Revolutionizing Health Education with RadyVerse

In a highly anticipated event in March, students and faculty experienced a transformative educational journey from the Brodie Centre to various health-care environments—all through the power of virtual reality (VR) technology. The launch of RadyVerse signifies a bold initiative aimed at enhancing the educational landscape by integrating VR, artificial intelligence, and machine learning into the fabric of health sciences training. The College of Nursing has pioneered the use of VR since 2022, and the other colleges are actively exploring its vast potential for simulating clinical scenarios.

A Landmark Contribution to Dental Education

Philanthropy took center stage when Dr. Gerald Niznick, an alumnus of the Dentistry program, and his wife, Reesa, made a staggering $5 million donation to the University of Manitoba. This generous gift is set to revolutionize dental training with state-of-the-art clinics housed in a new building on the Bannatyne campus, which will be named the Dr. Gerald and Reesa Niznick Centre. The facility will open its doors in 2027, paving the way for future dental practitioners to receive unparalleled education and experience.

Commitment to Culturally Safe Care

In November, a pivotal training program was initiated to instill anti-racist healthcare practices among health professionals. The training, titled “We Will Take Good Care of the People,” is a collaborative effort led by Ongomiizwin, the Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing, in partnership with Manitoba’s health system organizations. The program will offer crucial online and hands-on training to ensure Indigenous patients receive the culturally safe care they deserve.

Major Research Breakthroughs on the Horizon

August marked an exciting milestone for research at UM with the announcement of an impressive $6.9 million grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. This funding supports an international clinical trial exploring the efficacy of the steroid drug Dexamethasone in treating pneumonia patients. Co-led by Dr. Ryan Zarychanski and Dr. Sylvain Lother, this game-changing project signifies UM's largest international clinical trial, enhancing its reputation in healthcare research.

Unleashing Potential in Biomedical Research

In November, the new Rady Biomedical Fish Facility made waves at the Bannatyne campus with a grand opening of its $2.5-million lab dedicated to studying tropical fish. Researchers are eager to uncover the secrets of zebrafish and Mexican tetra, both known for their remarkable regenerative abilities. If they can decode the mechanisms behind these healing processes, it could revolutionize regenerative medicine for humans.

Future-Ready Laboratory for Advanced Research

A new era of research will begin in 2028 with the construction of a state-of-the-art Containment Level 3 laboratory at the Max Rady College of Medicine. This facility will enable scientists to safely work with high-risk pathogens like SARS-CoV-2 and avian influenza. Dr. Jason Kindrachuk, who will spearhead this project, is optimistic that this lab will significantly enhance research capabilities in infectious diseases.

25 Years of Transformational Kids’ Dental Outreach

Celebrating a quarter-century of service, the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry’s partnership with the Winnipeg School Division has provided thousands of inner-city children with essential dental care. Transitioning to the Cholakis Dental Group: Kids Dental Outreach Program, this initiative, supported by the Dr. Alfred E. Deacon Medical Research Foundation, promises to enhance dental outreach efforts for vulnerable communities.

Milestone in Midwifery Education

June heralded a new chapter for midwifery education as the first cohort of graduates from the College of Nursing’s bachelor of midwifery program received their degrees. Launched in 2021, the program aims to keep aspiring midwives in Manitoba, strengthening the profession in the province with ten more students set to graduate in 2025.

Continuing Education for Pharmacists

The College of Pharmacy is addressing the evolving landscape of pharmacy care with a new 36-hour micro-certificate program focused on advanced patient care. Launched in May, this program provides licensed pharmacists with critical skills to meet complex patient needs, thereby ensuring higher standards in pharmaceutical care across Manitoba.

A New Era in Telerehabilitation Research

In groundbreaking news, Dr. Ruth Barclay has been appointed the inaugural Research Chair in Telerehabilitation at Winnipeg’s Riverview Health Centre. This innovative role will focus on developing rehabilitation services delivered remotely, utilizing the latest technologies like videoconferencing to improve patient accessibility.