Sent on behalf of Dr. Mohit Kapoor and Dr. Robert Inman,
Co-Directors of the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, UHN
SPECIAL FEATURES
The special features included in each newsletter highlight some of the outstanding individuals who have contributed immensely towards the success of each division of the
Schroeder Arthritis Institute. Our December newsletter feature highlighted Luis Montoya and Nicole Villamonte. If you have missed this feature, please
follow this link.
Fiona Fitzpatrick
Fiona Fitzpatrick is an Orthopaedic Technologist within the Division of Orthopaedics at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute. She has been with the organization for twenty-two years. She first joined the organization as a student completing a clinical placement and has been here since then. As an Orthopaedic Technologist, Fiona's primary responsibilities include treating fractures with casting and splinting, removal of sutures and staples, external fixation, and wound care, as well as providing education to patients and their families. Although her role is a support to surgeons, in addition to prioritizing medical directives, she also has the autonomy to perform duties like fracture reductions. Her role goes far beyond the hands-on aspect and dives into a social work aspect, clinical coordination and teaching. On a day-to-day basis, Fiona prepares the clinical space, making sure all equipment is in order and all supplies are ready for the day. She relays between registration staff and the allied health to get the clinic up and going and once patients are flowing through the clinic, she circulates in anticipation for tasks such as cast removal, cast application, dressing changes and more.
Fiona really enjoys the pace of her position because although there is similarity in the tasks she performs each day, sometimes she needs to creatively adapt as things come up. "Something that seems routine at first can challenge your skills at times. Trying to be non-reactive while under pressure is important and takes time to learn." Fiona loves to explore new ways of doing things and learn from the team she works with. She mentioned that each Orthopaedic Technologist has a different approach on how to apply a cast, and you end up adopting a variation of techniques inspired by your colleagues. Fiona credits the valuable mentorship she received from the senior technicians early in her career. "What is nice about this job is you marry up the scientific side and the artistic side. It's an art to apply a cast."
Fiona's biggest motivation is being able to have a role in the patient's journey to recover. Being able to follow up on the progress and seeing the positive outcomes is very tangible. She is grateful to be in a role that gets to make a difference in patients' lives every day. When asked what her Mantra of Success is, Fiona emphasized, "Find something to look forward to every day, no matter how big or small." She also added, "Always keep your mind open to new learning opportunities."
Fiona is a very creative person in both her personal life and in her professional role. She enjoys finding different ways to solve problems that are somewhat artistic, and this is helpful in her job function. She has also been described as gentle by her patients. Fiona is also a very inquisitive person. This shows within her work as she is always trying new ways of doing things and wants to learn more every day.
A fun fact about Fiona is that she is a huge sports fan. Not only does she play hockey every week with a group of friends she has known for over twenty years, but she also coaches her son's hockey team.
Fiona mentioned that she is very grateful to be working alongside an inspiring and bright team at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, in a role that brings science and art together and that positively challenges her and helps her grow. She has a personal love for clinical education and truly enjoys all quality improvement projects she participates in.
On behalf of the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, we are grateful for Fiona's exceptional contributions to the growth and success of the Institute.
Dr. Katerina Oikonomopoulou
Dr. Katerina Oikonomopoulou is a Scientific Associate in the Psoriatic Arthritis Research Program within the Division of Rheumatology and the Research Education Lead at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute. After moving to Canada from Greece, she pursued a graduate program at the University of Toronto and then joined the organization in 2012. In her role as a Scientific Associate, she currently leads the cell characterization and functional studies of the Psoriatic Arthritis Research Program at the Institute. Her main goal is to comprehensively understand the complex biological mechanisms behind inflammatory arthritis and develop disease-specific models that can provide the opportunity for more patient-tailored therapeutics. She also develops innovative grant proposals and supervises trainees, working closely with the Directors of the Psoriatic Arthritis Research Program and the entire team. She is passionate about following her research wherever it takes her, in sometimes unexplored and distant territories, as directed by the hypotheses that she had set forward to research.
In her role as the Research Education Lead for the Institute, she spearheads the Institute's research educational efforts by organizing seminars and workshops for the continuing education and career development of research trainees and staff. In addition, she has taken initiatives to incorporate wellness, connection with nature, and creative networking into the various opportunities that the research trainees and staff can attend. Some examples include outdoor yoga classes and research retreats. Katerina ensures to integrate interest in these events from trainees and staff from the basic, translational and clinical research arms of the Institute, to ensure that all unique and valuable perspectives are leveraged throughout the events. She hopes that these events will help with team building and enhancing the collaboration between individuals, as well as inspire trainees to take creative steps in their career and research. Katerina has also pioneered the design of arthritis-specific courses, currently delivered through the University of Toronto, that aim to put the Schroeder Arthritis Institute at the forefront as a Center of Excellence in Arthritis Research and Education. She has also been instrumental in designing and identifying funding opportunities to support the Schroeder Arthritis Institute Internship Program in collaboration with biotechnology and publishing partners that was recently launched this past year.
Katerina's motivation stems from her vision for creating an environment where trainees and staff can bring their best and most creative selves, form genuine relationships, and feel comfortable providing and receiving creative feedback. "I feel that in such an environment, everyone is inspired to think beyond the norm and successfully explore the most unmet needs in biomedical research and medical care."
