Arthritis Research Canada opens fourth centre

VANCOUVER, July 17, 2019 /CNW/ - Arthritis Research Canada, the largest clinical arthritis research institution in North America, continues to grow with its newest centre located at McGill University.

Drs. Deborah Da Costa, Michal Abrahamowicz, Susan Bartlett and Marie Hudson will join the new location and bring with them a collective and extensive knowledge of arthritis research.

Dr. Da Costa's area of study focuses on the connection between mental health and chronic illness. Dr. Abrahamowicz' research involves the development of new, flexible statistical methods for survival analyses. Dr. Bartlett has done extensive research on behavioural factors (like exercise, diet and medication adherence) and their impact on health outcomes in patients with inflammatory arthritis. And Dr. Hudson's expertise is systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases.

"As Arthritis Research Canada celebrates its 20th anniversary, we are excited to open a new centre and welcome scientists with a wide range of research areas to the team," said Scientific Director Dr. John Esdaile. "This expansion strengthens our ability to improve the lives of Canadians with arthritis."

The announcement of the new location comes as three new scientists also join the British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec centres.

Dr. Jackie Whittaker is an expert on sports injury and osteoarthritis prevention and will be based in BC. Dr. Laëtitia Michou will work from the centre in Quebec, focusing on the human genetics of bone and joint diseases. And Dr. Susanne Benseler, a leading paediatric rheumatologist and Arthritis Research Canada's first scientist with a focus on childhood arthritis, will join the Alberta centre.

"Our scientific team is currently engaged in over 75 studies covering the breadth of arthritis," said Dr. Esdaile. "We are proud to further expand our research in the areas of mental health, paediatrics, arthritis prevention and more."

ABOUT ARTHRITIS RESEARCH CANADA:

Arthritis Research Canada is the largest clinical arthritis research institution in North America. Our mission is to transform the lives of people living with arthritis through research and engagement. Led by world-renowned rheumatologist, Dr. John Esdaile, Arthritis Research Canada's scientific team of over 100 are creating a future where people living with arthritis are empowered to triumph over pain and disability. Within British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec, Arthritis Research Canada is leading research aimed at arthritis prevention, early diagnosis and treatment, and quality of life issues.

SOURCE Arthritis Research Canada