IQMH brings together experts in the field of laboratory medicine to elevate confidence in the healthcare system.
The IQMH Proficiency Testing Scientific Committees are composed of physicians, technologists and scientists who provide advice to IQMH regarding the fundamental design of Proficiency Testing surveys and ensure that clinically-relevant selection of challenges and appropriate performance evaluation are developed and implemented each year.
IQMH is grateful for the commitment and support of the medical laboratory community and appreciates all the volunteers who donate their time and valuable expertise to our programs.
It’s our privilege to recognize Michelle Sholzberg, MDCM, FRCPC, MSc. who has served IQMH as a volunteer since 2018.
Dr. Michelle Sholzberg received her MDCM and residency training in Internal Medicine at McGill University, completed additional postgraduate training in Hematology at the University of Toronto and a research hemostasis fellowship in Toronto and internationally. Dr. Sholzberg has a Master of Science from the University of Toronto in Clinical Epidemiology and Health Care Research and was awarded the Claire Bombardier award for career promise as a scientist. She is a clinician-scientist with a focus on coagulation, the Division Head of Hematology-Oncology and the Medical Director of the Coagulation Laboratory at St. Michael’s Hospital. She is also the Director of the Hematology-Oncology Clinical Research Group and Co-director of the Hematology-Immunology Translational Research Theme of the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute. Currently, she is involved in the study of: prediction tools for perioperative and traumatic bleeding, the intersection of women’s health and bleeding disorders, treatments for iron deficiency anemia, new treatments for immune thrombocytopenia and the management of COVID-19 coagulopathy.
We asked Dr. Sholzberg the following questions about her volunteer experience and here's how she responded:
Which committee do you volunteer on and in which capacity?
The Hematology Scientific Committee.
Do you volunteer in any other capacity on other committees with professional organizations?
Yes, The Association of Hemophilia Clinic Directors of Canada (AHCDC), and The Thrombosis and Hemostasis Societies of North America (THSNA).
Do you have any achievements that you are particularly proud of? Has your committee contributed to quality improvements in some way?
I am proud of all collaborative achievements over the years working with wonderfully talented people.
I have been involved in collaborative work to shift the lower limit of ferritin to a clinical decision limit to facilitate health equity in the management of iron deficiency anemia. I have also provided insight and education on COVID coagulopathy in the early days of the pandemic due to my leadership role in an international clinical trial at this time.
What would you say to someone considering volunteering on a scientific committee?
It has been an excellent and enriching experience. I have learned a ton about laboratory medicine quality and proficiency maintenance, hematology and coagulation working with the IQMH. I highly recommend it!