OVC Bulletin

Are you currently fostering kittens? We want to hear from you!

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 11:22:16 -0400

OVC researchers are looking for current foster parents of young kittens (7 to 9 weeks of age) to participate in an online survey about your kittens’ behaviour and experiences while in foster care!

This REVAMPED research study was relaunched October 14, 2021.

Participating foster parents must be 18+ years of age and fostering at least one kitten between 7 to 9 weeks of age.

Participation will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. You can also enter for a chance to win a $100 CAD prize ($25 kitten supplies and $75 donation to your shelter)!

**Please note: This version of the project DOES NOT include a behaviour test and no shelter consent is needed—online survey only**

To learn more and participate, visit: https://uoguel.ph/kittencommscisurvey

This study is part of Courtney Graham’s PhD research at the Ontario Veterinary College, which focuses on understanding factors that influence kitten behavioural development.

If you have any questions, contact Courtney Graham at courtney.graham@uoguelph.ca or Dr. Lee Niel at lee.niel@uoguelph.ca

Please SHARE! Open worldwide!

OVC Professor Emeritus receives 2021 ACVAA Career Achievement Award

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 12:50:53 -0400

A leader in establishing veterinary anesthesia as a specialization is being recognized by the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia (ACVAA).

Dr. Wayne McDonell

Dr. Wayne McDonell, Professor Emeritus, in the Ontario Veterinary College’s (OVC) Department of Clinical Studies, is the 2021 winner of the ACVAA Career Achievement Award.

The award recognizes an ACVAA Diplomate for accomplishments throughout a long career of outstanding performance in advancing the art and science of veterinary anesthesia and/or analgesia.

McDonell received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from OVC in 1965, and after a year in private practice returned to OVC as a junior faculty member to establish anesthesia as a specialization — the first in a Canadian veterinary school.

During his academic career at the University of Guelph, he served as the departmental graduate coordinator, as area coordinator for the small animal, and then the large animal clinic, as well as a three-year term as hospital director of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, now known as the OVC Health Sciences Centre. He served as the College Assistant Dean for Research and Graduate Affairs for the final seven years of his career.

Along with Dr. Ole Nielson (OVC Dean 1985 - 1994), Dr. Alan Meek (OVC Dean 1994 - 2005) and Roger Warren, a founding member of the OVC Pet Trust board, McDonell was instrumental in the establishment of OVC Pet Trust as the first charitable fund dedicated to the health and well-being of companion animals in Canada.

After retirement, he helped establish the Canadian international veterinary charity organization, Vets Without Borders - Canada in 2005, serving as board member for years.

Earlier this year, McDonell was recognized with a Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) Life Membership, presented to a CVMA member for long and outstanding service on CVMA Council, Executive, Boards, and committees or for outstanding contributions to the veterinary profession.

Congratulations Dr. McDonell from your friends and colleagues at the Ontario Veterinary College.

New Faculty Joins OVC Department of Clinical Studies

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 12:50:50 -0400

Welcome to Dr. Albert Torrent Crosa, who recently joined the OVC Department of Clinical Studies as an assistant professor in large animal surgery.

Dr. Albert Torrent

In 2005, Torrent obtained his LV (Licencia Veterinaria) from the Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU in Valencia, Spain. He went on to complete internships at several private equine practices around Europe and in Canada, as well as at the Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. Torrent obtained additional work experience from private equine practices as well as private large animal practices in France, Belgium, and Canada. He then attended the University of California-Davis to begin a large animal surgery residency, completing his residency in 2017. Torrent was designated an American College of Veterinary Surgeons Diplomate (Large Animal) in 2019 and has worked for the last 3 years as an equine surgeon at the University of Montreal.

While at the Ontario Veterinary College, Torrent will focus on equine clinical work primarily in the OVC Large Animal Clinic as an equine emergency surgeon. He will participate in teaching in the OVC DVM and graduate programs. His research interests include projects with direct clinical application that will result in quality of life and outcome improvements in equine patients. Currently, Torrent is working on projects related to the gastrointestinal tract and feet of horses.

