Research in Focus: Dr. Juliana Kruthof

June 29, 2026

Research in Focus shines a light on the innovative studies and discoveries taking shape across the UBC Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics. Through each feature, we celebrate the minds driving meaningful change in research, education, and clinical practice across anesthesiology, pharmacology, and therapeutics.

With a focus on understanding and responding to maternal needs throughout labour and cesarean delivery, Dr. Juliana Kruthof’s research advances patient-centred approaches to obstetric anesthesia through innovations in clinical decision-making, education, and patient experience.

For Dr. Juliana Kruthof, improving obstetric anesthesia begins with understanding the patient experience. Her research focuses on how clinicians can better understand and respond to maternal needs before, during, and after labour and cesarean delivery, with the goal of making care safer, more effective, and more patient-centred.

Her work centres around three interconnected areas: the patient’s intraoperative experience, the use of AI to support clinical decision-making and education, and the application of point-of-care ultrasound to guide bedside decision-making. Across these areas, a common theme shapes her research: high quality care is about more than technical success. It also involves patient comfort, clear communication, psychological safety, and a positive recovery experience.

This perspective is reflected in her current projects, including the PIONEER Trial, which explores patients’ sensory experiences during cesarean delivery under neuraxial anesthesia, as well as examining patient expectations, communication around labour analgesia, POCUS education, and the use of AI to support resident learning. Together, these projects aim to improve both the delivery and experience of obstetric anesthesia care.

“My work brings together clinical outcomes, patient experiences, medical education, implementation science, and technology-supported decision-making to better understand and improve care for pregnant patients.”

— Dr. Juliana Kruthof, Clinical Assistant Professor, UBC

Meet Dr. Juliana Kruthof!

Site: BC Women’s Hospital

Rank: Clinical Assistant Professor

Dr. Kruthof’s path to obstetric anesthesia began with a fascination for human physiology. She completed a Bachelor of Health Sciences, a Master of Science in Human Kinetics with a specialization in physiology and thermoregulation, and her Doctor of Medicine at the University of Ottawa, building a strong foundation in both research and clinical care.

Her interest in turning scientific evidence into meaningful patient outcomes led her to pursue residency training in Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine at Western University, followed by a fellowship in Obstetric Anesthesia at the University of British Columbia. Along the way, she expanded her research expertise through the Harvard Foundations of Clinical Research certificate program, advanced statistics training at Stanford University, and qualitative research methods training through the University of Amsterdam.

As a clinician, educator, and researcher, Dr. Kruthof is particularly interested in patient experience, bedside decision-making, and conducting practical, clinically relevant research that improves care for patients and families.

What impact do you hope this work will have on clinical practice, education, or society in general?

I hope my work will help obstetric anesthesia care better reflect what matters most to patients, including comfort, safety, understanding, autonomy, and recovery. By studying intraoperative sensation from the patient’s perspective, I aim to support the development of patient-reported outcome measures, improve communication, and identify practical interventions that help clinicians respond more effectively during cesarean delivery. My work in point-of-care ultrasound focuses on improving bedside decision-making and preparedness in high-risk maternal care, while my AI-focused projects explore how technology can support education, clinical reasoning, and quality improvement without replacing the importance of clinician judgment. Ultimately, I hope these efforts contribute to improved maternal safety, reduced patient distress, stronger informed consent processes, and more responsive, patient-centred care for pregnant patients.

How does this project fit into your broader research interests or goals?

This project is part of my broader goal of building a patient-centred, evidence-informed obstetric anesthesia research program. My work brings together clinical outcomes, patient experiences, medical education, implementation science, and technology-supported decision-making to better understand and improve care for pregnant patients. Through the PIONEER Trial and related qualitative studies, I am exploring intraoperative sensation and maternal expectations during cesarean delivery, while my research in point-of-care ultrasound and artificial intelligence focuses on developing practical tools to support bedside care and trainee learning. As Director of the BC Women’s Hospital Graduate Studies Program and a mentor to residents, medical students, and graduate trainees, I am also committed to fostering the next generation of clinician-scientists and strengthening the foundation for future obstetric anesthesia research.

What’s been the most rewarding moment in your research journey so far?