When asked what her Mantra of Success is, Katerina notes that "One's best friend and foe for following a vision is the mindset. Choosing to approach each project with a curious and persistent mindset sets the stage for identifying the right steps, navigating any challenges, and fulfilling your goals." In alignment with her vision and approach to work and life activities, three words that would define Katerina's personality are curious, growth mindset and visionary.
A fun fact about Katerina is that she has recently started training as an Aikido student. In these classes, she receives instructions and feedback from her young daughter. "Learning opportunities can come from everywhere and from everyone. We just need to keep an open and growth mindset."
Katerina feels fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with expert scientists, dynamic and multidisciplinary teams, and within various research environments throughout the years and at the Institute. It is this highly explorative path and knowledge she gained that has influenced Katerina and the work she performs today at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute. Through her hybrid role, she hopes to continue to advance research and education opportunities for the Institute.
Additionally, she would like to note that she is always welcoming suggestions and requests from the research trainees and staff at the Institute to be able to continuously develop a productive research education program of interest to all. You can reach out to Katerina through email:
Katerina.Oikonomopoulou@uhn.ca
NEW APPOINTMENTS & PROMOTIONS
Orthopedic Surgeon - Division of Orthopedics
We want to welcome Dr. Norah Matthies, who recently joined the Division of Orthopedic Surgery at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute as an Orthopedic Surgeon. Dr. Matthies specializes in sports medicine and arthroscopy of the knee and shoulder, with a focused interest in patellar instability and knee ligament reconstruction. As the head orthopedic surgeon for the National Ballet of Canada and assistant team physician for the Toronto Raptors, her experience extends to a variety of athletes. She is passionate about providing outstanding care for patients through quality improvement initiatives and innovative surgical techniques.
Co-Vice President - Group of Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA)
Co-Chair - Collaborative Centre for Immunology to Immunotherapy (Ci2i)
Dr. Robert Inman, Senior Scientist at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, was recently appointed as the Co-Chair of the new Collaborative Center for Immunology to Immunotherapy (Ci2i), which was launched at the end of 2023 under the inaugural leadership of Dr. Pamela Ohashi.
Academic Advisory Board - Division of Rheumatology
We would like to welcome Dr. Ellen Gravalesse and Dr. Dirk Elewaut, as the inaugural board members of our new Academic Advisory Board for the Division of Rheumatology at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute.
Dr. Ellen Gravallese is the Theodore Bevier Bayles Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Chief of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity at the Brigham and Women's Hospital. She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Rheumatology, and Anatomic Pathology and cared for patients with rheumatic diseases for over thirty years.
Dr. Dirk Elewaut is a Full Professor of Rheumatology and Immunology and Chair of the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology at Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium, a European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) and Federation of Clinical Immunology Societies (FOCIS) centre of excellence.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
Top 10 Research Advances in 2023 - Arthritis Society Canada
Research by Dr. Robert Inman, Senior Scientist at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, and Dr. Fataneh Tavasolian, Postdoctoral Researcher within the Division of Rheumatology at the Institute, supervised by Dr. Inman, was named among the Top 10 Research Advances in 2023 by the Arthritis Society Canada. Their project title is
Signs of Ankylosing Spondylitis in the Blood.
Research by Dr. Anthony Perruccio, Scientist at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, Dr. Guangju Zhai and Christie Costello from Memorial University was named among the Top 10 Research Advances in 2023 by the Arthritis Society Canada. Their project title is
Predicting Persistent Osteoarthritis Pain.
Toronto's Top Doctors 2024 - North Toronto Post Magazine
Congratulations to the following individuals in our team at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute for being recognized in Toronto's Top Doctors 2024 List by the North Toronto Post Magazine!
Dr. Heather Baltzer, Head of the Hand Program and of the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, was recognized as one of the top doctors in Hand Surgery.
Dr. Khalid Syed, an Orthopedic Surgeon within the Division of Orthopedics at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, was recognized as one of the top doctors in Orthopedic Surgery.
Dr. Lori Albert, Clinician within the Division of Rheumatology and Education Co-Lead at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, and Dr. Dafna Gladman, Senior Scientist within the Division of Rheumatology at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, were recognized as two of the top doctors in Rheumatology.
Dr. Stephen Lewis, Orthopedic Surgeon within the Division of Orthopedics at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, and Dr. Raja Rampersaud, Director of the Osteoarthritis Research Program within the Division of Orthopedics at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, were recognized as two of the top doctors in Spine Surgery.
Click here to view the magazine and to learn more.
2023 Fieldwork Educator Recognition Award - University of Toronto
Tam Bui and Sarah Hobbs, Registered Occupational Therapists within the Hand Program at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, were recently awarded the 2023 Fieldwork Educator Recognition Award from the University of Toronto's Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Department, in recognition of excellence in their field.
GRANTS
Project Grant - Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Dr. Joan Wither, Senior Scientist within the Division of Rheumatology at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, recently received a Project Grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) for her project titled
"Characterization of the T cell populations that regulate autoimmunity in asymptomatic anti-nuclear positive individuals and how they become altered in early untreated autoimmune rheumatic disease."
