Voice of St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation

Fall/Winter 2015

AborıgınalTransforming Health new First Nations Health Authority Chair in Heart Health and Wellness at St. Paul’s

REvolutionary Advanced Stroke Thank You, Heart Care Care Donors Collaborating to transform Supporting optimal Celebrating your heart care for patients patient outcomes generosity fromthetop Groundbreaking Collaborations

For over a century, St. Paul’s Hospital Centre and Chief Edward John, led to the provision of care to stroke patients. Its team has been the health-care heart of British creation of the new First Nations Health approach – from diagnosis and treatment in Columbia, providing world-leading care, Authority Chair in Heart Health and Wellness emergency to in-patient care to support while also serving as an international centre at St. Paul’s Hospital – a program that will through rehabilitation – has made it an for advanced medical research and teaching. ultimately revolutionize how health care is advanced centre for stroke care (page 13). Many factors have contributed to St. Paul’s provided to First Nations people in BC. Collaborations at St. Paul’s Hospital take success. Much of it is rooted in two simple St. Paul’s provincial Heart Centre has many forms, not the least of which is the words – groundbreaking collaborations. long been a hub of innovation, not the least amazing partnership that exists between St. In this issue, we will explore how the of which is the inspired partnership between Paul’s Hospital Foundation and you, our valued partnerships forged among medical experts heart surgeons and cardiologists. Working donors (page 15). This is perhaps our greatest in various disciplines have led to amazing together, these experts have developed new collaboration. On behalf of the Foundation, advances in medical care at St. Paul’s. approaches to heart procedures that are we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude In our cover story, Transforming Aboriginal having a dramatic impact on patient to you, and to our entire community, for your Health (page 6), we highlight how a doctor/ outcomes (page 10). commitment to partnering with us to bring the patient partnership between Dr. Andrew As a major urban hospital, serving the highest level of health care to St. Paul’s and Ignaszewski of St. Paul’s provincial Heart province of BC, St. Paul’s is a hub for the your generous support of our efforts.

Dick Vollet Don Kasian President and CEO Chair, St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation President, Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning Ltd.

Get the latest news about St. Paul’s Hospital:

@helpstpauls

facebook.com/helpstpauls

youtube.com/helpstpauls

www.helpstpauls.com

Photo: Brian Smith

inside Promıse Cover Fall/Winter 2015 6 tRansforming VOLUME 13, NUMBER 2 Aboriginal EDITOR Ann Collette Health CONTRIBUTING EDITOR A new First Nations Health Authority Sarah Burgess Chair in Heart Health and Wellness ART DIRECTOR at St. Paul’s Hospital leads research Rick Thibert to develop programs tailored to the Contributing Writers needs of First Nations people. Sarah Burgess, Joseph Dubé, Ann Collette, Melissa Edwards, Michelle Hopkins By Melissa Edwards Contributing Photographers/ Illustrators Features 6 iStock, Greg Morton and Brian Smith – Providence Health Care Media Services, Ron Sangha 10 Revolutionary IMAGING technicians Health Care Mandy Lau, Berny Holtzmann Heart surgeon/cardiologist/electro- PRODUCTION manager physiologist collaboration at St. Paul’s Kristina Borys Heart Centre has dramatically improved outcomes for heart patients. By Joseph Dubé 13 Advanced Stroke Care St. Paul’s Hospital’s comprehensive 230, 4321 Still Creek Drive program provides state-of-the-art care , BC, V5C 6S7 10 Phone: 604-299-7311 Fax: 604-299-9188 to stroke patients. chairman, ceo By Michelle Hopkins Peter Legge, O.B.C., LL.D. (Hon) PResident 15 tHank You, Samantha Legge, MBA Donors Chief Content Officer Celebrating the remarkable generosity Charlene Rooke of our community’s many individual, Director of circulation business and corporate donors. Tracy McRitchie Director of Production Kim McLane Departments

