Ausman | Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology | School of Medicine

Dr. Jonathan Ausman MBBS, MSc, MD, FRCSC

Position(s)

Assistant Professor

Contact Info

jonathan.ausman@kingstonhsc.ca

Current Appointments

Assistant Professor, Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Education

Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship - University of Toronto

Residency Training Obstetrics and Gynecology - Queen's University

Masters of Science (Placental Dysfunction) - University of Toronto

Bachelor of Medicine – Gulf Medical University, Ajman, UAE

Research

My primary research interest relates to the molecular mechanisms of placental dysfunction in preeclampsia, a devastating and complex disease of pregnancy. I have had the privilege of unifying my research interests with clinical training in both Obstetrics and Gynecology, and further sub-specialization in Maternal-Fetal Medicine. This clinical exposure has underscored the importance of early diagnostics and biomarkers which can only be achieved by deeper understanding of the subcellular changes that occur in complex pregnancies. My motivation for work in the field of reproductive science is also fueled by desire for advocacy in an area of research (and clinical care) that has historically been underprioritized.

My research career started in 2014 when I began my Master’s of Science at the University of Toronto, Institute of Medical Sciences under the supervision of Prof. Isabella Caniggia. This was my first foray into wet-lab, bench research and I was immediately drawn to the rigor of basic science, and the novelty of discovery. Prof. Caniggia is a world-renowned researcher in the molecular basis of disease in adverse pregnancy outcomes – she directed me to focus on the role of placental mitochondria in preeclampsia. My graduate thesis unraveled a novel interplay between bioactive sphingolipids, pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins, and mitochondrial morphology, which are all altered in preeclamptic placentae – adding preeclampsia to the list of human pathologies with abnormal mitochondrial dynamics in the literature.

In addition to my project, during my graduate studies I worked for the Research Institute Biobank, a program that collects a multitude of biological samples and clinical information from patients across gestation – providing insight into the ethics and processes required for acquisition of human samples for research. My clinical fellowship training has provided unique perspective on the need for ongoing translational research and clinical application of basic science discoveries.

Team

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