Winter 2023 (Volume 33, Number 4)

Who's in the Rheum?
Meet the Winnipeg ASM Rheum Ambassadors!

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In this edition of Who’s in the Rheum, the Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA) is proud to highlight Drs. Hani El-Gabalawy, Lily Lim, and Cory Baillie, three Winnipeg rheumatologists selected as ambassadors for the 2024 CRA & Arthritis Health Professions Association (AHPA) Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) in Winnipeg from February 28 – March 2, 2024! We’re happy to introduce each of our ambassadors and highlight their Winnipeg-specific insights and recommendations below! Make sure to say hello and connect with them during your time at the ASM!

Dr. Hani El-Gabalawy is a Clinician Scientist, Professor of Medicine and Immunology, and Endowed Rheumatology Research Chair at the University of Manitoba. Winnipeg has been Hani’s home, both personally and academically, for 33 years.

Dr. Baillie is a community rheumatologist in Winnipeg where he is a clinical faculty member with the University of Manitoba. He is a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan, a past president of both the CRA and Doctors Manitoba, and the current President of the Board of the Journal of Rheumatology.

Dr. Lily Lim is a pediatric rheumatologist, Section Head of Pediatric Rheumatology, Associate Professor, and Clinician Scientist at the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, at the University of Manitoba.

Why is the CRA important to you?

Dr. El-Gabalawy:
The CRA is important to me in that it is the hub of Canadian rheumatology activities and represents what I most value in my discipline and professional life: collegiality, professionalism, engagement, and collaboration.

Dr. Baillie:
I value the CRA and the CRA ASM for the collegiality and the opportunity to meet and interact with friends and fellow rheumatologists from across the country.

Dr. Lim:
The CRA is a place where generations of Canadian rheumatologists can gather to do great things together — cutting-edge research, guidelines to advance patient care, and mentoring the next generation of rheumatologists to carry on in the footsteps of the giants in our field.

What would you like to tell attendees of the 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting about Winnipeg?

Dr. El-Gabalawy:
I am delighted that, for the first time in the history of the CRA, Winnipeg will host the 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting. The City of Winnipeg is situated exactly at the centre of Canada and is only one flight away from most large Canadian cities. It surrounds the intersection of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers at the historic Forks, and has been the site of trade, commerce, and multicultural engagement. The theme of the 2024 ASM, “Confluence and Collaboration at the Forks,” could not be better suited for this vibrant city.

Dr. Baillie:
The Scientific Committee has an exciting program planned for the 2024 ASM and Winnipeg can’t wait for your visit. There are great restaurants in a modern take on a food court, connected by the skywalk to the convention centre in True North Square. Other fantastic options an Uber-ride away include 529 Wellington, Enoteca, and Deer + Almond.

If you could think of one rheumatologist or professor who influenced you to get into your field of work, who would it be?

Dr. Lim:
Brian Feldman, who influenced me to pursue methodology training, before I even came to train in Toronto. Earl Silverman, my clinical and research mentor, is the example for me in terms of his passion for patient care and using research to advance patient care.

What’s a must-visit place in Winnipeg?

Dr. El-Gabalawy:
It goes without saying that the inspirational Canadian Museum of Human Rights, which is a few short blocks from the convention centre, is a must-see. The Winnipeg Art Gallery is the home of what is arguably one of the world’s most impressive collections of Inuit art.

Dr. Baillie:
Take advantage of your free time during the ASM to visit The Forks, Winnipeg’s traditional meeting place for centuries, and the architecturally stunning Canadian Museum of Human Rights during your visit to Winnipeg.

Dr. Lim:
The Canadian Human Rights Museum, the zoo for the polar bears, and the Leaf (especially in winter). There are many wonderful restaurants. Here are a few personal favourites to start: Enoteca, Deer + Almond, and Passero.