Daily News

Posted on June 17: McMaster researcher heads new tropical diseases clinic

Globetrotters who are looking for comprehensive care, before and after they travel, can seek advice from McMaster's Shariq Haider at Hamilton Health Sciences new International Health and Tropical Diseases Clinic. Under the direction of Haider, the clinic sees patients before they travel to review their overall health, discuss the health risks of the region they're visiting and receive the shots they need to protect their health. If, when they return, they aren't feeling well, they can come back to the clinic for assessment and treatment. Haider is an assistant professor of medicine at McMaster and a specialist in tropical medicine and infectious diseases. He knows the importance of continuity of care when it comes to today's exotic illnesses. "Over and over again, research shows that people who receive pre-travel advice have better outcomes," said Haider. "Our clinic can help travellers reduce their risks of getting sick and, if they do come down with something, we have the expertise to treat them quickly and effectively."

Posted on June 16: Race for athletic and recreational space begins

McMaster has responded to the need for new athletic and recreational facilities by announcing plans to build a new $43-million athletic and recreation centre and stadium. Scheduled to open for the fall of 2006, the $30-million Athletics & Recreation Complex will be an addition to the University's existing Ivor Wynne Centre. This new centre will provide: a new sports hall, an indoor running track, a wellness and fitness centre twice the size and capacity of the current Pulse, international standard squash courts, new locker rooms, an expanded sports medicine clinic, as well as other teaching and training facilities. In addition, the new complex will be capable for use in hosting exams, movies, speakers, conventions and other community events. Construction of the complex is set to begin in March 2005. A future $13-million McMaster stadium to replace the existing Les Prince Field will have seating for 7,000 and will include varsity locker rooms, meeting space, storage areas, food preparation and concession facilities and seasonal multi-purpose training areas. The stadium field will be a high quality soft-surface artificial turf. The outdoor track will also be refurbished with a new track surface and new multi-seasonal artificial turf.

Posted on June 15: President recognizes outstanding service

On June 10, President Peter George hosted a reception in honour of 158 outstanding employees who have been recognized by members of the McMaster community as nominees for the President's Awards for Outstanding Service in 2003. This year's President's Awards for Outstanding Service resulted in 34 total nominations highlighting the achievements of 25 individuals and nine teams for their contribution to McMaster's mission. In his remarks President George noted, "We are committed to creativity, innovation and excellence. Today's nominees and award recipients have achieved the recognition of their peers as a result of incorporating these values in their day-to-day work and helping make McMaster the quality institution that it is. You are very much part of the reason McMaster ranks among the finest Universities in the world."