Five UCalgary researchers inducted into Canadian Academy of Health Sciences

On September 10, the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS) inducted five UCalgary faculty members for their demonstrated leadership and distinctive contributions to advancing health sciences. These fellows join a distinguished group of Canada's leading health and biomedical scientists and scholars, an honour regarded as one of the highest in the Canadian health sciences community.

“The tremendous efforts of our scholars continue to drive our institution to the forefront of academia,” shares Dr. William Ghali, vice-president (research). “We are fortunate and proud to celebrate these distinguished members of our research community who have been inducted as fellows into the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. On behalf of UCalgary, I congratulate Drs. Buret, Carlson, Jette, McCoy, and Poon on this prestigious achievement.”

CAHS brings together Canada’s top-ranked health and biomedical scientists and scholars to make a positive impact on the urgent health concerns of Canadians. CAHS fellows are selected from disciplines across the range of health sciences and collaborate to evaluate Canada’s most complex health challenges and recommend strategic, actionable solutions.

Dr. Andre Buret, PhD

Associate Vice-President (Research) 
Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science
Adjunct Professor, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine

An internationally recognized expert in infectious and inflammatory disease, Andre Buret’s main research focus is on pathophysiology of microbial-host interactions, with emphasis on how these may lead to inflammatory complications. His groundbreaking work in this area has led to over 20 patents, and the co-founding of three biotech companies. Thanks to his remarkable discoveries, Buret has been invited to deliver over 350 presentations around the world and is highly cited, with an h-index of 75 and over 19,000 citations. Committed to supporting the next generation of researchers, Buret has mentored over 120 research trainees (undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral) and supervised another 280 through numerous grants and international engagements, with equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) woven throughout his research projects. While serving as interim Vice-President (Research) from 2019-2020, Buret helped to develop ii taa’poh’to’p, the University of Calgary’s Indigenous strategy. Buret has achieved the current rank of roku dan renshi (6th dan, international Expert Master certification) in Chito Ryu Karate. He is the current president of the Canadian and World Chito Ryu Karate Associations.

Learn more about Buret’s research.

Dr. Linda Carlson, PhD

Professor, Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine 
Enbridge Research Chair in Psychosocial Oncology 
Member of the Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute

Linda Carlson is a world leader in psychosocial and integrative oncology, with over 250 publications and more than $22.5 million in research funding. She is renowned for her work in mindfulness-based interventions for cancer patients, which has been included in clinical practice guidelines. She has worked to advance health sciences and public health outcomes through academic service and innovations and through public engagement and teaching. Carlson serves as the Director of the Alberta Complementary Therapy and Integrative Oncology (ACTION) Centre. Focused on creative solutions, Carlson has improved accessibility and reach of cancer intervention through development of online, app-based and virtual reality mindfulness programs for people with cancer. Carlson has trained over 100 research trainees and served as President of the Society for Integrative Oncology from 2021-2023, leading over 600 researchers to their missions to advance evidence-based, comprehensive integrative healthcare to improve the lives of people affected by cancer.

Learn more about Carlson’s research.

Dr. Nathalie Jette, MD

Professor and Department Head, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine
Member of the Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the O’Brien Institute for Public Health

A distinguished clinician-scientist, Nathalie Jette’s revolutionary research in epilepsy health services has made a tremendous impact in the lives of those living with epilepsy, both at home and around the world. She has been actively involved with key international bodies and institutions such as the International League Against Epilepsy and the World Health Organization, where she has served in leadership roles and led publications that have informed better health-care delivery and policy for epilepsy. Jette’s impressive work, largely aimed at improving access to equitable care, has been recognized with over 75 awards, including the International Ambassador for Epilepsy Award. Her expertise has helped to develop the first blueprint and toolkit for developing international epilepsy clinical guidelines, leading to improved outcomes for patients and their families.

Learn more about Jette's research.

Dr. Kathy McCoy, PhD

Professor, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine
Member of the Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, and Owerko Centre for Neurodevelopment and Child Mental Health

Kathy McCoy is an internationally renowned immunology expert. Her remarkable scholarship and leadership in this field have helped to shape our understanding of the role of the microbiome in health and disease. She established and leads the microbiome research program, and oversaw the construction and design of the International Microbiome Centre, the world’s largest germ-free facility in an academic setting, where she currently serves as Scientific Director. In 2021, McCoy was awarded the Killam Memorial Chair in recognition of her research in health sciences and her superior record of mentorship and teaching excellence. McCoy was also elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 2021. Her exceptional work has garnered her an h-index of 73 and over 30,000 citations of her publications.

Learn more about McCoy’s research.

Dr. Man-Chiu Poon, MD

Professor Emeritus, Departments of Medicine, Pediatrics and Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine
Member of the Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute

Man-Chiu Poon is a leading hematologist recognized for his transformative work in hemophilia care and research. Over the past 30 years, he has vastly improved hemophilia management through establishing treatment centres, developing national guidelines, and advancing patient care in underserved regions. He helped found the Hemophilia Treatment Center Collaborative Network in China, which has led to the establishment of 335 life-changing hemophilia clinics across the country. Poon’s passion and dedication to providing critical care to underserved communities has earned him prestigious awards, including the World Federation of Hemophilia’s Inga Marie Nilsson Award, the International Healthcare Volunteer Award and the Canadian Hemophilia Society International Contribution Award. Poon's innovative research and advocacy has changed the lives of patients with hemophilia across the globe. As a beloved mentor, Poon has empowered the next generation of hematologists to deliver improved health outcomes for their patients.

Learn more about Poon’s research.