Posted on May 28: Surgical research receives $5 million boost at McMaster University

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/miller_anvari.jpg” caption=”John Miller, Mehran Anvari”]McMaster University and St. Joseph's Healthcare announced Thursday the creation of two endowed chairs and a professorship that will have a significant impact on surgical innovation and research. These appointments will serve to benefit patients, community and healthcare in Canada.

Mortgage Intelligence/GMAC Residential Funding of Canada, and Johnson & Johnson Medical Products, a division of Johnson and Johnson, Inc., through the St. Joseph's Healthcare Foundation, have each directed $1 million towards the creation of the two endowed chairs, the first in Thoracic Surgery, and the second in Minimally Invasive Surgery and Surgical Innovation. McMaster University is also matching $1 million toward each endowed chair.

Additionally, a donation of $1 million from Margaret and Charles Juravinski will set up the Juravinski Surgical Professorship, which will include a specialty focus in thoracic oncology surgery.

John Miller, associate professor and head of the Division of Thoracic Surgery at McMaster University, practicing at St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, is the first holder of the Mortgage Intelligence/GMAC Residential Funding of Canada Chair in Thoracic Surgery.

Miller's research interests in investigations of surgery for benign lung disease including lung volume reduction surgery for patients with advanced emphysema, minimal access thoracic surgery, and thoracic oncology, position him very well as Chair.

“This is a wonderful expression of university, hospital and community support for thoracic surgery. This is a Canadian milestone. Personally, I am honoured to be the first recipient and look forward to the future growth and opportunity it provides for
thoracic surgery,” said Miller.

Lee Goderstad, president, RFC Canada said: “For our company, with operations across Canada to be able to partner with St. Joseph's which is doing research work that improves the lives of people across the country is a good opportunity for us to make an impact that matters to so many.”

The Chair in Minimally Invasive Surgery and Surgical Innovation, held by Mehran Anvari, professor of surgery and director of surgical research at McMaster University, is made available through Johnson & Johnson Medical Products.

Anvari has become renowned for his work in minimally invasive surgery, establishing the world's first telerobotic surgical service between a tertiary health care institution, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, and North Bay General Hospital. His clinical research has focused on the use of laparoscopic techniques in the treatment of upper and lower gastrointestinal tract disorders.

“This is the first chair of its kind in Canada and will enable us to maintain an international leadership in this field,” said Anvari.

“We are pleased to invest in research and innovation that helps improve the health and wellness of Canadians,” said Tom Sullivan, president, Johnson & Johnson Medical Products.

John Kelton, M.D., dean and vice-president, Health Sciences at McMaster says: “The creation of these two surgery chairs and the Juravinski professorship is excellent news for McMaster University and for people with respiratory and cardiopulmonary problems.

“Dr. Mehran Anvari and Dr. John Miller have international stature as exceptional physicians in minimally invasive and thoracic surgery. The creation of these chairs will anchor these two leading researchers and allow for more focused attention on these two important areas of research.”

Kevin Smith, president and CEO, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton says: “The creation of these two chairs enables St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton and hospitals across Canada to continue to enhance patient care through evidence-based research.”