New Chair in Diabetes Management at The University of Western Ontario

Dr. Stewart Harris to lead diabetes research Chair

     LONDON, ON, Jan. 31 /CNW/ - Dr. Stewart Harris, the lead investigator of
a study which revealed that half of Canadians with diabetes are not properly
controlling their disease, has been selected as the first holder of the
Canadian Diabetes Association Chair in Diabetes Management at The University
of Western Ontario.
     The Canadian Diabetes Association and Western each committed $1 million
to the Chair, the cornerstone of a $5 million National Diabetes Management
Strategy. The Chair was established to develop and evaluate evidence-based
models of optimal diabetes management, and to advance the prevention and
treatment of diabetes, with the ultimate goal of improving the lives of the
approximately two million Canadians diagnosed with the disease, and the
millions of others at risk.
     "I am honoured to accept this position, as it offers exciting
opportunities to harness the existing expertise and programs of related
research here at Western. My vision is to establish a diabetes research
population cohort that will allow us to identify and respond to major gaps in
care, and to provide interdisciplinary research and training opportunities,"
said Dr. Harris. "As Ontario embarks on a major reform of primary care
delivery, the time is ripe to promote optimal diabetes care as a model of
effective chronic disease management."
     Dr. Harris is a professor in Family Medicine, Epidemiology and
Biostatistics, and Endocrinology at Western's Schulich School of Medicine &
Dentistry. He also holds the Ian McWhinney Chair in Family Medicine Studies.
Dr. Harris was the chair of the 2003 Clinical Practice Guideline Committee and
past-chair of the Clinical and Scientific Section of the Canadian Diabetes
Association. His major research interests focus on type 2 diabetes in
high-risk populations including Aboriginal Canadians and new immigrants, as
well as translational research on improving the management of diabetes in
primary care settings.
     "We're especially pleased about the appointment of Dr. Stewart Harris as
the inaugural Canadian Diabetes Association Chair in Diabetes Management at
The University of Western Ontario," said Michael Howlett, President & CEO,
Canadian Diabetes Association. "Stewart's commitment to diabetes is clear and
his position as a leader in the diabetes research community is well
established."
     Western and the Canadian Diabetes Association are working together to
raise an additional $3 million for the National Diabetes Management Strategy.

     The Canadian Diabetes Association works to prevent diabetes and improve
the quality of life for those affected by diabetes, through research,
education, service and advocacy. With a presence in more than 150 communities,
the Canadian Diabetes Association's strong network of assistance includes
volunteers, employees, healthcare professionals and partners. To learn more,
visit www.diabetes.ca or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).

     The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at The University of Western
Ontario provides an outstanding education within a research intensive
environment where tomorrow's physicians, dentists and health researchers learn
to be socially responsible leaders in the advancement of human health.