Brian Schmidt

Dr. Brian Schmidt serves as Professor in the Section of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine at the Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, with adjunct appointment in Physiology and Pathophysiology. Clinically active for over 33 years, he consults at Health Sciences Centre's Neuromuscular Electrodiagnosis Laboratory and has held leadership roles in neurology residency training.

Education

• Medical doctorate, University of Manitoba (1980)
• Residency training in neurology, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University (1984)
• Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada (1984)
• MRC Research Fellowship, NIH Bethesda and UCLA (1984-1988)

Research Focus

His neurophysiology research investigates fundamental motor control mechanisms and locomotor networks, employing electrophysiological and neuropharmacological techniques in vitro and in vivo. Current work targets neurochemical restoration of walking function post-spinal cord injury, supported by continuous CIHR funding since the MRC era. This translational approach bridges basic science with clinical rehabilitation applications.

Awards

• Educator of the Year Award, Professional Association of Residents and Interns of Manitoba (2020)
• Number one rated neurologist (2020, 2015, 2013, 2009, 2007)
• Joe Doupe Annual Keynote Lecture (2014)
• Norman Hill Award (2010)
• Excellence in Teaching Award (2009)
• Morely Lertzman Award (2005)
• Will-to-Win Scholarship (2002)
• Manitoba Health Research Council Scholarship (1993)
• Medical Research Council Fellowship (1987)

Mentorship and Funding

Dr. Schmidt has supervised summer students, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows while serving on 30+ graduate advisory committees. His research receives sustained support from CIHR and international agencies, reflecting significant contributions to spinal cord locomotor network understanding. Though currently not accepting new graduate students, his legacy includes decades of trainee development.

Research Infrastructure

He maintains active affiliation with the Spinal Cord Research Centre within the Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, leveraging interdisciplinary resources for neural control studies.