Two new research chairs have been named to the Health Sciences North Research Institute (HSNRI). It was announced Thursday that Dr. David Marsh is the new Research Chair, Mental Health and Addictions, and Dr. Stacey Santi is the new Research Chair, Cancer Solutions.
Marsh, who is currently the Vice Dean of Research, Innovation and International Relations at NOSM University and Adjunct Scientist at ICES North, is recognized internationally for his research on opioid use and addiction, said a news release from HSNRI.
Marsh has previously held leadership positions with Vancouver Coastal Health, Providence Health Care, the Addiction Research Foundation, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Toronto), and Canadian Addiction Treatment Centres.
Santi has been a cancer researcher at Health Sciences North (HSN) and HSNRI since 2014, said the release. She began her career in cancer research during her PhD studies in Biochemistry at the University of Ottawa and post-doctoral training at the Shirley and Jim Fielding Northeast Cancer Centre (Sudbury).
During her years at HSN and HSNRI, Santi has published peer-reviewed articles in cancer research, participated in global research projects on head and neck cancer, and collaborated on research projects with clinicians at the cancer centre.
Marsh commented that the increase in opioid deaths has become a public health crisis and said he looks forward to driving more research toward resolving that issue. Santi commented she was honoured with the appointment and was excited to be on this journey with HSN Cancer Solutions Leads Dr. Deborah Saunders and Dr. Lacey Pitre to continue to conduct cutting-edge research that will benefit cancer patients and families in the North.
Dominic Giroux, the President and CEO of HSN and HSNRI, said he was pleased with the appointments which are part of a goal outlined by the HSNRI board a year ago to recruit new research chairs to the organization.
“HSN and HSNRI are committed to providing high quality health services, support learning and generate research that improves health outcomes for the people of Northeastern Ontario. We are proud of this announcement given the high rates of opioid addiction and cancer in our region. Dr. Marsh and Dr. Santi’s research will be valuable in helping to care for the patients of Northeastern Ontario," said Giroux.
Dr. Robert Ohle, Vice President, Academic and Research Impact and HSN and HSNRI, also endorsed the appointments.
“HSNRI’s mission is to improve the health and quality of life of all Northern Ontario communities. The Research Chair program offers an incredible opportunity to support these exceptional individuals in the generation of research that will impact the health of Northern Ontario," he said.
Dr. Sarita Verma, the President, Vice Chancellor, Dean and CEO of NOSM University said the appointments would lead to better health outcomes in Northern Ontario.
“Through collaborative partnerships we are strengthening research capacity in Northern Ontario and improving performance and measurable outcomes in health for Northern Ontarians. Congratulations to Dr. Marsh and Dr. Santi on being appointed to these critically important roles,” said Verma.
Both Drs. Marsh and Santi will hold five-year renewable positions and are generously supported by the Northern Cancer Foundation and the Health Sciences North Foundation, said the release.
