Contents:
I. Education
II. Academic Appointments
III. Publications
IV. Invited Lectures
V. Work Experience
VI. Consulting Experience
VII. Teaching Experience
VIII. Professional & Community Service
IX. Honours & Awards
X. Media Exposure
XI. Professional Memberships
XII. Personal
1994-2001 Ph.D in Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of Western Ontario
Thesis: “In Vitro Fertilization: Risk Factors & Realistic Outcomes”.
Advisor: Dr. M. Karen Campbell
1990-1993 M.Sc in Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto
Thesis: “Saccadic Tracking of Constant Power Targets”. Advisor: Dr. Peter E. Hallett
1992-1993 B.Ed in Science & Mathematics Education, University of Toronto
1986-1990 B.Sc in Physiology, Physics and Anthropology, University of Toronto
Thesis: “The Calculation of Glycerol Turnover in the Dog”. Advisor: Dr. Ken Norwich
2008 Spanish language training (University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada)
2006 Medical PBL Facilitator training (Ottawa, Canada)
2005 Economic Evaluations (Toronto, Canada)
2003/5/6 Hindi language training (Washington, USA, and Ottawa, Canada)
2002 Principles of supervision (Washington, USA)
1998 Canadian Securities Course (Canadian Securities Institute)
1997 Accounting & Business Analysis (Ivey Business School, London, Canada)
Fundamentals of Clinical Trials (University of Western Ontario)
1996 International Health Economics (Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada)
-courses and field work held in various locations in India
1993 Advanced French Immersion (Universite de Ste Anne, Church Point, Canada)
1993 Ontario Teaching Certificate (Ministry of Education and Training)
II. Academic Appointments
2009-Present Research Associate: CERIS (Joint Centre of Excellence for Research
on Immigration and Settlement) Ontario Metropolis Centre
2008-Present Assistant Professor: Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa
2006-2008 Adjunct Associate Professor: University of Ottawa, Faculty of Medicine,
Department of Paediatrics
2007-2008 Part-time Assistant Professor, University of Ottawa, Faculty of Health Sciences
2006 Investigator: Research Institute of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern
Ontario, Ottawa, Canada
1. Deonandan R, Humphreys P, Barrowman N, Whiting S. (2004). Clinical epidemiology of epileptic children with periventricular leukomalacia. Annals of Neurology. Vol 56 (suppl 8), page S124
2. Humphreys P, Whiting S, Deonandan R, Barrowman N, Matzinger MA, Briggs V, Hurteau J, Wallace E. (2004). Neuroradiological correlates of epilepsy in children with periventricular leukomalacia. Annals of Neurology. Vol 56 (suppl 8), page S112
1. Deonandan, Raywat (2003). Divine Elemental. Toronto: TSAR Publishing. ISBN 1-894770-08-0
2. Deonandan, Raywat (1999). Sweet Like Saltwater. Toronto: TSAR Publishing. ISBN 0-920661-77-7
1. Deonandan, R. (2005). "Why I Love Professional Wrestling" in Opposing Viewpoints: Popular Culture. Farmington Hills: Thomson Gale publishing.
2. Deonandan, R. (2004) "A Scientist's Relationship With Science Fiction" in Worlds of Wonder: Readings in Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Literature. Edited by Jean-François Leroux and Camille La Bossière. Ottawa: University of Ottawa Press.
3. Deonandan, R.S. & Hallett, P.E. (1994) "Spatial Summation of Saccades" in Contemporary Ocular Motor & Vestibular Research: A Tribute to David A. Robinson. Edited by Albert Fuchs, Thomas Brandt, Ulrich Büttner and David Zee. Stüttgart & New York: Georg Thieme Verlag, pp. 194-196.
1. Deonandan, R.S., Barrowman, N.J. (June 16, 2004). The paradox of the placebo. BMJ (online edition). www.bmj.com
1. Deonandan, R.S. "Rate of Change: Hypertext 101" Paragraph. (Stratford, ON). No. 19, pp. 7-9, 1996.
2. Deonandan, R.S. "E-zines - The Future of Publishing?" Canadian Writer's Journal. (Vancouver, BC). 13(1):24-28, 1996.
3. Deonandan, R.S. "Multicultural Nature Of The Martial Arts" Black Belt Journal (Richmond Hill, ON), Mar., 1994.
1. Deonandan, R.S. (2001) In Vitro Fertilization: Risk Factors and Realistic Outcomes. Doctoral Thesis. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, ON.
