Trainee Spotlight: Zeren Sun

November 26, 2025

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 Zeren Sun!

Zeren’s educational journey began with a strong curiosity about how the human body works and how modern medicine can save lives. After completing an undergraduate degree in Pharmacology at China Pharmaceutical University, Zeren pursued graduate research investigating the mechanisms and potential therapies for muscle diseases. These experiences strengthened Zeren’s laboratory skills and deepened an appreciation for translational science. Currently, as a PhD candidate at UBC, Zeren integrates preclinical modeling and pharmacological approaches to study how lipid metabolism influences muscle integrity. This path has shaped Zeren’s goal of bridging fundamental research and therapeutic innovation.

“Balancing sports, creative pursuits, culinary exploration, and travel helps me recharge, stay inspired, and bring renewed energy and curiosity to my research and daily life.”

— Zeren Sun, Grad Student, UBC

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

My passion for pharmacology stems from both personal and scientific motivations. As someone interested in muscle health and strength training, I became fascinated by how molecular pathways and drugs influence muscle growth, repair, and performance. Witnessing the challenges faced by patients with muscular dystrophy—limited treatment options and shortened lifespans—further deepened my commitment to research. I aim to translate scientific discoveries into practical interventions, serving as a bridge between patients, caregivers, and researchers, and contributing my efforts toward advancing human health.

How did your path lead you to UBC?

During my master’s studies at China Pharmaceutical University, I came across a series of studies from Dr. Pascal Bernatchez’s lab on lipid metabolism and muscle biology. This inspired me to join a summer program in Vancouver in 2018, where I experienced UBC’s vibrant research environment firsthand. With its strong reputation, state-of-the-art resources, and leadership in pharmacological research, UBC proved to be the ideal place to advance my training. I am honored to be part of Dr. Bernatchez’s lab, where I explore translational approaches to improve muscle health and develop therapies for muscular dystrophy.

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

I am most passionate about translating research into simple, accessible interventions that improve the muscle health of patients with muscular dystrophy. In Dr. Bernatchez’s lab, I gain hands-on experience with animal models, cell culture, and bioinformatics, while sharing my work at conferences, research days, and seminars. Engaging with peers provides valuable feedback and keeps me informed about the latest developments in the field. By combining experimental research with practical strategies, I aim to develop approaches that meaningfully enhance the quality of life for those living with muscle conditions.

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

In my free time, I enjoy sports such as badminton, tennis, and bowling, and I’m excited to try skiing this winter. I also love traveling and photography, capturing new places and experiences through my lens. Music is another passion—I’ve played drums in a band and enjoy attending live shows and concerts. I like exploring newly opened restaurants both locally and abroad. Balancing sports, creative pursuits, culinary exploration, and travel helps me recharge, stay inspired, and bring renewed energy and curiosity to my research and daily life

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Dr. Amrit Singh appointed as new Vice Chair, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

November 26, 2025

Message from the Head

It is my pleasure to announce the appointment, effective December 1, 2025, of Dr. Amrit Singh as Vice Chair, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) for the Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Therapeutics.

Dr. Singh is an Assistant Professor in the department, working at St. Paul’s Hospital / Heart Lung Institute. He received his Honours BSc in Biology and Mathematics from McMaster University and PhD in Experimental Medicine from the University of British Columbia under the supervision of Dr. Scott Tebbutt. Dr. Singh then pursued a post-doctoral fellowship with the PROOF Centre of Excellence with Drs. Bruce McManus and Raymond Ng. He was a principal statistical analyst at Bayer Pharmaceuticals prior to starting to joining our department in 2022. Dr. Singh leads a computational biology lab focused on biomarker discovery and developing methods and tools for multiomics data integration and visualization. Dr. Singh’s research focuses on the identification of biomarkers for heart and lung disease such as asthma and heart failure using high throughput biological (“omics”) datasets. Dr. Singh developed DIABLO, an integrative multiomics classification method as part of the mixOmics data integration project (mixomics.org). Through active collaborations with clinicians and wet-bench scientists, Dr. Singh’s research incorporates patient cohorts with model systems with single cell and spatial technologies dissecting molecular mechanisms of disease, for the eventual goal of drug repurposing.

