Physician-researcher recognized as 2022 Top 40 Under 40 recipient

Like all clinician-researchers, Dr. Leslie Skeith, MD, has a busy life.

Skeith is an associate professor at UCalgary’s Cumming School of Medicine and a hematologist with Alberta Health Services with a thriving practice. She co-founded two clinics: one for thrombosis and one for patients with antiphospholipid syndrome, a rare autoimmune condition that causes blood clots and pregnancy complications.

Skeith also leads three collaborative, international studies with the goal of improving care and outcomes for pregnant people by preventing and treating blood-clotting conditions. She has received more than $1.75 million in funding for her research work in the four years since completing her training.

Skeith’s work has resulted in recognition as a 2022 Top 40 Under 40 recipient by Avenue Magazine Calgary. She is humbled and honoured.

“My work isn’t possible without collaboration, so this is definitely a joint effort,” says Skeith. “But it is really wonderful to be recognized for the work we do.”

Women are at an increased risk of developing blood clots in the legs and lungs (thrombosis) after delivering a baby, especially in the six weeks following delivery. While still relatively uncommon, blood clots can lead to pulmonary embolism, the leading cause of maternal mortality in the developed world.

The uncommonness of the conditions she studies motivates Skeith to work with sites around the world. Currently she has a growing list of collaborators from sites across North America and Europe.

“It’s critical that we combine forces so we can get answers for patients and health care providers for conditions that matter,” says Skeith. “By including participants from around the world, we capture the information we need.”

Learn more about Skeith’s work here and here.

Dr. Leslie Skeith is an associate professor in the departments of Medicine, Community Health Sciences and Oncology at the Cumming School of Medicine. She is a member of the CSM's Libin Cardiovascular Institute, O'Brien Institute for Public Health and the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute.