Fall 2023 (Volume 33, Number 3)
Rising Star:
Dr. Mohamed Osman
My Journey as a Clinician Scientist
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As a PhD-trained rheumatologist
and clinician
scientist with
an active clinical practice,
I am passionate and committed
to delving into research
questions that could
be life-changing for my patients.
In my view, research
is a pivotal tool that can be
used to derive solutions to
the unfortunate complex
health problems faced by
my patients. I am particularly
interested in studying
systemic sclerosis (SSc,
scleroderma) — a systemic
autoimmune rheumatic disease
that is associated with
the worst outcomes and
quality of life among all
rheumatic diseases. My research
is primarily focused
on better understanding
the grave challenges for
patients with SSc through research so that I can treat them
more effectively, improve their quality of life, and ultimately
find a cure for their disease.
This passion for research started early in my career. I have
always loved the bench, as it allowed me to utilize my creativity
and explore the “why”. I initially honed my skills at the
bench with formal research training during my undergraduate
degree (Dalhousie University), PhD (University of Alberta),
and post-doctoral fellowship (University of Alberta).
I complemented my experiences at the bench by developing
a deeper appreciation for various clinical research approaches
during residency.
Alongside my integral research training, I have also had
the benefit of invaluable mentorship over the years, both
in research and patient care, which in turn has helped inform
me on how to coach my mentees over the years. I have
had both traditional mentors, but also individuals who truly
sponsored me in various stages of my career. Certain individuals
were instrumental in my journey as a rheumatologist/
clinician scientist. One such example was Dr. Elaine
Yacyshyn’s passion for patient care and teaching which inspired
me to pursue a career as a rheumatologist. She led me
to my post-doctoral fellow mentor, Dr. Evangelos Michelakis,
a seasoned clinician-scientist who
was essential in helping
me simplify and
articulate complex
concepts into clear
testable ideas. He also
inspired me to learn
more about SSc, and
to challenge current
accepted paradigms
related to the disease.
I am also grateful to
Dr. Jan Willem Cohen
Tervaert who believed
in my abilities as a
researcher as my Divisional
Director, but
also sponsored me to
pursue advanced training
in SSc. Further,
Dr. Robert Gniadecki
(an experienced clinician
scientist) has
been an effective
sounding board for discussion of my ideas. In addition to
having supportive mentors, I am very fortunate to have support
for my research through various funding organizations
(e.g. Scleroderma Canada, the Arthritis Society, CIHR) and
I am also truly lucky to be surrounded and supported by my
astute colleagues at the University of Alberta (particularly in
the Division of Rheumatology). Finally, I am very blessed to
have the overarching support of my wife, Wassila, my two
children, my friends, and my family.
In all, I have been privileged to have been afforded entry
into the world of research. Despite its vast potential, in my
short tenure as a clinical scientist, I have also come to accept
that research is challenging and not without failings and
rejection. However, I have also come to accept that this is
part of the continual learning process it is embedded in, and
it has not dissuaded me. Rather, it has strengthened my resolve
to continue my research, as the ultimate goal remains
to help the patients I can if I can.
Mohamed Osman (MO), MD, PhD, FRCPC
Assistant Professor, Rheumatologist and Immunologist,
Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry
University Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
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