Project Grant - Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Dr. Robert Inman, Senior Scientist at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, recently received a Project Grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) for his project titled
"Dysregulation of Cytotoxic T Cell Exhaustion in Ankylosing Spondylitis."
Strategic Operating Grant - Arthritis Society Canada
Principal Investigator, Dr. Mohit Kapoor, at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, and Co-Investigators, Dr. Rajiv Gandhi, Orthopedic Surgeon at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, and Dr. Igor Jurisica, Senior Scientist at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, recently received the Strategic Operating Grant from the Arthritis Society Canada, for their project titled
"Contributions of distinct cell populations in the infrapatellar fat pad to knee osteoarthritis: Relationship with disease stage, sex, and obesity."
COMPLETION OF DOCTORATE
Completion of Doctorate
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Christopher Kim, Surgeon Scientist within the Division of Orthopedics at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, successfully defended his thesis
"Combined Cell and Gene Therapy Towards the Prevention of Osteoarthritis", earning his PhD this April 2024. Working as a Surgeon Scientist with the team at the Institute, Dr. Kim's PhD and ongoing research focus involves the use of genetically engineered cells to deliver compounds which reduce joint inflammation and cartilage loss in osteoarthritis.
Join us in congratulating Dr. Christopher Kim on the completion of his doctorate!
TRAINEE/FELLOW SPOTLIGHT
Franka Hicksch
Franka Hicksch is a Visiting Research Trainee in Dr. Mohit Kapoor's lab within the Division of Orthopedics at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute. As a 3rd year medical school student from Halle (Saale) Germany, Franka joined the Institute in October 2023 through an opportunity to work on a collaborative research project surrounding secondary shoulder arthrofibrosis research with Dr. Mohit Kapoor, at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, and Dr. Matthias Aurich, Head of the Section of Trauma & Reconstructive Surgery at the University Hospital Halle in Germany. "Both Dr. Kapoor and Dr. Aurich have been excellent supervisors which has allowed me to learn a lot about high-quality research." The main goal of her research has been to understand the molecular mechanisms of secondary shoulder arthrofibrosis. Franka had the chance to learn about sequencing, work in the wet lab, as well as attend multiple seminars and conferences during her time at the Institute such as the Division of Orthopedics' Academic Advisory Board Meeting. Franka also participated in the Elevator Pitch Competition of the Division of Orthopedic Surgery Research Day at the University of Toronto and was awarded one of the Best Presentation Awards.
After an incredible couple of months with the Institute, Franka has taken all of her experiences and has now returned to Germany to continue medical school, but will stay involved in the projects and the research at the Institute and hopes to have the opportunity to be involved in future collaborations. "I want to encourage international collaborations in the future. I think there is so much more we can learn from each other as individuals that goes even beyond the health care aspect."
Looking towards the future, Franka's goal is to have a positive impact in the medical field in hopes of making the world a better place. As she continues her journey in medical school, she hopes to become a doctor involved in both clinical work and medical research. Franka mentioned how beautiful her experience has been with a diverse team. "I've had an amazing experience in the Kapoor Lab and the entire team who are very motivating. We all work together and that is when great things happen."
A fun fact about Franka is that her lab team at the Institute would say that she loves the ramen restaurants in Toronto. She has no problem having ramen any day and at any time as she never gets tired from it.
Franka emphasized how grateful she is to have worked with an uplifting team in the Kapoor Lab at the Institute, who helped make her few months at the Institute absolutely fantastic. "I am not ready to leave yet but I could not have imagined a better team to learn from and to work with. Everyone was so supportive, motivating, helpful and very patient with me. I am very grateful for this experience."
You can connect with Franka and follow her research updates on
LinkedIn.
On behalf of the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, we are grateful that Franka was a part of our team and wish her all the success in her future.
Addison Pacheco
Addison Pacheco is a PhD student in Dr. Robert Inman's lab within the Division of Rheumatology at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute. He will be in his 5th year of his PhD research come September 2024. His research mainly focuses on the effects biological treatment has on immune cell types called CD4+ T cells and tries to predict whether a patient will respond using the collected data. Within his research, there is a lot of flow cytometry and sequencing. Addison also does lots of blood processing, where he receives blood samples from the clinic, processes it, and then banks the samples for later usage. His time is split evenly between conducting experiments in the lab and analyzing data with advanced analysis software.
Looking towards the future, Addison sees himself going into the field of entrepreneurship. "I love the innovative side of research. I love coming up with new ideas, writing them down and applying them."
A fun fact about Addison is that he has had over twenty dogs in his lifetime. "I had two female boxer dogs at once and they both birthed multiple puppies, so I had many dogs at once."
Addison emphasized that he has been very happy and appreciative of the experience he's had at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute and the collaborative aspect of his team in the lab. "Dr. Robert Inman is an amazing supervisor, and I am definitely enjoying my time here with the team and at the Institute."
You can connect with Addison and follow his research updates on
LinkedIn and
Google Scholar.
On behalf of the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, we are grateful that Addison is a part of our team and wish him all the success in his future.