One of the most rewarding aspects of my research journey has been seeing an early-career research program grow into a collaborative platform that supports patients, trainees, and colleagues. Along the way, I have been fortunate to receive recognition for this work, including a Canadian Anesthesiologists’ Society Research Grant for the PIONEER Trial, SOAP 2026 Best Paper recognition, Best Abstract Poster at the 16th Annual Whistler Anesthesiology Summit, and the Canadian Anesthesiologists’ Society Best Abstract in Obstetric Anesthesia Award. Equally meaningful has been celebrating the achievements of the students and trainees I mentor, including recipients of UBC Faculty of Medicine Summer Student Research Program awards in 2025 and 2026. Together, these milestones reflect the growth of a research program that is collaborative, clinically relevant, and focused on improving care for patients and families.

Read Publication here:

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Trainee Spotlight: Vicky Mai

June 29, 2026

The Faculty & Trainee Spotlight Series shines a light on the incredible people who make up the heart of UBC Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics. Amidst the remarkable achievements and developments within the department, it is a pleasure to share the stories of the dynamic trainees and faculty who bring passion, curiosity, and insight that drive the areas of anesthesiology, pharmacology, and therapeutics forward.

Meet Vicky Mai

Role: Anesthesia Resident, PGY-3

Site: UBC Vancouver

Coming from a refugee family, Vicky’s path to medicine was shaped by firsthand experiences navigating unfamiliar systems and witnessing the challenges families can face trying to access healthcare in a new country.

Vicky completed her Bachelor of Science at the University of British Columbia while supporting Vietnamese communities through non-profit organizations across North America. After working in several healthcare-related roles and pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree at UBC, she discovered a deeper calling to medicine and chose to dedicate her career to caring for patients and their families.

Now in her medical training, Vicky finds the greatest sense of purpose in helping patients navigate the healthcare system during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. She has also developed an interest in quality improvement and healthcare innovation, presenting research findings internationally in Norway. As a Transition to Discipline Bootcamp Lead, she looks forward to welcoming and supporting incoming residents as they begin their training this July.

“It is truly a privilege to be entrusted with a person’s care, whether it is for an elective case in the morning, or in the twilight hours for an emergency.”

— Vicky Mai, Anesthesia Resident, UBC

What inspired you to pursue anesthesiology, pharmacology, or therapeutics?

My interest in anesthesiology can be summarized by my first day on service as a medical student: in the morning, the anesthesiologist summoned a swathe of people with a code blue. The demeanour of that staff throughout that entire case was undisputedly calm, focused, direct, and solution oriented. They were a leader in the operating room who served as a focal point from which the team siphoned their energy from. Afterwards, they comforted and debriefed with the family and then spent time to build trust with the next patient, who was anxious about their surgery. It is truly a privilege to be entrusted with a person’s care, whether it is for an elective case in the morning, or in the twilight hours for an emergency.

What has surprised you most about your training?

I am continuously impressed by the sheer number of dedicated people it takes to run the hospital day in and out. Even on nights when the lights are dimmed all you can hear is the humming and beeping of machines, you can still find people hard at work. Someone always answers the call, whether it’s the nurses standing vigil over their patients, cleaning staff sanitizing operating rooms between emergency cases, porters transferring patients to and from the wards, or technicians coming by to draw bloodwork or take imaging. I have the privilege of intersecting with many of them. I find it very motivating that we can all come together with the collective purpose of taking care of our patients.

What do you enjoy doing outside of the hospital or lab?

Vancouver is such a beautiful place to eat, see, and do things. I love trying all the new cafes, restaurants, and bars when I can. It’s also so easy to take my two dogs out to the park and explore nature on a sunny day, whether it’s around Queen Elizabeth Park, down by Kitsilano Beach, or further up by Squamish or Whistler.

I will also admit that I love cooking different meals and hosting gatherings with family and friends. I like browsing specialty grocery stores and farmers markets to bring home new ingredients to try, and my pantry is always ready and stocked for any opportunity!

What’s a fun fact about you that most people wouldn’t guess?

On my last birthday, my partner gifted me a vinyl record player. I honestly did not realize how much that would jumpstart my vinyl collecting hobby. I now have 50+ vinyls, including various classics from the 80s and 90s, jazz and alternative hits, British indie rock, and Japanese city pop. Nothing like starting the morning with Head over Heels by Tears for Fears and ending the night with Plastic Love by Mariya Takeuchi!

