VPSA’s monthly physician lunches are a popular place to meet and chat with colleagues. They are also an opportunity to get to know more about other departments and providers so we don’t operate so much in silos. A PowerPoint presentation prepared by VGH’s Division of Rheumatology played in the background during the lineup for the April lunch. Here’s a summary of that group’s highlights and accomplishments from 2024.

The division is home to 67 faculty members; in 2024 these members attracted $211,560 in new research funding, which is part of the division’s more than $9 million in active research funding. Division members garnered 13 major awards, published 40 peer-reviewed papers, and welcomed four new residents, along with seven graduate students. The division offered 40 rounds, published 18 abstracts, mentored four undergrad co-op students and took part in five graduate supervisory committees.

Members who stood out in 2024 include:

• Derin Karacabeyli, winner of the UBC Division of Rheumatology Awards’ John M. Esdaile Award for teaching excellence and breakthrough studies. Dr. Karacabeyli also won a Canadian Rheumatology Association Award, the Phil Rosen Award, for clinical research. He also took home the American College of Rheumatology’s Distinguished Fellow Award for exceptional achievement and clinical excellence.
• Jordan Friedmann won the UBC Division of Rheumatology Awards’ Howard B. Stein Award for leadership and contribution to the program.
• Esdaile won the Canadian Rheumatology Association Awards’ Distinguished Rheumatologist Award for research impact, clinical excellence, and mentorship.
• James Yeung won an innovation award for groundbreaking research in immunology.
• Raheem Kherani also won an innovation award; his was for pioneering clinical techniques.
• Kam Shojania received an advocacy award of excellence for championing patient access that will improve the care framework for BC.
• Mo Bardi won a teaching excellence award for his outstanding commitment to education and providing exceptional guidance for residents and pioneering educational methods.
• Three division physicians were acknowledged at the VMDAS annual awards ceremony:
  • Natasha Dehghan won the clinical achievement award.
  • Raheem Kherani received the Larry Collins Committee Service Award.
  • Ann Marie Colwill spoke on behalf of the 82 members receiving 10 years of service awards.
• Diane Lacaille won the American College of Rheumatology’s Investigative Mentoring Award for groundbreaking research contributions and developing new research talent.

The following collaborative initiatives were highlighted:

• Joint education programs (BCSR and UBC combined training initiatives)
• Research partnerships (provincial collaboration on clinical trials)
• Community outreach (VGH rheumatologists travelled to over 30 towns and villages in BC to provide care to rural patients)
• National Rheumatology Crash Course (this 24th annual event attracted 21 registrants from across Canada with 26 faculty members and three R5 examiners taking part)

VPSA’s next lunch at VGH will be Friday, June 13 from 11:30 am to 12:45 pm in the VMDAS Hub for Engagement and Wellness, next to Sassafras Café. See you there!

If you are interested in your department/division/team being profiled at a future luncheon, please reach out to VA’s Manager, Provider Strategic Initiatives & Engagement, Laura Mc Evoy.