accelerating excellence in medical research and innovation ... · accelerating excellence in...

Accelerating Excellence in Medical Research and Innovation in Ontario’s Northwest

Known as the centre for learning for researchers, students, teachers, and other healthcare professionals in Northwestern Ontario, Thunder Bay boasts a strong and deep health sciences sector, including a local medical school, DNA labs and a renowned research institute. Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) is a leading teaching and research hospital, serving all of Northwestern Ontario. The Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute (TBRRI) is an innovative, brand new facility equipped with advanced technology that attracts world-class talent. It is contributing millions of dollars to Thunder Bay’s economy and driving the growth of the Life Sciences Manufacturing cluster including innovative young businesses and ground-breaking research.

Canadian Government Invests in Thunder Bay’s Health Science’s Industry

The Government of Canada invested $1.85 million to enable the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute to purchase equipment and implement new technologies in the area of probe development and bio-marker exploration (PD&BE).

The Government of Canada in partnership with the City of Thunder Bay and the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation’s Exceptional Cancer Care Campaign funded a cyclotron that will produce medical isotopes that will improve cancer care for patients in Northwestern Ontario and will allow for cutting-edge research that works to find new, more efficient, ways of diagnosing and treating cancers.

Globally Recognized Achievements in Health Sciences• Radialis is developing Positron Emission

Mammography or PEM, a breast imaging alternative that addresses the shortcomings of mammography. It is also another step towards their goal of developing a cutting-edge medical imaging device industry in Thunder Bay.

• Thunder Bay has gained international recognition in the rapidly growing biotechnology sector and has established relationships with experts in fields that will aid in the development of Biomarker Discovery Platform, the multi-application molecular screening technology for the identification of cancer biomarkers.

• The Northern Ontario School of Medicine has garnered international recognition for its innovative model of distributed, community-engaged medical education and research.

• Alla Reznik, a senior scientist with the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute, has developed a new and accurate method to detect breast cancer in women.

• Research being done by scientists at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre has made them one of the Top 40 Research Hospitals in Canada.

Thunder Bay’s Prominent Biotech and Medical Companies & Labs


Excellence in Health Science & Medical ResearchThunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute (TBRHRI) is the research arm of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Its mandate is to facilitate clinical research strategic to regional health care needs. Current research areas include but are not limited to cancer, cardiac disease, stroke, orthopaedics, Indigenous health, and lung disease in addition to supporting clinical trials at the hospital. TBRHRI aims to develop innovative health care techniques from concept to clinical trials to commercialization, supporting scientists and clinicians at every step.

The Centre for Applied Health Research (CAHR) conducts high quality research to support St. Joseph’s Care Group in the creation of new knowledge relevant to addictions, complex care, long term care, mental health, and physical rehabilitation with a particular focus on prevention and treatment issues.

St. Joseph’s Care Group (SJGC) combines tradition and innovation in responding to the unmet needs of the people of Northwestern Ontario since 1884 and offering a broad range of programs and services in Addictions & Mental Health, Rehabilitative Care & Chronic Disease Management, and Seniors’ Health across eight sites in the City of Thunder Bay. With over 2,200 employees, SJGC is recognized as a leader in delivering safe, high-quality health care and has been Accredited with Exemplary Standing, the highest level awarded by Accreditation Canada.

Clinical research plays an extremely important part in healthcare at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. As an academic health sciences centre, it is literally a centre for learning for researchers, students, teachers, and other healthcare professionals.

The hospital has attracted researchers from around the world to Thunder Bay to work at the Health Sciences Centre and/or the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute (TBRHRI), the research arm of the Health Sciences Centre. Together, they are partnering with other world-class researchers at Lakehead University, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and others, developing tomorrow’s healthcare techniques and equipment right now.

Thunder Bay’s Regional Cancer Care continues to lead Ontario in cancer treatment, diagnostics, and surgical wait times, and are rated highly in Canada for overall patient satisfaction. TBRHSC’s cancer care services span the northern region with prevention, screening, diagnostics, education, in-patient and outpatient treatment, surgical treatment, and supportive and palliative care.

