Research in Focus: Matthew Turnock

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.

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

Dr. Turnock 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, Dr. Turnock 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

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 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, Anesthesia 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

OpenClose

Service

Teaching

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Teaching

Congratulations to members of our Department who were successfully promoted as of July 1, 2025

October 15, 2025

The Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics is pleased to extend congratulations to our clinical faculty members who were successfully promoted effective July 1, 2025

2025 clinical Promotions

Approved for Promotion from Clinical Instructor to Clinical Assistant Professor

Simon Burrows – Lions Gate Hospital
Heather Cadenhead – St. Paul’s Hospital
Katherine Mittermaier – Vancouver General Hospital
Cole Wong – St. Paul’s Hospital
Julia Cory – Vancouver General Hospital
Naima Kotadia – Vancouver General Hospital
Adam Humble – St. Paul’s Hospital
Vincent Fruci – St. Paul’s Hospital
Thomas Prasloski – St. Paul’s Hospital
Kai Hao Wang – St. Paul’s Hospital
Juliana Barrera – BC Women’s Hospital
Clare Burlinson – BC Women’s Hospital
Elise Hindle – BC Women’s Hospital

Approved for Promotion from Clinical Assistant Professor to Clinical Associate Professor

Diana Su-Yin MacDonell – St. Paul’s Hospital
Cheryl Peters – BC Children’s Hospital

Approved for Promotion from Clinical Associate Professor to Clinical Professor

Simon Whyte – BC Children’s Hospital

Dr. Wesam Farag, Postdoctoral fellow awarded a 3 year Michael Smith Health Research BC / Alzheimer Society of BC Trainee Award

October 15, 2025

Congratulations to Dr. Wesam Farag (Postdoctoral Fellow in Dr. Khaled Abdelrahman’s laboratory) who was awarded a 3-year Michael Smith Health Research BC / Alzheimer Society of BC Postdoctoral Fellowship to support his research project entitled “Targeting G Protein-Coupled Receptors to Improve Neurovascular Coupling in Alzheimer’s Disease”

A lay summary can be found – Targeting G Protein-Coupled Receptors to Improve Neurovascular Coupling in Alzheimer’s Disease – Health Research BC

Canada Foundation for Innovation’s (CFI) John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) Award for The Abdelrahman Lab on the role of GPCRs in Alzheimer’s Disease pathophysiology

October 10, 2025

Congratulations to Dr. Khaled Abdelrahman on the recent awarding of a Canada Foundation for Innovation John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) award for The Abdelrahman Lab on the role of GPCRs in Alzheimer’s Disease pathophysiology.

Dr. Abdelrahman’s lab is dedicated to understanding how Alzheimer’s disease disrupts brain function, particularly through its impact on blood flow. The lab focuses on G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs, the most abundant receptor family in the body, and their interactions with toxic beta-amyloid and tau proteins, which are hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. By investigating how these interactions impair GPCR function and contribute to impaired blood flow to the brain, the lab aims to uncover new therapeutic targets.

With support from the CFI-JELF grant, the lab will acquire cutting-edge equipment to conduct advanced experiments using Alzheimer’s brain cells and mouse models. This will enable researchers in Abdelrahman’s group to study how beta-amyloid and tau affect GPCR signaling, brain blood flow, and memory while also exploring sex-based differences in disease progression. Additionally, the lab will test drugs targeting GPCRs to assess their potential in restoring blood flow and improving Alzheimer’s symptoms in both male and female mouse models.

By leveraging innovative tools and techniques, Dr. Abdelrahman’s lab strives uncover the role of GPCRs in Alzheimer’s and accelerate the development of novel treatment strategies for diverse patient populations.