He has been a fan of horses and riding since he was a child and used to have horses and a dog at home. Currently, Torrent has no pets, but he would love to have a dog again sometime soon. He loves everything related to the sea such as sailing or diving, and he is looking forward to living near the sea in the future.

New research survey: Tell us about your treats!

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 12:14:41 -0400

A research study at the Ontario Veterinary College is looking for dog and cat caregivers to complete a 20-minute online survey about their perceptions and decisions of treat-feeding.

Participants must:

Be 18 years of age or older
Be a primary caregiver of at least one cat or one dog
Feed treats to your cat/dog

Participants who complete the survey will be entered into a prize draw for 1 of 23 Amazon eGift Cards (values range $20 - $100)

To learn more and to participate please visit: https://pettreatstudy.weebly.com

If you have any questions, please contact Shelby Nielson at snielson@uoguelph.ca or Dr. Deep Khosa at dkhosa@uoguelph.ca

Volunteers Needed for COVID-safe spay-neuter clinics this fall

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 09:09:26 -0400

One to two DVM/one to two RVT volunteers needed for each of the following COVID safe clinics this fall.

Indigenous communities have been hard hit when it comes to veterinary care because of COVID.

The Community Healthcare Partnership Program has been successful in implementing low risk contactless clinics over the summer. As they are trying to schedule their fall activities, they are looking for additional DVMs and RVTs to assist in their work. They will be doing both wellness and spay/neuter services with their team of senior students.

If you have an interest in serving these communities and teaching students, please let them know. They dedicate one of their surgical stations as high volume, so are looking for volunteers there too.

There is orientation provided, and if you have a license to practice, you can participate! Accommodations and food provided.

For more information or to volunteer please contact chpp@uoguelph.ca

Sagamok Anishnawbek Nation (near Massey, ON)
Sep 16-18, 2021

Oneida Nation of the Thames (near London, ON)
Oct 4-7, 2021

Aroland First Nation (1 hour north of Geraldton, ON)
late October/early November TBD

Kettle & Stony Point First Nation (near Forest ON)
Nov 8-13, 2021

Walpole Island First Nation (near Wallaceburg, ON)
Nov 22-28, 2021

New Faculty Joins OVC’s Department of Biomedical Sciences

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 12:59:36 -0400

Welcome to Dr. Samantha Payne, who joined the Ontario Veterinary College’s (OVC) Department of Biomedical Sciences on September 1, 2021.

Dr. Samantha Payne, OVC’s Department of Biomedical Sciences

A two-time University of Guelph alumna, Payne completed her B.Sc. in Biomedical Sciences and stayed on in the department to complete an MSc, studying blood vessel growth during tail regeneration in the gecko.

She went on to complete her PhD in Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry at the University of Toronto, with a focus on developing cell transplantation strategies for brain repair after stroke. Most recently, she held a Postdoctoral Scholar position at Tufts University for three years, where she studied the role of bioelectric signaling in breast cancer metastasis.

Payne’s current research interests focus on understanding what mechanisms control cell behaviour following injury – migration, proliferation and differentiation - and how these mechanisms can be harnessed to promote tissue regeneration. In particular, her lab will focus on signals derived from neurons and other cells of the nervous system and how they influence the process of regeneration.

Her teaching duties as an Assistant Professor in OVC’s Department of Biomedical Sciences will include VETM*3070 Veterinary Anatomy.

She’s enjoyed the company of various pets throughout her life including dogs, cats, fish, a rabbit, a cockatiel, and leopard geckos, but currently has just one extremely spoiled cat. When not thinking about her research, she likes to spend time outdoors, play guitar, and is currently trying to learn how to play hockey. She is looking forward to meeting faculty, staff, and students at the OVC!

New Faculty Joins OVC’s Department of Clinical Studies

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 12:27:12 -0400

Welcome to Dr. Allison Collier, who has recently joined the Ontario Veterinary College’s (OVC) Department of Clinical Studies.

Dr. Allison Collier with a patient during her small animal internal medicine residency.

Collier grew up in Aurora, Ontario and studied Biomedical Science at the University of Guelph from 2010 to 2013. She then began her career as a student veterinarian at the OVC, graduating with her DVM as part of the OVC Class of 2017.