Thunder Bay has gained international recognition in the rapidly growing biotechnology sector and has established relationships with experts in fields that will aid in the development of Biomarker Discovery Platform, the multi-application molecular screening technology for the identification of cancer biomarkers.


Industry Leading ResearchDr. Ingeborg Zehbe’s research in the Zehbe lab focuses on the relationship between HPV and cancer, covering the entire cancer continuum: including basic research, non-invasive therapies as well as prevention and screening.

Dr. Mitchell S. Albert’s laboratory focuses on using hyperpolarized (HP) noble gas MRI, an innovative technology that provides spectacularly detailed images of structures and processes within the body. HP gas MRI significantly improves diagnosis and treatment of a variety of diseases, including lung diseases, stroke, and cancer.

Dr. Alla Reznik and her group have developed a new technology for molecular imaging of breast cancer called Positron Emission Mammography (PEM). PEM has the advantage that it detects small cancerous breast lesions based on their increased glucose metabolism and in such, its imaging performance is inherently independent on breast tissue density. Radialis Medical, a joint venture between Lakehead and the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute will help commercialize PEM technology and assemble the first Canadian molecular breast imaging system in Thunder Bay.

Dr. Kathryn Sinden’s research is being conducted in partnership between Thunder Bay Fire Rescue, the Thunder Bay Professional Firefighters Association and the School of Kinesiology at Lakehead University and involves adaptation of wearable technology to better understand cumulative demands associated with firefighting. This research will allow development of measurement strategies that will improve identification of the relationship between injury risk factors and firefighting that will be used to inform injury management strategies.

1.2.

3.

4.DNA Research

Established in 1996, Lakehead University Paleo-DNA Laboratory is a research laboratory affiliated with the Lakehead University Centre for Analytical Services (LUCAS). The laboratory provides three functions: research, services and teaching. The research covers many aspects of DNA analysis; from the development

and implementation of new extraction and purification methods through to their application. Research projects have involved modern and ancient human identification, species identification, and plant and animal genetics.

The Paleo-DNA Laboratory is a leader in mitochondrial DNA research, continually improving methodology, sensitivity and detection methods for DNA examination. Services include archaeological testing, paternity and relationship testing, human and species identification on a variety of sample types.

Founded in 2012, C.G. LABS INC. is at the forefront of the science of DNA preservation and recovery. C.G. Labs specializes in post mortem DNA and highly degraded samples. C.G. Labs continue to build and strengthen their expertise in the biotechnology industry with a strong commitment to advancing scientific

insight through the successful recovery of DNA from older and more complex samples, previously thought non-viable. C.G. Labs offers a complete genetic testing and analysis service. Their core business is DNA Banking offered through the funeral industry in Canada, USA, UK, Sweden and Israel under the brand of DNA Memorial.


Academic Strengths

The Lakehead University Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences is comprised of several departments and schools, all of which share a dedication to human health and well-being while offering educational programming and inspire innovative research that will meet the ever changing demands of the Canadian health care sector, with special emphasis and sensitivity to rural, remote, Aboriginal and northern health issues.

• The Master of Public Health focuses on current issues in the science and/or service of public health, so that students may gain experience through opportunities in any of the fundamental disciplines that underlie public health.

• The Master of Health Sciences program provides students with an understanding of the complexities of the health sciences through a focus on individuals, communities, and organizations and intended to prepare skilled graduates who will make a positive impact on health through involvement in research.

• Lakehead’s DNA in Forensic Science course teaches students the history of DNA analysis, its credibility as criminal evidence and how it is used by law enforcement in U.S. and Canadian courtrooms.

• Ranked amongst Canada’s top 10 primarily undergraduate universities in the country, Lakehead placed first in total Research Dollars, second in Citations (scholarly output), third in Scholarships & Bursaries, and third in Library Acquisitions.

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) is a pioneering faculty of medicine. As Canada’s newest medical school, NOSM is the only medical school in the country established with an explicit social accountability mandate to improve the health of the people and communities of the region it serves and provides training across a geographic expanse of nearly 500,000 square miles. NOSM also serves as a joint faculty of medicine for Lakehead University in Thunder Bay and Laurentian University in Sudbury.

