Summer 2025 (Volume 35, Number 2)

Spotlight on the 2025 CRA Abstract Award Winners

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IAN WATSON AWARD for the Best Abstract on SLE Research by a Trainee
Sponsored by the Lupus Society of Alberta
Winner: Kaitlin Nuechterlein, McGill University
Abstract Title: Placental Abnormalities in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Novel Markers of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes
Supervisor: Dr. Evelyne Vinet

PHIL ROSEN AWARD for the Best Abstract on Clinical or Epidemiology Research by a Trainee
Sponsored by the Arthritis Society – Phil Rosen Memorial Award
Winner: Enoch Yau, Western University/University of Toronto
Abstract Title: Anti-Integrin αvβ6 Autoantibodies as a Biomarker for Ulcerative Colitis in Patients with Axial Spondyloarthritis
Supervisor: Dr. Robert Inman

BEST ABSTRACT by a Rheumatology Resident
Sponsored by the CRA
Winner: Alec Yu, University of British Columbia
Abstract Title: Lung Transplantation Outcomes of Patients with Interstitial Pneumonia with Autoimmune Features
Supervisors: Dr. Kun Huang and Dr. Hyein Kim

BEST ABSTRACT on Basic Science Research by a Trainee
Sponsored by the CRA
Winner: Sreemoyee Ghosh, University of Toronto
Abstract Title: Identification of Psoriatic Arthritis-Related Pathways Using Multi-Omics Data Integration
Supervisor: Dr. Vinod Chandran

BEST ABSTRACT by a Post-Graduate Research Trainee
Sponsored by the CRA
Winner: Leah Flatman, McGill University
Supervisors: Dr. Evelyne Vinet and Dr. Sasha Bernatsky
Winner: Jeba Maisha, University of Manitoba
Abstract Title: Impaired Neutrophil Extracellular Trap (NET) Degradation in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Pre-Clinical RA is Mediated by Anti-Net Antibodies
Supervisor: Dr. Liam O’Neil

BEST ABSTRACT on Quality Care Initiatives in Rheumatology
Sponsored by the CRA
Winner: Zahi Touma, University Health Network/University of Toronto
Abstract Title: Work-Related Disability and Function in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): Outcomes of an Exploratory Study from Different Canadian Centres

BEST ABSTRACT by a Medical Student
Sponsored by the CRA
Winner: Amanda Brissenden, University of Alberta
Abstract Title: Transitioning Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis to Adult Care: Disease Reclassification, Patterns of Care, and Mental Health Insights
Supervisors:  Dr. Steven Katz and Dr. Lillian Lim

BEST ABSTRACT by an Undergraduate Student
Sponsored by the CRA
Winner: Ganesh Ramanathan, Queen’s University/ University of Toronto
Abstract Title: Elevated Serum Brain Injury Markers Correlate with Disease Features and Interferons in Children with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Supervisor: Dr. Andrea M. Knight

BEST ABSTRACT by a Rheumatology Post-Graduate Research Trainee
Sponsored by the CRA
Winner: Mats Junek, McMaster University
Abstract Title: Validating the Accuracy of Diagnostic Codes for Vision Changes in Giant Cell Arteritis Using Healthcare Administrative Data from a Tertiary Hospital in Ontario, Canada
Supervisor: Dr. Amber Molnar

BEST ABSTRACT on Research by Young Faculty
Sponsored by the CRA
Winners: Lauren King, University of Toronto
Abstract Title: Association Between Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis and Blood Glucose Control in Persons with Type 2 Diabetes
Winners: May Choi, University of Calgary
Abstract Title: Machine Learning Can Identify an Antinuclear Antibody Pattern that May Rule Out Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases

BEST ABSTRACT on Pediatric Research by Young Faculty
Sponsored by the CRA
Winner: Jeanine McColl, University of Calgary
Abstract Title: Chronic Non-Infectious Osteomyelitis of the Petrous Bone: A Case Series

BEST ABSTRACT on Spondyloarthritis Research
Sponsored by the Canadian Spondylitis Association
Winner: Archita Srinath, University of Toronto
Abstract Title: The Deubiquitinase Molecule TRABID: A Novel Therapeutic Target for Axial Spondyloarthritis
Supervisor: Dr. Nigil Haroon

BEST ABSTRACT on Equity Diversity and Inclusion in Rheumatology
Sponsored by the CRA
Winner: Molly Dushnicky, McMaster University
Abstract Title: Assessment of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Outcomes and Place of Residence in Canada: Identifying Disparities in Care
Supervisor: Dr. Roberta Berard