Collier went on to complete a rotating internship at Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Services in Rochester, NY. During this internship, Collier worked with specialists in Internal Medicine, Surgery, Critical Care, Neurology and Ophthalmology. She then returned to OVC in 2018 to complete a three-year small animal internal medicine residency.

Collier’s research interests focus on small animal gastrointestinal disease. She is currently investigating how the gastrointestinal microbiota, the healthy microorganisms that live in the gut, may be altered with various diseases. Collier is also researching the use of fecal microbial transplant, the delivery of healthy fecal microbes to a diseased patient’s gastrointestinal tract, as a possible treatment for inflammatory bowel disease in canines.

Gastrointestinal health will be the main focus of her research as an Assistant Professor in OVC’s Department of Clinical Studies. Collier enjoys horseback riding and playing the piano, as well as spending time with her cat, Chester.

Do you foster kittens or work for a shelter with a kitten foster program? We want to hear from you!

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 12:27:07 -0400

OVC researchers are looking for current foster parents of young kittens (7-9 weeks of age) to participate in an online survey and conduct a short in-home behaviour test with the kittens! Participation will take approximately 30 minutes to complete.

**Consent for involvement of the kittens in this research project must first be given by the affiliated shelter**

This study is part of Courtney Graham’s PhD research at the Ontario Veterinary College, which focuses on understanding factors that influence kitten behavioural development while in foster care.

To learn more and to participate, please visit: https://uoguel.ph/kittencommsci

Open worldwide!

This project has been reviewed by the University of Guelph Research Ethics Board and Animal Care Committee for compliance with federal guidelines for research involving human participants (REB # 21-05-023) and animal participants (AUP #4521). The Principal Investigator is Dr. Lee Niel.

Two epilepsy studies at OVC recruiting participants

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 12:27:04 -0400

Two epilepsy studies at the Ontario Veterinary College are actively recruiting participants.

Study 1 - Are These Seizures?

We recognize that some dogs do things that beg the question “are these seizures?” We can help figure this out. We will record EEG and let you know what we find

Eligible candidates: dogs experiencing episodes that appear similar to seizures.

Study 2 – Do Anti-seizure Drugs Work? (Funded by the American Kennel Club and OVC Pet Trust)

Help us figure out how well anti-epileptic drugs work.

We would like to find out how well anti-seizure drugs (ASD) work for dogs with epilepsy by recording EEG before and after a new therapy is prescribed.

Eligible candidates: epileptic dogs before and after a new anti-seizure drug is prescribed.

We will record EEG and let you know their seizure frequency before and after the new drug.

Inclusion criteria:
* The veterinarian is planning to add a new ASD regardless of previous ASD status

There would be no cost to the dog’s family for the EEG recording appointments in this study. Each recording appointment is expected to take at least half a day (a whole morning or a whole afternoon). After recording, we forward the EEG results to your family veterinarian to follow-up with you.

For families interested in taking advantage of either study, please contact epilepsy@uoguelph.ca for more information and to find out if your pet is eligible.

Biomedical Sciences Prof. recognized with 2021 UGFA Distinguished Professor Award for Excellence in Teaching

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 16:05:19 -0400

Dr. Laura Favetta, assistant professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences, has been recognized for her commitment to teaching and student satisfaction with the 2021 UGFA Distinguished Professor Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Favetta offers learning experiences to undergraduate and graduate students within U of G’s Reproductive Biotechnology Program. 90% of Favetta’s students in the 16 courses she instructs rank her in the top 1% of the Department of Biomedical Sciences for student satisfaction. It is her high commitment to ensure equitable attention to students and dedication to mentorship that led to this recognition from students and peers.

“I believe that the teaching environment is not confined to the lecture theatre, it can also occur during conversations within the laboratory, online or among peers,” says Favetta. “I am a strong advocate of the ‘open door policy’ and students learn very quickly that they can count on my approachability and my support for their programs and beyond.”

The UGFA Distinguished Professor Award for Excellence in Teaching is presented on an annual basis. Nominations can be made by students and faculty and the award honours one faculty member from each of the seven colleges across the University of Guelph.