STUDENT AWARDS
Best Abstract on Spondyloarthritis Research Award - Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA)
Fadi Kharouf, Clinical Fellow in the Psoriatic Arthritis Program within the Division of Rheumatology at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, supervised by Dr. Dafna Gladman and Dr. Vinod Chandran, was recently awarded the Best Abstract on Spondyloarthritis Research Award from the Canadian Rheumatology Association at the Canadian Rheumatology Association Annual Scientific Meeting, for his abstract titled
"Degenerative Disc Disease in Young Adults with Psoriatic Arthritis."
Best Abstract by a Rheumatology Post-Graduate Trainee - Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA)
Carolina Munoz-Grajales, Clinical Fellow in the Lupus Program within the Division of Rheumatology at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, supervised by Dr. Zahi Touma and Dr. Joan Wither, was recently awarded the Best Abstract by a Rheumatology Post-Graduate Trainee from the Canadian Rheumatology Association at the Canadian Rheumatology Association Annual Scientific Meeting, for her abstract titled
"Elevated Serum Levels of S100A8/a9 Discriminate Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients with Cognitive Impairment from Patients Without Impairment."
Best Presentation Award - Division of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Toronto
Franka Hicksch, Visiting Research Trainee within the Division of Orthopedics at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, supervised by Dr. Mohit Kapoor, Co-Director of the Institute, was recently awarded one of the Best Presentation Awards in the Elevator Pitch Competition of the Division of Orthopedic Surgery Research Day at the University of Toronto, for her project titled
"Elucidating the Molecular Mechanisms Associated with the Secondary Arthrofibrosis of the Shoulder."
JCR Travel Award/Support - Japan College of Rheumatology (JCR)
Dr. Amit Sandhu, Postdoctoral Fellow, Dr. Paramvir Kaur, Postdoctoral Fellow, Pratibha Potla, Bioinformatics/Data Analyst, and Evan Pollock-Tahiri, Animal Surgery Technician at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, were awarded the JCR Travel Award by the Japan College of Rheumatology.
JCR Travel Award/Support - Japan College of Rheumatology (JCR)
Addison Pacheco, PhD Student supervised by Dr. Robert Inman, Archita Srinath, PhD Student supervised by Dr. Nigil Haroon, and Shaghayegh Foroozan, PhD Student supervised by Dr. Nigil Haroon, within the Division of Rheumatology, at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, was recently awarded the Jay Keystone Memorial Award for Innovation in Scientific Communication by the Institute of Medical Science, for their project "Institute of Medical Science's MedDash."
MedDash aims to provide a fun activity for high school students from marginalized communities to learn and engage in "amazing race" style activities on the University of Toronto campus that incorporate topics in medicine and science. The program will run in the Summer of 2025 and will provide the opportunity for high school students to meet undergraduate and graduate students in the science and medicine faculties.
ARTHRITIS IN THE NEWS
Feature in Article - Arthritis Society Canada
Dr. Sowmya Viswanathan, a Scientist within the Division of Orthopedics at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, was recently featured in an interview article by the Arthritis Society Canada on
"Investigating the link between gut health and osteoarthritis."
Read the article here.
Article - Blueprinting Lupus Flares
Dr. Kieran Manion, former Postdoctoral Research at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, and Dr. Joan Wither, Senior Scientist within the Division of Rheumatology at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, were featured in an article surrounding their newly published paper in the Arthritis & Rheumatology Journal, titled
"Different Immunologic Profiles are Associated with Distinct Clinical Phenotypes in Longitudinally Observed Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus." Their research deciphers the immunological signature of flares in lupus, paving the way for improved prognosis and treatment.
Read the article here.
Read the publication here.
EDUCATION CORNER
Schroeder Arthritis Institute Education - Helga and Anthony DeGasperis Fund Grants
The Schroeder Arthritis Institute Education Committee continues to meet regularly to learn about what exciting education initiatives are going on around the Institute and to support the development of new projects. Currently, they are looking at ways to acknowledge the role of teaching at the Institute. In particular, they are developing criteria for a Schroeder Arthritis Institute Educational Excellence Award.
They continue to receive outstanding applications for the Schroeder Arthritis Institute Education DeGasperis Fund Awards. Dr. Lori Albert, Chair of the Education Committee at the Institute, reports that the most recent awardees are:
Marcia Correale, Dr. Raja Rampersaud, Samra Mian-Valiante and Silvi Groe - "Expansion of the University Health Network's (UHN) evidence-based Interprofessional Spine Assessment and Education Clinics (ISAEC) through development of an educational toolkit."
Dr. Lianne Tile, Dr. Miranda Boggild and Dr. Dalton Budhram - "Dissemination of the New Canadian Osteoporosis Guidelines: Educational Videos for patients and healthcare providers."
Schroeder Arthritis Institute Internship Collaboration with Nordic Bioscience
Darshini Ganatra is a Scientific Associate in the Psoriatic Arthritis Research Program within the Division of Rheumatology at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, supervised by Dr. Vinod Chandran and Dr. Dafna Gladman. She joined the Institute in 2019 and her research has been focused on identifying biomarkers that can help identify at-risk patients and predict treatment response. She uses a multi-omics approach with the goal of coming up with new tests for the diagnosis of Psoriatic Arthritis. Darshini is also responsible for managing the lab and making sure everything runs smoothly. She is responsible for onboarding trainees and summer students and helps them with their research.
