Schroeder Arthritis Institute Newsletter December 2021

Dr. Glenys Foster Roberts is the Director of Research Operations within the Division of Orthopedic's Osteoarthritis Research Program at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute. Before joining the Osteoarthritis Research Program back in 2012, Glenys had spent over 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry and was looking for a way to use her knowledge to give back.

She heard about the orthopedic surgeons at Toronto Western Hospital through the Buchan Family Foundation. The Osteoarthritis Research Program that Dr. Nizar Mohamed and Dr. Wayne Marshall were developing, in order to find a cure for osteoarthritis, sparked an interest for Glenys, which ultimately encouraged her to join the team as a volunteer. What was fascinating to Glenys is that Dr. Mohammed and Dr. Marshall started the fund-raising activities for the collaborative research program with substantial financial contributions from each of the 10 surgeons in the Division, prior to approaching philanthropists for support. Their approach expressed their commitment and dedication to the program to other potential donors.

Glenys generously came in as a volunteer with a vision to help create a cohesive team of researchers who would work both independently and together to achieve the program's goal.

One thing that stood out to her was how patient-centric the research was. With previous experience in managing large research groups, operational staff in laboratories, and research facilities, Glenys was able to develop a cross-functional team that helped each other achieve their desired goals. Another key role that Glenys proudly took on was setting up the required infrastructure. This allowed for staff members to see a career path and have the opportunity to grow in their field within the Osteoarthritis Research Program. A crucial change she oversaw was developing financial systems so that the Division of Orthopedics and its Osteoarthritis Research Program could show financial accountability to the donors. Glenys worked closely with Anette Larsson, the Director of the Campaign to Cure Arthritis, and the surgeons to ensure that annual reports convey meaningful information to the donors. In addition, she brought in a research manager to help administer day-to-day operations and inspire the team. Glenys has definitely shown exceptional work and leadership that has contributed to the growth and development of the OA Research Program.

Since Glenys started as a volunteer and did not have access to all of the information she needed to make the changes that she envisioned, Glenys was asked to become an employee. This is when she was appointed as the Director of Research Operations. Since then, she has participated in a number of large projects such as LEAP OA, using a data capture system DADOS, and organized the first Academic Advisory Board meeting. She was also present when the wet lab scientific program was established in the Buchan Arthritis Research Center in the Krembil Discovery Tower.

All the positive changes that Glenys made were in hopes of achieving the ability to translate scientific knowledge from the research team to the patient. Helping the patient benefit from any research that was being done was and still is one of her most important goals. Glenys points out that "It's always been so patient-centric", and she has truly been inspired by all of the work the surgeons and researchers have done.

The biggest motivation for Glenys is the chance to make a positive difference, especially for the patients. She finds great joy in helping the organization and having put in the infrastructure that she has. "That was the motivation. To see what the vision was, to buy into that vision, and to actually be able to make it happen."

When asked what her Mantra of Success is, she expressed that it's to have open communication. She stressed that success comes from the process of encouraging people to strive for excellence. Motivating others to "continue to grow and improve within themselves" is what success really is.

Accomplishing the vision that the orthopedic surgeons initially had is an enormous achievement. After years of research, it's truly incredible that better treatments are being offered to the patients. Glenys would like to express her great appreciation for all the surgeons, Dr. Kapoor and the scientists for their contributions to the research and leadership throughout the years.

It has been an exciting 10 years for Glenys, having the opportunity to work with such a collaborative and sustainable team.

In her personal life, Glenys loves to travel the world and visit as many countries as she can. A little secret she shared is that she uses her passion for bird watching as an excuse, or a stepping-off point, to travelling the world.

On behalf of the Schroeder Arthritis Institute and its Division of Orthopedic's, we are thankful to Glenys's exceptional contribution towards the growth and success of the Osteoarthritis Research Program.

Clinical Manager of the Schroeder Arthritis Institute Outpatient Clinics

Lisa Giraldi, Clinical Manager of 9A Orthopedics, was recently appointed to the role of permanent full-time Clinical Manager of the Schroeder Arthritis Institute Outpatient Clinics.

Celebration Event, Appointment of the J. Bernard Gosevitz Chair in Arthritis Research

The appointment of Dr. Raja Rampersaud as the inaugural J. Bernard Gosevitz Chair in Arthritis Research took place virtually where Dr. Rampersaud presented his vision. Dr. Rampersaud is an Orthopedic Surgeon and the Director of the Osteoarthritis Research Program within the Division of Orthopedics at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, and a clinical investigator at the Krembil Research Institute. The celebration for his appointment took place on Wednesday, November 3rd, 2021. Click here for the Celebration Video

Clinical Manager of the Schroeder Arthritis Institute Inpatient Unit

Indira Gobin was recently appointed to the role of permanent full-time Clinical Manager of the Schroeder Arthritis Institute Inpatient Unit at Toronto Western Hospital.

Dr. Anthony Perruccio has been promoted from Scientist to Senior Scientist at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, Krembil Research Institute.

Dr. Armand Keating has been promoted from Scientist to Senior Scientist at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, Krembil Research Institute.

Dr. Nigil Haroon has been promoted from Scientist to Senior Scientist at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, Krembil Research Institute.

Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) Board of Directors

Dr. Mohit Kapoor, was recently appointed on the Board of Directors for the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI). His tenure on the board will commence in 2022.

The Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology (APLAR) Fellowship Grant

Dr. Patricia Remalante-Rayco, Clinical Fellow at the Department of Rheumatology, secured funding for her project titled "A Prospective, Randomized Biologic Tapering Study of TNF Inhibitors in Axial Spondyloarthritis (BIOTAPE Study)", through the APLAR Fellowship Grant.

Check out this episode of Behind the Breakthrough podcast. Dr. Joan Wither, senior scientist at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute and the Krembil Research Institute, discusses searching for the genetic and immune system abnormalities that lead to systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases.

Check out this episode of Behind the Breakthrough podcast. Dr. Angela Cheung, Director of the Osteoporosis Program at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, discusses her research on over 100 symptoms for Covid patients along with treatment options.

After many years working with the University Health Network, MaryAnn Dow, Manager of the Schroeder Arthritis Institute Outpatient Clinics, is announcing her well-deserved retirement. On behalf of the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, we are thankful for her outstanding contribution throughout the years and wish her all the best in the future.

Innovation in 3D Imaging

Dr. Timothy Leroux, Clinical Investigator at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute and Krembil Research Institute, and Orthopaedic Surgeon, is leading innovation in 3D imaging and mixed reality tools, working alongside colleagues at the Joint Department of Medical Imaging at the UHN, in hopes to transform positioning and overall outcomes for shoulder replacement patients. Click here for more information.

Best Health Magazine Women of The Year

Dr. Angela Cheung, Director of the Osteoporosis Program at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, was recently included as one of the Women of The Year for Best Health Magazine. She was recognized for her longitudinal study, CANCOV, looking at short and long term outcomes of Covid-19. Click here for more information