Research in Medicine (RIM) Students

As part of being a medical student with Dalhousie Medical School, research is a requirement to graduate. Our doctors offer a supervised mentorship program where students are exposed to research as part of their degree. Students run their own study and are able to examine patient outcomes, satisfaction, and quality of life.

Current Research in Medicine students:


Alex Smith- Med 3
Mentor: Dr. Attabib
I am a third year student at Dalhousie Medical School, studying in Saint John New Brunswick. I have an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology from Acadia University where I was also an offensive lineman with the Axemen football team. After graduating, I became a Clinical Exercise Physiologist and worked in the field of chronic disease prevention and management. I am thrilled to be working with CESC for my Research in Medicine project where I will be looking into rates of mortality associated with spine surgery in Canada and patient factors which may better predict risk. In my free time, I enjoy going to the gym, watching football, and golfing!


Ali Sherazi- Med 3
Mentor: Dr. Manson
My name is Ali and I am in my third year of medicine at Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick. Previously, I completed an undergraduate degree in Pathology at Western University as well as worked as a Laboratory Medicine Research Coordinator at the Saint John Regional Hospital. I love living in Saint John because of the close-knit community, the nature, and the opportunity to collaborate with excellent healthcare teams at the hospital. I am so excited to work with the Canada East Spine Centre, where I am investigating the impact of anesthesia on spine surgery outcomes. In my spare time, I like trying out new outdoor activities and spending time with friends and family.


Amanda Vandewint- Med 3
Mentor: Dr. Abraham
My name is Amanda and I am currently completing my third year of medical school at Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick. I previously obtained my BSc. in Biomedical Science from the University of Ottawa. I am fortunate to have taken on many different roles with Canada East Spine Centre from volunteer to research administrative assistant to research coordinator and now research in medicine student. My research project will involve investigating pre-operative education delivery for spine surgery patients across Canada. I am very excited to have this chance to continue working with the exceptional team at Canada East Spine Centre. My interests outside of studying medicine include planning activities with friends, spending time outdoors, painting and watching good tv.


Connor O'Brien- Med 2
Mentor: Dr. Small
Hello! My name is Connor O'Brien and I am a second-year medical student at Memorial University of Newfoundland. I am from Fredericton NB where I completed my studies in Medicinal Chemistry (BSc) and Chemistry (MSc) at the University of New Brunswick. I have been fortunate to volunteer with the Canada East Spine Centre over the last year and a half and look forward to continuing my involvement with this fantastic group. Outside of my interests in medicine and research I enjoy hiking, playing a smattering of instruments, live music, coaching, and sports!


Daniel Smith- Med 2
Mentor: Dr. Small
Hi everyone! My name is Daniel, and I am a second-year medical student at Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick in Saint John. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of New Brunswick with an Honours in Medicinal Chemistry. Studying medicine in Saint John has been nothing short of exceptional, and I am thrilled to be working with the Canada East Spine Centre. For my Research in Medicine (RIM) project, my work will be related to sports medicine or trauma care. Beyond school, I am an avid gym-goer, love nature, and enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and pets.


Emily Weston- Med 3
Mentor: Dr. le Roux
Hi everyone! My name is Emily Weston, I’m from Moncton, and prior to beginning Medical School I studied Engineering (BSc, Chemical and Biomedical, 2019, UNB); namely, I firmly believe that innovation often happens at the interface between disciplines, which is why I chose this route to start off, in the hope of contributing someday to the amazing field of medicine. Indeed, the times which taught me the most were ones which took me outside of my area of knowledge: when I got to work in quality improvement of care at a clinic for upper limb prosthetics (IBME, UNB), when I later took a job organizing vaccine clinics for hundreds of the homeless in my hometown and helping people access welfare and housing (Salvus Clinic), now in medical school, and next I am beyond excited to be working with CESC and Dr. Le Roux in the field of neurosurgery. The focus of my project is studying whether neurosurgical outcomes are improved for removal of brain tumors if a dye is used as a visual guide; this dye (5-ALA) binds to tumor-tissue (due to a lack of certain enzymes and transporters) and causes it to fluoresce pink. Outside of school, art has always been a passion, I have a deep love for riddles, and I loved volunteering with Special Olympics and helping serve the homeless meals (whether by prep, planting food gardens, or taking requests for little piano concerts for them during meals).


Emma Dauphinee- Med 4
Mentor: Dr. Small
My name is Emma and I am currently in my fourth year of medicine at Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick. I grew up in Saint John, NB and completed my Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at the University of New Brunswick. I'm very glad that I am able to return home to Saint John to study medicine. I am excited to be working with the CESC, focusing my research project on gender, diabetes and spine surgery. In my spare time I like to swim, play cards with my family and spend time with friends.


