News
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.Pathology Commons
December 31, 2024
On Wednesday, December 18, 2024, a festive lunch celebration was held for undergraduate and graduate students in the new Pathology Commons. Pathology Commons is a new learner-centered space dedicated to social interaction, informal learning, wellness, mindfulness, and includes a multi-faith room.Closed for the Holidays
December 20, 2024
Western University will be closed for the holiday break effective December 23, 2024. Western will reopen on Friday, January 3, 2025.Lunch for Administrative Staff
December 18, 2024
Administrative staff at UH and Western came together on December 17, 2024 to celebrate the festive season and enjoyed a white elephant gift exchange.LPA Holiday Party and Awards of Excellence
December 12, 2024
The London Pathology Associates (LPA) Holiday Party was held on Thursday, December 5 at Bellamere Winery and Event Centre. At the event, the LPA Awards of Excellence for 2024 were awarded to Rebecca Glover and Marnie Hickling and the EDI Award was awarded to the WPA.Dr. Ian Chin-Yee receives Distinguished Clinician Award
December 10, 2024
Congratulations to Dr. Ian Chin-Yee for receiving a Department of Medicine Award of Excellence in the Distinguished Clinician category.WPA Scholarship Application Workshop
November 25, 2024
The WPA held a scholarship application workshop. This workshop was designed to provide incoming and current graduate students with the necessary skills to write effective and successful scholarship applications.PaLM Merch 2024
November 19, 2024
The WPA PaLM merchandise sale is now live! If you're looking to add some fresh PaLM-themed apparel to your collection, this is the perfect opportunity. This year’s selection of merchandise was chosen based on the feedback we sent out earlier. From now until Wednesday, December 4, you can submit your order. Don’t miss out on this chance to start the year with some great new merchandise and we will follow up with arrivals of your orders in early January 2025!Western mourns Elder Dan Smoke
November 13, 2024
The Western community is remembering Dr. Dan Smoke, a cherished Elder, educator, and spiritual leader, whose journey home to the Spirit World began on Monday, Nov. 4. Dan Smoke, a proud member of the Seneca Nation from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, Killdeer Clan, was a teacher, activist, writer and broadcaster.OICR funding boost aims to speed the development of new drugs for some of the most common cancers
November 08, 2024
Congratulations to Dr. Saman Maleki on receiving funding from the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) for this project entitled “Identifying an MLH1 small molecule inhibitor for combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors”.Blood Culture Incubation Period – A QI Project
October 31, 2024
Every winter, our microbiology laboratory experiences a surge in blood culture specimens. This poses a capacity challenge to our incubators which detect positive cultures. To meet this demand without purchasing new equipment, the microbiology team under the leadership of Dr. Almutawa explored a more efficient approach to blood culture incubation.Halloween Costume Contest 2024
October 31, 2024
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine encouraged faculty and staff to dress up in costumes for this year's Halloween costume contest. Thanks to everyone who participated and also to our judges for helping choose our winners! Glad we had some laughs (and possibly a few scares) in the department.Meggie Vo completes her MSc Thesis
October 29, 2024
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine would like to offer congratulations to Meggie Vo, who recently completed her MSc in Pathology.Resilience part of the path to medicine for PhD graduate
October 24, 2024
Michael Roes has not let setbacks slow him down in the path to becoming a physician. Find out more about this soon-to-be PhD graduate, marathon runner and future physician on the eve of fall convocation.Thank you Linda Jackson-Boeters
October 22, 2024
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine would like to wish Linda Jackson-Boeters well in her new role as a Medical Laboratory Technologist in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at University Hospital effective October 4, 2024. This new role aligns with Linda’s training as an MLT and reflects her desire to have an impact on patient care.Congratulations to Rober Abdo
October 17, 2024
Congratulations to Rober Abdo, PhD Candidate in Dr. Qi Zhang and Dr. Shawn Li’s lab, on his prestigious Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) Research Training Award.WPA Laser Tag Night
October 11, 2024