We welcome your comments on Promise magazine. 2 fRom the Top Please write to us c/o St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation, 178 Groundbreaking Collaborations –1081 Burrard Street, , BC, V6Z 1Y6. By Don Kasian and Dick Vollet Website: www.helpstpauls.com Phone: 604-682-8206; Fax: 604-806-8326. 4 fRontlines 13 St. Paul’s Young Leaders Group Promise magazine is published twice a year by Limited for St. Paul’s Hospital 5 tHe New St. Paul’s Foundation. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. Send change- Looking ahead to the creation of of-address notices and covers of undeliverable copies to: the new St. Paul’s Promise, c/o St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation, 178 –1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6. 19 Q&A For subscription enquiries, call 604-682-8206. Meet the head of St. Paul’s Hospital’s ISSN: 1703-6151. Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Division of Dermatology, Agreement No. 40065475. Dr. Sheila Au

COVER: by Greg Morton 19 Captured at Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art.

Fall/Winter 2015 ■ Promise 3

frontlines Great Ways St. Paul’s Young to Leaders Group Give First-of-its-kind initiative launches in To help St. Paul’s please use the enclosed form or consider giving in the following ways: l Monthly gifts Automatic payments from your credit card or bank account are convenient and save the time and money required to mail in donations.

Honour a loved one Make a gift in honour of a family member, friend, or doctor to celebrate their accomplishments, their memory or a milestone occasion such as a birthday Young Leaders include: (left to right) Jonathan Lai, Project Manager, Vandy Developments Ltd; or wedding. Ivor Luk, BC Financial Advisory Managing Partner, Deloitte, Foundation Director & Young Leaders Mentor; Leon Ng, President & Founder, LNG Studios; Jonathan Cooper, Vice President, Operations, Ltd.; Claire Allen, Senior Producer, CKNW 980; Mike Mackay, Director, Strand Development Ltd.; Securities Ludovic Siouffi, Investment & Insurance Advisor, Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management; Donating publicly-traded Tyler Smyrski, Partner, Yellow Point Equity Partners; Yasmine Roulleau, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, securities, especially if they Ventures4Development Inc.; Stuart Louie, Governor, Ltd, Foundation Director & Young contain capital gains, may Leaders Mentor; Lindsay Nahmiache, Co-Founder & Partner, Jive Communications (not pictured). allow you to make a charitable St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation is its sister hospital, Saint Michael’s, in gift and take advantage of changing the face of BC’s community Ontario, the St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation special tax-saving provisions. development by creating an indepen- Young Leaders Group is the first to launch dent committee of young, like-minded in British Columbia. q Will and estate gifts philanthropists to encourage young Under the mentorship of two St. Paul’s Plan for a future gift in your leaders to engage in making a difference Foundation directors (Ivor Luk, BC will or in some other way, in the community. Financial Advisory Managing Partner at such as life insurance, an RRSP, St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation’s Young Deloitte, and Stuart Louie, Governor of a RRIF or a trust. Leaders serves as a platform to develop a the London Drugs Group), the Young culture of philanthropy among a younger, Leaders Group equips members with the To learn more, contact us: broader demographic, while educating experience to develop a fundraising Mail: 178-1081 Burrard St., future community leaders about non-prof- strategy that appeals to a variety of Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6 it governance, committee management demographics. In line with the innovative Phone: 604-682-8206 and professional fundraising within a culture of St. Paul’s, the Young Leaders E-mail: sphfoundation@ major academic teaching and research Group reflects St. Paul’s Hospital providencehealth.bc.ca hospital. Modeled around a similar Foundation’s progress in connecting with Web: www.helpstpauls.com program that has seen positive results at the future leaders of our community. ■

