Fighting disease in the clinic and the laboratory

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Posted March 12, 2010

By Kyle Glennie

Braedon MacDonald, recipient of the Dr. Lionel E. McLeod Research Scholarship: Photo by Trudie LeeBraedon McDonald is an overachiever.  He’s extremely hard working, focused and talented–and he’s also the recipient of the prestigious Dr. Lionel E. McLeod Research Scholarship.  Established in memory of Dr. McLeod, the founding president of the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research, now known as Alberta Innovates–Health Solutions, this award assists academically superior students to undertake full-time research training in a discipline relevant to health research.

But he’s also a glutton for punishment.  At least you’d assume he was, being part of the Leaders in Medicine MD/PhD program at the University of Calgary.  The program allows students to complete both their doctor of medicine (MD) degree and their doctoral (PhD) degree at the same time.  Where many would struggle to complete just one of those programs on their own, Leaders in Medicine students complete both–even if it takes a little bit longer.

“I’ve already completed my first two years of medical school, and I’ve just completed my first year of PhD studies,” explains McDonald. 

McDonald works in the laboratory of Paul Kubes, PhD.  His research focuses on how to block the immune system and notably the white cells from reaching the liver and injuring it.  Sepsis or infection that affects the whole body (meningitis, appendicitis, severe H1N1, etc.) kills more Albertans than any other disease. But it’s not the microbes that kill, it’s the immune system which releases its most potent and toxic molecules in an attempt to kill the bacteria.  Innocent bystanders, namely the lungs, liver, heart, brain and other tissues, are often injured.

McDonald’s research has identified a molecule, CD44, which appears to function as glue allowing the white cells to accumulate in the blood vessels of the liver.  By stopping the white cells from reaching the liver they prevent this inappropriate inflammation. 

For McDonald, completing both degrees at the same time was a great decision.  “I came to the University of Calgary to work with Dr. Kubes, but the school offers a lot of other added benefits, one of them being their three-year doctor of medicine program instead of the usual four-year program.”

So when does he expect to complete his PhD and resume his MD studies?

“As soon as I can figure out how to make the days longer than 24 hours.”