With the aim of becoming a world leader in military medicine, the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University today announced the establishment of the Office of Military Academic Medicine.
The Office builds upon a long-standing relationship between Schulich Medicine & Dentistry and the Canadian Armed Forces and brings together the administration of current military physician education, research and partnership activities into one office. It also positions the School to work strategically with the ongoing programs to identify new opportunities for collaboration and expansion of current activities.
Dr. Vivian McAlister, Professor at Western’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry will serve as the Director of the Office of Military Academic Medicine. “The Office will facilitate interactions between the School and the Canadian Forces. We will grow the relationship, which is already more than 100 years old, so that Western becomes a world leader in military medicine and humanitarian care.”
Currently, the School partners with the Canadian Forces on a number of education and research initiatives.
Schulich Medicine’s undergraduate medical education program provides medical training for members of the military through the Medical Officer Training Plan. The School also provides specialized training for military physicians in programs such as surgery, anesthesia and psychiatry through its residency training programs as well as clinical rotations for training in the Physician Assistant Program.
The School is also actively involved in military medicine research collaborations including a Chair in Military Critical Care Research, and extensive research in military trauma care; trauma resuscitation and injury patterns; and the management of civilian trauma. Schulich Medicine & Dentistry faculty are currently involved in research into understanding injury patterns in modern combat in order to determine how to better treat injuries on the battlefield and are developing and testing devices and equipment to improve care.
“While we want to provide an excellent service to members of the armed forces who come here to learn and work, we also want to create new opportunities to develop care of disadvantaged people in areas of the world that are less fortunate than ours,” said Dr. McAlister.
For a snapshot of the history and ongoing partnerships between the Canadian Forces and Schulich Medicine & Dentistry read our Stories of Service.
MEDIA CONTACT: Crystal Mackay, Media Relations Officer, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, t. 519.661.2111 ext. 80387, c. 519.933.5944, crystal.mackay@schulich.uwo.ca @CrystalMackay
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Western University delivers an academic experience second to none. Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social and cultural growth in order to better serve our communities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western attracts individuals with a broad worldview, seeking to study, influence and lead in the international community.
ABOUT THE SCHULICH SCHOOL OF MEDICINE & DENTISTRY
The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University is one of Canada’s preeminent medical and dental schools. Established in 1881, it was one of the founding schools of Western University and is known for being the birthplace of family medicine in Canada. For more than 130 years, the School has demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence and a passion for scientific discovery.
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