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MedEmail

COVID-19 news and more from the
Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto

July 22, 2020 | Volume 28, Number 25

Photo by Roberto Ourgant on Unsplash

Adjusting to the “New Normal”

Since March, we have been trying to understand and adjust to what “normal” means during a global pandemic. History has provided us with insights, yet the lessons of yesterday and the realities of today do not resolve the uncertainty, anxiety and strains we face. But we are turning the corner thanks to the efforts of our extended community and partners, coupled with our shared commitment to delivering care to those in need. We can take comfort in the steps we’ve made toward adjusting to the new normal.

Read the message from Dean Trevor Young.

Trevor Young
Dean, Faculty of Medicine
Vice Provost, Relations with Health Care Institutions

Get recent Faculty of Medicine updates on COVID-19

News

Antibody Test Detects Past COVID-19 Infection and Quality of Immune Response

A blood test designed by Professor Anne-Claude Gingras and colleagues at Sinai Health’s Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute can accurately detect whether a person was previously infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 — and whether their immune response is functional.

Scientists Uncover Key Process in the Manufacture of Ribosomes and Proteins

Researchers led by Professor Karim Mekhail have shown that an enzyme called RNA polymerase (Pol) II drives generation of the building blocks of ribosomes, the molecular machines that manufacture all proteins in cells based on the genetic code.

Pasteurizing Breast Milk Inactivates SARS-CoV-2, U of T Study Shows

Professors Sharon Unger and Deborah O'Connor have found that a common technique to pasteurize breast milk inactivates the virus that causes COVID-19, making it safe for use.

New LGBTQ+ Workshop Aims to Address Health Disparities

A team from U of T has developed a new LGBTQ+ health workshop for resident physicians, to create more awareness and better prepare early-career doctors to care for LGBTQ+ patients.

U of T Tests Show Canadian-Made Mask Deactivates SARS-CoV-2 Virus

An antimicrobial coating developed by Quebec company I3 BioMedical Inc. can deactivate more than 99 per cent of the virus that causes COVID-19 on the outer surface of medical masks, tests carried out by U of T's containment level 3 lab have shown.

Faces of U of T Medicine: Victor Adarquah

Victor Adarquah is a first-year PhD student at U of T’s Institute of Medical Science. In addition to his doctoral work, he runs an Instagram page that spotlights stories of Black excellence in academia and beyond.

Health and Safety Remain Key for Fall Semester, President Gertler Says

Now that academic divisions have posted their course offerings for fall, students have a clearer picture of what life at U of T will look like in September — with health and safety of the community remaining the top priority.

Wellness Wednesdays 😎

Wellness Hub

The University's Division of Human Resources and Equity recently launched a wellness hub, which offers tri-campus services, supports and resources to advance employees’ physical, emotional, social and financial well-being.

Governance & Leadership

Interim Chair, Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy

Professor Heather Colquhoun has been appointed Interim Chair, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, effective July 1. The term will run for one year or until a new Chair is appointed.

COVID-19 Resources

Royal Society of Canada

These resources include reports from a task force, and working groups on long-term care and mental health.

Virtual Events

Grant Writing Workshop

August 14, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.,
Online via Zoom

This Faculty of Medicine session includes presentations on a reviewer’s perspective on grant review panels by Professor Cindi Morshead, and how to write a persuasive research proposal by grants and awards editor Golnaz Farhat, among other topics.

View more upcoming events on the Faculty of Medicine website.

Centre for Research & Innovation Support

Using Social Media to Promote Your Research

Resources for researchers on building an online profile, knowledge dissemination through social media, and more.

Faculty Council Schedule

Meetings in 2020 - 2021

October 19, 2020
February 8, 2021
April 26, 2021

Meetings will run from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., via Zoom for the foreseeable future.

Photo by Rocco Nuri/UNHCR

From Canada to Uganda and Beyond: U of T Researchers Receive Funding for COVID-19 Projects

One hundred and thirty-nine research teams across Canada were awarded more than $109 million from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research in the agency's second rapid research funding competition for COVID-19.

The funding recipients include eight eight teams based at U of T and 18 at partner hospitals.