In January 2024, Darshini spent one week in Denmark completing an internship with Nordic Bioscience in collaboration with the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, through the Schroeder Arthritis Institute Writing Internship, organized by Dr. Katerina Oikonomopoulou, Research Education Lead at the Institute. Darshini had the opportunity to spend the week working with the team at Nordic Bioscience, a biotechnology company, and to experience the similarities and differences in academics and industry. She highlighted that as a young researcher, it was an amazing opportunity to gain expert knowledge on how biomarker pipelines work, from the discovery to the patent process, what steps are involved and how validation is completed.
In addition, she learned about their automated platforms that are used for high throughput assays and participated in gathering knowledge on different tissue remodelling biomarkers with the goal of understanding the research potentials in the field of arthritis, disease diagnosis and management. She also had the chance to sharpen her writing skills, critical thinking and learn about knowledge translation. "I had a great experience learning from the team at Nordic Bioscience. I got to know the facility and had some great discussions with the team related to biomarkers, arthritis and the Danish culture."
Looking towards the future, Darshini is hopeful that she will advance research through the many projects she is currently involved in and all future projects on the horizon. When asked what motivates her, Darshini emphasized, "Being part of a team where the goal is to advance the medical research field, gives a sense of purpose in my work. I like being able to see the progress of the research and seeing it unfold in the clinic and really observing how my research is making a positive difference in the lives of our patients."
A fun fact about Darshini is that she is an avid gardener, and enjoys collecting different varieties of plants. Darshini also loves spending time with her nine-year-old son, doing art activities and going on walks together.
Darshini is very thankful to have had the opportunity to participate in the Schroeder Arthritis Institute's writing Internship Program and to be part of the Schroeder Arthritis Institute. "It's easy to connect with our dynamic interprofessional team when discussing ideas and solving problems together. I have learned so much with the past few years in my role at the Institute and the collaborative spirit is very uplifting."
On behalf of the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, we are grateful for Darshini's outstanding contributions to the growth and success of the Institute.
Internship Program Recipients
Congratulations to our three recipients for the 2023-2024 Internship Program for the Schroeder Arthritis Institute Trainees and Research Staff! Dr. Amit Sandhu, Postdoctoral Fellow, Selvin Leenus, Project Coordinator, and Dr. Behdad Ravarian, Research Fellow, at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, are the recipients of the upcoming Writing Internship with the Schroeder Arthritis Institute and Critical Reviews in Clinical and Laboratory Sciences Journal.
RECENT EVENTS & LECTURES
International Women & Girls in Science Virtual Event
The Krembil Research Institute's annual virtual event for students celebrating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science took place on February 9th, 2024. This 1-hour live stream was geared to middle school, high school & undergraduate students, and meant to inspire young minds to consider a career in science & medicine. Each speaker gave a short, engaging TED Talk-style presentation that was followed by a panel discussion answering questions sent in by students.
Featured speakers included: Drs. Tina Felfeli (Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute), Nikita Looby (Schroeder Arthritis Institute), Nardin Samuel (Krembil Brain Institute) and our host/moderator this year is Dr. Chika Stacy Oriuwa.
Watch the recorded event here.
Read the event recap here.
Research Trainee & Staff Career Development Seminar
The Schroeder Arthritis Institute hosted a virtual Research Trainee & Staff Career Development Seminar on February 27, 2024. Our invited speaker, Dr. Tae Joon (TJ) Yi, Associate Director in Immunology at the Krembil Foundation, and Assistant Professor in the Teaching Stream within the Department of Immunology at the University of Toronto, presented on
"Navigating Dynamic Career Transitions: Insights from Varied Part-Time Roles & Strategies for Success."
UPCOMING EVENTS & LECTURES
3rd International Workshop on the Epigenetics of Osteoarthritis
Join us for the 3rd International Workshop on the Epigenetics of Osteoarthritis, September 4-5, 2024, in Toronto, Canada! This two-day in-person workshop will feature world-leading experts in the fields related to epigenetic mechanisms associated with osteoarthritis. The workshop will be an excellent platform for research researchers, trainees and fellows to meet with the international leaders in this field.
Registration and Abstract Submission is now open! Abstract Submission Deadline: May 1st, 2024
Please visit
our website for registration and all workshop updates and information.
For any questions, please email
epigeneticsoa@gmail.com.
#EpigeneticsOA2024
The Ralph T. Manktelow Lectureship in Hand Surgery
Dr. Heather Baltzer, Head of the Hand Program and of the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, is pleased to welcome Dr. Amy M. Moore, Professor and Chair, Robert L. Ruberg MD Alumni Endowed Chair, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, as the 2024 Ralph T. Manktelow Lecturer.
The Ralph T. Manktelow Lectureship in Hand Surgery will take place on
November 22, 2024, at the BMO Education & Conference Center. Registration and light breakfast will begin at 7:30 am till 8:00 am. More details and the program will follow.
Please RSVP to Paula Capela,
Paula.Capela@uhn.ca, by November 8, 2024.
LUPUS 2025 - 16th International Congress on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
We are excited to announce the 16th International Congress on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (LUPUS 2025), happening from May 21st to May 24th, 2025, in Toronto, Canada. Dr. Zahi Touma, Director of the Lupus Program within the Division of Rheumatology at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, will be chairing this international event.
LUPUS 2025 will continue its tradition of exploring the latest developments in Lupus research, with a focus on personalized approaches to diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Themed "LUPUS 2025: Gateway to the Future", the congress will serve as a platform for researchers worldwide to collaborate, exchange ideas, and drive innovations in the field. Join us in shaping the future of Lupus research and improving outcomes for those affected by SLE. Your participation is vital in making LUPUS 2025 a success.
To learn more and stay up to date on the latest news about LUPUS 2025, please visit the website:
lupus2025.kenes.com
We look forward to welcoming you to Toronto for this exciting event!
Special Seminar
The Division of Orthopedics at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute is hosting a Special Seminar on "Regression to the mean and its importance for patient-relevant outcomes in osteoarthritis clinical trials", on May 9, 2024, at 9:00 am - 10:00 am EST, presented by invited speaker Dr. Martin Englund. Dr. Englund is the President-Elect for the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI), and a professor within the Department of Clinical Sciences in the Lund Faculty of Medicine at Lund University, Sweden.
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
SPARCC Pilot Project Research Program 2024
The Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) is relaunching the Pilot Project Research Program in 2024 which provides seed funding to support research proposals aligned with its primary objective for the advancement of spondyloarthritis (SpA)-related research. SPARCC will provide one-year seed grants to be awarded on a competitive basis to innovative proposals in the area of SpA research, particularly revolving around:
- Equity, diversity, and inclusivity
- Pediatrics
- First Nations as primary focuses
SPARCC aims to approve 2 to 3 awards to successful applicants in 2024.
Application Deadline: May 3, 2024
For all information surrounding the application process and criteria, please contact Maria Morales, Administrative Coordinator of SPARCC:
Maria.Morales@uhn.ca
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
The Schroeder Arthritis Institute Collaborative Pilot Grant Competition 2024
The Schroeder Arthritis Institute Collaborative Pilot Grant Competition 2024 provides seed funding to support innovative and collaborative research proposals aligned with its primary objective for the advancement of arthritis-related research. The Schroeder Arthritis Institute will provide funding for two seed grants in this competition. All submissions will undergo external peer review.
Application deadline: June 3, 2024 at 5 pm EST
For application forms and to learn more about the application process, please email
Maryam.Gabrial@uhn.ca.
The Schroeder Arthritis Institute Graduate Student & Clinical Research Fellowship Award Application 2024
The Schroeder Arthritis Institute will fund up to two Graduate Student Awards and up to two Research Fellowship Awards for MD/PhD Fellows to support salary/stipend expenses of graduate students and research fellows (post-MD or post-PhD) who are actively engaged in research within the Schroeder Arthritis Institute. All submissions will undergo external peer review.
Application deadline: June 3, 2024 at 5 pm EST
For application forms and to learn more about the application process, please email
Maryam.Gabrial@uhn.ca.
ARTHRITIS WEB SEMINAR SERIES - RECENT LECTURE
Arthritis Web Seminar Series - Lecture 61
The Schroeder Arthritis Institute, in partnership with the Collaborative Specialization in Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Toronto, hosted the 61st Arthritis Web Seminar Series Lecture on January 23, 2024. Our guest speaker, Dr. James Chang, Chair of the Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and Johnson & Johnson Distinguished Professor at Stanford University, gave a seminar on "Update on Hand Surgery for System Sclerosis."
Click here to watch the recorded seminar.
Arthritis Web Seminar Series - Lecture 62
The Schroeder Arthritis Institute, in partnership with the Collaborative Specialization in Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Toronto, hosted the 62nd Arthritis Web Seminar Series Lecture on February 13, 2024. Our guest speaker, Dr. Chunyi Wen, Associate Professor within the Department of Biomedical Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, gave a seminar on "Endothelial Dysfunction in Joint Injury, Ageing and Disease."
Click here to watch the recorded seminar.
Arthritis Web Seminar Series - Lecture 63
The Schroeder Arthritis Institute hosted the 63rd Arthritis Web Seminar Series Lecture on March 26, 2024. Our guest speaker, Dr. Paras Karmacharya, Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Rheumatology and Immunology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, gave a seminar on "Defining clinical sub-phenotypes in axial spondyloarthritis and psoriatic arthritis."
Click here to watch the recorded seminar.
ARTHRITIS WEB SEMINAR SERIES - UPCOMING LECTURES
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Lecture 64: Training non-surgical interventions and optimizing risk factors prior to hip and knee replacement surgery - where is the sweet spot?
