When he arrived in Sudbury, Dr. Denis Roy dreamed of Health Sciences North (HSN) becoming the “Harvard of the North.”
A new research fellowship in his honour will ensure that vision continues after he retires as CEO this June.
The Dr. Denis Roy Fellowship has been created by the Health Sciences North Foundation, Northern Cancer Foundation and the NEO Kids Foundation. They made the announcement at a tribute dinner to Dr. Roy, which raised a total of $50,000 for the fellowship, including $5,000 from each foundation.
The Dr. Denis Roy Fellowship will be given annually to a researcher affiliated with the Health Sciences North Research Institute.
“The Dr. Denis Roy Fellowship was borne from its namesake’s affinity and dedication to research in our community,” said Shayne Smith, chair of the of the Northern Cancer Foundation board of directors. “Cancer research is one of the most important pillars of our foundation and to have that vision shared by Dr. Roy through his years at HSN will only further cement his legacy in the Northeast.”
Under Dr. Roy’s leadership, HSN has greatly increased its research activities. The HSN Research Institute was created, complete with a new facility on Walford Road.
“The Dr. Denis Roy Fellowship will ensure that the legacy that Dr. Denis Roy created during his time at Health Sciences North lives on,” said Mick Weaver, chair of the NEO Kids Board of Directors.
The HSN Volunteer Association Chair in Healthy Aging and the HSN Chair in Indigenous and Northern Health were also established during Roy's time at HSN.
“I am humbled and honoured by the creation of this fellowship,” said Dr. Denis Roy. “From my first day here, I have said that ‘research is health care,’ and what we learn in the lab directly impacts and improves front-line patient care. This culture of research truly has taken hold here at HSN.”
