Orienting You to CSM
Welcome to the Cumming School of Medicine!
The Office of Faculty Development holds a CSM Faculty Orientation each fall and this is our opportunity to welcome you — our new and existing faculty members — to the Cumming School of Medicine (CSM).
This year's orientation will be held on October 7 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:20 p.m.
If you missed the orientation in the past or would like to get prepped in advance of the next orientation, feel free to scroll through this page to learn more the about many groups and services found throughout the faculty and beyond.
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Fuelled by partnerships, the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI) drives science and innovation to transform the health and wellbeing of children, families and communities.
ACHRI was founded in 2009 as a partnership between the University of Calgary, Alberta Health Services and the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation. ACHRI's community has over 400 researchers and more than 600 students and postdocs across UCalgary.
In 2023, the Canada First Research Excellence Fund awarded the largest-ever child health-focused grant to UCalgary led by ACHRI. This seven-year $125M investment in One Child Every Child is transforming child health research in Canada across Indigenous and non-Indigenous paths.
CSM Alumni – Did you know?
7 Credentials:
The Cumming School of Medicine (CSM) alumni community is comprised of graduates with MD, BHSc, MSc, PhD, MBT and BCR degrees as well as our resident (PGME) trainees.
91%:
The vast majority of our alumni are in Canada. We have alumni living around the world, but many stay close to home, and they strengthen our community through their contributions.
50 Animals:
UCalgary’s medical school began formally naming its MD classes after animals in 1975 when a professor became frustrated with his class and called them a “bunch of turkeys.” The name stuck and so did the tradition, with each medical class naming the class behind them.
14 members:
The Medicine Alumni Advisory Council is made up of eleven CSM alumni and three current students. This group fosters a positive relationship between the alumni community, the CSM and the university and provides advice and counsel to the Cumming School of Medicine Alumni Engagement Office.
We are part of the CSM Advancement Hub, working together with Fund Development and Communications to advance the CSM’s mission.
Contact info:
Cal Wenzel Precision Health Building (CWPH) 7E09
The Animal Health Unit (AHU) provides support for animals involved in science or teaching at the University of Calgary.
With the help of the University Veterinarians, the AHU offers training to those working with animals, creates standard operating procedures (SOPs) relating to animal welfare, and offers administrative help to researchers with animal use protocols.
Meeting the Cancer Challenge — Together
The Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute brings together scientists and physicians to integrate research and care across disciplines – from understanding and preventing cancer, to transforming its detection and treatment, to improving life with and after cancer.
The Advanced Technical Skills Simulation Laboratory (ATSSL) at the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine is committed to advancing medical education, patient care, and research. Accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, the ATSSL offers a broad range of simulation modalities, including high-fidelity patient simulators, task trainers, virtual reality, and cadaveric resources for anatomy and surgical skills training.
An integral component of the ATSSL is the Body Donation Program, which enhances immersive learning by providing high-quality cadaveric material. The ATSSL also fosters innovation through research in medical education, particularly in simulation and procedural training. Aligned with the CSM’s mission of “Reimagining Health for All, Ahead of Tomorrow,” the ATSSL prepares healthcare professionals for excellence in clinical practice.
The ATSSL consists of three specialized laboratories:
Surgical Skills Lab (SSL)
The SSL is located in the basement of the HRIC is a state-of-the-art, biohazard level 2 facility where surgical residents from over 28 Post Graduate Medical Education programs practice essential procedures such as laparoscopy, arthroscopy, endoscopy, and microsurgery.
The lab features high-fidelity task trainers, surgical towers, a C-Arm for advanced imaging, and a robust inventory of human prosections and cadaveric materials. These resources create a realistic and safe environment for developing procedural skills. Training scenarios are designed to replicate real-life situations, helping learners refine their techniques with confidence. Video recording capabilities enable detailed feedback and progress tracking.
