SPECIALTY AND TITLE

VP Research & Medical Director Burn Program

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Hamilton Health Sciences – Hamilton General Hospital

UNIVERSITY AFFILIATIONS

McMaster University

AREA OF RESEARCH

As one of the few burn surgeons working as a full-time clinician and a full-time basic/translational scientist, my research group studies clinically relevant problems that can improve morbidity and mortality of burn, critically ill, trauma, and surgical patients who undergo similar metabolic, stress, and inflammatory responses. The main foci of our studies are the cellular and molecular changes that occur after a burn injury during the profound hypermetabolic response. Over the last several years, we studied novel approaches to improve wound healing by looking at stem cells and their various sources. Therefore, the multi-faceted aspect of our research is very patient-focused.

MAJOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO SCIENCE AND/OR HEALTH CARE DELIVER

I have been caring for burn patients and conducting research in the field of burns for nearly 25 years. With over 450 peer-reviewed articles and numerous books and book chapters on burn care, I have contributed insights to all aspects of burn care and treatment. Our findings have changed the treatment of complications with burn injury and scarring, and the production of tissue-engineered skin. Studying long-term outcomes and quality of life after burn has led to changes in the standard of care worldwide in burn patients and patients with complex wounds. I have been actively involved in international organizations, editorial boards, and funding agencies, and mentored well over 100 MD, PhD, and other students in the field of burn care and research through my established training program.