Already an active member of the Respectful Environment, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (REDI) committee, Dr. Singh will take over leadership of the committee from his predecessor, Dr. Alana Flexman who has served as the inaugural EDI chair since 2021. We are grateful for her tireless efforts over these years to lead important discussion and develop meaningful policies around this critical aspect of our collective academic and clinical lives.The REDI committee was created to acknowledge and address systemic inequities that are present in our academic and hospital systems. Systemic discrimination encompasses a range of groups, including but not limited to discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, living with a disability, socioeconomic background, religion and other identities.

The REDI committee is committed to leveraging the lived experience, knowledge and expertise of its members to recommend and implement systematic changes to improve equity across the department. The committee welcomes a similar commitment from all our departmental members to enact meaningful change and have voice.

Congratulations to Dr. Singh, and we look forward to working with him in this role.

Dr. Hilary P. Grocott, MD, FRCPC

Professor and Head, Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Research in Focus: Teresa Skelton

November 5, 2025

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.

Driven by a shared vision for improving pediatric care, Dr. Teresa Skelton and her colleagues are reimagining how transfusion medicine is taught to the next generation of clinicians.

As a co-lead for the Pediatric Anesthesia Research Team at BC Children’s Hospital alongside her friend and colleague, Dr. Lynnie Correll, Teresa supports research activities within the department while leading projects focused on transfusion medicine education and pediatric Patient Blood Management.

Most recently, she collaborated with colleagues in transfusion medicine at the University of Toronto and highly-skilled UBC resident, Dr. Ines Zuna, on a multi-phase pilot project to develop Pediatric Transfusion Camp: a team-based learning curriculum modelled after Transfusion Camp, which is currently taught to all anesthesia residents across Canada. Designed to provide pediatric-specific training for subspecialty fellows in pediatric anesthesia, hematology, intensive care, emergency medicine, and surgery, Pediatric Transfusion Camp is now in its second year. The program delivers validated knowledge assessments, lectures, and team-based learning seminars nationwide, equipping clinicians with evidence-based content to help ensure safer care for children requiring transfusion.

Simulated blood products in massive hemorrhage simulation

“What drives the projects I choose to prioritize is the belief that everyone should have access to the same education and research opportunities.”

– Teresa Skelton, Clinical Associate Professor, UBC

Meet Dr. Teresa Skelton!

Site: BC Children’s Hospital

Rank: Clinical Associate Professor

Teresa is a pediatric anesthesiologist with an MPH (Master of Public Health) from the Harvard School of Public Health. Although always fostering an interest in research, her journey truly began when she met her mentor, Dr. Patricia Livingston—an anesthesiologist and Officer of the Order of Canada—whose passion for education advocacy in resource-limited settings deeply influenced her. Through their collaboration, Teresa participated in her first study investigating non-technical skills training through simulation in Rwanda. Since then, she has continued to advance knowledge in her specialty while striving to balance local academic work with support for international research initiatives.

Rwanda transfusion guidelines and “Blood Easy” manuals at Transfusion Camp Rwanda

What drew you to this particular research question or problem?

What drives the projects I choose to prioritize is the belief that everyone should have access to the same education and research opportunities. I am grateful to have recognized transfusion medicine education—particularly well-designed programs such as Transfusion Camp—as something that should be available to pediatric specialists and to the global community. Why not work hard to transform a great educational tool into something more widely accessible, and then work even harder to demonstrate knowledge translation and empower educators in all contexts to engage in the process and share their expertise? To me, this is success!

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

I hope that those who read this, or who know about my work, are reminded never to underestimate the power of mentorship. The mentorship I received shaped my career path and helped to make (I hope) a difference in education and patient care, both locally and globally. I also hope to show that it is possible to remain curious and to support research and quality improvement in your own community while also sharing knowledge and collaborating with others who may not have the same resources. Contributing your time to research—whether through collaboration, funding advocacy, or knowledge translation—promotes greater equity in anesthesia worldwide and enhances our own practice by teaching us to be more generous, thoughtful, and kind.