“The feedback Dr. Favetta receives from her students reflects her passion, dedication, enthusiasm, creativity and innovative ways of teaching,” says Dr. Tarek Saleh, Chair of the Department of Biomedical Sciences. “I cannot think of someone more deserving of this award.”

Agri-Food Yearbook highlight research and innovation at U of G

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 13:55:23 -0400

Innovative discovery from across the University of Guelph is highlighted in the newest Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Agri-Food Yearbook.

This edition of the Agri-Food Yearbook, highlighting the OMAFRA-U of G Partnership, focuses on how research and innovation have built resilience and yielded unexpected dividends during the pandemic.

Highlighted Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) research includes:

Monitoring the Spread of COVID-19 Over Twitter
Research led by Dr. Shayan Sharif, OVC Department of Pathobiology, and Dr. Rozita Dara, U of G School of Computer Science, has developed an artificial intelligence system that can detect infectious disease outbreak locations and predict their further spread using keywords on Twitter.

Helping Farmers Cope with the Pandemic
Dr. Andria Jones-Bitton, Department of Population Medicine, and post-doc Dr. Briana Hagen have made “In the Know”, a training program that aims to develop mental health literacy among farmers and the people who work with them, available across Ontario.

Understanding the pig gut microbiome will help producers manage their herds
Dr. Vahab Farzan, Dr. Brandon Lillie and Dr. Robert Friendship are co-leading a nationwide research team that aims to discover beneficial gut bacteria populations, which could improve overall health and growth performance in pigs.

A new approach to preventing and controlling pneumonia in beef cattle
Findings from Dr. Jeff Caswell, Department of Pathobiology, Dr. Laura Bassel and Dr. Joanne Hewson are challenging the view that pneumonia in beef cattle is best prevented by boosting the animal’s immune response during the transition period when calves are placed together in feedlots.

Small-town clinic offers big-time experiences
Dr. Marialisa Laurella, OVC DVM 2011, tackles a wide range of cases as a front-line veterinarian at Nor-West Animal Clinic, a mixed animal practice in the rural community of Fort Frances.

OVC faculty recognized with 2021 CVMA awards

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 14:50:33 -0400

Faculty and professor emeriti at the University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) were recognized for their outstanding contributions to veterinary medicine with awards at the 2021 Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) virtual convention.

Dr. Ameet Singh, professor of small animal surgery in OVC’s Department of Clinical Studies, was recognized with the Small Animal Practitioner Award. Sponsored by Petsecure Pet Health Insurance, the award is presented to a CVMA member whose work in small animal practice, clinical research, or basic sciences has significantly contributed to the advancement of small animal medicine, surgery, or the management of a small animal practice.

Singh graduated from the Atlantic Veterinary College and completed his surgical residency at OVC. His clinical and research interests include minimally invasive surgery and surgical site infections. In addition, he is currently the President of the Veterinary Endoscopy Society, is an American College of Veterinary Surgeons Founding Fellow of Minimally Invasive Surgery, has published over 100 journal articles, and taught numerous workshops and surgical courses internationally.

The 2021 CVMA President’s Award was presented to Dr. Carlton Gyles, University of Guelph Professor Emeritus in OVC’s Department of Pathobiology. Selected by the CVMA President and Executive Committee, the award recognizes an individual for their exceptional contributions and devotion to the association. Gyles was selected for his long and dedicated service to the veterinary profession.

After graduating from OVC in 1964, he earned his PhD in 1968 and conducted postdoctoral studies in the United Kingdom and Denmark before returning to the OVC as a faculty member in 1969. For the next 36 years, he taught DVM and graduate students, conducted research, and held administrative positions, including department chair, dean of Graduate Studies, and interim dean of OVC. He represented veterinary medicine as a founding Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences in 2005, serving on its board for several years; has assisted the University of the West Indies’ School of Veterinary Medicine in Trinidad since 1990; and was Editor-in-Chief of The Canadian Veterinary Journal from 2008 to 2020.