The modular design allows the lab to be configured into one large space or divided into up to four smaller pods, supporting simultaneous sessions for different group sizes. The SSL also hosts numerous external organizations and industry-sponsored training events.
Clinical Skills Lab (CSL)
The CSL is located in Room G820 on the ground floor of the Health Sciences Centre (HSC), the newly renovated CSL is a versatile facility designed for immersive, hands-on learning. It houses an extensive array of task trainers, synthetic models, ultrasound machines, and computerized manikins. In collaboration with standardized patients from the MedSkills Centre, the CSL facilitates experiential learning that promotes both knowledge consolidation and reflective practice.
The CSL features three dedicated simulation suites with control rooms, along with a large modular training space that can be divided into six pods, each accommodating up to 12 learners. This flexible setup supports a wide range of training formats and group sizes.
Special Procedures Lab (SPL)
The SPL located in the basement of the HSC, supports medical education focused on human anatomy and special procedures. It provides access to preserved, embalmed, and plastinated human cadaveric prosections, as well as anatomical models for detailed study of human structure and function.
This lab is equipped to host a variety of specialized procedures and gross anatomy review sessions, making it a valuable resource for both learners and practicing medical professionals.
The SPL is also the home of the ATSSL Body Donation Program, which plays a vital role in supporting high-quality anatomical and advanced surgical education and training.
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The Calgary Centre for Clinical Research (CCCR) provides operational support for all clinical research and their related workflows done by CSM research teams. The CCCR is a central resource to help you navigate the processes, policies, and regulations involved in clinical research at the University of Calgary.
The CCCR approves all clinical research budgets (grants/trials), provides quality assurance for Health Canada regulated research and inspections, administers the OnCore clinical trial management system (CTMS), processes clinical research invoices in PeopleSoft Finance & Supply Chain, and processes study material archiving and eFin project account closures at the end of a study. Optional services include free startup support, free sponsor budget negotiations, and at-cost monitoring.
The Centre for Health Informatics is the newest University of Calgary research and innovation centre within the Cumming School of Medicine. The centre came into existence in 2019 to advance the mandate of the Cumming School of Medicine’s focus on precision medicine and precision public health.
The Centre for Research and Innovation in Health Sciences Education (RIHSE) was originally established in 2013 as the Office of Health & Medical Education Scholarship (OHMES). The centre was established in response to the university's "Eyes High" vision to be a catalyst and enabler for educational scholarship in the Cumming School of Medicine. RIHSE focuses on the scholarship of teaching, an area of academic activity that is truly part of the scholarship expected of a member of the academic community.
Reach out to us for support to strengthen relationships with audiences that matter most to you.
We offer guidance with strategy and implementation of communications including web and graphic design, branding, event management, media relations and marketing. Let's connect!
The Office of CME&PD
Inspiring excellence in continuing professional education, practice and research.
We offer a broad range of evidence-based learning opportunities to physicians, other health professionals and the public in a variety of formats including face to face, online and blended learning.
We provide support with accreditation services, professional course and event planning and management, registration, venue arrangements, advertising and marketing, registrant course materials and course evaluation summaries.
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At the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS), graduate students are our purpose. We provide support to students through graduate advising, program support, professional development opportunities and over $40M in annual graduate funding. We’re here to support all faculty members who supervise graduate students or are seeking supervisory privileges. FGS is your first stop for information, resources and guides to support you in your role as a graduate supervisor.
The Cumming School of Medicine’s Fund Development team is passionate about building relationships. The fundraising arm of the medical school, we serve as a conduit for visionary community members to empower our brilliant faculty and students through philanthropy, as we all work together to change the future of health. We help the medical school to sustain and grow its resources by connecting it with citizens, corporations and foundations that understand and care about its relevance to the community and to the world. We are part of the CSM Advancement Hub, working together with Alumni Engagement and Communications to advance the CSM’s mission.
