Alumni Information Series: Exercise is Medicine
The Alumni Information Series returns on March 26 with Exercise is Medicine – a dynamic session which will explore how exercise can prevent and treat various medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, cancer, dementia, and mental health disorders, while also contributing to longevity.
Dr. Alessandro Francella ’07 will be the event’s keynote speaker. Francella brings with him a wealth of experience as sports and exercise medicine physician with the Cleveland Clinic Canada, the University of Toronto, Toronto FC, and the Canadian Men’s National Soccer Team.
Throughout his education, Dr. Francella has integrated sports into his life and emphasized the importance of incorporating physical activity into everyday routines. During his time at St. Michael’s, he was the captain of the Kerry Blues football team and won the Metro Bowl in 2004 and 2006. He earned an honours kinesiology degree from McMaster University, where he played four years of varsity football for the Marauders. He then obtained his doctor of medicine and master of science from Saba University School of Medicine. Dr. Francella completed his family medicine residency and sports medicine fellowship at the University of Toronto. He strongly believes that exercise should be a first-line treatment for a variety of medical conditions.
“The Alumni Association is happy to offer this session as a complimentary resource to the entire SMCS community,” says Kimberley Bailey, Director of Advancement & Alumni Affairs. “The series depends on our alumni providing a Zoom webinar for registrants, and we are grateful for the skills and knowledge they are willing to share.”
Dr. Francella will be joined by moderator and fellow Kerry Blues teammate, Chris Smith ’06. Smith is an Alumni Association director, former CFL football player, and president and life insurance advisor at Smith Financial Solutions.
This engaging webinar will provide guests with valuable insight into how exercise can be used to enhance their lives today and in the future—when viewed as medicine.