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Trainee Spotlight: Mohamed Darwish

June 22, 2026

Meet Mohamed Darwish

Role: Graduate Student, PhD Candidate

Site: UBC Vancouver, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health

Mohamed’s passion and drive to understanding how drugs can be optimized to improve therapeutic outcomes and enhance patient care ultimately led him to complete his BSc in Pharmacology, and later, his Master’s degree before pursuing his PhD in neuropharmacology at the University of British Columbia. He is particularly interested in Alzheimer’s disease and the development of research to address its profound impact on individuals and families.

Prior to beginning his doctoral studies, Mohamed worked as a teaching assistant in Egypt for nearly 7 years, and published two papers during his Master’s research.

Along the way, Mohamed gained invaluable experience in experimental research, scientific communication, and collaboration, which continued to inform his work and shape his goal of contributing to the development of more effective treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.

“The mentorship and guidance I have received from both my previous and current PIs have greatly shaped my research journey and continue to inspire my curiosity, critical thinking, and motivation to contribute to the development of future therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.”

— Mohamed Darwish, PhD Candidate, UBC

What inspired you to pursue anesthesiology, pharmacology, or therapeutics?

I was drawn to pharmacology because of its potential to improve patient outcomes through better and safer therapies. My early research experience in neuropharmacology sparked my interest in understanding how drugs interact with the brain and how these mechanisms can be used to treat disease. Alzheimer’s disease became a major focus for me because of its impact worldwide and the challenges associated with controlling and treating it. The mentorship and guidance I have received from both my previous and current Principle Investigators have greatly shaped my research journey and continue to inspire my curiosity, critical thinking, and motivation to contribute to the development of future therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.

How did your path lead you to UBC?

My path to the University of British Columbia was shaped by my passion for neuropharmacology and my interest in advancing research on Alzheimer’s disease. After completing my BSc in Pharmacy, Master’s degree, and gaining research and teaching experience in Egypt, I wanted to continue my training in a highly collaborative and research-focused environment. UBC’s strong reputation as one of the world’s leading universities, along with its excellence in neuroscience and pharmacology research, made it the ideal place to pursue my PhD. Joining UBC has given me the opportunity to grow as a researcher, collaborate with inspiring mentors, and contribute to meaningful scientific work.

What areas of research or practice are you most passionate about?

I am passionate about both neuropharmacology and cardiovascular pharmacology, with a strong interest in understanding how different body systems respond to disease and treatment. My current research focuses on Alzheimer’s disease, particularly the mechanisms involved in neurodegeneration and how targeted therapies may help slow cognitive decline and improve patient outcomes with fewer side effects. My previous work in cardiovascular pharmacology also strengthened my interest in how pharmacological interventions can improve health and quality of life. I am especially drawn to translational research that connects basic science discoveries to real clinical impact and the development of future therapies for complex diseases.

What do you enjoy doing outside of the hospital or lab?

Outside the lab, I am currently focused on pursuing my goal of becoming a licensed pharmacist in Canada, which is an important step in my professional development. I also enjoy spending quality time with my wife, which helps me maintain balance alongside my academic and research work. Since moving to Canada, I have been exploring new places and getting familiar with different areas, which has been a meaningful and enjoyable experience as I adjust to a new country. These activities outside the lab help me stay grounded, motivated, and focused in both my personal and professional journey.

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Congratulations to Dr. Hamed Umedaly on receiving the CAS Clinical Practitioner Award

June 9, 2026

Congratulations to Dr. Hamed Umedaly on receiving the Clinical Practitioner Award from the Canadian Anesthesiologists’ Society, an award that recognizes an active member who have demonstrated exceptional excellence, dedication, and significant contributions to the practice of clinical anesthesia in Canada!

Over a distinguished 30-year career, Dr. Umedaly has made lasting contributions to cardiothoracic anesthesiology and cardiac surgery intensive care at Vancouver General Hospital. As a Clinical Professor in the UBC Faculty of Medicine, he completed his medical and specialty training in Vancouver before pursuing fellowship training in Australia.

Dr. Umedaly is widely known and respected for his clinical expertise, technical skill, and commitment to education, having received numerous honours for teaching and clinical excellence, including several Master Teacher Awards and the Residents Doctors of BC Teaching Award.

Dr. Umedaly has also demonstrated outstanding leadership throughout his career. He served as a Royal College examiner for six years and was Head of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care at Vancouver General Hospital for a decade. During his tenure, he was recognized as a visionary leader who championed patient-centred approaches to perioperative care and helped drive improvements in clinical practice and service delivery.

Beyond his clinical and educational work, Dr. Umedaly played a vital role in developing training programs and securing operational funding for British Columbia’s Anesthesia Care Team model. He led partnerships with colleagues at UBC and other partner institutions in Canada and Europe to support the successful development of a residency training program in Uganda.

His service to the broader medical community includes serving as President of the UBC Medical Alumni Association, for which he was recently honoured with the UBC Medical Alumni Builder Award. He continues to support the advancement of Anesthesia through his involvement with the Canadian Anesthesiologists’ Society and currently serves on the Vancouver General Hospital & UBC Hospital Foundation Board of Directors.

The Clinical Practitioner Award truly reflects Dr. Umedaly’s enduring impact as a clinician, educator, leader, and advocate in the field of Anesthesiology!

UBC Medicine Vancouver Summer Program

June 5, 2026

This summer, we’re excited to welcome students from around the world to the UBC Vancouver Summer Program (VSP), a four-week academic experience that brings together learning, innovation, and exploration in beautiful Vancouver. VSP’s medicine stream gives international undergraduate students the opportunity to explore Canadian health and life sciences through immersive and hands-on experiences.

This year, the MED B July package, Computational Medicine and Pharmacology, introduces students to two integrated courses: Pharmacology Through Case Studies and Computational Medicine and Drug Discovery. From simulated clinical cases and laboratory activities to biomedical data science and drug discovery approaches, students will gain exposure to how medicine, technology, and research intersect in today’s healthcare landscape.

Beyond the classroom, VSP offers students the chance to build global connections, experience life at UBC, and enjoy everything summer in Vancouver has to offer. We’re looking forward to welcoming this year’s cohort and seeing the ideas, curiosity, and perspectives they bring to our community!

BC Children’s Hospital Becomes Canada’s First Accredited Pediatric Anesthesia AFC Fellowship Program

June 5, 2026

BC Children’s Hospital (UBC) has become the first accredited pediatric anesthesia Area of Focused Competence (AFC) fellowship program in Canada, marking a significant milestone for specialized anesthesia training and pediatric patient care nationwide.

The achievement comes 40 years after BC Children’s Hospital welcomed its first pediatric anesthesia clinical fellow in 1985. On July 1, 2025, the Royal College officially recognized pediatric anesthesia as an Area of Focused Competence (AFC) — the first specialized area within anesthesia to receive this designation. In February 2026, BC Children’s Hospital became the first program in Canada to receive accreditation under the new AFC framework.

The creation of the AFC represents a major step toward establishing national standards for pediatric anesthesia fellowship training across Canada while recognizing the unique strengths of individual programs. The initiative builds on years of collaboration among pediatric anesthesia leaders and educators across the country.

In 2019, the Canadian Pediatric Anesthesia Society proposed the development of common educational standards for fellowship programs. Under the joint leadership of Dr. Katherine Bailey (BC Children’s Hospital) and Dr. Jady Srinivasan (SickKids), a Royal College working group developed a national curriculum framework, including Competency Training Requirements, a Competency Portfolio, and Standards of Accreditation.

The implementation of the pediatric anesthesia AFC establishes national standards for training and sub-specialist competence, helping to enhance quality of care for children and meet the needs of an increasingly complex patient population. It also highlights the depth and breadth of Canadian pediatric anesthesia fellowship programs, allowing them to compete on the global stage. The role of fellowship trained pediatric anesthesiologists is to advance the scientific knowledge and care of complex pediatric patients, while acting as a supportive resource to anesthesiologists already safely practicing pediatric anesthesia in the community setting.

When the Royal College launched the national AFC in July 2025, Dr. Bailey became the inaugural Chair of the AFC Pediatric Anesthesia Committee. As the lead author on BC Children’s Hospital (UBC) individual application, she successfully led the program to be the first to achieve accreditation in Canada this past spring. Dr. Bailey will continue to support pediatric anesthesia programs across the country as they pursue accreditation under the new national framework.

Research in Focus: Dr. Tim Jen

June 3, 2026

Driven by challenges encountered in clinical practice and a commitment to improving patient care, Dr. Tim Jen’s award-winning research focuses on optimizing postoperative pain management following cardiac surgery through regional anesthesia techniques.

