANSSI Ontario Postdoctoral Fellowship in Genome Data Science
June 04, 2025
CANSSI Ontario is pleased to announce Jorge Alexander Rojas Vargas as the recipient of a CANSSI Ontario Postdoctoral Fellowship in Genome Data Science for his project, “Unveiling Microbial Dark Matter: A Novel Embedding Approach for Metagenome Analysis.” Jorge Alexander Rojas Vargas is a Postdoctoral Associate at Western University. Working under the supervision of Drs. Art Poon, Jessica Prodger, and Vera Tai.Schulich researcher tackles HIV with machine learning
June 03, 2025
Abayomi Olabode uses data science, network analysis tools to battle the disease.Retirement: Dr. Tony Rupar
May 28, 2025
Dr. Tony Rupar is retiring as Head of the Biochemical Genetics Laboratory at London Health Sciences Centre effective May 31, 2025. Dr. Rupar has had a 40+ year long, distinguished career beginning at the Child and Parent Resource Institute (CPRI) and the Western Department of Biochemistry.Expert insight: How AI might worsen medicine’s over-generalization problem
May 16, 2025
Research shows most AI models routinely oversimplify medical research findings.Frederikke Larsen completes her PhD Thesis
May 15, 2025
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine would like to offer congratulations to Frederikke Larsen, who has completed her PhD in Pathology. Dr. Samuel Asfaha is Frederikke’s PhD supervisor.2025 Alumni of Distinction Awards
May 13, 2025
With pride, we announce the 2025 Alumni of Distinction Award recipients, including Dr. Saumik Biswas. Saumik received his PhD in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine in 2020. Saumik, along with all of the award winners, have distinguished themselves as role models both for our alumni and our current students and learners.National Medical Laboratory Week
April 30, 2025
Across Canada, National Medical Laboratory Week was celebrated from April 13-19. Medical laboratories play a critical role in diagnosing and treating patients and Medical Laboratory Professionals are experts and key figures in every patient’s journey.Microbiology in Motion: Dr. Ruchika Gupta
April 30, 2025
Dr. Ruchika Gupta joined the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine on August 1, 2024 as a Medical Microbiologist and Assistant Professor. Since her arrival at Western University, Dr. Gupta has distinguished herself across all dimensions of the academic mission—teaching, research, and service—with remarkable dedication and impact.Value Stream Analysis Event – Division of Pathology
April 29, 2025
A group from the Division of Pathology recently participated in a five-day Value Stream Analysis (VSA) event, facilitated by Roche Healthcare Consulting. This intensive workshop focused on enhancing efficiency and reducing turnaround times in pathology.Alumni Spotlight: Rebecca Sullivan, PhD
April 28, 2025
Rebecca Sullivan, who obtained her PhD in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine with Dr. Savita Dhanvantari, has been awarded the Alavi-Mandell Award by the Journal of Nuclear Medicine for her paper entitled "Design, Synthesis, and Preclinical Evaluation of a High-Affinity 18F-Labeled Radioligand for Myocardial Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor Before and After Myocardial Infarction".Inside a cancer research lab: Unlocking the gut microbiome’s potential in the fight against cancer
April 24, 2025
Inside Dr. Saman Maleki’s lab on the fourth floor of LHSC’s Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre, cutting-edge immuno-oncology research is exploring how fecal transplants (yes, poop transplants!) can improve the effectiveness of cancer treatment. It’s called fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), a treatment that targets the gut microbiome – the bacteria, fungi, and viruses that naturally live inside our bodies.Easter Egg Hunt
April 23, 2025
The Easter Egg Hunt held on Thursday, April 17 was a huge success. A big thank you to the Wellness Team for launching this fun initiative - our amazing social committee joined in and helped bring excitement to our department.2025 Awards of Excellence
April 21, 2025
We extend our sincere congratulations to Dr. Matthew Cecchini, this year’s recipient of a Dean’s Award of Excellence for Research and Innovation (Early-Career Investigator).Celebrating a Day of Discovery and Community
April 16, 2025
On Friday April 11, 2025, our department came alive with excitement, collaboration, and an unmistakable buzz of research and scholarly/ creative achievements during our annual Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Research Day.The social life of HIV: How networks help researchers understand the virus
March 24, 2025
Researcher and bioinformatician Abayomi Olabode, PhD, is using data analytics and AI to bring people living with HIV closer to a cure.Natalie Grindrod completes her MSc Thesis
March 12, 2025
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine would like to offer congratulations to Natalie Grindrod, who recently completed her MSc in Pathology. Dr. Matthew Cecchini and Dr. Muriel Brackstone were Natalie’s MSc supervisors.Expert insight from Dr. Ruchika Gupta: The resurgent threat of measles in Canada
March 07, 2025
Measles is highly contagious and spreads easily through respiratory droplets.Winter Wellness
February 19, 2025
From February 10-21, 2025, Western is shining a spotlight on Winter Wellness. The Winter Wellness program includes physical activities, workshops, and webinars. New this year is a Random Acts of Kindness Challenge.Resident Appreciation Week
February 14, 2025
Resident Appreciation Week (February 3 - 14, 2025) is an opportunity to acknowledge and thank resident physicians for their significant contributions to the health of the communities they serve.WPA Valentine’s Day Rom-Com and Painting Night
February 14, 2025
The WPA had an unforgettable Health and Wellness evening filled with creativity, laughter, and romance! Guests enjoyed a cozy night painting, indulging in delicious snacks, and watching Anyone But You—the perfect rom-com.Amanda Liddy completes her MSc Thesis
February 05, 2025
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine would like to offer congratulations to Amanda Liddy who recently completed her MSc in Pathology.WPA Wellness Skating Event
January 30, 2025
On Wednesday, January 29, the WPA held a Wellness Skating Event hosted by VPs of Health and Wellness, Sabina Al Agbar and Urooj Syed. This event provided students with an opportunity to take a break from their studies, stay active, and enjoy a fun evening on the ice.Nurturing an inclusive culture: Western named a top Canadian employer for diversity
January 28, 2025
Western has been named one of the top Canadian employers for diversity, according to Forbes’ list of 200 organizations leading the way on equity, diversity and inclusion in their workplaces.New Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Resources
January 24, 2025
The PaLM Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee would like to bring awareness to several new resources and learning modules. Everyone is encouraged to explore and engage!Danielle Taray-Matheson completes her MSc Thesis
January 16, 2025
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine would like to offer congratulations to Danielle Taray-Matheson, who recently completed her MSc in Pathology.WPA takes on SOGS Tuesday Trivia
January 15, 2025
The WPA accompanied by fellow PaLM graduate students participated in SOGS weekly trivia at the Grad Club over appetizers and drinks!WPA Gingerbread House Making Night
January 14, 2025
The WPA hosted a Gingerbread House Making Night. The evening was filled with laughter, collaboration, and cheer as participants worked on their edible creations.Natasha Holder completes her MSc Thesis
January 09, 2025
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine would like to offer congratulations to Natasha Holder who recently completed her MSc in Pathology.Welcome Dr. Ben Chin-Yee
January 08, 2025
We are pleased welcome Dr. Ben Chin-Yee to the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine on January 1, 2025 as a Hematologist and Assistant Professor.Sumaiyah Wasif completes her MSc Thesis
January 06, 2025
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine would like to offer congratulations to Sumaiyah Wasif who recently completed her MSc in Pathology.