The WPA hosted a laser tag night at Palasad South with a good turnout from the research-based students. Students enjoyed pizza, snacks, and a refreshingly spirited game of laser tag.WPA Kripsy Kreme Fundraising
October 09, 2024
The WPA held its Kripsy Kreme fundraising campaign where they sold 67 boxes of donuts and raised over $200 for the WPA. A huge thank you to everyone who supported their sale and helped make the event a sweet success!WPA Wellness Wednesday Walks
October 08, 2024
The WPA held its first weekly wellness walk of the academic year. With better-than-expected turnout, 4 km of walking and socializing went by before we knew it.Xinru (Claire) Li completes her MSc Thesis
October 02, 2024
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine would like to offer congratulations to Xinru Li who recently completed her MSc in Pathology. Dr. Mark Darling and Dr. Francisco Olea-Popelka were Claire’s supervisors.CIHR funding boost helps answer challenging questions that could save lives
September 25, 2024
Congratulations to all of the Schulich Medicine & Dentistry researchers who – combined – received more than $7 million in funding through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Spring competition.Celebrating recipients of the Graduate Diploma Program in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
September 19, 2024
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine would like to congratulate, Patricia Rudak, Jingwen Yang, and Chao Wang for successfully completing the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Graduate Diploma program in August 2024.The Canadian Cancer Society and the Weston Family Foundation invest $2 million in a promising new life-saving treatment for advanced melanoma
September 12, 2024
Canadian researchers, including Dr. Saman Maleki, will test a promising new fecal microbiota treatment on patients to cure advanced melanoma.Advancing Multiple Myeloma Care
August 29, 2024
Targeted Mass Spectrometry for Measurable Residual Disease (MRD) Detection in Multiple Myeloma at London Health Sciences Centre.Nelson Chang completes his MSc Thesis
August 28, 2024
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine would like to offer congratulations to Nelson Chang, who has completed his MSc in Pathology. Dr. Savita Dhanvantari is Nelson’s supervisor.Welcome Dr. Shereen Qayyum Zia
August 26, 2024
We are pleased to welcome Dr. Shereen Qayyum Zia to the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine as an Assistant Professor and Pathologist effective August 1, 2024.Venkat Mani Murugan completes his MSc Thesis
August 07, 2024
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine would like to offer congratulations to Venkat Mani Murugan, who has completed his MSc in Pathology. Dr. Samuel Asfaha is Venkat’s supervisor.World first discoveries allow researchers to accurately diagnose prenatal exposure syndromes and birth disorders
August 06, 2024
Researchers at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and Lawson Health Research Institute are using advanced technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to diagnose rare diseases and prenatal exposure-related birth abnormalities in two studies published today in American Journal of Human Genetics and Genetics in Medicine. The research uses technology called EpiSign™, which was developed by Dr. Bekim Sadikovic, Lawson Scientist at LHSC.Welcome Dr. Ruchika Gupta
August 01, 2024
We are pleased to welcome Dr. Ruchika Gupta to the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine as an Assistant Professor and Medical Microbiologist effective August 1, 2024.Welcome Dr. Brian Keller
July 29, 2024
We are pleased to welcome Dr. Brian Keller to the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine as an Assistant Professor and Pathologist effective August 1, 2024.Lion Dental Research Award 2024
July 22, 2024
Congratulations to Dr. Luis Limo, PhD Candidate, for being honored with the prestigious Lion Dental Research Award for 2024 by the International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research at the IADR General Session and Exhibition in New Orleans.PaLM Trainee Awards at the Academy of Cardiovascular Research Excellence Meeting
July 18, 2024
The second annual Academy of Cardiovascular Research Excellence (ACRE) Canada meeting was held July 4-6, 2024 in London, Ontario. The meeting was aimed at new discoveries in cardiovascular health and diseases and was hosted by Dr. Qingping Feng, Dr. Tianqing Peng and Dr. Zhu-Xu Zhang.Student researcher brings expertise to Canada to prepare for next pandemic
July 15, 2024
When he received the offer to fly across the world to build a universal COVID-19 vaccine with a researcher at Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Cody Hird didn’t hesitate to pack his bags.Hasti Gholami completes her MSc Thesis