Recently, Dr. Jen was awarded first place in the Clinical Science category at the International Anesthesia Research Society (IARS) Kosaka Top Abstract competition for his study “Analgesic Efficacy of Continuous Superficial Parasternal Intercostal Plane Blockade in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery with Median Sternotomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” The study explored continuous superficial parasternal intercostal plane (SPIP) blockade improved postoperative pain control compared with single-injection blockade in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with median sternotomy.

Driven by the growing adoption of enhanced recovery pathways after cardiac surgery and the ongoing opioid crisis, Dr. Jen’s research aims to discover evidence-based strategies that optimize postoperative pain management while minimizing unnecessary risks and opioid exposure. His findings contribute important evidence to help guide institutional practices and future recommendations surrounding regional anesthesia techniques in cardiac surgical patients.

As an early-career clinician-researcher, Dr. Jen hopes this recognition will continue to support the development of his research program, with future work focused on the safety of regional anesthesia in cardiac surgery, postoperative arrhythmia generation, and the lived experiences of patients with chronic post-sternotomy pain.

“The most rewarding aspects of my research journey have been the intrinsic satisfaction of conducting high-quality, methodologically rigorous research, and the mentorship, collaboration, and support I have been fortunate to receive from colleagues, trainees, and interdisciplinary team members throughout the process.”

— Dr. Tim Jen, Staff Anesthesiologist, Clinical Assistant Professor; UBC

Meet Dr. Tim Jen!

Site: St. Paul’s Hospital

Rank: Clinical Assistant Professor and Staff Anesthesiologist

After completing both his BSc in Biochemistry and MD from the University of British Columbia in 2015, Dr. Tim Jen pursued training in anesthesiology at the University of Ottawa before returning to Vancouver to complete a fellowship in Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain Medicine at UBC. He also recently received his Masters of Health Sciences at UBC, where he focused on clinical research methodology and perioperative outcomes research.

Guided by a strong interest in improving patient recovery after surgery, his current role as a clinician-researcher at St. Paul’s Hospital combines clinical practice and research to advance patient-centered perioperative care.

What drew you to this particular research question or problem?

Our research question stems from challenges we encounter during clinical care. Poststernotomy pain after cardiac surgery impacts patient recovery, affecting pulmonary rehabilitation, mobilization, sleep, and delirium. Societal guidelines recommend fascial plane blockade to reduce acute poststernotomy pain, and superficial parasternal intercostal plane (SPIP) blockade has been shown to be both efficacious and safe in this regard. However, single-injection is limited by the short duration, whereas severe poststernotomy pain often persists for two or more days. In theory, continuous blockade may be helpful but are associated with increased complexity, cost, and risks. There is a lack of data to inform optimal technique. Our group hoped to generate rigorous evidence through this trial to guide clinical care.

What’s been the most rewarding moment in your research journey so far?

We are grateful for the funding provided by the Canadian Anesthesia Research Foundation through the Canadian Anesthesiologists’ Society’s 2023 Dr. James Beckstead Award. We are also honoured to have received the 2026 Kosaka Top Basic Science Abstract Award supported by the Japan Society for Clinical Anesthesia (JSCA) and the International Anesthesia Research Society (IARS) for this research trial. The most rewarding aspects of my research journey have been the intrinsic satisfaction of conducting high-quality, methodologically rigorous research and the mentorship, collaboration, and support I have been fortunate to receive from colleagues, trainees, and interdisciplinary team members throughout the process.

How could your research, whether through direct clinical application or by advancing foundational knowledge, impact the field of anesthesiology and ultimately improve patient care?

This trial has several strengths, including quadruple blinding, a robust, pre-specified statistical analysis plan, and an infusion regimen and catheter type informed by prior literature. This trial provides objective evidence to help inform guideline recommendations on fascial plane blockade in this surgical population, and to inform institutional decisions about the utilization and safety trade-offs of catheter-based regional analgesic techniques after cardiac surgery.

Outside of work, what do you enjoy the most?

I am an enthusiastic pickleball player and always welcome pick-up games.

Read Publication here: Analgesic Efficacy of Continuous Superficial Parasternal Intercostal Plane Blockade in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery with Median Sternotomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

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Congratulations to our 2026 Spring BSc Pharmacology Graduates

May 26, 2026

Tuum Est. It is Yours.

