UBC’s updated Sexual Misconduct Policy and new training for all faculty and staff
A message from Dermot Kelleher, Dean, Faculty of Medicine and Vice-President, Health.
As you may be aware, UBC has recently updated its Sexual Misconduct Policy (SC17). In support of this change, the university has launched a new training course to ensure all faculty and staff understand UBC’s expectations under the revised policy.
The new course, available through Workplace Learning (WPL), includes how to support a workplace free from sexual violence and how to respond to disclosures of sexual violence in a trauma-informed way. This training will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.
I encourage you to complete the training by Friday, February 28. UBC employees who do not complete the training by that date will receive reminder notifications via Workday until they have completed it.
More information about UBC’s revised Sexual Misconduct Policy is available on the policy webpage.
Thank you in advance for completing the training.
This message was sent to all faculty and staff in the Faculty of Medicine. This policy update was also shared by UBC Bulletin on September 16.
Jordan Hamden
Meet Dr. Jordan Hamden, Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology.
Title:
Postdoctoral Fellow
Department/unit:
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Campus:
Vancouver
How long have you worked at the Faculty of Medicine?
About one and a half years.
Tell us what you do at the Faculty in one or two sentences:
People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk for developing dementia, likely driven by an altered intestinal microbiome. The goal of my research is to understand the mechanism(s) by which the intestinal microbiome modulates brain development and aging and how gut-brain axis is altered in people with IBD resulting in an increased risk of dementia.
What’s your favourite thing about your work?
Getting to work on filling an intricate and interesting gap in our scientific knowledge that has real-world implications for people.
What do you hope will change as a result of your research?
Our long-term goal is to discover the mechanism that drives the IBD-dementia connection and develop an intervention.
Are there any research collaborators you’d like to acknowledge?
Dr. Carolina Tropini (School of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Microbiology & Immunology) and her graduate student Claire Sie. Dr Tropini is an expert in the intestinal microbiome and inflammatory bowel disease. Without Dr. Tropini’s mentorship and support and Claire’s hard work we would not be equipped to study the gut-brain axis.
What trait do you admire in others?
If I had to pick one, I’d say dedication. It is easy to set a goal and to start working towards it, it is much more difficult to put in the long-term work needed to achieve the goals you set.
Published: January 2025
Health Research BC Advancing the Use of Evidence in Seniors’ Home & Community Care program
Applications are now open for Michael Smith Health Research BC’s Advancing the Use of Evidence in Seniors’ Home and Community Care Program.
This new funding opportunity aims to improve home and community care for seniors through a blend of supporting both implementation of evidence-based interventions in seniors’ home and community care and learning across health authorities, academic institutions, and communities.
Submit a letter of intent by Monday, March 24, 2025.
Potential applicants can also register to attend the applicant information webinar on Wednesday, January 29, 2025.
Dr. Bonnie Henry on Leading In a Time of Uncertainty: My Road to Kindness
Register to join UBC’s Green College on Thursday, January 30 for a public lecture by Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Dr. Henry will provide a moving and timely reflection on her experiences leading the province’s response to recent public health crises including, most notably, the COVID-19 pandemic.
Join BC’s most senior public health official for this very special evening of self-reflection on lessons learned, and on the importance and power of human kindness.
- Date: Thursday, January 30 from 5–6:30 pm
- Hybrid event:
- In-person: HEBB Building, Room 100, 2045 East Mall, UBC Vancouver
- Livestream option available
Dr. Hugh Kim appointed Director, Centre for Blood Research
A message from Robert McMaster, Vice Dean, Research.
I am pleased to announce that Dr. Hugh Kim has been appointed Director, Centre for Blood Research (CBR) for a five-year term, effective to December 31, 2029.
Dr. Kim is an associate professor in the Department of Oral Biological & Medical Sciences at the UBC Faculty of Dentistry, an associate member in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and a principal investigator with the CBR.
A clinician-scientist, Dr. Kim’s research focuses on fundamental platelet physiology, and has been continuously funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and Michael Smith Health Research BC. Dr. Kim is also an active leader in various national and international research initiatives and is committed to advancing the scientific understanding of blood disorders and improving treatment strategies through translational research.
As Director of the CBR, Dr. Kim will play a key role in shaping the centre’s strategic direction. His vision includes fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment, driving cutting-edge research and promoting interdisciplinary partnerships to further the CBR’s mission to transform the lives of patients with blood-related diseases. Dr. Kim is dedicated to supporting the next generation of researchers and creating more opportunities for mentorship and training within the centre.
Dr. Kim succeeds Dr. Ed Conway, whose exceptional leadership from 2009–2020 and again from 2023–2024 has positioned the CBR as a global leader in blood research. Under Dr. Conway’s guidance, the CBR made significant strides in both basic and clinical research. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Conway for his dedication, leadership and outstanding contributions.
Please join me in thanking Dr. Conway, and congratulating Dr. Kim on his appointment.
Check your lung health: UBCV Travelling Health Fair
The UBC Travelling Health Fair is an annual free mobile health clinic offering one-on-one health assessments.
The 2025 fair is gives you the opportunity to learn about breathing and the lungs, check your lung health, be aware of lung health risks and create a personalized action plan for your optimal lung health.
Book a 25-minute appointment at one of a range of locations across UBC Vancouver campus & Vancouver General Hospital between February 18–21, 2025. Faculty, staff and post-doctoral fellows are welcome.