Simulation environment teaching non-technical skills

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

The most rewarding aspect of my research has been playing a small part in the success of the collaborators, students, and trainees I have worked with. My close friend and collaborator in Rwanda, Dr. Françoise Nizeyimana, has become a leading voice for Patient Blood Management in her country. We began working together in 2019 with a shared vision of bringing transfusion medicine education to Rwanda, but as two pediatric anesthesiologists, we weren’t sure where to start. Six years later—and with the support of Canadian Blood Services and close friends such as Dr. Yulia Lin at the University of Toronto—Dr. Nizeyimana is leading quality improvement initiatives in both the operating room and the intensive care unit, sharing her work at international events supported by the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists, and planning and teaching transfusion medicine courses for medical students, residents, faculty, and nurses in Rwanda.

Drs Nizeyimana and Skelton running a workshop at the World Congress of Anesthesiologists 2024

Outside of work, what do you enjoy the most?

Outside of work, I love spending time with my family. I make it a priority to support my children in school and athletics, and to balance my clinical and research commitments with the day-to-day joys of family life. I have become an excellent chauffeur! When all is said and done, I love to canoe and ski.

Learn more about the Anesthesia Pediatric Research Team at BC Children’s Hospital here.

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Research in Focus: Matthew Turnock

November 5, 2025

In the weightlessness of space, even routine medical procedures pose unique challenges. Dr. Matthew Turnock and his colleagues are investigating how spinal anesthesia behaves when gravity is removed. Their project explores the dispersion of intrathecal solutions in microgravity and related analogue environments, using physician-volunteer studies on Earth and during parabolic flight.

By combining physiological monitoring, imaging, and pharmacologic modeling, the team is uncovering how baricity, posture, and spinal curvature influence anesthetic distribution when gravitational cues are absent. This work bridges aerospace medicine, anesthesiology, and fluid dynamics. Ultimately, the findings could help guide clinical protocols for regional anesthesia in space and deepen our understanding of cerebrospinal fluid dynamics—paving the way for safer surgical and emergency care in microgravity and future low-gravity environments like the Moon or Mars.

“The most rewarding part of my research journey has been coming full circle—from being a student to becoming a mentor.”

– Matthew Turnock, Clinical Assistant Professor, UBC

Meet Matthew Turnock!

Site: Royal Columbian Hospital

Rank: Clinical Assistant Professor

Matthew developed an early interest in neuroscience, medical simulation, and human performance in extreme environments while completing an undergraduate degree in Computational Neuroscience and a Master of Science in eHealth at McMaster University through research conducted in the Canadian Arctic and Mars analog sites. Drawn to anesthesiology for its unique integration of technology, physiology, and pharmacology, Matt is inspired by the specialty’s hands-on approach and the ability to see the immediate results of interventions. Today, his work at Royal Columbian Hospital and involvement in teaching UBC residents continue to challenge and expand his skills as both a clinician and researcher.

What drew you to this particular research question or problem?

It addresses a fundamental gap in knowledge and explores the relatively under-researched area of Anesthesiology in human spaceflight. Traditionally, the anesthesia and space medicine communities have assumed that spinal anesthesia would behave predictably in microgravity, despite the high risk of total spinal anesthesia, even though its distribution on Earth depends entirely on gravity. With the rapid growth of human spaceflight, longer missions, and increased commercial participation, this assumption required careful testing. Finding the answer is crucial not only for ensuring that safe and effective anesthesia can be delivered in space but also for deepening our understanding of how spinal anesthesia functions in terrestrial environments.

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

This project directly supports our broader research goal of advancing anesthesia care in extreme environments—whether in space, underwater, or remote terrestrial settings—by examining how altered gravity, pressure, and physiology affect anesthetic delivery and safety. Collectively, these efforts aim to inform future clinical practice in situations where conventional assumptions no longer apply. Our research group at Royal Columbian Hospital is highly supportive and enthusiastic about this unique area of study, and we hope that these early investigations will lay the groundwork for a robust and ongoing research program.

