By: Tyler Saumur, UHN Trainee and ORT Times Writer
“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”
—Steve Jobs
This year, 7 trainees from the University Health Network received the prestigious Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, which is awarded to outstanding Doctoral students who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and research skills. Through this scholarship, Dr. Helene Retrouvey, a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Resident conducting research at Toronto General Hospital, will be able to continue exploring the barriers faced by breast cancer patients trying to access breast reconstruction by engaging key stakeholders to develop interventions within Ontario. Innovative work by Chaim Katz from the Krembil Research Institute will investigate the mechanisms of memory in the human brain to search for potential therapies to treat epilepsy.
The Vanier Scholarship aims to showcase individuals who spearhead change through community service, advocacy, and mentorship. The recipients are quick to share the honours of the accomplishment. As Farid Foroutan from the Toronto General Hospital Research Institute (TGHRI) puts it, “At this stage, the Vanier is the result of opportunities made available by my mentors, and all the other folks in my life who continue to shape me for the better, allowing me to do what I love to do.” Farid’s research focuses on allograft function after heart transplantation.
The scholarship is an important source of support for the recipients as they advance in their careers and conduct innovative research at UHN, according to Irene Harmsen, who investigates cortical responses to deep brain stimulation at the Krembil Research Institute. The community also benefits from the scholars’ commitment to leadership and research excellence. Furthermore, “The Vanier provides the support that trainees need to help improve the quality of life of Canadians, and maintain Canada’s international leadership in research innovation,” states Helen Loo Yau. Helen conducts research at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (PM) with Dr. Daniel De Carvalho , whose research focuses on combining molecular and cellular biology techniques to understand epigenetics.
A huge congratulations to all of UHN’s 2018 Vanier Scholars!
Tina Binesh Marvasti (Supervisor: Dr. Ren-Ke Li, TGHRI)
Farid Foroutan (Supervisors: Dr. Gordon Guyatt, Dr. Heather Ross, TGHRI)
Irene Harmsen (Supervisor: Dr. Andres Lozano, Krembil)
Chaim Katz (Supervisor: Dr. Taufik Valiante, Krembil)
Helen Loo Yau (Supervisor: Dr. Daniel De Carvalho, PM)
Carly Pellow (Supervisors: Dr. Gang Zheng, Dr. David Goertz, PM)
Dr. Helene Retrouvey (Supervisor: Dr. Toni Zhong, PM)
If we have missed any recipients conducting their research at UHN, please let us know!