Graduation marks both an ending and an exciting new beginning, a time to celebrate the hard work, growth, and unwavering dedication that our BSc students have demonstrated through their academic journeys. Our Spring 2026 BSc Pharmacology graduates reflect the curiosity, resilience, and passion that define the future of science, healthcare and research.

We are proud to celebrate this important milestone and the journeys ahead as they carry their knowledge and experiences into new opportunities. These students have enriched our community and the field of pharmacology, and we look forward to seeing the impact they will make in research, healthcare, industry, and beyond as they begin their next chapters.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026!

Daniel Aminbakhsh

Ali Aryaeinia

Joanne Liani Chandra

Rachel Choi

Justin Huang

Mehak Judge

Tara Khosheghbal

Florin Lee

Abigail Li

Samantha Li

Kasra Mousadoust

Raghav Sharma

Quirina Thompson

Ray Wang

Yuqi Wang

Carrie Xu

APT Research Day 2026 Award Winners

May 26, 2026

The Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics Research Day 2026 brought together trainees, faculty, and researchers to showcase innovative research spanning anesthesiology, pharmacology, therapeutics, and emerging technologies. This year’s presentations highlighted the breadth of research within the department and reflected the curiosity, collaboration, and dedication driving advances in health research.

We are pleased to recognize this year’s award recipients and presenters whose outstanding work stood out among an impressive group of submissions.

Oral Presentation Awards

First Place: Anesthesiology

Yannick MacMillan
Resident, Anesthesiology
Supervisor: Dr. David Barbic

Presentation: Racial Disparities in the Management of Acute Pain in Children Presenting to the Emergency Department: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Yannick’s work examined racial disparities in pediatric pain management within emergency care settings, contributing important insights into healthcare equity and highlighting opportunities to improve clinical practice and patient outcomes.

First Place: Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Raveen Badyal
PhD Student, Pharmacology
Supervisor: Dr. Tillie-Louise Hackett

Presentation: Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)-β Isoform-Specific Signalling and Inhibition in Dermal and Lung Fibroblasts in Systemic Sclerosis

Raveen’s research explored molecular pathways involved in systemic sclerosis, advancing understanding of disease mechanisms and identifying potential therapeutic approaches targeting fibrosis.

Oral Presentation Runner-Up

Kheireddin Mufti
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Pharmacogenomics
Supervisor: Dr. Catrina Loucks

Presentation: Toward Precision Pain Management in Pediatric Oncology: SLCO3A1 Genetic Variation Predicts Morphine Analgesic Response

Kheireddin’s research investigated genetic factors influencing morphine response in pediatric oncology patients, supporting the development of more individualized approaches to pain management.

Lightning Talk Highlights

This year’s Lightning Talks showcased a wide range of emerging research topics delivered through concise and engaging presentations.

Featured Presenters:

Imandeep Sekhon, Harleen Dhillon and Selina Parmar
BSc Undergraduate Students
Supervisor: Amrit Singh

Presentation: The Biological Trajectory of Fentanyl Dependence: A Multi-Omics Review of Addiction, Withdrawal, and Relapse

Christopher Yuen
PhD Student, Pharmacology
Supervisor: Pascal Bernatchez

Presentation: Early Telmisartan Adjuvant Therapy in Diabetes to Prevent Chronic Vascular Complications: A Pleiotropic Effect?

Siddarth Chilukuri, Parteek Sandhu and Bishneet Rekhi
BSc Undergraduate Students
Supervisor: Amritpal Singh

Presentation: IF2RNA: Predicting Gene Expression from Immunofluorescence Images

Rohan Sharma and Keerat Jhangria
BSc Undergraduate Students
Supervisor: Amritpal Singh

Presentation: Network-Based Drug Prioritization for Heart Failure Subtypes: Integrating Proteomic Biomarkers and Knowledge Graphs to Identify Phenotype-Specific Therapeutic Targets

APT Paper of the Year Awards

The APT Paper of the Year Award recognizes outstanding scholarly achievement and celebrates impactful research contributions across the Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics. The award highlights exceptional work that advances knowledge, demonstrates research excellence, and contributes meaningfully to the fields represented within our department.