Dr. Wayne McDonell, University of Guelph Professor Emeritus in OVC’s Department of Clinical Studies, was recognized with CVMA Life Membership. The CVMA Life Membership is presented to a CVMA member for long and outstanding service on CVMA Council, Executive, Boards, and committees or for outstanding contributions to the veterinary profession.

McDonell received his DVM OVC in 1965, and after a year in private practice was hired by the OVC as a junior faculty member to establish anesthesia as a specialization — the first in a Canadian veterinary school. During his academic career at the U of G, he served as the departmental graduate coordinator, as area coordinator for the small animal, and then the large animal clinic, a three-year term as hospital director, and as the College Assistant Dean for Research and Graduate Affairs for the final seven years of his career.

After retirement, he helped establish the Canadian international veterinary charity organization, Vets Without Borders - Canada in 2005, serving as board member for years.

Two OVC alumni also were recognized with CVMA Awards.

Dr. Walt Ingwersen received the 2021 CVMA Industry Award. After graduating from OVC in 1982, he returned to complete a small animal internal medicine internship and residency resulting in his post-graduate DVSc and specialist certification from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Since June 2002, he has been a consultant to the Boehringer Ingelheim Canada Ltd. Vetmedica Companion Animal team, joining them full-time in January 2004.

The CVMA Industry Award acknowledges and celebrates industry’s role in veterinary medicine and recognizes a CVMA member for their contributions to the advancement of veterinary medicine.

The Merck Veterinary Award was awarded to Dr. Claire Windeyer. She attended the U of G where she completed her BSc in Animal Biology followed by her DVM degree at OVC. She returned to OVC for a DVSc in Ruminant Health Management, with a focus on bovine respiratory disease in dairy heifer calves. She joined the Department of Production Animal Health at the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in 2011.

The award, sponsored by Merck Animal Health, is presented to a CVMA member whose work in food animal production practice, clinical research, or basic sciences is judged to have contributed significantly to the advancement of food animal medicine and surgery, including herd health management.

Community Healthcare Partnership Program Clinical Services Manager joins team

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 14:43:59 -0400

Welcome to Meghan Longley who recently began her role as Clinical Services Manager with the Kim and Stu Lang Community Healthcare Partnership Program.

As Clinical Services Manager, Meghan will be assisting the director in everyday operations, and helping to facilitate access to veterinary care and community support to those in need.

Meghan completed her undergraduate degree at Lakehead University where she received an Honours Bachelor of Science in Natural Science. She then went on to complete her Post Graduate Certificate of Education through the University of Sunderland. After teaching overseas, Meghan decided to follow her passion for animals and returned to Canada to attend the University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus to become a veterinary technician.

Meghan joined the OVC community 11 years ago and has furthered her education and training by working in various areas throughout the hospital; small animal and large animal surgery, ICU, large animal wards and most recently in the Clinical Studies department as part of the Clinical Skills team, assisting in teaching labs for phases 1 through 3. She continues to keep her skills current and grow her knowledge through her employment at a local emergency clinic, as well as through volunteer opportunities.

Meghan is thrilled about beginning her new role as Clinical Services Manager - Kim and Stu Lang Community Healthcare Partnership Program. “Having had the opportunity to participate in some of the program’s initiatives over the last year, I knew this was an area I needed to pursue and feel very fortunate to be involved in a program that is passionate about providing education, healthcare and support to those humans, animals and communities that need it most.”

Meghan can be reached at chpp@uoguelph.ca.

Do you foster kittens? The Ontario Veterinary College wants to hear from you!

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 14:42:23 -0400

If you are a current or previous (within the last 2 years) foster parent of young kittens (8 weeks of age and younger), you can participate in a new research survey asking about your fostering experiences, kitten socialization, and kitten characteristics! This survey is anonymous and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.

This study is part of Courtney Graham’s PhD research at the Ontario Veterinary College, which focuses on understanding factors that influence kitten behavioural development while in foster care.

This project has been reviewed by the University of Guelph’s Research Ethics Board for compliance with federal guidelines for research involving human participants (REB # 21-05-007). The Principal Investigator is Dr. Lee Niel.

To participate, please visit: https://uoguel.ph/kittenfoster

Former OVC staff member passes away

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 14:42:07 -0400

We are saddened to share that Jean McDonald, who worked for over 40 years in the office of the Dean OVC, has passed away.

