by Dr. Lucy Osborne

Dear IMS Community,

This summer season in Toronto marked a historic gathering of various nations for the FIFA 2026 World Cup co-hosted by Canada. In alignment with this event, this issue of the IMS Magazine placed a particular focus on exercise and sports medicine—highlighting IMS research on the rehabilitative effects of exercise in different organ systems, as well as the intersection of health, mental health, and society within sports medicine. 

This issue features four faculty exploring the benefits of exercise in the context of various conditions. Dr. Michael Thaut is capitalizing on the neural connection between rhythm and movement to generate novel strategies for rehabilitation for motor impairment and neurologic disorders. Dr. David Wasserstein, clinician scientist and the Schatzker Joint Preservation Initiative at the Holland Bone & Joint Program and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, is exploring novel methods of assessing knee function after injury alongside innovative treatment options in hopes of improving patient outcomes. Dr. Dmitry Rozenberg, respirologist at University Health Network, is harnessing the power of exercise rehabilitation to help people with chronic lung disease, as well as caregivers, to regain function and independence. Finally, Dr. Jack Goodman hopes to uncover the clinical consequences of intense exercise to help determine when high-level training promotes cardiovascular health—and when it may pose risks.

Alongside our faculty, this issue places a spotlight on three members of our IMS community. Dr. Sean Rourke, recipient of the 2026 University of Toronto President’s Impact Award, speaks about his journey towards transforming access to testing, diagnosis, and treatment for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs). The IMS Magazine also spotlights former Editor-in-Chief and alumna Suraiya Mangra, on her transition to industry as the first and only Global Trials Associate at Johnson & Johnson. Current PhD candidate Ilakkiah Chandran speaks on the importance of mentorship throughout her graduate journey from involvement in the Peer-to-Peer Mentorship Program, to the ChatGPD podcast, and teaching. This issue also highlights written work from the Science Communicators modular course focusing on the impact of blocking the kynurenine pathway on improved memory and reduced anxiety following traumatic brain injury.

I would like to take this time to welcome new Editor-in-Chief Beatrice to the team, as well as thank Kyla for her contributions over the years to improving science communication, as she transitions out of this role. Furthermore, I would like to congratulate the outgoing Design Team Co-Directors Jinny and Ravneet and designers for their work this past year. I would like to thank continuing Editors-in-Chief Kristen and Nayaab, as well as the larger team of IMS Magazine journalists, editors, and photographers who contributed to the compilation of this issue. I wish all current and incoming IMS students the very best for this upcoming academic year.

Sincerely, 

Dr. Lucy Osborne

Director, Institute of Medical Science