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Message of Introduction from the Interim Head of Medical Genetics at the University of Calgary Dr. Judy E. Chernos
BSc (Toronto), PhD (Calgary), FCCMG.(Interim Head)
Associate Professor, Department of Medical Genetics, University of Calgary.
Director, Cytogenetics Laboratory, Calgary Health Region.
e-mail:
website: http://medicalgenetics.ca
Welcome to the Department of Medical Genetics, University of Calgary, website.
This last couple of years has been a period of change on many fronts. The Alberta health system has undergone a complete reorganization - one of the largest corporate restructuring in North America. The University of Calgary is in transition under the leadership of a new president, Dr. Elizabeth Cannon. The Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research has been disbanned and new research and innovation strategies are being developed in the province. And at a Department level, there has been a change in leadership. Dr. Oksana Suchowersky has stepped down after a 5 year term and we wish her much success in her new academic pursuits at the University of Alberta.
All these changes are in the larger context of the Genomic Era that the field of Medical Genetics has entered. Technolgical changes are rapid and revolutionary. From bench to bedside these advances are going to have a big impact on how genetic research is done and how clinical care is provided. It is very exciting to look forward to what the next decade brings. The Department of Medical Genetics, UC, is also on the threshold of change and opportunity. With renewed support from the Faculty of Medicine and our strong partnership with the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, several new recruitments, including a new Department Head, are underway. While historically there has been a strong clinical and diagnostic laboratory base in Medical Genetics, there is now an opportunity for building necessary strength within the research and educational spheres. As Interim Head, I will 'chauffeur' the Department of Medical Genetics during this transition to a refocussed and envigorated academic enterprise under new leadership.
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