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

The most rewarding part of my research journey has been coming full circle—from being a student to becoming a mentor. During my master’s degree, I had an incredible supervisor who encouraged me to take on new challenges and provided unforgettable experiences, such as spending a month living in a tent in the Canadian Arctic. That experience profoundly shaped my approach to learning and mentorship. One of the highlights of my career so far has been offering my own students similar opportunities, including giving two of them the chance to experience zero gravity during a parabolic flight campaign.

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Faculty Spotlight: Wade Thompson

November 5, 2025

Meet Dr. Wade Thompson!

Rank: Assistant Professor

During his training as a pharmacist, Wade was particularly inspired by mentors who provided care for older adults. He has since worked as a pharmacist in geriatrics and long-term care for several years.

It is not uncommon for patients to take 10 or 15 medications every day. Even when medications were appropriate when first prescribed, individuals can end up on treatments that are no longer needed or may be unsafe — his clinical work has driven him to explore ways to promote safe and effective medication use for older adults.

“We are fortunate to partner with clinicians, researchers, patients, and the public, and to work with exceptional students and trainees. It is incredibly fulfilling to learn together and to witness the growth and development of our students and trainees.”

– Wade Thompson, Assistant Professor, UBC

How did your career path lead you to UBC and to your current position?

Being involved in the field of appropriate medication use in Canada, I was aware of the unique and critically important work of UBC’s Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Therapeutics, particularly through the Therapeutics Initiative (TI). While searching for potential faculty positions during my postdoc, I came across a posting for a tenure-track position working with the TI at UBC and immediately seized the opportunity.

What drew you to anesthesiology/pharmacology/therapeutics as a specialty or area of research?

I was motivated by how common it is for older adults to take medications that are unnecessary, not beneficial, or potentially harmful, and by the desire to find ways to promote appropriate medication use wherever possible. When it comes to appropriate mediation use for frail older adults, there are a lot of unanswered questions and evidence gaps.

What’s one piece of advice you received early in your career that has stayed with you?

One of my PhD mentors gave me a structured and nuanced approach for learning when to say “no.” I still struggle with applying it, but I think about it constantly.

What do you find most rewarding about your work?

The most rewarding aspect of my work is the opportunity to connect and collaborate with a wide range of people through research, education, and knowledge translation. We are fortunate to partner with clinicians, researchers, patients, and the public, and to work with exceptional students and trainees. It is incredibly fulfilling to learn together and to witness the growth and development of our students and trainees.

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Trainee Spotlight: Danielle Lessor

November 4, 2025

Meet Dr. Danielle Lessor!

Danielle’s journey into medicine began early. As a youth, she volunteered as a candy-striper at her rural hospital for six years, where she developed a deep sense of compassion and presence with others. This experience inspired her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, leading to a six-year career across a variety of practice settings where she discovered a particular passion for clinical education. Drawn toward medicine, Danielle completed an Associate of Science degree while working, and in 2014, was accepted into the UBC MD program (Northern Medical Program). Her path has since led her to her current role as an Anesthesia Resident.

“The breadth of knowledge required in anesthesia is immense, which constantly challenges me to expand my capacity and understanding. Within that expansion, there are moments of landing where I can appreciate the journey and reconnect with my purpose.”

– Danielle Lessor, Resident, UBC

What has surprised you most about your training?

What has surprised me in training is the way it has revealed layers of myself as I evolve as a trainee and person. The breadth of knowledge required in anesthesia is immense, which constantly challenges me to expand my capacity and understanding. Within that expansion, there are moments of landing where I can appreciate the journey and reconnect with my purpose. Our training is intended to be iterative with longitudinal clinical exposure and ongoing reflexive praxis. What has most pleasantly surprised me is the personal growth that has unfolded serendipitously along this professional pathway.

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

First, Trauma-Informed Peri-operative Practice – With the guidance of esteemed mentors, our goal is to advance education and develop practice recommendations for anesthesiologists acknowledging the profound impact adverse childhood experiences and other traumas can have on patients as they present. It offers a compassionate, human-centered approach supporting a regulated nervous system, fostering safety and trust while minimizing unintended harm.

