Message from the Division Head, Rheumatology
Founded in 1975, the Division of Rheumatology is the oldest division within the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary. First established by Dr. Doug Kinsella, the division flourished under his leadership, as well as the leadership of the many world-class chiefs who’ve followed in his footsteps—Dr. Marvin Fritzler, Dr. Martin Atkinson, Dr. Liam Martin, Dr. Dianne Mosher, Dr. Paul MacMullan and Dr. Gary Morris. Dr. Maggie Larche is the current Division Chief.
Advancing Excellence in Rheumatology: A Call to Collaborate and Innovate
As the incoming Division Head of Rheumatology at the University of Calgary, I am both honored and excited to share with you the initiatives our division is pursuing. Our mission is rooted in the three pillars that define our commitment to excellence: delivering empathetic and holistic clinical care, conducting world-class research, and providing an exceptional educational environment.
Our division is distinguished by its dedication to providing the highest standard of care to our patients. This commitment drives us to continuously refine our clinical practices and integrate the latest advancements in rheumatology. Using the cornerstone of Quality Improvement, our projects are setting new local, national and international benchmarks in care. Through numerous grants and accolades, we have the opportunity to pursue excellence and innovation. But these achievements are not the endpoint—they are the beginning. We are continually seeking new ways to improve care and outcomes, and we welcome your ideas, energy, and participation in these initiatives.
Our research endeavors span the spectrum from basic science to translational and epidemiology research. We are not just advancing knowledge; we are redefining the boundaries of what is possible in rheumatology. Our work is contributing to a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms of rheumatic diseases, paving the way for new diagnostic, monitoring and therapeutic approaches. This is an exciting time to be part of a division where research informs practice, and practice, in turn, fuels further inquiry.
Finally, we are committed to shaping the next generation of leaders in rheumatology through exceptional educational opportunities. Our division offers a dynamic and supportive environment where learners at all levels can thrive. Undergraduate and post-graduate students are welcome to be part of our research projects. Medical and physician assistant students can participate in our clinics and hospital service where you can participate in the breadth of rheumatology care. At a more senior trainee level, we are always looking for ways to enrich the learning environment and offer competitive travel bursaries and scholarships for those wishing to extend their knowledge. We believe that by investing in education, we are investing in the future of our field.
I invite each of you to engage with our division, to explore the possibilities that lie within our clinical, research, and educational programs. Whether you are a clinician, researcher, educator, or student, there is a place for you here. Together, we can continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in rheumatology, making a lasting impact on our patients, our community, and the world.
We will move forward with a shared vision of excellence, innovation, and collaboration. I look forward to working with you in advancing the field of rheumatology.
- Dr. Maggie Larché, August 2024