July 08, 2024
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine would like to offer congratulations to Hasti Gholami, who recently completed her MSc in Pathology. Dr. Saman Maleki and Dr. Jeremy Burton were Hasti’s MSc supervisors.Welcome Dr. Flor Mora
July 04, 2024
We are pleased to welcome Dr. Flor Mora to the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine as an Assistant Professor and Pathologist effective July 3, 2024.MClSc-PA Program Cake and Tea Celebration 2024
July 04, 2024
Congratulations to the students of the 2024 Graduating Class! On June 28, the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine held a cake and tea reception to congratulate our new graduates.Yu Fan (Peter) Zeng completes his PhD Thesis
July 03, 2024
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine would like to offer congratulations to Yu Fan Zeng who has completed his PhD in Pathology. Dr. Anthony Nichols is Yu Fan’s PhD supervisor.Welcome Dr. Luojun Wang
July 02, 2024
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Luojun Wang has joined the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine as an Assistant Professor and Pathologist effective July 2, 2024.Pride in Pathology 2024
June 28, 2024
Pride in Pathology Day was held on June 25, 2024! Thank you to all who participated by dressing in their rainbow-best and to the PaLM Social Committee for organizing the event.Resident and Fellow Cake and Tea Celebration 2024
June 27, 2024
We had much to celebrate at the 2024 Resident and Fellow Cake and Tea Celebration on June 19, 2024! Congratulations to Dr. Hao Li, Dr. Madison, Dr. Flor Mora, Dr. Sean Rasmussen, Dr. Hao Li and Dr. Laura Lockau.Michael Roes completes his PhD Thesis
June 26, 2024
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine would like to offer congratulations to Michael Roes who has completed his PhD in Pathology. Dr. Fred Dick is Mike’s PhD supervisor.2024 Alumni of Distinction Awards
June 25, 2024
With pride, we announce the 2024 Alumni of Distinction Award recipients, including Dr. Rebekah Jacques and Dr. Phaedra Henley. Dr. Jacques and Dr. Henley, along with all of the award winners, have distinguished themselves as role models both for our alumni and our current students and learners.Summer Social and Awards Ceremony
June 21, 2024
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine held its third annual Summer Social and Awards Ceremony on June 11, 2024 at Ivey Spencer’s Outdoor Pavilion. It was a lovely evening to come together and acknowledge several awards, honours and professional milestones.Vanderbilt Diabetes Day Best Poster Presentation
June 17, 2024
Congratulations to Nelson Chang, MSc candidate on his Best Poster Presentation award at the annual Vanderbilt Diabetes Day, which took place on May 22, 2024.This Toronto company is using tech to make cancer scanning faster and more accurate
June 14, 2024
For pathologists, identifying cancer-positive lymph nodes in tissue can be like searching for a needle in a haystack. With the help of ultrasound and AI, Tenomix is trying to revamp that process.Full Circle
June 12, 2024
Resilience, reflection, relationships & residential schools. Story by Dr. Rebekah JacquesTimothy Nunes completes his MSc Thesis
May 23, 2024
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine would like to offer congratulations to Timothy Nunes, who has completed his MSc in Pathology.Carolyn Twible completes her MSc Thesis
May 17, 2024
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine would like to offer congratulations to Carolyn Twible who recently completed her MSc in Pathology.Science Rendezvous 2024 – WPA PaLM booth
May 16, 2024
The WPA represented the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Science Rendezvous. Ginnian Leung and Meggie Vo were leading the pathology booth called “Disease Detectives” alongside several other volunteers (Sumaiyah Wasif, Rose Samadi, Briana Battick, and Mitchell Pallister).Western researchers’ breakthrough paves way for ALS cure
May 14, 2024
Fueled by a $10-million gift from the Temerty Foundation, a possible new ALS treatment could move to clinical trials within five years.Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Research Day 2024
April 17, 2024
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine held the 2024 Research Day on Thursday, April 4. The event celebrated our achievements in basic, translational, and clinical research, and served as an excellent platform for researchers to explore the wide range of research activities in our unique department. We had a significant gathering of approximately 200 attendees, including current and prospective undergraduate and graduate students, residents, faculty members, and staff.Amanda Morin completes her MSc Thesis
April 15, 2024