2. Deonandan, R.S. (1993) Saccadic Tracking of Constant Power Targets. Master's Thesis, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.
3. Deonandan, R.S. (1990) Calculation of Glycerol Turnover In The Dog. Senior Research Thesis, Baccalaureate, Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.
Reports for Canadian Governments and NGOs
1. Deonandan, R. (March 26, 2007). “Scan of Online Pandemic Influenza Training Courses for Physicians”. Canadian Public Health Association
2. Deonandan, R. (March 26, 2007). “Profile of Physicians Targeted by Proposed Online CME Course”. Canadian Public Health Association
3. Deonandan, R. (Oct, 2006). “The Efficacy and Safety of Oseltamivir and Zanamivir in the Prevention of Influenza”. Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health
4. Deonandan, R. (Oct, 2006). “The Efficacy and Safety of Amantadine in the Prevention of Influenza”. Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health
5. Deonandan, R. (Feb, 2004). Reproductive Health Outcomes in Haldimand-Norfolk, 1993-2000. Haldimand and Norfolk Health Unit. Simcoe, ON.
6. Deonandan, R., Tucker, W. (Dec, 2003). Communicable Diseases: Haldimand & Norfolk Health Status Report, 2004. Haldimand and Norfolk Health Unit. Simcoe, ON.
7. Boyle, E., Badley, E., Deonandan, R. (March, 2001). Patterns of Primary and Specialist Care for Arthritis and Related Conditions in Ontario, 1996/97: An Analysis of the OHIP Dataset. Arthritis Community Research & Evaluation Unit, Toronto, ON.
8. Badley, E., Kasman, N., Deonandan, R., Boyle, E. (March, 2001). Comparison of the Patterns of Health Care Utilization by the General Population, and by People with Arthritis or Rheumatism, or Other Chronic Conditions: An Analysis of the 1996/97 Ontario Health Survey. Arthritis Community Research & Evaluation Unit, Toronto, ON.
9. Badley, E., Deonandan, R., Elliot-Gibson, V. (Nov., 2000). Field Testing of Body Function and Structure (Impairment) Codes as proposed in the ICIDH Beta 1 and Beta 2 revision in Rehabilitation Facilities. Canadian Institute for Health Information, Ottawa, ON.
10. Parkinson, A.M., Deonandan, R., Badley, E. (August, 2000). Utilization Patters of Rehabilitation Therapy, Chiropractic & Psychosocial Services in Ontario: a Report on the 1996-97 Ontario Health Survey. Arthritis Community Research & Evaluation Unit, Toronto, ON.
11. Deonandan, R. (May, 2000). Maternal Perceptions Survey, Component Relating to Assisted Reproductive Technologies: Literature Review and Suggested Survey Questions. Laboratory Centre for Disease Control, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON.
12. Badley, E., Dixon, C., Deonandan, R., Fay, J. (May, 2000). Expectations and opinions about services and programs of The Arthritis Society, Ontario Division. The Arthritis Society of Canada, Toronto, ON.
Reports for US Federal Government
Conference Papers (and Posters*)
1. Sep 30, 2000 - "When I was 12 years old, I met Pierre Trudeau" in The National Post
2. Feb 14, 1994 - "New Words For Webster" in Time Magazine
3. Oct 3, 1993 - "Just Calm Down" in The Toronto Star
1. “Man On The Moon”, India Currents Magazine (San Jose, California), Sep 6, 2009
2. “Warriors and Terrorists”, India Currents Magazine (San Jose, California), Oct 28, 2008
3. “The Politicization of Science”, India Currents Magazine (San Jose, California), March, 2008
4. “The False War Between Civilizations”, India Currents Magazine (San Jose, California), June 23, 2006
5. "Opal-Gate", Chowk website (Vancouver, BC), May 10, 2006
6. “Review: Raymond & Hannah” Idea&s Magazine (Toronto, ON), Autumn, 2005
7. "Champion Of Her Silly Activity" The Toronto Star (Toronto, ON), July 29, 2005.
8. "Are We Overdue For A Pandemic?" The Toronto Star (Toronto, ON), March 2, 2005.
9. "Poverty Caused the Tsunami." India Currents Magazine (San Jose, CA), Feb 2, 2005.
10. "Why Not (Cough, Cough) Diarrhea?" Rabble.Ca (Toronto, ON), Jan 19, 2005.
11. "Stingy Tsunami Relief." Rabble.Ca (Toronto, ON), Jan 3, 2005.
12. "Poverty At the Root of Tsunami Tragedy." Rabble.Ca (Toronto, ON), Jan 3, 2005.
13. "Review: The View From Tamischeira" Prairie Fire website (Winnipeg, MB), Nov, 2004.
14. "Looking For A Link Between Pornography And Sex Crimes: The Jury Is Still Out." The Ottawa Citizen, June 30, 2004.
15. "Which Am I, Truly?" Chowk website, Dec 23, 2003.
16. "Which Am I, Truly?" The Globe and Mail (Toronto, ON), Dec 22, 2003.
17. "Water fights threaten to become water wars." Global Voice (Windsor, ON), Vol 2, #5, June, 2003.
18. "Men and women shouldn't stand for this." The Ottawa Citizen (Ottawa, ON), Oct 6, 2003.
19. "Is SARS a precursor to pandemic?" Toronto Star (Toronto, ON), May 26, 2003.
20. "The New Oil." Rabble.Ca (Toronto, ON), May 7, 2003.
21. "The New Oil." India Currents Magazine (San Jose, CA), May, 2003.
22. "The Frontiers Of Salman Rushdie." India Currents Magazine (San Jose, CA), May, 2003.
23. "The 'Swarthy' Factor" The Ottawa Citizen (Ottawa, ON), November 5, 2002.
24. "Living In Fear in Washington, DC" The Ottawa Citizen (Ottawa, ON), October 19, 2002.
25. "The Public Must Be Taught About Biotechnology" SHI Newsletter (Toronto, ON), October, 2002.
26. "Profile This!" India Currents Magazine, (San Jose, CA), October, 2002
27. "Kashmir, Mon Amour" Rabble.Ca (Toronto, ON), August 13, 2002.
28. "Biometrics Doesn't Have To Be Scary" SHI Newsletter (Toronto, ON), July, 2002.
29. "Is Western Coverage of Kashmir Racist?" India Currents Magazine, (San Jose, CA), July, 2002
30. "To heck with moon rocks, there's Luke Skywalker" The Ottawa Citizen (Ottawa, ON), May 9, 2002
31. "The Great Game: A Review of Tournament of Shadows" India Currents Magazine, (San Jose, CA), May, 2002
32. "Last of the Red Hot Nerds" The Ottawa Citizen (Ottawa, ON), March 23, 2002.
33. "Biotechnology Responds to Terrorism" SHI Newsletter (Toronto, ON), Feb, 2002.
34. "A Jewel in a Sparkling Collection" India Currents Magazine, (San Jose, CA), Feb. 2002
35. "South Asian Madness." Dooney’s Café website, Feb. 2002
36. "The Sanctified Simple-mindedness of American Media." Dooney’s Café website, Jan. 2002
37. "My Problem With Space Tourism." Dooney’s Café website, Jan. 2002
38. "The Theatre of Learning." Dooney’s Café website, Dec. 2001
39. "The Smoking Debate." Dooney’s Café website, Dec. 2001
40. "Why I Love Pro Wrestling." PWTorch website, Dec. 14, 2001.
41. "Review: Emergent Voices: CBC Canadian Literary Awards Stories 1979-1999" Prairie Fire website, (Winnipeg, MB), August, 2001
42. "Biosensors, Biophotonics, Biomaterials and Nanotechnology: From Convergence to Cash." BioAlberta Newsletter, (Calgary, AB), June, 2001
43. "Guyana" India Currents (San Jose, CA), June, 2001.
44. "Indo-Caribbean Angst" The Toronto Review (Toronto, ON), Spring, 2001
45. "Home To Guyana" The Globe and Mail (Toronto, ON) March 14, 2001
46. "Milestones" Chowk website (Vancouver, BC) Dec., 2000
47. "Science Is a Dead End Career" Chowk website (Vancouver, BC) Nov., 2000
48. "Review: The Maleness of God" Prairie Fire website (Winnipeg, MB) Nov., 2000.
49. "Review: War At The Top Of The World." India Currents Magazine (San Jose, Ca) May, 2000
50. "Review: Herbarium of Souls." Prairie Fire website (Winnipeg, Manitoba) May, 2000.
51. "Case Study in Response to Risk." Bioscan (Toronto, ON) March, 2000
52. "The Future of Bioinformatics." Bioscan (Toronto, ON) December, 1999
53. "Review: The Only-Good Heart." Prairie Fire. (Winnipeg, MB) November, 1999.
54. "Review: Bettina." Prairie Fire. (Winnipeg, MB) November, 1999.
55. "Should Government Be A Tool of Enterprise?" The Innovation Journal website, Nov, 1999.
56. "Are their environmental risks associated with genetically engineered field crops?" Bioscan (Toronto, ON) Sep, 1999.
57. "Review: Gravity Lets You Down." Paragraph (Toronto, ON), Jan., 1999.
58. "A Living Paradox: A Letter From India." Vic Report (Toronto, ON), May, 1998.
59. "Review: Asleep While The World is Awake." Paragraph (Toronto, ON), March, 1998.
60. "Feminist Publishing In India" IndiaStar website, March, 1998.
61. "Review: Home Movies" Paragraph. (Toronto, ON), Dec., 1997.
62. "Virtual Medicine. " Family Practice. (Toronto, ON), Sep. 15, 1997.
63. "Time to call truce between bikes and cars." The Toronto Star, (Toronto, ON), May 20, 1997.
64. "Naz Project tackles India's AIDS epidemic." Family Practice, (Toronto, ON), Feb. 10, 1997.
65. "The Magic of India" India Currents Magazine, (San Jose, CA), Dec., 1996.
66. "The Human Condition Explored" India Currents Magazine, (San Jose,CA), April, 1996.
67. "A Fine Provocative Debut" India Currents Magazine, (San Jose, CA), March, 1996.
68. "The Source of the Rage" India Currents Magazine, (San Jose, CA), Feb., 1996.
69. "The Role of Government" The Newspaper (Toronto, ON), Sep. 27, 1995.
70. "On The Cutting Edge" India Currents Magazine, (San Jose, CA), June, 1995.
71. "Up To Individuals Not State Censors To Police Internet". The Toronto Star, (Toronto, ON), May 2, 1995.
72. "New Administrative Fee Is Discriminatory Head Tax". The Toronto Star, (Toronto, ON), April 18, 1995.
73. "Out Of East Africa" India Currents Magazine, (San Jose, CA), March, 1995.
74. "Canada's Literary Golden Boy" India Currents Magazine, (San Jose, CA), March, 1995.
75. "Rainbow Of Races" India Currents Magazine, (San Jose, CA), Feb., 1995.
76. "The Other Side Of Health Costs" Id Magazine. (Guelph, ON), January 19, 1995.
77. "Celluloid Bridge" India Currents Magazine, (San Jose, CA), Oct., 1994.
78. "Complexion Is Far More Complex Than Many Pinks Think". The Toronto Star, (Toronto, ON), April 18, 1994.
1. Sep 25, 2009 – “Funding Opportunities for Canadian Writers”, presentation given to Hart House Writers’ Co-op, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
2. Sep 6, 2009 – “Superpower and Superpoverty”, Network of Indian Professionals, Toronto, Canada
3. Aug 26, 2009 – “Overview of Issues in International Health.” Peer educator training sessions, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.
4. April 25, 2009 – “Global Health Ethics”, Aesculpian Society’s pre-departure institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
5. April 1, 2009 – “Ethics of Reproductive Medical Tourism”, guest lecture in class on the history of health care (HSS2121), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
6. Mar 6, 2009 – “Hunger, Thirst and Development in South Asia”. WHO Simulation, Montreal, Canada.
7. Dec 5, 2008 - "Climate Change in a Global Health Context: The Likely Effects on Population Health." Environmental & Public Health Advocacy Group, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.
8. Oct 31, 2008 – “Epidemiology: Science of the Gods”, guest lecture in Health Research class, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
9. Sep 15, 2008 – “The Global Context of HIV/AIDS.” International House, University of Ottawa
10. Aug 28, 2008 - “Overview of Issues in International Health.” Peer educator training sessions, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.
11. May 9, 2008 – “Ethics in Global Health Research.” Pre-departure Global Health Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.
12. Apr 14, 2008 – “Global Hunger.” – Given as welcoming address to OSHI conference, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.
13. Apr 11, 2008 – “The Politicization of Inquiry.” Given as keynote address at Thomas Symons Seminar Series, Trent University, Peterborough, Canada
14. Jan 12, 2008 – “Overview of Issues in International Health.” Peer educator training sessions, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.
15. May 22, 2007 – “Monitoring & Evaluation”. Canadian Program Support Unit, Georgetown, Guyana
16. Apr 30, 2007 – “Tuberculosis Surveillance in Guyana and Selecting Foreign Studies for Inclusion in Canadian Systematic Reviews.” Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Canada.
17. Mar 29, 2007 - "Bioterrorism." International Relations class, University of Florida, Gainesville, Fl.
18. Feb 20, 2007 – “Introduction to Disease Surveillance.” Canadian Program Support Unit, Georgetown, Guyana
19. Dec 15, 2006 – Presentation to students of Glengarry District High School (Alexandria, Ontario) on careers in Epidemiology
20. May 30, 2006 - Keynote speech at Indian Arrival Day celebrations of the NCIC in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago
21. Mar 4, 2006 – “Challenges In International Health Research.” SUNSIH Workshop, Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada.
22. Mar 4, 2006 – “An Introduction to International Health Research.” SUNSIH Workshop, Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada.
23. Feb 28, 2006 – “Indian Literature in Canada.” School of Languages, Jawarlahal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
24. Jun 24, 2005 - "The Experiences of Children Affected By The Tsunami in Sri Lanka: A Pilot Study." Research Rounds of the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario.
25. Dec 4, 2004 - "The Challenge of HIV/AIDS in the World." Tibotec Corporation, Philadelphia, PA
26. Oct 19, 2004 - "Public Health Strengthening In Guyana." Institute of Population Health, University of Ottawam Ottawa, ON
27. Oct 18, 2004 - "Public Health Strengthening In Guyana." Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON
28. Sep 13, 2004 - "In Vitro Fertilization: Risk Factors and Realistic Outcomes." Community Health Division, Memorial University, St. John's, NF.
29. May 28, 2004 - "Evidence-Based Medicine: An Introduction." Canadian Program Support Unit, Georgetown, Guyana.
30. May 27, 2004 - "Foundations of Epidemiology." Continuing Medical Education address to the Guyanese Medical Association, Georgetown, Guyana.
31. Jul 27, 2003 - "HIV/AIDS in Guyana." Annual picnic of the Windsor Forest Public School Adoption Committee, New York, NY.
32. Feb 25, 2003 - "Metabolic Syndrome." National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD.
33. Apr 5, 2002 - "The Line Between Fiction and Non-Fiction." Department of English, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON.
34. Jun 29, 2001 - "In Vitro Fertilization: Risk Factors and Realistic Outcomes." Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK.
35. May 5, 2001 - "A Scientist's Relationship With Science Fiction." Department of English, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON.
36. May 4, 2001 - "In Vitro Fertilization: Risk Factors and Realistic Outcomes." Chalmers Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON.
37. Oct 1, 1999 - "Creative Writing and the Definition of Art." Maple Grove Secondary School.
38. Oct 16, 1998 - "In Vitro Fertilization: Risk Factors and Realistic Outcomes." University of Western Ontario, London, ON.
39. Nov 13, 1997 - "Understanding IVF Success Rates." Pharmacon Corporation, New York, New York, USA.
40. Jan 27, 1997 - "International Development in India." Girl Guides of Canada, London, ON.
41. Sep 27, 1996 - "Health & Development: Selected Sites in India." University of Western Ontario, London, ON.
42. Mar 27, 1996 - "What is Epidemiology? --It Has Nothing To Do With Skin!" Science Expo, University of Western Ontario, London, ON.
43. Oct 4, 1995 - "Internet Resources." Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of Western Ontario, London, ON.
Present Assistant Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa
Tenure-stream research and teaching position. Research focus is on issues relating to global health and reproductive tourism. Undergraduate classes taught: Introduction to International Health Theory, Health Research Methods, Determinants of Health.
Present Vice President & Co-Founder, Vak International
President, Deonandan Consulting, Inc.
Vak International is a full boutique consulting firm, based in Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, targeting the governmental, scientific and non-profit sectors, primarily in international health and development. We offer services in program evaluation, contract research, data analysis, pandemic planning, report writing, policy analysis/advocacy, training and facilitation. Deonandan Consulting, Inc, is a targeted consulting endeavour providing analyses, research management services and overall science advisory services to clients in the Canadian federal government. See “Consulting Experience” for examples of work undertaken under the Vak and Deonandan Consulting emblems.
2007-2008 (Interim) Chief Scientific Advisor, Assisted Human Reproduction Canada
Assisted Human Reproduction Canada (AHRC) is the agency of the federal government of Canada tasked with monitoring controlled clinical and research activities involving human reproduction. In a consulting capacity, I founded the office of the Chief Scientific Advisor, providing scientific guidance to all activities of the agency. Highlights include:
For this provincial “think tank” in Ottawa, I created and managed the epidemiology consulting office, providing research design, analysis, dissemination, partnership and granting assistance to community-based mental health researchers in Ontario. I designed and delivered workshops on program evaluation and basic research skills, and brokered partnerships between organizations, contractors and funders, as well as conducting a program evaluation of a multimillion dollar government program. In addition, I reviewed grant applications, promoted the Centre through presentations, and mentored/managed research assistants. Major accomplishments include providing leadership on high-profile systematic reviews commissioned by the provincial government and co-writing a report on service gaps in the province. I left this position to focus on expanding my private consulting practice. Reported to Executive Director, Dr. Ian Manion.
2004-05 Clinical Epidemiologist, Chalmers Research Group
I served as a dedicated research consultant to the Paediatric Neurology department of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario in Ottawa, while providing generic methodological support to other departments in the hospital. Services included research design, analysis and presentation, protocol reviews and grant writing. Major accomplishments include papers accepted in top peer-reviewed journals (e.g., BMJ and Journal of Child Neurology) and six abstracts presented at conferences. Ancillary activities included assisting in the design and analysis of a hospital-wide influenza control study, and a study on the efficacy of early cochlear implant assessment. I left this position to accept a senior role with the Centre of Excellence for Child/Youth Mental Health. Reported to Executive Director, Dr. David Moher, and to Chief of Staff, Dr. Sharon Whiting.
2001-03 Biomedical Literature Analyst, Social & Scientific Systems, Inc.
I consulted to the National Institutes of Health in Washington, DC, monitoring, critiquing and summarizing new evidence concerning diabetes, kidney and liver disease. I created regular reports for a variety of audiences (general public, media, scientists and policy makers) and generated new knowledge by analysing large national surveys, such as NHANES, NHIS, NAMCS and NHDS. I left this position to return to Canada. Reported to Manager, Ms. Danita Byrd-Holt.
2000-01 Epidemiologist, Arthritis Community Research & Evaluation Unit
As the project manager for a province-wide rehabilitation study commissioned by the Ontario government, I oversaw the work of two research assistants and one graduate student. Major accomplishments include: analysis of population data from Ontario Health Survey, completion of an instrument validation study for the World Health Organization, creation of the Unit’s website (www.acreu.ca), provision of training for staff in HTML and SPSS programming and in basic research, and the co-writing of five key policy-oriented reports for scientific, lay and government audiences. I left this position when my contract ended, and I accepted an opportunity in the USA. Reported to Executive Director, Dr. Elizabeth Badley. Key reports produced:
1993-94 Accounting Researcher, Ontario Training & Adjustment Board
For this agency of the Ontario Ministry of Education and Training in Toronto, I designed and conducted a study of corporate recipients of trust fund training monies to determine which types of human resources accounting practices were being employed. I left this position to begin my doctoral studies. Reported to Director, Dr. Cliff Jutlah.
Epidemiology & Medical Research
2007-2008 Assisted Human Reproduction Canada in Ottawa, ON
For this agency of the federal Ministry of Health, I served as the Interim Chief Scientific Advisor, developing papers and presentations, overseeing the evolution of national clinical practice guidelines, developing and managing national research projects, negotiating relationships with external research bodies and relevant government agencies (such as the Canadian Institute for Health Research and the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health), and providing expert scientific guidance on all relevant matters. Key activities included the design of a public opinion research study, an economic and budget impact analysis, a chart review study attempting to profile gamete donation, and input into the design of a national assisted reproduction surveillance system. The permanent Chief Scientific Advisor takes over this role in Sep/2008, but I continue to contribute by providing population research and programming expertise.
2007 Canadian Public Health Association in Ottawa, ON
The CPHA has been tasked with developing an online course for family physicians on pandemic influenza planning and management, in response to WHO member state mandates. I developed a profile of the target audience, based upon the appraisal of survey data, conducted an environmental scan of existing educational initiatives, and made recommendations regarding content and marketing strategies. I also conducted a wide scan of competing products within the electronic continuing medical education milieu.
2007 Afriafya (Nairobi, Kenya)
African Network for Health, Knowledge, Management and Communication
For a Kenya-based NG, I created an analysis plan, performed statistical analyses, and interpreted data for population and institutional surveys around the question of impact and efficacy of media efforts to affect HIV/AIDS knowledge. I also created an outline for the final impact report submitted to IDRC Canada, the NGO’s funder. We are currently co-writing papers for submission to peer-reviewed journals.
2002 – 2007 Canadian Society for International Health in Ottawa, ON
For a CIDA-funded $5 million public health strengthening project in the nation of Guyana, I provided communications expertise, liaised with local government and media, created and managed the project’s website (www.csih.org/what/guyana/indexguyana.html), trained local clinicians in disease surveillance skills, and assisted in the development of a large scale HIV/STI prevalence study. I re-designed the epidemiology curriculum of the University of Guyana, and designed project leaflets, brochures and all promotional materials, in coordination with management and local artists. Lastly, I helped strategize and organize the national TB surveillance program. In addition, I continue to serve on the Society’s political advocacy committee, lobbying governments regarding global health issues.
For this agency of the Canadian federal government, I was the primary author of two systematic reviews of evidence surrounding the efficacy of neuraminidase inhibitors as prophylaxes against Influenza infection. I continue to serve, as needed, as an expert reviewer of generated systematic reviews, most recently for a review on evidence surrounding treatments for macular degeneration.
For this medical communications firm, I created an hypothetical case study to support early screening for Alzheimer’s Disease, on behalf of the client, a major pharmaceutical company.
Using SPSS and SAS, I analysed data from two surveys on attitudes toward the management of drug safety and efficacy (targeted to health professionals and the general public). I submitted reports on my analyses and interpretations.
I created a "mock report" on water quality standards for new national aboriginal water quality tracking system, and developed a mock water toxicity database using SPSS, and compiled statistical syntax for rapidly computing surveillance statistics.
2005-05 Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit in Simcoe, ON
I compiled existing disease surveillance data into reports suitable for government and public consumption, and created two reports:
1. Communicable Diseases in Haldimand-Norfolk, 1992-2003
2. Reproductive Health Outcomes in Haldimand-Norfolk, 2000
With Dr. Prabhat Jha, I co-wrote position paper on economic incentives for new global surveillance facility, and edited a WHO report on global epidemiology of tobacco usage.
In coordination with a larger campaign, I conducted a literature review on assisted reproductive technologies and submitted questions to be included in a national survey of maternal practices and attitudes.
1995-96 St. Joseph's Health Centre in London, ON
I analysed survey data on perinatal practices in Canadian hospitals to determine if educational outreach had been successful, devised and performed appropriate statistical tests using SPSS, and submitted policy recommendation resulting from my analyses.
Management & Communications Consulting
1999-2003 As an associate of Strategic Health Innovations (now SHI Consulting)
1. The Public Must Be Taught About Biotechnology
2. Biometrics Doesn't Have To Be Scary
3. Biotechnology Responds to Terrorism
· Wrote quarter million dollar grant application for multimedia project associated with a Canadian television show, Improv Heaven & Hell
1997-present As a freelance journalist:
· Wrote weekly sports entertainment columnist for 411mania.com (2001-2004)
· Monthly columnist about small business for MicroSoft website
· Op-ed and features writer for The Ottawa Citizen, The Toronto Star, The Globe and Mail and India Currents Magazine
· Literary critic for The Toronto Review of Contemporary Writing Abroad, Paragraph Magazine and Prairie Fire Magazine
· Arts and literary features writer for India Currents Magazine
· Contributor of political columns to Rabble.ca and Dooney's Café
· Former regular technology columnist for Intro Magazine
· Former features writer for Family Practice Magazine
· Former biotech writer for Bioscan Magazine
VII. Teaching & Curriculum Experience
2008-Present Assistant Professor
Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa
Instructor of four undergraduate classes in Health Sciences.
2008-2009 Part-time Professor
Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa
Supervise the independent research of eight 4th year undergraduate students.
2007-2008 Part-time Professor
Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa
Developed content, structure and evaluation scheme, and teach an undergraduate class titled, “International Health Theory”.
2007-2008 Problem Based Learning (PBL) Facilitator
Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa
Facilitate and tutor small groups of undergraduate medical students in a PBL environment. (Currently registered as PBL facilitator, but only serve when needed.)
Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa
Instructor of undergraduate class titled, “Health Research Methods”
University of Guyana
In recognition of the public health crisis affecting the nation of Guyana, I was brought in to re-design the epidemiology curriculum of the University of Guyana as core content for all graduates of the health faculty. The new curriculum was responsive to local issues, such as HIV/AIDS and TB.
Faculty of Communication & Open Learning, University of Western Ontario
Supervised, demonstrated and lectured to Library Science postgraduate class on advanced internet programming and the design and use of digital libraries. I also designed online tutorial packages for a graduate course on internet publishing and multimedia resources. Reported to Dr. Yuri Quintana.
1995-97 Teaching Assistant
Dept of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of Western Ontario
Served as assistant instructor in several postgraduate courses in biostatistics, UNIX programming, introductory epidemiology and an experimental online course in clinical trials methodology. I also designed the department’s website: www.uwo.ca/epidem. Reported to Dr. Truls Ostbye.
1992-93 Student Teacher
Toronto Board of Education
As part of my studies toward receiving a Bachelor of Education, I taught portions of senior high school classes in biology, physics and mathematics at Toronto high schools: Northern Secondary School, Central Technical School, Neil McNeil High School and East York Collegiate.
1992 Tutor/Counselor
Central Neighbourhood House
At a Toronto inner city community centre, I helped troubled youth with mathematics, English and French.
1992 Teaching Assistant
Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto
I taught one session of ophthalmology laboratory for undergraduate medical students.
Dept of Physiology, University of Toronto
Lectured to class and supervised activities of laboratory sessions for undergraduate classes in mammalian physiology.
VIII. Professional & Community Service
Peer reviewer for journals and agencies:
Volunteer work:
Organizations founded:
Arts/Sciences events:
Committees and boards:
Use of works:
IX. Honours & Awards
Academic
2009
2006
1999
1998
1996
1995
1993
1991
1990
1987
1986
Artistic
2003
2002
2001
2000
1998
1995
1994
X. Media Exposure
· Interviewed on CHIN radio (Ottawa) re: development In Guyana (June 8, 2009)
· Interviewed on CHIN radio (Ottawa) re: health care in Cuba (June 5, 2009)
XI. Professional Memberships
XII. Personal
Athletic:
Artistic:
Journalistic: