Toronto Rehab's Research Day is a chance for trainees to take centre stage. Quite literally.
In a popular annual exercise known as Minute Madness, trainees have just 60 seconds to tell scientists and the extended Toronto Rehab community about their research – from basic science to product testing across dozens of clinical and community populations spanning the full delivery of rehab care.
And this year, Toronto Rehab's 12th annual Research Day, featured 99 of the maddest minutes yet.
But there were plenty of other headliners in what may have been the best Research Day so far as about 350 people gathered to discuss the future of rehabilitation research, health technology, and provided research trainees with the opportunity to share their innovative work in preventing injury and illness, restoring function, enabling independence and optimizing the rehabilitation system.
The opening speech by Institute Director Dr. Geoff Fernie last Wednesday was inspiring in its content and delivery: "Following a decade of growth in research capacity and understanding, we are entering a period of Ferocious Innovation where we will convert our research into caring solutions as never before - ROAR!"
A second opening address by Ontario's Chief Health Innovation Strategist, William Charnetski, complemented Dr. Fernie's vision beautifully. With its concentration of health research, Ontario has an opportunity to develop a hub for health technology and innovation.
Both William and Toronto Rehab intend to be a big part of that development.
After Minute Madness capped the morning, the afternoon session of posters and interactive displays revealed the depth and quality of each research stream as trainees proudly explained the results of their hard work.
An announcement by the Toronto Rehab Foundation left the attendees touched and grateful. TD Bank has donated $1 million to continue to sponsor scholarships for graduate students with disabilities at Toronto Rehab. Part of the donation is an endowment to ensure this program continues indefinitely.
Congratulations to all award winners. Toronto Rehab is a uniquely cohesive research institute because of the enthusiasm and dedication of its trainees, scientists, and staff. Award winners exemplify the Institute's values of caring, innovation, integrity, and teamwork.
Congratulations to all for another terrific year of world-leading rehabilitation research.
