When I think back to my early years as a clinician in the 1990s, stress was a word I seemed to hear more and more in conversations with patients and colleagues alike.

Designated as the “Decade of the Brain” by U.S. President George H.W. Bush, the 1990s saw a sharp rise in awareness of and support for neuroscience research. With it came growing interest in understanding stress and its effects on the body and mind.

Fast forward to 2026, and stress has become a persistent challenge. From workforce burnout to long-term disease risk, researchers continue to uncover new evidence about the ways stress influences health.

In this issue of Rapport, you'll meet researchers at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry who are working to better understand the effects of stress, and what that means for prevention, care and long-term well-being.

You'll also encounter research that is pushing the boundaries of discovery in other areas. From the therapeutic potential of psychedelics to the microbiome's emerging role in health and disease, these stories reflect the curiosity that continues to drive medicine forward.

Scientific progress rarely follows a straight path. Discoveries often raise new questions and reveal unexpected complexities. Yet those moments of uncertainty are also where the most important advances begin.

That spirit of curiosity is reflected throughout the issue and serves as an undercurrent across our community, creating a rising tide of dedication, expertise and excellence that fosters innovation.

I hope you enjoy this issue of Rapport.

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