The School’s 1,400 faculty members educate physicians, dietitians, physician assistants, audiologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech language pathologists, pharmacists and radiation physicists in more than 90 communities across the North. In just more than a decade, NOSM has positively influenced infrastructural and technological developments in health-care centres in Northern Ontario, contributing more than $100 million a year to economic development in Northern Ontario.

Confederation College has a history of supporting the healthcare industry in Northwestern Ontario through its offering of 24 unique programs ranging from medical radiation technology to palliative care, medical office assistant, hospital ward clerk, health records clerk, patient support administration and nursing.


Incentives and Funding Programs for Businesses• New Investment Projects: Assisting

competitive businesses that currently do not have a presence in Ontario, expand operations to Northern Ontario and create jobs.

• Opportunity Assessment Projects: Assisting Northern Ontario businesses with identifying opportunities for new technology development projects.

• Innovation: Activities that enable organizations and SMEs to increase the level of innovation, productivity, quality and competitiveness in key sectors, such as biotechnology, the mining and forest industries, agri-food, information and communications technology, renewable energy and manufacturing.

• The Northern Cancer Fund raises funds that are 100% dedicated to supporting exceptional cancer care in Northwestern Ontario.

• The Northern Cardiac Fund supports excellence in cardiac care in Northwestern Ontario.

• The Health Sciences Discovery Fund was established with a patient-centred research focus that is market oriented, working in partnership with industry and investors to ensure that innovation and discovery reach patients throughout Northwestern Ontario and around the world.

• The Scientific Research and Experimental Development Program is a federal tax incentive program designed to encourage Canadian businesses of all sizes and in all sectors to conduct research and development (R&D) in Canada.

THUNDER BAY COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (CEDC)

PO Box 800, 201-34 Cumberland Street North, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada P7C 5K4

ThunderBayCEDC.ca | www.gotothunderbay.ca

Jessi Ruberto, Senior Development Officer Office: (807) 625-3960 | Direct: (807) 625-3967 Toll Free 1-800-668-9360Email: [email protected] | [email protected]

Workforce DevelopmentTo accelerate medical research and development, and patient care in Thunder Bay, medical companies can draw upon a skilled talent pool from within the Thunder Bay district that is comprised of a vibrant labour force that spans many faucets within the medical industry.

Teaching the next generation of health care providers and advancing medical research means patients benefit from a team approach to care, and the chance to take part in clinical trials. Coupling research with mobilization, the Centre for Applied Health Research (CAHR) supports internal and external staff and clinicians through expertise, project consultation and knowledge translation.

Thunder Bay DemographicsThe City of Thunder Bay’s population is 121,621, yet the district of Thunder Bay expands the population to approximately 146,048. Hovering around an 8.2% unemployment rate, the Thunder Bay district has a labour force of 121,260. 53% of the district’s labour force hold a postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree, compared to 26% with a secondary (high school) diploma or equivalency certificate.

About Thunder Bay CEDCWe can help with: community information and statistics; networking and referrals; assistance in site selection; and labour market data. We are responsible for: business development; business retention and expansion; entrepreneurial support; opportunity promotion; and collection and assessment of key business data.

CEDC receives formal proposals on projects that will contribute to economic development. It responds quickly to new opportunities and initiatives to attract direct financial involvement from government and private sectors. CEDC’s staff will assist your business with attaining essential information for decision making.

Source: Statistics Canada, Census Profile 2016, Thunder Bay District

Academic Strengths of Thunder Bay districts workforce

9 335860

6102801857535

Health professions and related programs

Biological and biomedical sciences

Physical sciences

Biological and physical sciences

Dental, medical and veterinary residency

Science technologies/technicians

Other interdisciplinary physical and life science

Thunder Bay District Health Sciences labour force profile

3 2305 365

10 775

Profesional, scientific and technical services

Educational services

Health care and social assistance

accelerating excellence in medical research and innovation ... · accelerating excellence in...

Documents