Jean began her long career with the Ontario Veterinary College in 1943. First as a secretary, then as Assistant to the Dean spanning the incumbency of six Principals and Deans. Jean worked with Dr. Trevor Lloyd Jones, who was instrumental in gaining university status for the college.

During her forty plus year affiliation with OVC, Jean was proud of her contribution to OVC’s growth from a college to a teaching and research facility and then an international resource centre.

She completed two university degrees through summer and winter extension courses, receiving her BA in 1959 from the University of Western Ontario and her Master’s in Public Administration and History in 1964 from the University of Michigan, East Lansing.

With Deans, Trevor Lloyd Jones, Dennis Howell and others, Jean made several trips to Botswana, China, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Dr. Ian Barker, University Professor Emeritus in OVC’s Department of Pathobiology, describes her as “an OVC icon, efficient, discrete, perfect manners, and always ready to deal with any crisis in an absolutely unflappable manner.”

Jean was in her 99th year. Memorial arrangements have been entrusted to Gilchrist Chapel - McIntyre & Wilkie Funeral Home.

Celebrating OVC Researchers – June 2021

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 16:25:38 -0400

OVC researchers are constantly discovering, publishing, getting grants, winning awards, building partnerships and growing their research programs. We are proud of these achievements. Each month, we highlight researchers, providing a snapshot of their recent publications, grants and awards, and ‘wins’ for their research program.

In June 2021 we celebrated Dr. Laura Favetta

Dr. Laura Favetta
Assistant Professor and Reproductive Toxicologist
Department of Biomedical Sciences

Laura’s research interest is in reproductive toxicology, specifically investigating the effects of environmental chemicals, such as Endocrine Disrupting Compounds (e.g. BPA) and therapeutic and recreational drugs (e.g. THC) on oocyte competence, sperm quality, early pre-implantation embryo development and, ultimately, their effects on fertility and pregnancy outcome. She uses the bovine in vitro experimental model, both for the impact of this research on the cattle industry and as a translational model for humans and the importance of these studies for the human IVF procedures.

Three Publications:

Sabry R., Saleh AC., Stalker L., LaMarre J., Favetta LA. (2021). Effects of bisphenol A and bisphenol S on microRNA expression during bovine (Bos taurus) oocyte maturation and early embryo development. Reproductive Toxicology. 99: 96-108. doi: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2020.12.001.
Sabry R, Apps C, Reiter-Saunders JA, Saleh AC, Balachandran S, St John EJ, Favetta LA. (2021). BPA and BPS Affect Connexin 37 in Bovine Cumulus Cells. Genes (Basel). 12(2):321. doi: 10.3390/genes12020321.
Misner MJ., Taborek A., Dufour J., Sharifi L., Khokhar JY. and Favetta LA. (2021). Effects of Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on Oocyte Competence and Early Embryonic Development. Frontiers in Toxicology. 3: 647918. doi.org/10.3389/ftox.2021.647918.

Two Grants and Awards:

2019-2025 NSERC Discovery Grant + Accelerator Supplement - Bisphenol A and S affect early embryonic development in cattle.
2019 - Graduate Mentor Award, Department of Biomedical Sciences

One Win:

My graduate students have had great success in attaining scholarships within and outside the Department, reflecting the quality of my students and the research that they do:

Four of my five graduate students (2 PhD and 3 MSc) hold OVC scholarships.
In the 2020/21 competition, two students were awarded an OGS with Reem S. (PhD student) receiving her second OGS scholarship in as many years.

New faculty joins OVC Department of Population Medicine

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 14:09:27 -0400

Welcome to Dr. Basem (Bas) Gohar, who has joined the Ontario Veterinary College’s (OVC) Department of Population Medicine as an assistant professor in Knowledge Synthesis & Qualitative Research Methods.

Dr. Basem Gohar, Department of Population Medicine

Bas completed a PhD in Health Services from Laurentian University’s School of Rural and Northern Health and an M.Sc. in Clinical and Counselling Psychology from Springfield College in Springfield, MA. He is a faculty researcher with the Centre for Research in Occupational Safety & Health (CROSH). He is also a registered clinical psychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario.

