First Clinician Scientist Welcomed

At a press conference today, the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute (TBRRI) and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) formally welcomed an important new member to their clinical and clinical research teams. Dr. Jae K. Kim, a Radiologist with an impressive background in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) research, comes to Thunder Bay from Arizona, where he has been involved in clinical and research endeavours for the past six years. He is the Research Institute’s first clinician scientist and will hold a dual role as a Radiologist in the Diagnostic Imaging department of TBRHSC.

Originally from Toronto, Kim said he was attracted to Thunder Bay by his former University of Toronto professor Dr. John Rowlands, Founding Scientific Director for the TBRRI, who spoke at length about the unique patient-centred research focus of the TBRRI and of the city’s tremendous interest and support for research enterprise.

“I am thrilled to be joining the developing medical research community in Thunder Bay. The vision of the TBRRI is well-thought and sophisticated. One of the key attractions for me has been the unity of the Thunder Bay community behind the efforts of TBRRI. My wife and I look forward to living here,” said Kim.

Kim has a broad network of researchers involved in his major research projects, which will start up in Thunder Bay in the next few months. He also holds two US patents in MRI physics, with four more pending, and was a key early member of Sentinelle Medical, the world’s larger independent manufacturer of MRI coils.

“Dr. Kim is a star in the world of MRI and MRI research, and will be instrumental to the success of the TBRRI. His confidence in us is a reflection of our credibility. Brilliant minds attract other brilliant minds; Dr. Kim brings a wealth of expertise and ingenuity to our research program that will in turn attract other scientists and clinician scientists to Thunder Bay,” said Michael Power, CEO, TBRRI and Vice President, Regional Cancer and Diagnostic Services, TBRHSC.

“Dr. Kim brings a diversity of knowledge that will enhance our Diagnostic Imaging program, particularly in the area of MRI,” said Dr. Karl Granberg, Chief of Radiology, TBRHSC. “He will be a great addition to our physician complement.”

Since 1994, donations from the people of Northwestern Ontario have funded medical research at TBRHSC. “We are proud that our donors helped pave the path that led us here today,” said Ken Bittle, Chair of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. “We are committed to ensuring the continued success and growth of research at our Health Sciences Centre.”

Beginning Saturday, October 24 the Chronicle Journal will feature a four-day community education series called “MRI in Thunder Bay: The Big Picture.” The series highlights the important and growing role of MRI technology in patient care, research and academics in Thunder Bay.

Key facts about the TBRRI

The TBRRI is a joint venture partner of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC). Other key partners also include Lakehead University, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Philips Healthcare, Cancer Care Ontario and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine and Confederation College.
Scientists work under three themes: Advanced Detection Devices, Imaging Guided Interventions, and Probe Development and Biomarker Exploration.
Research is conducted at both ICR Discoveries (pre-clinical research) and TBRHSC (clinical trials).
The TBRRI currently employs 50 staff, including 11 institutionally supported scientists and two clinician scientists. More than 200 people are expected to work within the Institute by 2012.
TBRRI scientists have secured more than $2.5 million in grant funding since early 2008.
TBRRI recently launched a new translational research/clinical trial platform and is now offering early stage patient research studies in PET-CT imaging, MRI imaging and experimental therapeutics in cancer care.

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