Cumming School of Medicine Fund Development Office
Health Sciences Centre, Room G302
fdmed@ucalgary.ca
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Inspiring research beyond traditional boundaries
The Graduate Science Education Office at the University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine, oversees 11 master and doctoral programs that integrate high quality education and mentorship with cutting-edge research in areas and disciplines. Our programs are home to over 760 students in three course-based and eight thesis based degree programs.
Our programs include:
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Biomedical Technology
- Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences
- Community Health Sciences
- Gastrointestinal Sciences
- Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
- Medical Sciences
- Neuroscience
- Pathologists’ Assistant
- Precision Health
Our office is led by the Associate Dean (Graduate Science Education), Dr. Heather Jamniczky. We have eight Graduate Program Administrators who work with the Graduate Program Directors, a Scholarship and Stipend Officer, a Courses Administrator, an Administrative Coordinator, and a Manager of Operations.
We are located on the first floor of the Health Sciences Centre (near the Hippocrates statue, Family Medicine, and the Bookstore).
Our website provides information on our programs and all contact information.
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The Health Sciences Library staff provide dedicated support to students, staff and faculty in the Health Sciences. On the Foothills Campus, we support the Cumming School of Medicine and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, while also providing resources and support to all other UCalgary faculties that conduct research related to the Health Sciences.
The library offers study and collaboration space, computer classrooms, physical collections, and expert assistance with searching the medical literature. We are also home to the History of Medicine room, a collection of medical history literature that includes the Mackie Family History of Neuroscience collection.
The Health Sciences Library is located on the second floor of the Health Sciences Centre (HSC 1450).
Healthy Brains for Better Lives
The Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI) is housed in the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary. Founded in 2004, the HBI leads the brain and mental health research strategy for the university, with research spanning nine priority areas, and over 300 members from 10 different faculties. The HBI is also home to over 1,400 trainees, research and support staff.
To get in touch with the HBI and to learn more, please use the contact information below:
The Advanced Microscopy Platform core facility within the Cumming School of Medicine's Hotchkiss Brain Institute houses advanced microscopes, data/image analysis stations, and specimen preparation, tissue clearing and expansion equipment.
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Creating the future of health and social equity
Welcome to the Cumming School of Medicine Indigenous, Local & Global Health Office – where we work every day to create the future of health and social equity. As a leading institution, we recognize the vital role we play at home and abroad, which is why we’re committed to collaborating with communities to create opportunity, advance equity and improve the health of people in marginalized settings.
The Innovation and Commercialization (I&C) Office provides tailored support to faculty, students and staff specifically within the Cumming School of Medicine. They offer ecosystem navigating resources, personalized commercialization connections, grants and a newsletter to get connect with the I&C community! Whether you are exploring an early-stage idea or advancing a validated innovation, they are here to support your journey to market.
Foothills Campus
Instructional Resources provides learning and instructional support, space management and technical expertise to the Cumming School of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, health professionals, institutes and departments, and other users located at the University of Calgary's Foothills campus.
Services include:
- AV Services
- Booking Services
- Medical Skills Centre/Standardized Patient Program
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Connecting Cardiovascular Research, Patient Care & Education in Southern Alberta
The Libin Cardiovascular Institute is a joint entity of Alberta Health Services and the University of Calgary that connects world-class cardiovascular research, patient care and education in Southern Alberta, serving a population of about two million. Our more than 1,500 members and stakeholders include physicians, clinicians and other health professionals, researchers and trainees.
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The Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education is a centre dedicated to advancing research and education on early identification, treatment and prevention of mental illness. The centre is located at the University of Calgary and is based on a close partnership between the Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the Department of Psychiatry. The roles of the centre include the following:
- Funding and supporting international researchers of tomorrow
- Providing a hub for mental health research at the University of Calgary
- Coordinating ‘state of the art’ learning events
- Promoting and sharing research findings
Our Centre works closely with academic and community partners in Calgary, across the country and internationally to foster research and innovation to advance the mental health across the lifespan with particular focus on children, youth and emerging adults.
