|
View online
|
|
|
Welcome to Pathology's Bi-Weekly Bulletin | May 8, 2026
|
|
| |
|
In Memoriam: Dr. Suzanne Vercauteren
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine mourns the passing of Dr. Suzanne Vercauteren, Clinical Professor and Department Head at BC Children's Hospital. Suzanne's contributions to our department were significant and far-reaching — from founding the BCCH BioBank, to leading our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion work, to mentoring generations of trainees in hematological pathology. She will be deeply missed. We extend our sincere condolences to her family, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working with her.
Zu-hua Gao,
Professor and Head
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recent Publications:
- Dr. Zu-hua Gao co-authored a publication in Nature on engineering blood clots for rapid haemostasis and enhanced regeneration.
Read the article - Dr. Kevin Bennewith and team published new research in Frontiers in Immunology demonstrating that ionizing radiation enhances CAR T-cell infiltration and efficacy in solid tumors.
Read the article
|
|
|
|
|
Dr. Marianne D. Sadar leads breakthrough in targeting “undruggable” cancer proteins
Researchers at the University of British Columbia and BC Cancer, led by Dr. Marianne D. Sadar (Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine), have developed a novel approach to target intrinsically disordered proteins—long considered “undruggable.” The study demonstrates compounds with up to a million-fold increase in binding affinity, offering a promising new strategy for treating prostate cancer and other diseases. The research focuses on the androgen receptor, a key driver of prostate cancer, and introduces a method to stabilize and inhibit its activity. This approach may expand drug development possibilities across a range of conditions involving disordered proteins. Read the full article
|
|
|
|
|
Dr. Gang Wang featured as cover article author in Current Oncology
Dr. Gang Wang (Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine) is the corresponding author of a recent cover article in Current Oncology, with accompanying journal interview. The publication explores the use of machine learning and digital pathology to improve automated and reproducible biomarker assessment in precision oncology, with a focus on genitourinary cancers. Read the interview and article details
|
|
|
|
|
Dr. Cheryl Wellington’s lab advances blood biomarkers for brain health
Research from Dr. Cheryl Wellington’s lab (Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine) is featured by Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, highlighting the use of advanced technologies to detect protein biomarkers in blood and other bodily fluids. This work aims to provide a non-invasive “window into the brain,” enabling real-time insight into neurological conditions and supporting improved diagnosis, prognosis, and accessibility of care. Learn more Source: Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute
|
|
|
|
|
UBC Medical Microbiology trainees recognized at AMMI Canada – CACMID Annual Conference
The AMMI Canada – CACMID Annual Conference was held in St. John’s (NL) from April 28 – May 1. UBC Medical Microbiology residents presented 8 oral/poster abstracts at the conference this year. The UBC Medical Microbiology Residency Program would like to congratulate Dr. Geneviève Amaral (PGY-4), Dr. Emma Finlayson-Trick (PGY-3) and Dr. Lynne Li (Medical Microbiology, CW)! Dr. Amaral was awarded the AMMI Canada Fiona Smaill Award recognizing a trainee who demonstrates excellence in the fields of infectious diseases and medical microbiology. Dr. Emma Finlayson-Trick received the CFID Postgraduate Travel Award for her abstract “Antibiotics don’t take weekends off: Fewer broad spectrum antibiotic discontinuations on Saturdays and Sundays”. Dr. Li was awarded the CFID Safe Drinking Water Pilot Project Grant for her project “Where is the antimicrobial resistance ‘Reservoir’? A study to examine presence of 3rd-generation cephalosporin resistant E. coli in Metro Vancouver’s water supply areas.”
|
|
|
|
|
Student Spotlight: Vivian (Yuchan) Zhu presents at Canadian Society for Immunology
Vivian (Yuchan) Zhu, MSc student in Dr. Jacqueline Quandt’s lab (Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine), recently presented her research at the Canadian Society for Immunology conference in recognition of International Immunology Day. Her work explores how a multiple sclerosis–associated Nr1h3 mutation alters central nervous system immune responses at different stages of disease. The conference provided an opportunity for knowledge exchange and collaboration within the immunology community.
