Kelly Foss

On Feb. 3, 2025, the Faculty of Medicine at Memorial University hosted its annual Resident Research Symposium, a day dedicated to showcasing the research excellence of postgraduate medical trainees.

The event, organized by the Office of Research and Graduate Studies, was hosted by Dr. John Thoms, assistant dean of clinical research and Dr. Sohaib Al-Asaaed, associate dean of post graduate medical education (PGME). The symposium featured 12 resident presentations spanning various medical disciplines, highlighting the breadth and impact of resident-led research.

Dr. Dolores McKeen, dean of Medicine, emphasized the significance of research in shaping the future of health care as she welcomed attendees and commended residents for their dedication to advancing medical knowledge while balancing the rigors of clinical training.

“The impact of today's health research may improve tomorrow's future outcomes, as we translate research findings into clinical care and practice guidelines,” she said. “In addition to continuing your postgraduate studies and being frontline learners and healthcare workers, you are also helping to advance the health care of the people in our communities.”

Dr. Valerie Taylor

The highlight of the symposium was the keynote address delivered by Dr. Valerie Taylor, a Memorial alumna and current professor and head of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Calgary.

Introducing Dr. Taylor, Dr. Thoms praised her extensive contributions to psychiatric research, particularly her pioneering work on the gut-brain connection.

Dr. Taylor shared how her research interests evolved unexpectedly.

“When I started med school here at Memorial, I didn’t have a graduate degree,” she said. “I finished medical school not really having any desire to be a researcher. Then you get curious, you meet great mentors.”

She encouraged residents to embrace research opportunities, emphasizing mentorship as a key driver of success.

“If you think you want to do research, find a great mentor. That will make all the difference,” she said.

The symposium featured presentations from medical specialties such as general surgery, psychiatry, anesthesiology, medicine, laboratory medicine, orthopedics, emergency medicine, family medicine, radiology, pediatrics, and obstetrics/gynecology.

The event concluded with an awards presentation recognizing outstanding research contributions. Dr. Kris Hoover, Radiology took first place honours, followed by Dr. Mandy Litt, Obstetrics/Gynecology; Dr. Steven Rowe, Medicine and Dr. Colin Chan also of Medicine.