Hematological Oncology
Dr. Andrew Daly, Division Head
Twenty hematologists currently work out of The Tom Baker Cancer Centre. This group manages patients with lymphoma (Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas), plasma cell disorders (multiple myeloma and systemic amyloidosis) and myeloid malignancies (acute and chronic leukemias, myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative neoplasms). Our program includes five clinical associates and one clinical assistant.
Our Adult Hematology Training Program is offered through the University of Calgary and accredited by the Royal College of Physicians of Canada. The training program offers training in all aspects of hematology, including hematological malignancies and non-malignant hematology (Thrombosis, Hemostasis, Hemoglobinopathies, Laboratory Hematology and Consultative Hematology). Our hematological malignancy program includes the following FACT-accredited cellular therapy programs:
- The Alberta Blood and Marrow Transplant Program. The ABMTP provides autologous stem cell transplant services to patients from Southern Alberta and does all allogeneic stem cell transplants (sibling, unrelated donor and haploidentical donor) for the province. Overall we do approximately 180 stem cell transplant procedures per year.
- The Alberta Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell Program. The program offers CAR T-cell therapy to Alberta residents as part of standard-of-care and on clinical trials. Our program has experience with in-house manufacturing of CAR T-cells and exciting connections with basic science researchers in all areas of CAR T-cell research.
Several members of the Section of Hematology lead programs within the Tom Baker Cancer Center and Cancer Control Alberta. These individuals include:
Dr. Natalia Rydz: Program Director, Adult Hematology Training Program (University of Calgary)
Dr. Carolyn Owen: Hematology Tumor Group Lead, Tom Baker Cancer Center and Program Lead, Lymphoma
Dr. Mona Shafey: Director, Alberta Blood and Marrow Transplant Program
Dr. Nizar Bahlis, Program Lead, Plasma Cell Disorders
Dr. Lynn Savoie, Program Lead, Myeloid Disorders and Director, Leukemia and BMT Fellowship
Dr. Peter Duggan, Director, Plasma Cell Disorder Fellowship
Dr. Lesley Street, Director, Lymphoma Fellowship
Research Programs
Research in hematological malignancy at Tom Baker Cancer Center includes basic science, clinical research and population-based outcome studies. Basic science laboratories are located in the Heritage Medical Research Building at the University of Calgary and are closely affiliated with the Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute.
We have an extensive array of clinical trials, including Phase I, industry, cooperative group and investigator-initiated trials. Our centre is a designated site for the NRG and CCTG research consortia. We have an extensive training program, successful publication record and peer reviewed funding. Moving into the 127 000 square meter New Calgary Cancer Center will provide additional laboratory space as well as offer new facilities to support clinical trials.
Education Programs
The Adult Hematology Training Program at the University of Calgary is accredited by the Royal College of Physicians of Canada. The program provides two years of training in all aspects of hematology and hematological malignancies, and is open to trainees who have completed three years of core internal medicine or equivalent training. Applications to the Adult Hematology Training Program should be directed to Dr. Natalia Rydz.
Our Subspecialty Fellowship program has seen tremendous growth. Applicants are encouraged to contact the following fellowship directors directly.
Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy: Dr. Lynn Savoie (lynn.savoie@albertahealthservices.ca)
Lymphoma: Dr. Lesley Street (Lesley.street@albertahealthservices.ca)
Leukemia: Dr. Lynn Savoie (lynn.savoie@albertahealthservices.ca)
Plasma Cell Disorders: Dr. Peter Duggan (peter.duggan@albertahealthservices.ca)
Admission to the subspecialty training program is competitive and merit-based. Qualified applicants are urged to contact the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (cpsa.ca) early to ensure they meet the standards for English language proficiency and criminal record verification.
International Medical Graduates are provided with supervised graduated clinical experience in Oncology inpatient floors, to enhance their integration into Canadian practice. This is through our Clinical Assistants program. We value our clinical assistants and most of them have obtained residency training program positions. Those interested can contact Tracy.Keith@ahs.ca.