His research focuses on identifying and understanding various occupational risk factors such as sickness absenteeism and work stress using a biopsychosocial lens. In his recent work, he examined the psychosocial well-being of various occupational groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. His other research interests include moral injury, presenteeism, return-to-work, and job turnover. He values a multidisciplinary approach in research through meaningful collaborations and applies various research methods, including knowledge synthesis (e.g., meta-analyses), qualitative and quantitative designs.

Bas lives in Guelph with his wife, Christine and their big Swissy dog, Miley. He enjoys exercising and sports, particularly the sweet science (i.e., boxing), where he was once the Canadian boxing champion. He is looking forward to meeting the faculty, staff, and students!

Ontario veterinarians invited to take part in new study

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 14:09:11 -0400

Researchers at the Ontario Veterinary College are studying current anesthesia and analgesic protocols used by Ontario-based companion animal veterinarians with feline patients.

Complete the 20-minute survey at: https://uoguelph.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cGWrgUYnIFBhPZH

Questions? Please contact Dr Carolyn Kerr at AnesthesiaSurvey@ovc.uoguelph.ca

OVC Biomedical Sciences Graduate Awarded Governor General’s Academic Medal

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 11:56:20 -0400

Dr. Cristine Reitz was recently awarded the prestigious Governor General’s Academic Medal. Reitz is a former PhD student of Dr. Tami Martino, Department of Biomedical Sciences.

Dr. Cristine Reitz was recently awarded the prestigious Governor General’s Academic Medal.

The University of Guelph awards two Governor General’s Gold Medals each year for outstanding academic excellence by a graduate student.

During her PhD studies in the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Reitz was awarded a prestigious Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Doctoral Award, as well as Ontario Graduate Scholarships, the Betty Goldhart Scholarship, OVC/Biomedical Sciences Scholarships and U of G Entrance Scholarships. Before reclassifying to a PhD, she was also a recipient of the MSc CIHR Fredrick Banting and Charles Best Canada Graduate Scholarship. Overall, Cristine received a remarkable 24 fellowships and awards as a U of G student.

Her PhD investigated the role of the circadian mechanism in cardiovascular health and disease. Her research focused on 1) pharmacological targeting of the circadian mechanism to benefit cardiac repair; 2) circadian regulation of diet induced obesity and cardiovascular disease; 3) the resting heart. Collectively, this research helps translate circadian biology to clinical cardiology, leading to longer and healthier lives.

Cristine was also an instrumental participant in bringing the Centre for Cardiovascular Investigations (CCVI) to fruition, comprising hundreds of faculty and students in cardiovascular and health sciences research across U of G. As a student executive chair for four years, she was a key student liaison, ran the CCVI website and helped run the Distinguished Scientist Seminars and Cardiovascular Research Days. To date, she has published 14 manuscripts in leading science journals, and was first author on three.

Read her citation on the U of G Convocation page under Convocation and Graduation Medals.

OVC Researcher Receives Research Achievement Award

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 11:56:11 -0400

Dr. Briana Hagen, postdoctoral researcher in the Ontario Veterinary College’s Department of Population Medicine, recently received the International Society for Agricultural Safety & Health (ISASH) Research Achievement Award.

Dr. Briana Hagen, postdoctoral researcher in OVC’s Department of Population Medicine

The award recognizes exemplary contributions to agricultural safety and health research and to establish broad public recognition of agricultural safety and health research priorities of ISASH.

Hagen and Dr. Andria Jones-Bitton, OVC Department of Population Medicine, created In the Know, a mental health literacy-training program developed for agricultural communities to help farmers improve their mental health knowledge as well as their confidence in recognizing mental health struggles, speaking to others, and helping others who are struggling.

A pilot of the training led by Hagen in 2019 showed the course increased participants’ mental health knowledge and their confidence in recognizing mental health struggles, speaking about mental health and helping others who are struggling.

ISASH is an organization dedicated to the professional development of agricultural safety and health professionals, providing national and international leadership in preventing agricultural injuries and illnesses to the agricultural community.