April 30, 2024 | 8 am - 9 am EST
Dr. Michael Zywiel and Dr. Gillian Hawker -
Lecture 65: Lupus Pathogenesis: Insights from Functional Genomics
May 14, 2024 | 8 am - 9 am EST
Dr. Nan Shen -
Lecture 66: Early-stage knee osteoarthritis - development mechanism of meniscus extrusion & tear
May 28, 2024 | 8 am - 9 am EST
Dr. Muneaki Ishijima -
Lecture 67: Multi-Joint Osteoarthritis
June 11, 2024 | 8 am - 9 am EST
Dr. Amanda Nelson -
Lecture 68: Advances in the Treatment of Systemic Vasculitis
June 25, 2024 | 8 am - 9 am EST
Dr. John H. Stone
UHNITED CAMPAIGN
Introducing UHNITED, the University Health Network (UHN)'s first-ever brand campaign!
Earlier this year, UHN launched its first-ever brand campaign. The UHNITED campaign puts a spotlight on the teams working together across UHN to change the status quo of healthcare. It features real stories of innovation, trailblazing discoveries and lives transformed.
The UHNITED campaign also highlights the importance of community and reminds us of the power of coming together to support medical research through philanthropy. Thanks to the support of our donor community, UHN is the #1 hospital in Canada and the #1 publicly funded hospital in the world - meaning that all patients, regardless of their economic status, have access to the very best care. We have an incredible list of firsts and discoveries - many of which are from the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, like a
first-in-Canada robotic knee surgery or
identifying genetic markers that can help diagnose psoriatic arthritis. Through the UNITED campaign, we hope to help more Canadians know about the leading role that UHN plays in reimagining healthcare.
No one ever changed the world on their own, and together with donor support, we can continue to uphold the excellence in patient care, education, and advancements in bold medical research that UHN is known for. When we are UNITED, there's nothing we can't do.
Learn more at
UHNITED.ca and follow UHN Foundation at
@uhn.foundation for more!
NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS
Anterior vs Posterior Surgery for Patients With Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: An Observational Study From the Canadian Spine Outcomes and Research Network.
Evaniew N, Bailey CS, Rampersaud YR, Jacobs WB, Phan P, Nataraj A, Cadotte DW, Weber MH, Thomas KC, Manson N, Attabib N, Paquet J, Christie SD, Wilson JR, Hall H, Fisher CG, McIntosh G, Dea N. Neurosurgery. February 2024.
Click here for publication.
Arthroscopic Stabilization Surgery for First-Time Anterior Shoulder Dislocations: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Khalik HA, Lameire DL, Leroux T, Bhandari M, Khan M. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. February 2024.
Click here for publication.
Bimekizumab treatment in patients with active psoriatic arthritis and prior inadequate response to tumour necrosis factor inhibitors: 52-week safety and efficacy from the phase III BE COMPLETE study and its open-label extension BE VITAL.
Coates LC, Landewé R, McInnes IB, Mease PJ, Ritchlin CT, Tanaka Y, Asahina A, Behrens F, Gladman DD, Gossec L, Orbai AM, Gottlieb AB, Warren RB, Ink B, Bajracharya R, Shende V, Coarse J, Merola JF. RMD Open. February 2024.
Click here for publication.
Circulating neutrophil extracellular trap remnants as a biomarker to predict outcomes in lupus nephritis.
Whittall-Garcia LP, Naderinabi F, Gladman DD, Urowitz M, Touma Z, Konvalinka A, Wither J. Lupus Sci Med. January 2024.
Click here for publication.
Classifying patients with psoriatic arthritis according to their disease activity status using serum metabolites and machine learning.
Koussiouris J, Looby N, Kotlyar M, Kulasingam V, Jurisica I, Chandran V. Metabolomics. January 2024.
Click here for publication.
Comparative efficacy and safety of bimekizumab in psoriatic arthritis: a systemic literature review and network meta-analysis
Mease PJ, Gladman DD, Merola JF, Nash P, Grieve S, Laliman-Khara V, Willems D, Taieb V, Prickett AR, Coates LC. Rheumatology (Oxford). January 2024.
Click here for publication.
Defining domains: developing consensus-based definitions for foundational domains in OMERACT core outcome sets
Maxwell LJ, Jones C, Bingham CO, Boers M, Boonen A, Choy E, Christensen R, Conaghan PG, D'Agostino MA, Doria AS, Grosskleg S, Hill CL, Hofstetter C, Horgan B, Kroon F, Leung YY, Mackie S, Meara A, Shea BJ, Simon LS, Touma Z, Tugwell P, Wells GA, Beaton DE. Semin Arthritis Rheum. February 2024.
Click here for publication.
Evolution and advancements in genomics and epigenomics in OA research: How far we have come.
Ramos YFM, Rice SJ, Ali SA, Pastrello C, Jurisica I, Rai MF, Collins KH, Lang A, Maerz T, Geurts J, Ruiz-Romero C, June RK, Thomas Appleton C, Rockel JS, Kapoor M. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. February 2024.
Click here for publication.
Exploring the complexities of pain phenotypes: OMERACT 2023 chronic pain working group workshop
Pickles T, Cowern M, Christensen R, Nielsen SM, Simon LS, Jones CMP, Maxwell LJ, Shea B, Strand V, Touma Z, Toupin-April K, Mease P, Choy E. Semin Arthritis Rheum. February 2024.
Click here for publication.
Hospital-perspective cost-analysis of a nonrandomized trial of rehabilitation before major elective surgery.
Chen M, Santa Mina D, Au D, Karkouti K, Alibhai S, Zywiel M, Randall I. Can J Anaesth. February 2024.