This year, we are pleased to recognize Dr. Michael Jew and Dr. Khaled Abdelrahman as our award recipients for their outstanding contributions and commitment to research excellence!

Dr. Michael Jew

Paper: Ultrasound-guided, percutaneous cryoneurolysis of intercostal nerves in high-risk, traumatic rib fracture patients

Dr. Khaled Abdelrahman

Paper: Positive allosteric modulation of M1 mAChRs with VU0486846 reverses cognitive deficits in male APPswe/PSEN1ΔE9 alzheimer’s mice

Dr. Jean Templeton Hugill Memorial Lecturer

Lecturer: Dr. Evan Kharasch

Merel H. Harmel Distinguished Professor of Anesthesiology, Duke University

Topic: Understanding Opioid Variability

Emerging Faculty Presentation

Lecturer: Dr. Jason Chui

Clinical Associate Professor, Invited Faculty Lecturer

Topic: Recall Under Sedation and Beyond: From the PEERS Study to Perioperative Mental Health

APT Research Day continues to provide an important platform for trainees and researchers to share discoveries, exchange ideas, and foster collaboration across different fields. This year, we received record engagement, with over 110 attendees and 71 abstracts submitted, the highest number received to date! What an amazing reflection to the growing strength of research within the department.

Congratulations to all presenters and award recipients for their exceptional contributions and for advancing research that has the potential to improve patient care and expand scientific understanding!

We are grateful to all participants, faculty mentors, judges, and attendees whose enthusiasm, expertise, and support helped make APT Research Day 2026 such a success.

Trainee Spotlight: Simrin Dhillon

May 25, 2026

Meet Simrin Dhillon!

Role: Anesthesia Resident, PGY2

Site: UBC Vancouver

Simrin Dhillon’s journey into medicine began at Rutgers University, where she pursued a degree in Kinesiology while balancing the demands and rigors of competing in varsity field hockey. Through her studies in human physiology, she became increasingly fascinated by the science of the human body and the impact healthcare can have on people’s lives, sparking a path toward medicine at UBC.

Now completing her anesthesiology residency, Simrin has developed growing interests in perioperative medicine, medical education, and quality improvement. Along the way, the guidance and encouragement of colleagues and mentors have played an important role in shaping her development as a clinician, reinforcing her commitment to lifelong learning and compassionate, patient-centered care.

“Training has taught me the importance of trusting the process, staying patient with yourself, and focusing on steady growth day by day.”

— Simrin Dhillon, Anesthesia Resident PGY2, UBC

What inspired you to pursue anesthesiology, pharmacology, or therapeutics?

During medical school, I was interested in anesthesiology because it combines physiology, pharmacology, procedural skills, and critical thinking in a highly team-oriented environment. My exposure to the field started in undergrad during an obstetric anesthesia research project, as well as by accompanying my grandmother to chronic pain appointments. Through both experiences, I saw how anesthesiologists can have a meaningful impact on patient care during vulnerable moments. I was also drawn to the OR environment, working through acute clinical problems, and the broad scope of the specialty.

What has surprised you most about your training?

What has surprised me most about training is how quickly it progresses. Early on, running a case independently or performing certain procedures can feel incredibly daunting and almost unattainable. However, with time, repetition, and support from mentors and colleagues, those same tasks gradually become part of your daily practice. One day, you suddenly realize you are confidently doing things that once felt far beyond your abilities. Training has taught me the importance of trusting the process, staying patient with yourself, and focusing on steady growth day by day.

What do you enjoy doing outside of the hospital or lab?

Outside of the hospital, I enjoy staying active and spending time with family, friends, and my dogs. I play on a few recreational sports teams and enjoy exploring the beautiful mountains that BC has to offer, whether that’s snowboarding in the winter or hiking in the summer. I also love trying new coffee shops and restaurants around the city. Outside of medicine, I value activities that help me recharge, stay connected with others, and maintain balance.

How did your path lead you to UBC?

My path to University of British Columbia for residency was shaped by both the strength of the anesthesiology program and my experiences during medical school in BC. Through my clinical rotations, I was drawn to the collaborative culture, supportive learning environment, and strong sense of mentorship within the department. I also appreciated the program’s broad clinical exposure across diverse training sites and patient populations. Furthermore, I valued its strong emphasis on fostering a sense of community among residents, which reinforced that UBC was the right fit for my training.

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