Medicine

Born in Munich, Germany to Holocaust survivors, Jim Spatz (MD’74) immigrated to Canada through Pier 21 with his family as a small child. After graduating from Dalhousie’s Faculty of Medicine, he started his career as a physician, practising family and then emergency medicine for 15 years.

Irving Fish (MD’64) spent his career helping children with neurological conditions overcome barriers to academic success. Now as co-founder of the Ethiopian School Readiness Initiative, he is helping disadvantaged children in that nation access the support and tools they need to stay in school and excel.

Dr. Brent Young (MD’19) is passionate about health advocacy and is committed to improving access to quality care that’s culturally appropriate and safe for Indigenous people

Mary Ann Fickes (BScN ’55) has certainly seen a lot of change during her career, but one thing has remained constant: her care and concern for patients, and her strong belief in advocacy.

Meet Dr. Brian R. Johnston (BSc’88, MD’92, PGM’98): Dalhousie Alumni Association president, thoracic surgeon, father to a Dal alumna (Emma) and current Dal Commerce student (Adam), husband to Lisa (BSc ’88, BScOT ’91), mentor and community leader.

Dr. Darvesh is being recognized for his groundbreaking research in Alzheimer’s disease that could change the lives of the millions of people living with it.

Laura Donahoe (Resident, General Surgery ‘13) is the first female faculty lung transplant surgeon in Canada.

Dr. Stephen Bartol (MD’83) knew there had to be a better way to release and repair nerves than open-spine surgery. He partnered with an engineer to build a solution, which was just the beginning of his innovative path.

Growing up, it seemed like everyone around Tiffany Richards had an inclination that she would graduate from medical school, saying things like “You’re going to be a doctor one day.” That day arrived last week — and her journey to graduation was one shared by her entire community.

Dr. Bradley Atkinson (BSc’81, BA’83) has been practising medicine for 26 years in Sheet Harbour, where his daughter, Rebecca Atkinson, owns Sober Island Brewing Company. The family has teamed up to raise funds towards Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation’s work around the pandemic.