Department of Medicine Weekly Roundup - May 29
Please see below for the following updates:
- Congratulations Dr Nazik Hammad- Celebrating Excellence in Global Oncology Mentorship
- Claudia dos Santos led a team in Toronto to develop a highly accurate blood test for predicting sepsis.
- Join CAIRN-UofT: A New Research Network for Chronic Autoimmune and Inflammatory Diseases
- Engagement Survey
- SMH Annual DOM Reception – June 4 – 5:00pm, Pantages Hotel
- SMH Department of Med - 37th Annual - Higgins Day Resident Research Event – June 23, 2025
Congratulations Dr Nazik Hammad- Celebrating Excellence in Global Oncology Mentorship
Congratulations to Dr. Nazik Hammad on receiving the prestigious International Women Who Conquer Cancer Mentorship Award from Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation.
Dr. Hammad, professor of medical oncology at St. Michael’s Hospital and the University of Toronto, was recognized for her exceptional leadership and dedication to mentorship, particularly in global oncology and medical education in low- and middle-income countries. Her trailblazing work—ranging from launching the Choosing Wisely Africa initiative to shaping cancer policy in humanitarian settings—continues to inspire us all.
Congratulations, Dr. Hammad, on this well-deserved honour!
Dr. Claudia dos Santos and her research team have developed a molecular-based blood test that accurately predicts sepsis risk, potentially transforming early diagnosis and treatment.
Read the full Globe & Mail News Article here: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-canadian-teams-sepsis-testing-device-shows-promise-in-fight-against/
Claudia has also published A new study which introduces Sepset, a six-gene blood test that uses machine learning to predict sepsis-related organ failure within 24 hours with high accuracy.
Read the full journal publication here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-59227-x
We’re excited to share the launch of CAIRN-UofT — the Chronic Autoimmune and Inflammatory Disease Research Network — a cross-disciplinary, cross-institutional initiative supported by a Department of Medicine Network Grant. Spearheaded by Dr. Laura Targownik and colleagues across the University of Toronto, this network aims to foster collaboration and innovation in the study of chronic autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Members of the Department of Medicine and clinical teams at St. Michael’s are warmly invited to join as affiliates.
https://questionnaire.simplesurvey.com/f/s/CAIRN-UofT_Affiliate_Intake_Form
You have received an email this week with an invitation to complete the Engagement Survey.
The purpose of the survey is to collect feedback from physicians about their work experiences and obtain ideas for what matters most to people in driving engagement.
The survey will provide invaluable insights into the physicians’ level of engagement and fulfillment related to their job, leader, team and the organization.
Please take few minutes to complete it.
For more information on the engagement survey:
The Department of Medicine is delighted to invite you and a guest to an evening of celebration, connection, and appreciation as we mark another exceptional year together.
This special event will be a chance to reconnect with colleagues, enjoy a fun and relaxed evening, and celebrate the outstanding achievements within our department. We’ll honour our award recipients, recognize our recent retirees, and reflect on the incredible work we've accomplished as a team.
Date: Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Pantages Hotel
200 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON
Evening Schedule:
5:00 PM – Cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres, and fresh oysters
6:00 PM – Dinner and food stations open
7:00 PM – Acknowledgements, honours, and awards
Please click on the link below to let us know if you will attend by May 22!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfJj9V82_9Dz9f7-fFgcz5su54GWZC162S6d71q-uIRWCvEdg/viewform
37th Annual Higgins Day- St. Michael’s Hospital Department of Medicine
We are very pleased to inform you that we will be hosting Higgins Day, the St. Michael’s Hospital Department of Medicine annual resident research day, in-person this year on Monday, June 23, 2025 from 12:00 pm until 4:30 pm. This will be a hybrid event (primarily in-person, with additional zoom participation).
Please see the event details below:
Resident Research Presentations
Date: Monday, June 23rd 2025
12:00pm – 4:00pm
Location: Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael’s Hospital
209 Victoria Street, 1st Floor, Room: 136
Toronto, Ontario
*Zoom Hybrid Option Available*
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/62019491940?pwd=d1Z2MjTEjAPMKgNxOibVS3CSDvZUaK.1
Keynote Speaker:
Andrew Advani, BSc MBChB(Hons) PhD FRCP(UK) FRCP(Edin) FASN
Interim Deputy Physician-in-Chief, St. Michael’s Hospital
Agenda:
Luncheon: 12:00 – 12:30pm
Welcome: 12:30pm
Keynote Talk: 12:35 – 12:55pm
Resident Research Presentations: 1:00 – 3:00pm
Annual Awards Announcement: 3:00 pm – 4:00pm
Please RSVP to the Luncheon here: