Celebrating 10 years and beyond at the Cumming School of Medicine

From changing how stroke is treated around the world, to identifying new microbiome-based medicines and so much more — the Cumming School of Medicine (CSM) has plenty to celebrate in 2024 as it marks 10 years since Geoff Cumming’s historic $100-million gift. This year holds remarkable significance for the University of Calgary’s medical school, whose research institutes are also celebrating major milestone anniversaries since their founding.

“We’re a relatively young medical school compared to others in Canada and we’re so proud that our work — and Geoff’s gift — have put Calgary on the global map for health research,” says Dr. Todd Anderson, MD '85, dean of the CSM and a cardiologist and scientist.

“We couldn’t have achieved this without the support of our founding family of donors and those — large and small — who have followed their lead. We’re proud to showcase the impact of that generosity throughout 2024 with stories and an event highlighting CSM health and education excellence and how together, we’re sparking healthier lives." 

- Todd Anderson

Philanthropy helped propel the University of Calgary to its ranking as a top research university in Canada. Over the past decade at CSM, more than 11,500 donors have given, to raise more than $852 million for medical research and education. This generosity has been leveraged to help the school attract more than $1.55 billion in research funding during the same period.

“We are grateful for Geoff Cumming, the founders of our health research institutes and all who support our talented CSM students and researchers in their mission to drive better health outcomes for all. The University of Calgary will build on this and leverage these opportunities to share our philanthropy-powered impact through transformative education, research and innovation,” says Dr. Ed McCauley, president and vice-chancellor.

Shaping healthier communities 

This impact includes many research discoveries that directly benefit patients today in Calgary, Canada and beyond. In 2012, the Libin Cardiovascular Institute piloted minimally invasive cardiac surgery, which shortened recovery times and improved patient outcomes. That same year, orthopedics innovations by McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health researchers reduced wait times for hip and knee replacements. 

In 2015, researchers at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute led an international trial in clot removal therapy that revolutionized how stroke is treated around the world. They have since led several other stroke research studies that informed new protocols which are helping patients live longer and better after stroke.

In 2017, the International Microbiome Centre — Canada’s largest — opened at the Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases and immediately attracted top international research talent. It’s well on its way to identifying and testing new microbial medicines to improve the health of patients living with chronic disease. 

In 2020, when the world was paralyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic, members of the O’Brien Institute for Public Health rapidly launched research at one of North America’s largest single-location COVID-19 outbreak sites, to help prevent future outbreaks. O’Brien members also led an innovative program to engage communities in northeast Calgary to get vaccinated, leading to more than 94 per cent first-dose coverage — one of the highest rates for similar neighbourhoods in North America. 

In 2021, Charbonneau Cancer Institute researchers proved modified immune cells can treat solid tumours in the laboratory — a world first — and began testing the new therapy in patients two years later. 

Last year, the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute received a $280-million investment, including the largest federal research grant in its history, for One Child Every Child — a research initiative to improve child health outcomes Canada-wide and internationally.

“These are just a few highlights among countless examples,” says Anderson. “Thanks to philanthropy, our institutes are driving world-class health research and elevating the global reputation of the medical school. Together, we’re reimagining health for all.”

The Cumming School of Medicine is looking forward to highlighting the many faces of impact — patients, its brilliant researchers and faculty, and of course the generous community who helped make it all happen, throughout 2024.