Congratulations are extended to CBR members and students who were recognized for meritorious achievements in 2011 by the UBC Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the Annual Awards ceremony in Vancouver on May 27. Their efforts represent the highest quality in research, education and clinical care and we applaud them.

Dr. Jayachandran Kizhakkedathu received the Award for Excellence in Research and Discovery. Jay’s lab, located at the Life Sciences Centre on UBC campus, focusses on utilizing polymers to address a range of clinically relevant problems. To name but a few, this includes the design and development of polymer-based iron chelators to more effectively treat iron overload, the generation of novel glyco-conjugates to enhance the efficacy of drugs, and the production of innovative blood compatible surface coatings. He is truly a pioneer in this field, and his creativity in applying technological advances to biomedicine will no doubt, bring benefit to patients worldwide.

Dr. Katherine Chipperfield received the Award for Excellence in Clinical Service. Kate is the Regional Medical Leader of Blood Transfusion Medicine at the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority and the Medical Director of the Blood Transfusion Service at VGH. Kate has the daunting task of managing all aspects of transfusion in a large and complex medical facility. Blood transfusion is a precious life-saving measure but if not managed carefully, is not without risk. Kate ensures that students and staff are highly educated and trained and that procedures are implemented and monitored to maintain quality control, appropriate utilization of blood products, with rapid and appropriate responses to urgent needs and adverse effects. This award recognizes Kate’s extraordinary dedication, skill and exemplary performance that serves to enhance patient care.

We are also pleased to announce that CBR student Jasmine Hamilton won first prize for her poster entitled, “Novel Macromolecular Iron Chelators: An Innovative Approach to the Treatment of Transfusion Associated Iron Overload” with co-authors, Muhammed Imran ul-haq, Iren Constaneinescu, Sonja Horte, and Jayachandran. N. Kizhakkedathu.

Amanda Vanden Hoek received the third place prize for her poster, “Identification of a Novel Coagulation Factor X Compound Heterozygous Mutation Associated with Differential Initiating Clotting Pathway Function” with co-authors Kimberley Talbot, Isis Carter, Linda Vickars, Cedric John Carter, Ross T.A. MacGillivray, and Ed L.G. Pryzdial.