University of Calgary's Cumming School of Medicine

09/08/2026

The Cu***ng School of Medicine (CSM) is saddened to share the passing of distinguished neurosurgeon and professor emeritus Dr. Francis (Frank) LeBlanc, MD. He passed away Aug. 27 at the age of 91.

Dr. LeBlanc was also an academic leader who was among the founders of the CSM’s Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Calgary. He joined UCalgary in 1971 and spent more than two decades growing and developing neurosurgery and neurosciences in the city.

Dr. Leblanc was a distinguished leader, serving as president of the Canadian Neurosurgical Society and the Western Neurosurgical Society and as chief examiner in neurosurgery for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. He was also an accomplished clinician-scientist whose work spanned cerebrovascular disease, spinal disorders, epilepsy surgery and neurophysiology.

His profound legacy of contributions to neuroscience research are recognized through the Frank LeBlanc Chair in Spinal Cord Research. The UCalgary campus flag on Swann Mall is lowered today, Sept. 8, in his honour.

➡️ Read more: https://bit.ly/3UZvUlm

Hotchkiss Brain Institute - HBI | Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education

09/04/2026

The Cu***ng School of Medicine (CSM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Nicole Johnson, MD, as assistant dean, MD Admissions, Undergraduate Medical Education, effective Sept. 1, 2026.

A pediatric rheumatologist, associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics, and child health and wellness researcher, Dr. Johnson brings extensive experience in medical education, admissions, and learner advocacy. She previously served as associate director, MD Admissions, since 2023, where she played a key role in advancing equitable, transparent, and inclusive admissions processes.

Dr. Johnson has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to excellence in medical education and mentorship. Her leadership contributions have included serving as the CSM's pediatric clerkship evaluation coordinator and as co-curriculum lead for racial equity in health care within Postgraduate Medical Education. Nationally she has served as chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force of the Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA) and as a physician lead and board executive with the Black Physicians' Association of Alberta's medical student mentorship program.

Dr. Johnson has been recognized through numerous awards including the 2026 Pediatric Chairs of Canada’s Academic Clinician Educator Award, the University of Calgary Undergraduate Medical Education Award and CRA Distinguished Teacher-Educator Award, both in 2024, and the 2023 Black Physicians of Canada's inaugural Mentorship Award.

Dr. Johnson's research focuses on improving treatment and health outcomes for children with rheumatic diseases. She also has expanded her scholarly work to include equitable medical education, health equity, and strategies to enhance inclusivity within the learning environment.

Join us in welcoming Dr. Johnson. We’d also like to thank Dr. Remo Panaccione, MD, for his seven years of dedicated service in the role.

Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute | Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases

09/02/2026

Following a beloved tradition, every year our newest class of medical students is given an animal name by the class before them. This year we welcome to the CSM Menagerie:

🐟 The Mudskippers – Class of 2029! 🩺

Mudskippers are remarkable amphibious fish known for their ability to thrive both on land and in the water. Aptly named, these curious and surprisingly agile explorers use their strong fins to skip across mudflats, venturing out into new territory and tackling challenges from every angle.

With keen awareness of their surroundings and a talent for the unexpected, mudskippers embody adaptability, resourcefulness, and courage to leap forward.

Join us in wishing the best of luck to the new Mudskippers! 🤩

09/02/2026

Congratulating third-year student Jake Thorsteinson on being named a 2026 Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Award recipient! 🎉

Jake is recognized for his advocacy work and commitment to advancing health policy and medical education. Through his work with the Alberta Medical Association and other advocacy initiatives, he has helped amplify learner voices and represented medical students at provincial and national forums.

He recently played a key role in representing learner perspectives during the implementation of the Southern Alberta Medical Program (SAMP), a partnership between the University of Calgary’s Cu***ng School of Medicine and the University of Lethbridge. This summer, the program welcomed its first class of students, marking a new chapter in medical education and the future of health care in rural communities.

Congrats, Jake on this well-deserved recognition!

⬇️ Read more below

🏅Congratulations to our 2026 recipient, Jake Thorsteinson from University of Calgary's Cu***ng School of Medicine👏

Jake Thorsteinson is a medical student at the University of Calgary committed to improving health policy, enhancing medical education, and advocating for his future patients.

As the medical student representative on the Board of Directors of the Alberta Medical Association (AMA), Jake served as the only non-physician board member, bringing learner perspectives to discussions on the future of Alberta’s health-care system. He also led the development of the AMA’s first province-wide medical student surveys on advocacy, recruitment, and retention. As Vice-President External (Provincial) for the Calgary Medical Students’ Association, he organized the 2025 Provincial Day of Action, coordinating meetings between 40 medical students and more than 50 Alberta MLAs, including the Premier.