Click here for publication.
Imaging in an academic orthopedic shoulder service: a report on incidental lung pathology findings
Wengle L, White LM, Naraghi A, Kamali M, Betsch M, Veillette C, Leroux T. Skeletal Radiol. February 2024.
Click here for publication.
Intrauterine growth and the tangential expansion of the human cerebral cortex in times of food scarcity and abundance.
Vosberg DE, Jurisica I, Pausova Z, Paus T. Nature Communication. February 2024.
Click here for publication.
Navigating the path of progress: The OMERACT 2023 emerging leaders program
Campbell TM, Finzel S, Siddle H, Christensen R, Nielsen SM, Najm A, Otobo TM, Sahbudin I, Sinnathurai P, Stok KS, Touma Z, April KT, Grosskleg S, Tugwell P, Richards B. Semin Arthritis Rheum. February 2024.
Click here for publication.
OMERACT 2023 Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Special Interest Group: Winnowing and Binning Preliminary Candidate Domains for the Core Outcome Set
Nielsen W, Strand V, Simon LS, Parodis I, Kim AHJ, Desai M, Enman Y, Wallace D, Chaichian Y, Navarra S, Aranow C, MacKay M, Trotter K, Tayer-Shifman OE, Duarte-Garcia A, Shan Tam L, Ugarte-Gil MF, PonsEstel GJ, Reynolds JA, Nikpour M, Hoi A, Romero-Diaz J, Papachristos D, Aggarwal A, Mok CC, Fujio K, Ramsey-Goldman R, Howe A, Kia BN, Bonilla D, Thumboo J, Mosca M, Aringer M, Johnson SR, Drucker AM, Morand E, Bruce I, Touma Z; OMERACT SLE Working Group. Semin Arthritis Rheum. January 2024.
Click here for publication.
PathDIP 5: Improving coverage and making enrichment analysis more biologically meaningful
Pastrello C, Kotlyar M, Abovsky M, Lu R, Jurisica I. Nucleic Acids Res. January 2024.
Click here for publication.
Residual Disease Activity in Canadian Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) Treated with Advanced Therapies: Results from a Multi-Registry Analysis (UNISON-PsA)
Gladman DD, Chandran V, Rosen CF, Rohekar S, Boyd T, Eder L, Rahman P, Dutz J, Chan J, Haydey RP, Barac S, Laliberté MC, Girard T, Fournier PA, Sutton M, Pereira D, Chim T, Coupal L, Choquette D. J Rheumatol. February 2024.
Click here for publication.
Serum S100A8/A9 and MMP-9 levels are elevated in systemic lupus erythematosus patients with cognitive impairment
Muñoz-Grajales C, Barraclough ML, Diaz-Martinez JP, Su J, Bingham K, Kakvan M, Kretzmann RP, Tartaglia MC, Ruttan L, Choi MY, Appenzeller S, Marzouk S, Bonilla D, Katz P, Beaton D, Green R, Gladman DD, Wither J, Touma Z. Front Immunol. January 2024.
Click here for publication.
The Future is Now for Advanced Practice Physiotherapy in Canada
Herrington J, Soever L, Desmeules F, Farrer C, Lundon K, MacLeod A, Rushton A, Passalent L. Physiotherapy Canada. March 2024.
Click here for publication.
Total Knee Arthroplasty Versus Education and Exercise for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Propensity-Matched Analysis
Young JJ, Zywiel MG, Skou ST, Chandran V, Davey JR, Gandhi R, Mahomed NN, Syed K, Veillette CJH, Rampersaud YR, Perruccio AV. Arthritis Care & Research. January 2024.
Click here for publication.
Vaccination Recommendations for Adults Receiving Biologics and Oral Therapies for Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: Delphi Consensus from the Medical Board of the National Psoriasis Foundation
Chat VS, Ellebrecht CT, Kingston P, Bell S, Gondo G, Cordoro KM, Desai SR, Duffin KC, Feldman SR, Garg A, Gelfand JM, Gladman D, Green LJ, Gudjonsson J, Han G, Hawkes JE, Kircik L, Koo J, Langley R, Lebwohl M, Michael Lewitt G, Liao W, Martin G, Orbai AM, Reddy SM, Richardson V, Ritchlin CT, Schwartzman S, Siegel EL, Van Voorhees AS, Wallace EB, Weinberg JM, Winthrop KL, Yamauchi P, Armstrong AW. J Am Acad Dermatol. February 2024.
Click here for publication.
Validity and score interpretations of the 12-item Psoriatic Arthritis Impact of Disease: an analysis of pooled data from two phase 3 trials of bimekizumab in patients with psoriatic arthritis
Gossec L, Orbai AM, Coates LC, Gladman DD, Ogdie A, Pelligra CG, Ciaravino V, Ink B, Taieb V, Lambert J, de Wit M. RMD Open. January 2024.
Click here for publication.
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The Schroeder Arthritis Institute Newsletter
If you have any news, upcoming publications, awards and grants, promotions, or new appointments, please email them to Lynn Saber, Digital Content & Communication Specialist at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute:
Lynn.Saber@uhn.ca.
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