|
|
|
|
|
Dr. Lucy Perrone to speak at LABCON2026
Dr. Lucy Perrone (Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine) will be speaking at LABCON2026 on May 8 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Her session on Quality Management in the Laboratory will take place at 4:30 PM in the Pacific Ballroom. For program details and registration, please visit:
View schedule
|
|
|
|
|
New podcast series highlights UBC-led type 1 diabetes research
A new mini-series of the From Beta Cells to Bicycles podcast, hosted by science communicator Krista Lamb, features the Breakthrough T1D Canucks For Kids Fund Centre of Excellence at UBC. The series highlights research, collaboration, and lived experience in type 1 diabetes (T1D), with contributions from researchers, trainees, and community partners. Dr. Bruce Verchere (Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine) is among the featured research leaders, with episodes showcasing innovative work and multidisciplinary approaches to T1D research and translation. Learn more
Listen to the podcast
|
|
|
|
|
Notable Cases: Dr. Habib Moshref Razavi
Today's case: Interesting presentation of Chronic myeloid leukemia in a 60-year-old man with a leukoerythroblastic blood picture, neutrophilia, and thrombocytosis. Bone marrow examination showed marked granulocytic proliferation with prominent megakaryocytic hyperplasia featuring numerous small hypolobated “dwarf” megakaryocytes, in keeping with BCR::ABL1-positive CML.
Biopsy, H&E x 20 magnification and aspirate, Giemsa stain, 20x magnification
|
|
|
|
Innovation UBC: Programs, events, and opportunities
Innovation UBC has announced upcoming programs and events, including applications for the Fall 2026 Venture Founder program—a 16-week entrepreneurship initiative supporting researchers and students in developing and validating venture ideas. Additional opportunities include upcoming workshops, speaker sessions, and events aligned with Web Summit Vancouver, as well as resources supporting research translation and innovation across the university. Read more and explore opportunities Source: Innovation UBC
|
|
|
|
Call for Applications: Mitacs Globalink Research Award (Allocation Stream)
The Mitacs Globalink Research Award (GRA) supports international research collaborations by funding mobility for undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral trainees (within 5 years of PhD). Internships range from 12–24 weeks (up to 48 weeks total). Under the Allocation Stream, UBC has been awarded 19 internship units (IUs). Each IU provides $6,000 in funding (up to $12,000 for longer or combined placements). Eligibility: - Faculty position at an eligible university
- Eligible to supervise graduate students
- Eligible to hold Tri-Agency funding (for Canadian institutions)
Internal application requirements (max. 2 pages): - Project and participant details
- Brief research proposal
- Justification for international mobility
- Description of collaboration and future funding plans
Internal deadline: June 1, 2026
Decision timeline: Mid-June 2026 Contact: Stacey Herzer, Manager, Internal Research Competitions
stacey.herzer@ubc.ca Mitacs GRA program details
Mitacs Globalink Research Award (Internal Selection for Allocation Stream) Source: UBC Faculty of Medicine
|
|
|
|
Weekly Province-wide Pathology Rounds
Friday, May 8, 2026 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Speaker: Dr. Miguel N. Burnier Jr., MD, MSc, PhD, FRCSC, CAHS
Title: “Ocular Pathology Contributions in Ophthalmology: The Importance of Clinicopathological Correlation in Ocular Diseases”
Learning Objectives:
- Highlight the role of ocular pathology in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of ocular diseases
- Explore modern techniques including immunohistochemistry and liquid biopsy
- Review case examples such as sebaceous cell carcinoma, uveal melanoma, retinoblastoma, and ocular toxoplasmosis
Speaker Bio: Dr. Burnier is a Full Professor at McGill University and former Chair of Ophthalmology. He directs the MUHC–McGill Ocular Pathology & Translational Research Laboratory, a leading centre in North America. He has authored over 1,000 publications and held numerous international leadership roles, including President of the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology.
Join Zoom Meeting:
Join via Zoom
Meeting ID: 661 1423 1597
Passcode: 564976
🔁 Missed a session? View recordings of previous rounds here: Past Rounds Archive
💡 Have ideas for future rounds or speakers? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at pathassist@pathology.ubc.ca
|
|
|
|
|
|
PathDay 2026
PathDay 2026 is fast approaching, with less than a month to go. The program schedule is available online, and work is currently underway on the abstract book.
We encourage you to register early to support event planning. We look forward to welcoming you and showcasing the outstanding work of our faculty and students.
Visit the PathDay 2026 website
|
|
|
|
📣 Have News to Share?
Do you have a story, publication, award, event, or other exciting update to share with the UBC Pathology community?
We'd love to hear from you! Please reach out to Debbie Bertanjoli at dbertanjoli@pathology.ubc.ca.
Let's celebrate our collective achievements and keep our community connected!
|
|
|
|
|
|