He has represented medical students at provincial and national forums, including the AMA’s Representative Forum, where he authored a successful motion that led to the establishment of an Early-Career Physician Task Force.

Outside of medicine, he enjoys playing the organ at United and Presbyterian churches across the province, as well as hiking, skiing, and watching reality TV.

Inspired by 2020 Laureate, Joseph Martin, MD PhD

09/02/2026

❤️ Heart health matters at every stage of a woman’s life.

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death among women in Canada, yet for decades, women have been critically underrepresented in cardiovascular research, which has resulted in women being under-recognized, underdiagnosed and undertreated.

Join us for Heart Health for Her: Empowering Women at Every Beat, part of our library seminar series featuring local physicians and specialists in women’s cardiovascular health.

Learn how heart disease can present differently in women and men, ask questions and discover practical ways to protect your heart at every age.

Presented in partnership with the Calgary Public Library and the Libin Women's Cardiovascular Health Initiative.

📍 Seton Public Library, Calgary, Alberta
📅 Tuesday, October 6
🕡 6:30–8 p.m.

Space is limited! Reserve your spot today 👇
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/heart-health-for-her-empowering-women-at-every-beat-tickets-1998604631253?aff=oddtdtcreator

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University of Calgary's Cu***ng School of Medicine

08/31/2026

🎉 Applications are now open for the Cu***ng School of Medicine’s Undergraduate Medical Education 2026-2027 admission cycle.

Thinking about studying medicine through the Southern Alberta Medical Program (SAMP)?

SAMP, a partnership between the University of Calgary's Cu***ng School of Medicine and the University of Lethbridge, offers students the opportunity to complete much of their medical education in Lethbridge and communities across southern Alberta. Learn in a close-knit environment, build meaningful connections with physician mentors, and gain hands-on experience in regional and rural settings.

Want to learn more about the application process?

Join the MD Admissions Information Session hosted by the Office of MD Admissions:

📅 September 9, 2026
⏰ 5 to 7 p.m. MDT
🔗 https://events.ucalgary.ca/cumming/event/523514-md-admissions-assistant-deans-overview

Explore admission requirements, timelines and resources:

🔗 https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/mdprogram/future-students/admissions

08/27/2026

Welcoming the newest members of ’s Graduate Science Education community!

Today, we were thrilled to welcome our incoming learners to Foothills campus for Fall Orientation, marking the start of an exciting journey in research and innovation.

As part of an interdisciplinary training community, our graduate students play a vital role in advancing health sciences research, tackling complex health challenges through programs spanning precision health, community health sciences, neuroscience, microbiology and more.

We can’t wait to see all that you’ll accomplish in the years ahead!✨

University of Calgary - Faculty of Graduate Studies | Hotchkiss Brain Institute - HBI | Charbonneau Cancer Institute | Libin Cardiovascular Institute | O'Brien Institute for Public Health | Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases | McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health

08/21/2026

Big changes at the Cu***ng School of Medicine's Office of Planetary Health 🌎

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Sonja Wicklum for her outstanding leadership and lasting contributions to advancing planetary health through education, research, collaboration and community impact.

We're also excited to welcome Dr. Stephen Wilton as the new director, building on this strong foundation to advance innovative action for healthier people, communities and environments.

📅 Join us at the first-ever Planetary Health Day on Sept. 29, 2026, for a day of learning, collaboration and action toward a climate-resilient future. Everyone is welcome!

Read more:

Effective July 1, 2026

08/20/2026

Grade 11 students Zarifa, John and Aksh*ta were among this year’s Alberta Innovates High School Youth Researcher (HYRS) Program participants, spending six weeks this summer under the mentorship of CSM faculty. From immunology and neuroimaging to maternal and child health, they immersed themselves in hands-on research, building skills and gaining firsthand experience in leading research environments.
 
Their summer journey included guest lectures, lab tours and building connections, culminating in a research symposium that showcased their discoveries and highlighted the impact young researchers can have in the future of health and research.
 
🔗 Visit the link in bio to learn more about HYRS.

08/20/2026

📣 SPARK Alberta is recruiting for its Fall 2026 cohort!

Powered by the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking and a chapter of the SPARK Global network, SPARK Alberta supports the advancement of digital health innovations at Alberta’s post secondary institutions into clinical and patient impact.

👉🏼 Learn more & apply by Sept. 13: https://www.ucalgary.ca/hunter-hub/programs/powered-hunter-hub/spark-alberta

👉🏼 Or find out more at the information session on Sept. 9 at 12:00pm. Register here: https://luma.com/hunterhub-xu1g

W21C