Department of Pathology ANNUAL REPORT 2009 - University of ...

7b. Graduate Programs – Report from the
Graduate Chair
Dr. Subrata Chakrabarti
Message from the Graduate Chair: As planned, our graduate program has grown considerably
in the past years. As of September 2008, we have a total of 31 students, 15 full-time researchbased,
8 part-time research based and 8 course-based students. Of these 31 students, 8 are
enrolled in a PhD stream. The Department of Pathology is making a firm move towards its
plans to further increase the number of graduate students over the next 4 years. To fulfill this
goal however, we continue to be challenged by outdated and old laboratory research space
and suboptimal facilities. Although with the recent hires of two new basic scientists it will be
possible to expand our
supervisory pool, we
2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09
believe that we still are MSc 13 14 14 21 23
falling short of what is PhD 6 7 6 6 8
needed to support our
newest programs. Total 19 21 20 27 31
The Programs
Research Based Graduate Program in Pathology
Graduate training leading to both MSc and PhD degrees in experimental pathology is available
to graduates in the sciences and to medical, dental and veterinary graduates. Each student is
supervised by a graduate faculty member and an advisory committee.
A thesis is required for both MSc and PhD degrees. Every candidate must defend his or her thesis
at an oral examination. The course work in these programs, other than required courses, will be
selected on the advice of a candidate’s supervisory panel. PhD students are required to take a
comprehensive examination at the end of the first year. The Graduate Education Committee meets
on a regular basis to oversee the program and monitor progress of all students.
Training of students in methods and techniques necessary for their research work takes place in the
supervisor’s (and/or advisor’s) laboratory and adequate progress in the mastering of the required
technical skills is monitored by the supervisor and advisory committee.
Our Pathology graduates have gone on to receive positions in academia, industry and government.
Graduate Program in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery – Part-time only
The Graduate Program in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is a six-year multidisciplinary program
consisting of advanced studies in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, leading to Fellowship candidacy for
the Royal College of Dentists of Canada examinations; medical studies leading to an MD degree,
and scientific research in Pathology leading to an MSc degree. The program is intended for top level
candidates who may wish to pursue an academic career in this field. The Graduate Program in the
Department of Pathology, largely through the Division of Oral Pathology, is the designated home
graduate program for the MSc portion of this program. At capacity, there will be 6 students in this
program.
Graduate Program in Molecular Imaging
The department is now actively involved in the development of an interdisciplinary graduate program
in molecular imaging. With partners in LHRI and the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry this
innovative program will stimulate further growth in our graduate recruitment by increasing both the
number of supervisors and the menu of program options for prospective students.
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