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Winter 2020 (Volume 30, Number 4)
Passing the Baton of Arthritis Research
Canada’s Scientific Leadership – Celebrating
the Legacy of a
Visionary Leader
By Diane Lacaille, MD, FRCPC, MHSc
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On July 1st, after 21 years at the helm, Dr. John Esdaile
retired as Scientific Director of Arthritis Research
Canada/Arthrite-recherche Canada (ARC). I
am deeply honoured to have been handed over the scientific
leadership of this amazing organization. Dr. Esdaile was
a visionary leader who leaves behind an incredible legacy,
not only from his own personal research achievements, but
also because of what he built.
From its roots in 1999 as a single centre with himself,
one scientist, one graduate student, and an administrative
staff member, Arthritis Research Canada has
evolved into a leading arthritis clinical research organization,
with a team of more than 100 research scientists,
trainees, and staff. Our centres are located across
three provinces, British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec,
with scientists affiliated with five major universities,
University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University,
University of Calgary, Université Laval, and McGill
University. Dr. Esdaile assembled a team of research scientists
with a breadth of expertise to conduct research
across the disciplines relevant to arthritis. Our team of
41 scientists spans the disciplines of rheumatology, orthopedics,
physiotherapy, occupational therapy, pharmaceutical
sciences, biostatistics, epidemiology, health
services research, public health, health psychology and
behavioural change, health economics, health systems
assessment, and knowledge translation. Beyond what can
be measured by numbers, Dr. Esdaile created a culture of
scientific rigour and excellence, of innovation, pushing
boundaries for new discoveries, and fostered an environment
of collegiality and collaboration, which has been
key to Arthritis Research Canada’s success.
Dr. Esdaile has always been a strong advocate of supporting
the next generation of arthritis researchers, making
supporting trainees and mentoring new scientists one of
Arthritis Research Canada’s top priorities. The many established
scientists, previously mentored by him, who contribute
to advancing rheumatology research across Canada and
the U.S. are another important part of his legacy. I, myself,
have had the privilege of benefiting from his mentorship
over many years, from the time he supervised my summer
studentship as a medical
student, through being a
graduate student when
Arthritis Research Canada
was founded, until
today as I am following
in his footsteps as the
newly appointed Scientific
Director. I can speak
first-hand to the amazing
mentor that he is!
Dr. Esdaile has also
been a champion of
meaningful engagement
of patients in research
well over a decade before
it became popular.
He had the vision of ensuring
the patient voice
is represented in all facets
of our organization
and that patients are
engaged in all aspects
of research. Instrumental
to this was the creation of Arthritis Research Canada’s
Arthritis Patient Advisory Board. His commitment to ensuring
the patient voice be heard has always been at the
forefront of all we do. At Arthritis Research Canada, we
will continue to work for and with patients to make sure
our research is relevant, meaningful and helpful.
I look forward to leading the organization over the next
decade. I deeply value the research conducted at Arthritis
Research Canada/Arthrite-recherche Canada because
of the impact it has on the everyday lives of people with
arthritis. I am inspired by the incredible resilience of arthritis
patients, the dedication of the research scientists
and staff, the innovative ideas of my colleagues, and the
sharp inquisitive minds of our trainees. I am excited at the
thought of the future discoveries that will transform how
health care is delivered and change how people with arthritis
live their lives. These are exciting times. At Arthritis Research Canada, we will continue to expand the breadth
of expertise of our research team in order to respond to the
evolving needs of patients, and to harness the opportunities
that arise from new trends, such as big data, artificial
intelligence, and smart technologies. We will also continue
to tackle health inequities affecting people living with arthritis,
especially Indigenous peoples, so that all Canadians
regardless of race, ethnicity, or social circumstances, have
access to the care they need and the best care available.
And of course, we will continue to invest in the future of
arthritis research by training and mentoring the next generation
of arthritis research scientists.
Dr. Diane Lacaille
Dr. John Esdaile
Diane Lacaille, MD, FRCPC, MHSc
Mary Pack Chair in Rheumatology Research
Professor of Rheumatology,
University of British Columbia
Senior Research Scientist,
Scientific Director,
Arthritis Research Canada
Richmond, British Columbia
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