Canadian Arthritis Network - Today's Arthritis Research

Toronto, January 8, 2007, -- The Canadian Arthritis Network (CAN) is pleased to announce that Dr. John Esdaile, MD, MPH, FRCPC, has been appointed Scientific Director and CEO of the Network.

Dr. Esdaile has been active with the Canadian Arthritis Network since its inception and has made meaningful contributions to the organization through his leadership, research and committee work. His visionary and leadership qualities at CAN, and through his role in creating the Arthritis Research Centre of Canada (ARC), have demonstrated that Dr. Esdaile is an innovative, strategic thinker who is deeply committed to arthritis research. In 2005, Dr. Esdaile was recognized for his research contributions by his peers, when he received the Distinguished Investigator Award from the Canadian Rheumatology Association.

“John Esdaile was a natural choice to lead CAN,” explains Dr. Robin Armstrong, Chair of the Canadian Arthritis Network’s Board of Directors. “He is a strong leader who has consistently demonstrated his commitment and dedication to the success of CAN. He is an excellent choice.”

Dr. Esdaile currently divides his time between ARC, teaching at the University of British Columbia (UBC), holding the position of Head of the Division of Rheumatology at UBC, and conducting research into arthritis.

Dr. Esdaile has authored more than 150 publications in refereed journals, as well as more than two dozen publications, books and book chapters. He is recognized for his publication of the efficacy of hydroxychloroquine in systemic lupus erythematosus as his work has altered the treatment of this disease for many patients. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis round out his areas of research interest.

The Canadian Arthritis Network (CAN) (www.arthritisnetwork.ca) is a not-for-profit organization, funded by the Government of Canada’s Networks of Centres of Excellence, to support arthritis research and development and to facilitate the commercialization of its Network Investigators’ discoveries. CAN is the single point of contact that links 167 leading Canadian arthritis researchers and clinicians, 44 Canadian academic institutions, The Arthritis Society, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and government.