Dr. Maha Othman
Professor, Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences,
School of Medicine, Queen’s University
Professor, School of Baccalaureate Nursing, St Lawrence College
Past Chairman of the International Subcommittee for Women’s Health Issues in Thrombosis and Haemostasis of the ISTH
Title:
A Journey in Bleeding & Thrombosis Research- Lessons from the patient, the bench, and the animal model
Abstract:
Haemostasis requires a coordinated balance between procoagulant and anti-coagulant factors, and involves complex interactions between various cells, proteins, and molecules. This balance prevents excessive bleeding or thrombosis. Blood platelet is key. In this seminar, I will review the molecular and cellular interactions within the haemostasis model, then highlight our research, from over 2 decades on both bleeding and thrombosis sides involving von Willebrand disease, PT-VWD and coagulopathy in cancer and women, including international efforts. I will share some lessons from this diverse research and reflect on some from COVID-19 times.
Bio
Dr. Othman is a clinical pathologist/hematologist with specialized training in haemostasis laboratory testing and molecular genetics of bleeding disorders. She obtained her medical degree and MSc in Clinical Pathology in Mansoura University in Egypt. She then completed her PhD in Pathology from Southampton University, UK. After this, she pursued post-doctoral research training in molecular genetics of hemophilia and von Willebrand disease, at Queen’s University, Canada. Dr. Othman is currently a full Professor at the School of Medicine, Queen’s University and also a Professor at School of Nursing at St Lawrence College, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. She teaches Pathophysiology, Microbiology, Immunology and Research courses. Her research interests include the clinical and molecular aspects of von Willebrand disease and platelet disorders particularly PT-VWD, and thromboelastography assessment of coagulopathies in women, pregnancy and cancer. She has more than 100 publications in peer reviewed journals, her research is recognized internationally and she is invited regularly to speak at international conferences. She a senior editor for Seminars in Thrombosis and on the editorial board of Haemostasis and Research and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis Journal. She is a reviewer for a large number of Haemostasis journals and a member of several scientific organizing committees on women’s health, and advisory boards for international haemostasis conferences. She is the past Chairman of the International Scientific and Standardization Committee (SSC) on Women’s Health Issues in Thrombosis and Haemostasis of the ISTH. She is a passionate Educator and Mentor and an advocate for rare bleeding disorders and bleeding and clotting problems in women. She is the 2021 recipient of the Academic Excellence Award for her teaching. She is also the 2022 recipient of the Ontario’s Minister of Colleges and Universities’ Award of Excellence for Everyday Hero. This national award was for stepping up and making a difference at three levels during COVID-19 pandemic: Research & Innovation, Teaching & Learning, and Professional Development of Early Career Researchers.