Hirbod Abootalebi- Med 1
Mentor: Dr. Small
Hi my name is Hirbod and I am a first year medical student at Dalhousie University. I did my honours in biochemistry at UNB Fredericton and have previous research in a chemistry lab studying Cystic Fibrosis treatments. I look forward to working with the East Spine Center as well as the Canada Games Aquatics Center for my Research in Medicine project. Outside of school, I enjoy working out, getting outdoors, and hanging out with my friends.


Jared Kerr- Med 4
Mentor: Dr. Manson
I am currently in my fourth year studying medicine at Dalhousie New Brunswick here in Saint John. I am from the area and have just recently completed my undergraduate degree at Queen's University in Life Sciences. I have been working with the Canada East Spine Centre for a few years now, first as a volunteer in the summers of my undergraduate degree and now as a medical student. I am currently working on a project that explores the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on spine surgery patients. In my spare time I like to play sports, spend time with friends and family, and enjoy the outdoors.


Jon Nam- Med 3
Mentor: Dr. Matz
My name is Jon Nam, and I am currently a third-year medical student here at Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick. I grew up in Rothesay, NB, and finished undergraduate degree in neuroscience and a bit of pharmacy at Dalhousie University. I am completing my research project with Dr. Matz, looking into amputation outcomes in patients with Charcot foot who received surgery previously. I am interested in a surgical specialty and am very excited for this opportunity to work with Canada East Spine Centre and Dr. Matz. Besides from studying, I love to weight lift and spend time with my friends and family.


Kevan Kostynski- Med 3
Mentor: Dr. Small
I am currently in my third year of medical school at Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick. I was born and raised in Moncton, NB and graduated from the University of New Brunswick with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. My favourite part about medical school has been interacting with patients during clinical practice and having the opportunity to scrub in, learn and part take in fascinating surgeries across a variety of specialties. In my free time I enjoy getting outside, playing hockey, doing CrossFit, and spending time with family and friends. I am completing my Research in Medicine project with the Canada East Spine Centre, investigating the effects of preoperative carbohydrate loading in elderly patients undergoing orthopaedic spine surgeries. I’m excited to continue working alongside a great group at CESC!


Madeline Power- Med 2
Mentor: Dr. Matz
Hi there! My name is Madeline Power, and I’m a medical student at Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick. I was born and raised in Moncton and graduated from Mount Allison University with a Bachelor of Science, with honours in biochemistry. I then went on to complete my master’s in chemistry, again at Mount Allison, focusing on how different nutrients in our foods may interact with cell surface receptors in our bodies. I am very excited to be working with CESC under the supervision of Dr. Matz. My project will focus on how 3D printing from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) may improve surgical outcomes, particularly concerning breast reconstructive surgery following the removal of tumours and Charcot foot which affects a person’s peripheral neuropathy. Outside of school, I am passionate about working out, getting outdoors, reading, and cooking for my family and friends.


Matthew MacLennan- Med 4
Mentor: Dr. le Roux
Hello! My name is Matthew MacLennan and I'm a medical student at Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick. Before commencing medical school, I graduated with an electrical/biomedical engineering degree where I focused on IoT devices, gait analysis, and computational motor control. I'm incredibly privileged to be under the guidance of Dr. le Roux and the CESC for my research in medicine project. My project focuses on whether there is a difference in outcomes for patients with isolated, non-operable, traumatic brain injuries differ between regional hospitals in New Brunswick that do or do not have neurosurgery-specific capabilities/resources. Outside of academics, I'm passionate about the outdoors, personal reading, bodybuilding, and badminton.


Nick Ellingwood- Med 4
Mentor: Dr. Attabib
I am a fourth year medical student at Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick and previously graduated from University of New Brunswick with a degree in Medicinal Chemistry. I am really enjoying second year because we are starting to apply more of our knowledge in a clinical setting and prepare for clerkship. In my free time, I enjoy getting outside and exploring nature by doing hikes, spending time with family and friends, and playing soccer. I am doing my Research in Medicine project with the Canada East Spine Center, and I am investigating different surgical techniques that lead to better long term outcomes for patients with lumbar stenosis and a high ASA score. The team at CESC have been super motivating and supportive, and it has been nice to do research that will affect the care of patients.


Samuel Arseneau- Med 1
Mentor: Dr. Manson
Hello! My name is Samuel Arseneau and I am a first-year medical student at Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick. I am from Fredericton, NB, where I completed my undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of New Brunswick. I joined CESC as a volunteer in 2021 and I am thrilled to now be doing my RIM project with them! Outside of medical school I enjoy cooking, mountain biking, and spending time with friends and family!