Secondly, Transdiagnostic Potential of Psychedelic Medicine – Psilocybin or MDMA Assisted Therapies for chronic pain. Our UBC team is partnered with UofT to study MDMA with psychotherapy for chronic neuropathic pain through the “EASE Pain Trial” – a double-blind, active placebo-controlled pilot RCT with Health Canada approval and $1 Million CIHR funding.

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

Although I derive deep purpose and motivation through work, the most meaningful moments of my life happen outside of the hospital. I am a mother of two sweet AND wild boys – Mykhailo, 6 and Nikolai, 3. Experiencing the journey of life alongside these beautiful souls has been my greatest joy. I am captivated by each stage of their growth, yet profoundly cherish their earliest days. For each child I took the maximum leave and started our journey together in the forest near the ocean on Vancouver Island forming a crucible within which to start their lives off with peace and presence.

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

My fun facts are about wandering the world. I grew up in a remote floating cabin up the Sunshine Coast where swimming in the lake, foraging mushrooms with dad and learning to identify plants and trees by features were my favourite pastimes. Now, my boys are also lake children! I have backpacked through Southeast Asia, Indonesia and Costa Rica over multiple adventures. I am also a yoga teacher who completed teacher training in Bali and have enjoyed many retreats. Unbelievable fact (if you know me), I’ve been completely silent for days at a time over several Vipassana (Buddhist insight meditation) experiences.

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John Boyd

October 27, 2025

John Boyd

Associate Professor

Professor of Early Phase Clinical Trials
Investigator, Centre for Heart Lung Innovation

Email: john.boyd@hli.ubc.ca

Faculty Bio

Dr. Boyd received his MD from the University of Western Ontario in 1998, trained in Internal Medicine at the University of Western Ontario, and subsequently trained in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at McGill University from 2001-2004. His Postdoctoral Fellowship was at the Meakins Laboratory in Montreal 2004-2005. He is an Intensivist at the St. Paul’s Hospital ICU and an Investigator at the Institute for Heart + Lung Health. He is the Medical Director of the Early Phase Clinical Trials Unit at Providence Health and holds the UBC Professorship in Early Phase Clinical Trials

Social Media / Lab or Research Website

Website (or Lab): https://www.hli.ubc.ca/researchers/john-boyd/

Research Interests

Sepsis; Lipids during inflammation; Remote monitoring

Research Theme(s)

Intensive Care, Transplant and Transfusion Medicine

Publication Link(s)

PubMed: “Boyd JH” – Search Results – PubMed

Clinical Interests

Critical care, integration and evaluation of novel therapies and technologies

Services

Director of the Genetically Modified Animal facility, HLI; Head of Critical Care at PHC

Teaching

MEDI_V 570

PATH_V 521

MEDD_V 422A,

INDE 443

Congratulations to Dr. Sukhpal Brar, Clinical Assistant Professor at Royal Columbian Hospital

October 27, 2025

Congratulations to Dr. Sukhpal Brar, Clinical Assistant Professor at Royal Columbian Hospital on being named a 2025 Champion of Philantropy for the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation

By demonstrating their philanthropic commitment and making important contributions in support of the Foundation’s mission, Dr. Brar, a member of Royal Columbian Hospital has distinguished himself by encouraging his peers to give, inspiring their networks to engage and making their own charitable gift.

On October 8, 2025 the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation recognized their 2025 Champions of Philanthropy. Dr. Sukh Brar, Anesthesiologist and Cardiac Intensive Care Physician at Royal Columbian Hospital, was named a 2025 Champion of Philanthropy. Throughout his career, Dr. Brar has taken a visionary approach to patient care, from leading innovative efforts in blood conservation for cardiac surgery to advocating for improvements in healthcare across the province. The Foundation sincerely thanked Dr. Brar for his valuable service on the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation Board of Directors. His dedication, advocacy, and insight have made a lasting impact on both the Foundation and the hospital community.

Jacob Pelling

October 20, 2025

Dr.

Jacob Pelling

Academic Rank:

Clinical Instructor

Hospital Site(s):

Service

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Service

Teaching

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