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine would like to offer congratulations to Amanda Morin who recently completed her MSc in Pathology.Announcement: Celebrating the 2024 Awards of Excellence recipients
April 12, 2024
The 2024 Awards of Excellence recipients enrich life and learning at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry each and every day. Their commitment to the School’s mission, their innovative approaches to their work, and their leadership distinguishes them.In Memoriam – Dr. Godfrey Heathcote
March 31, 2024
It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dr. Godfrey Heathcote in Bayfield, Ontario on March 20, 2024.WPA Poster Workshop
March 19, 2024
The WPA held a workshop to teach incoming students the ins and outs of creating a visually engaging and informative poster for scientific conferences. The workshop was led by a senior PhD candidate and the co-president of the WPA, Frederikke Larsen, who walked the students through the most important aspects of a research poster, and shared some tips on how to make the poster more captivating.WPA Bake Sale
March 18, 2024
The WPA held a bake sale at the lobby of the Medical Sciences Building to raise money to support future WPA events. Many members contributed to the creation of baked goods for the sale. They sold out well ahead of the planned end time, and raised over $300 toward upcoming events!Western spin-off secures over $2M in seed funding for cancer care robotics system
March 13, 2024
A medical technology startup from Western has obtained seed funding of more than $2 million to develop a robotics system for colon cancer treatment.WPA CV and Resume Workshop
March 11, 2024
The WPA hosted a seminar to teach students to write effective resumes and cover letters. We welcomed guest speaker David Feeney, a career coach at the Career Education unit of Western Student Experience, who shared some tips and tricks on engaging the reader, formatting the document to be visually pleasing.Announcement: Dr. Francisco Olea-Popelka re-appointed as Beryl Ivey Endowed Chair in One Health
February 23, 2024
I am pleased to announce that Dr. Francisco Olea-Popelka has been re-appointed as the Beryl Ivey Endowed Chair in One Health at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, effective January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2028.Valentine’s Day Bake Sale and Card Exchange
February 16, 2024
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine hosted a Valentine’s themed bake sale and card exchange both were a great success.Oral health is health: Better access to dental care may have potential benefits beyond Canadians’ mouths
January 31, 2024
Because oral health is linked to overall health, dental care needs to be viewed as an integral part of health care.Meet the researchers who are breaking new ground as Western Research Chairs
January 31, 2024
Schulich Medicine & Dentistry boasts five Western Research Chairs who are unravelling the mysteries of the brain, infectious diseases, breast cancer, disease-inhibiting enzymes and bringing Indigenous perspectives to bear on human health.PaLM Educational Leadership Appointments
January 30, 2024
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine would like to announce the following educational leadership appointments effective January 1, 2024. Dr. Art Poon - Graduate Chair, Research-Based Programs, Andrew Zhang - Program Director, Masters of Clinical Science, Pathologists’ Assistant (PA) Program and Dr. José Gomez - Medical Director, Masters of Clinical Science, Pathologists’ Assistant (PA) Program.WPA Scientific Communication Workshop
January 25, 2024
The WPA hosted a seminar to help students improve their scientific communication skills.New beginnings for the Medicine Class of 2027
January 24, 2024
Former MSc Pathology student Wessam AI Jawhri being featured in the Medicine Class of 2027.Doctoral Research Award: Cancer Research Society
January 17, 2024
Congratulations to Megan Hong, one of 21 recipients of the new Doctoral Research Award program offered by the Cancer Research Society (CRS).Meet Miguel Quiñones-Mateu and current cohort of Western Research Chairs
January 10, 2024
Quiñones-Mateu is a world-leading virologist. His expertise lies in virus evolution and pathogenesis, extracting valuable details about viral behaviour and using that knowledge to develop antiviral strategies.$7.55 million in funding to take LHSC-developed technology global
January 08, 2024
On average it takes five to seven years to diagnose a rare disease. But, for growing numbers of rare diseases, that is all about to change with new artificial intelligence-led technology developed by researchers at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and Lawson Health Research Institute that will be going global.