We are a multidisciplinary team of scientists, clinicians and engineers working together to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of bone and joint conditions.
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Advancing public health through research excellence
The O'Brien Institute for Public Health at the University of Calgary supports academic scholars to tackle public health challenges, connecting them with health practitioners, citizens, governments, businesses, and non-governmental organizations when collective action is required.
The Institute's membership includes more than 500 multidisciplinary researchers from 17 Cumming School of Medicine departments and nine other University of Calgary faculties, such as Nursing, Veterinary Medicine, Kinesiology and Arts; health professionals in Alberta Health Services; and, research users and policy makers from municipal and provincial institutions.
Together, we are advancing public health through research excellence
The Office of Signature Learning Experiences exists to enhance student experiences in experiential learning, global learning, entrepreneurial thinking and undergraduate research supporting the University of Calgary’s commitment to increase impactful and future-focused education.
We are a student-centred office that can support faculty with undergraduate research summer studentships, global learning opportunities for your students, Future Skills modules you can use in your courses and more.
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Cumming School of Medicine's centralized resource for promoting equity, accessibility, and authentic belonging. Formerly the Office of Professionalism, Equity and Diversity (OPED).
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Providing enterprise-wide risk management programs and insurance services to support education, research and community engagement initiatives for the University of Calgary.
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Staff Wellness offers programs, resources and services to help promote, support, and sustain the health and wellness of UCalgary faculty, staff and postdocs.
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The Taylor Institute is dedicated to strengthening teaching and learning cultures, communities, and practices. We do this by supporting teaching development of instructors, promoting high impact student experiences, ensuring meaningful integration of learning technologies, and fostering research to better understand and improve student learning. Academic staff are encouraged to enrol in upcoming courses, explore resources in teaching and learning practice and technology, and learn about opportunities for project funding and professional development through the Vice Provost, Teaching and Learning office.
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Our goal is to connect UCalgary to the world—and the world to UCalgary—by advancing global research, strategic partnerships, and international engagement to unlock new knowledge, strengthen communities, and transform the world.
International Research
We champion researcher-led global engagement by offering tailored support for partnership development, brokering international connections, and linking UCalgary researchers with global peers. We actively seek international funding opportunities for our researchers, including Horizon Europe, build capacity for science diplomacy and global impact, and work closely with the Research Services Office to maximize success.
Strategic Global Partnerships
We drive institutional global partnerships by proactively scouting high-potential opportunities, evaluating new prospects, formalizing collaborations through MOUs, and supporting long-term stewardship. For faculty-led global partnerships, we offer hands-on coordination, strategic guidance, and partnership tools—from proposal writing and brokering to agreement execution and reporting—empowering faculty to go global with impact.
International Relations
We lead institutional diplomatic engagement and protocol by managing key relationships with ambassadors and consular officials, coordinating official visits and high-level delegations with partner universities, industries and NGOs. Our international mission planning supports ELT and Deans in executing strategic global visits, while faculty-led international engagement is empowered through protocol guidance, toolkits, and shared resources for seamless self-hosted interactions.
UService offers guidance, support and training in the following areas:
- Finance
- Information Technologies
- People and Culture (formerly Human Resources)
- Research Services (IRISS and RMS)
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The W21C Research and Innovation Centre (W21C) is based in the University of Calgary’s O’Brien Institute for Public Health and the Calgary Zone of Alberta Health Services. W21C acts as a research consultancy that conducts health systems research. Our interdisciplinary team provides research design, evidence generation, evaluation, feedback, and validation services.
Shaping the Future of Physician Wellness, Together
Physician wellness is an important responsibility shared by individual physicians, the medical profession, and healthcare systems. Well Doc Alberta is an initiative aimed at advancing a collaborative, co-operative, pan-provincial approach to physician wellness.
Our work, focused on education and prevention, is supported by the science of physician wellness and driven by need. We work with physicians at the grassroots level and with leadership to grow capacity, empower change, shift culture, and achieve our vision.