## ‘Head to toe’ research powered by donation through London Health Sciences Foundation
By Schulich Communications
Table of Contents
an investment of nearly $16.5 million from London Health Sciences Foundation (LHSF) and Western University will support life-changing research into persistent health conditions – from heart disease to brain disorders – through the creation of four new research chairs.
Four separate gifts from LHSF, totalling $8.2 million, matched by Western, will advance pioneering research at Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute (LHSCRI) in neurosurgery, cardiovascular care, kidney care and orthopaedic (hip and knee) surgery.
“Thes investments made through London Health Sciences Foundation will change the lives of patients locally and around the world,” said Western president Alan Shepard. “Our longstanding partnership with the Foundation and London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute enables our research teams to work together to understand, prevent and treat some of the most difficult health challenges of our time.”
By providing stable, long-term funding, these chairs can attract and retain top-tier physicians, faculty and scientists – fostering world-class research and paving the way for major breakthroughs.
John H. MacFarlane, president & CEO of LHSF, said the gifts are a testament to the long-standing calibre of clinical research happening in the city and the determined generosity of our community.
“Donor generosity is the driving force behind these new endowed research chairs,” said MacFarlane. “Thanks to our donors, our local clinicians and scientists are advancing research that directly benefits patients here in London. We’re proud to stand with our donors in moving this work forward.”
The establishment of these chairs – Charles G. Drake Chair in Neurosurgery Research, Chair in Cardiovascular Clinical and Translational Research, Kay Family Chair in Transformational Kidney care and Chair in Orthopaedic Research and Innovation – marks a transformative step in advancing patient care across multiple disciplines.
“Through the partnership between LHSCRI and Western, we’re able to conduct research directly where care is delivered, providing access to research opportunities for patients across our region,” said Dr. Chris McIntyre, interim vice president of research at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and LHSCRI scientific director.”These chairs will advance patient care outcomes and accelerate life-changing treatments through scientific exploration.”
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schulich Medicine & Dentistry Receives Support for New Research Chairs
Western University’s Schulich Medicine & Dentistry has recently established new endowed research chairs, bringing the total number to 18 in recent years. This growth is largely thanks to generous donations from public and private sources, particularly through local hospital foundations. These chairs are designed to foster high-impact research aimed at improving patient care and advancing medical knowlege.
Driving Forces Behind the Expansion
The majority – nearly three-quarters – of the funding for these endowed research chairs comes from the collaborative efforts of the university’s affiliated hospitals and their foundations. Key contributors include:
* Children’s Health Foundation: Supporting pediatric research and innovation.
* London Health Sciences Foundation (LHSF): Funding research across a broad spectrum of medical specialties.
* St.Joseph’s Health Care foundation: Focused on supporting research at St. Joseph’s Health Care London.
“From incubating the idea for insulin to driving world-firsts in patient care and advancing education, we have a long and distinguished history of accomplishing great things working together,” said Dr. john Yoo, Dean of Schulich Medicine & Dentistry. He further emphasized the importance of LHSF’s continued support for research that directly benefits people’s lives.
Investing in Medical Innovation
Endowed research chairs are a crucial investment in the future of medical research. They provide dedicated funding for leading researchers, allowing them to pursue groundbreaking projects and attract top talent. This sustained support is vital for long-term innovation and finding.
Western University is actively working towards optimizing health for all through initiatives like these research chairs,demonstrating a commitment to improving healthcare outcomes.
Key Takeaways:
* Schulich Medicine & Dentistry has established 18 endowed research chairs with donor support.
* Local hospital foundations – Children’s Health Foundation, LHSF, and St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation – are major contributors.
* These chairs support high-impact research aimed at improving patient care and advancing medical knowledge.
* Western University is committed to optimizing health for all through research and innovation.
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