Siyum Mohiuddin- Med 1
Mentor: Dr. Matz
Hello! My name is Siyum Mohiuddin and I am first-year medical student at Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick. I am from Saint John, NB and I have Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of New Brunswick. I have been a volunteer with Canada East Spine Centre in the past, and now I have the incredible opportunity to work with them on my RIM project! Aside from med school, I enjoy being very active and playing sports, watching basketball, making music and reading.


Sufyan Faridi- Med 2
Mentor: Dr. Attabib
Prior to beginning medical school at DMNB, I studied Microbiology and Immunology at Dalhousie University where I focused on elucidating the anti-inflammatory effects of our body’s endocannabinoid system in pulmonary disease states. As a former volunteer with CESC, I am excited to return and work again with this incredible team, now taking on a more involved role as a medical student. My project will explore the influence of a spine surgery patient’s mental health status in predicting their need for subsequent revision surgeries in the future. Outside of academics, I enjoy reading, hiking, and playing soccer.


Thomas Camp- Med 4
Mentor: Dr. Abraham
Hello everyone! My name is Thomas and I’m fourth year medical student at Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick. I grew up in Fredericton and completed my undergraduate degree in physics at McGill University in 2017. I couldn’t be more excited to be working with the Canada East Spine Center, where I’ve been investigating the impact of cardiovascular health on surgical outcomes. When I’m not in the library I love exploring the outdoors - bring on the snow!


Xiuming Shi- Med 2
Mentors: Dr. Christie & Erin Bigney
My name is Xiuming Shi, and I am currently in my second year at Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick. I completed a Bachelor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Leadership at the University of New Brunswick’s Renaissance College faculty. Prior to medical school, I co-founded an organization, Shades of Change, where I primarily worked on creating and presenting anti-racism training to various groups in New Brunswick. My project with CESC, under the guidance of Dr. Timothy Christie and Erin Bigney, will continue my passion for anti-racism work, this time with a focus in the healthcare setting. During my free time, you can find me at the gym, with friends, or watching basketball!

Past Research in Medicine students:


Dr. Alyssa Dickinson
Project with CESC: Burr Hole Drainage- Tissue Plasminogen Activator in Addition to Either Twist Drill Drainage or Burr Hole Drainage as a Treatment for Chronic Subdural Hematomas - A Descriptive Analysis
Mentored With: Dr. Attabib

Dr. Faith Moore
Project with CESC: Multi-level Spinal Fusion Offers Clinically Significant Reductions in Pain and Disability
Mentored With: Dr. Abraham


Dr. Jack Kerr
Project with CESC: Predicting Health-Related Quality of Life Outcomes following Major Scoliosis Surgery in Adolescents: A Latent Class Growth Analysis
Mentored With: Dr. Manson


Dr. James Fowler MD
Project with CESC: Nationwide quality assessment of the Canadian Spine Outcome and Research Network(CSORN).
Mentored With: Dr. Manson


Dr. Jenny Wang
Project with CESC: Postoperative recovery patterns following discectomy surgery in patients with lumbar radiculopathy
Mentored With: Dr. Manson


Dr. Johnathan Rose
Project with CESC: The ability of radiographic parameters to predict surgical failure for patients with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Mentored With: Dr. Abraham


Dr. Kalpesh Hathi
Project with CESC: Minimally Invasive vs. Open Thoracolumbar Decompression for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis in Patients with Diabetes – A CSORN Study
Mentored With: Dr. Attabib

Dr. Lynn Symington
Project with CESC: Same Day Readmission Following Outpatient Lumbar Spine Surgery.
Mentored With: Dr. Manson

Dr. Marissa Sherwood
Project with CESC: Presurgical Utilization of Physicians, Imaging and Injections Reported by Elective Thoracolumbar Surgery Candidates: a Retrospective Nationwide Cost-analysis from the CSORN Database.
Mentored With: Dr. Abraham

Dr. Meghan Flood
Project with CESC: Avoidable Emergency Department Utilization Within 6 Months Following Elective Thoracolumbar Spine Surgery for Degenerative Pathologies
Mentored With: Dr. Abraham


Dr. Mike Whitcomb
Project with CESC: Does National Occupational Classification affect return-to-work time, post-operative opioid use, chronic pain, and disability in elective thoracolumbar surgery patients?
Mentored With: Dr. Manson


Dr. Samantha Rogers
Project with CESC: Impact of Undergoing Thoracolumbar Surgery on Patient Psychosocial Profiles
Mentored With: Dr. Abraham