4 Promise ■ Fall/Winter 2015 Photo: Brian Smith/PHC Media Services The New St. Paul's

Building the Future of Health Care from the Ground up A treasured provincial medical resource, Planning for the new hospital and integrated health-care St. Paul’s is known for providing trail-blazing care for campus is now underway, and will include: British Columbians with complex health issues. From humble ■ A new, full-service critical care hospital beginnings, we are now re-imagining the future of health ■ 24/7 primary care services care to better meet the needs of British Columbians. ■ Chronic disease management services The new St. Paul’s integrated health-care campus will ■ Mental health and addictions beds and programs be built from the ground up on Station Street, offering ■ On-site residential care beds and programs British Columbians access to a purpose-built, modern facility. ■ Ambulatory services and outpatient clinics The most cutting-edge technology, architecture and materials ■ Non-acute medical services will help offer the best-possible medical facilities, while attract- ■ A low-risk birthing centre ing even more of the world’s most caring staff ■ End-of-life care and the finest health professionals and researchers. ■ Research and teaching More than a facility, the new St. Paul’s will give patients ■ Community Care 24/7 access to a centralized “check-in” or intake process. ■ Community Outreach Programs It will determine which patients require hospital care, and St. Paul’s will continue its dedication to a patient and family which require primary, community or other specialist care centred philosophy, and continue to help the most vulnerable or supports. This vision will ensure that the right level of care patient populations: those with HIV/AIDS, those suffering from is offered to each person at the right time. The integrated mental health and addictions, people with chronic illnesses campus will also help patients move seamlessly from associated with aging, and critically ill British Columbians with one level of care to another. heart, lung and kidney conditions. The new St. Paul’s will continue as one of British Columbia’s Disclaimer: (Below) This is an earlier two most specialized hospitals for adults. It will also be at the concept graphic to show how a redevelopment centre of a network of new and existing dedicated primary care will fit in with the neighbourhood. services in the region. ■

Rendering: Courtesy Perkins+Will Fall/Winter 2015 ■ Promise 5 x

By Melissa Edwards . Photography Brian Smith AborıgınalAdvancing The new First Nations Health Authority Chair in Heart Health and Wellness at St. Paul’s Health Hospital will lead research and education to develop a health program tailored to the needs of First Nations people

happened in the summer of 1998. Grand Chief Edward John, a lawyer and executive member of the First Nations Summit, was on an official visit to the Haida IGwaiiT Museum in Skidegate when he was suddenly gripped by chest pain. It was a heart attack – a serious one – requiring an immediate emergency medevac to St. Paul’s Hospital, angioplasty procedure, months of recovery and permanent changes to John’s life- style. It also marked the beginning of an idea that is set to revolutionize the understanding of health-care delivery for indigenous people across British Columbia: the creation of the new First Nations Health Authority Chair in Heart Health and Wellness at St. Paul’s Hospital.

Elder Leonard George at the announcement ceremony for the new First Nations Health Authority Chair in Heart Health and Wellness.

6 Fall/Winter 2015 ■ Promise Aborıgınal (Left) Grand Chief Edward John; (opposite) SFU President and Vice-Chancellor Andrew Petter, at the announcement ceremony.

Despite these alarming statistics, John says that personal health issues, such as heart condi- tions, were rarely discussed among his peers at the First Nations Summit: “People are quiet about it [health issues],” says John. “I think there is even a sense of shame.” However, that silence was about to be broken. Inspired by the professionalism and confidence of Dr. Andrew Ignaszewski and his team at the provincial Heart Centre at St. Paul’s Hospital, and struck by seeing so many others around him in a similar situation, John started thinking critically about heart health. “It [his heart attack] was a life-altering experience in many ways,” says John. “It opened up my eyes to a very different set of circumstances.” First Nations-Focused Programs John’s personal experience inspired him to learn as much as he could about heart health, and to become an advocate for better aware- ness, speaking openly to his fellow chiefs about his own condition and encouraging others to do the same. “He was a catalyst,” says Ignaszewski, now head of cardiology at St. Paul’s and an early champion of the recently announced Chair position. Over the years, during his reg- ular meetings with John to provide followup care, the two spoke often about new research into cardiology. One day, John asked for infor- mation specific to First Nations. Aboriginal Health-Care “There wasn’t much written about it,” says Rates of heart Crisis Ignaszewski.“Nothing about traditional Heart health and its related conditions have aspects of cardiovascular care: about what disease and stroke, long been critical issues for First Nations works; what outcomes to look for. And [John] leaders such as Chief John. In a country with said, ‘I ought to do something about this.’” which are decreasing some of the healthiest people in the world, John set up meetings with Ignaszewski more than one-third of adult aboriginal peo- and Joe Gallagher, CEO of the newly estab- in the general ple in Canada – and almost two-thirds of lished First Nations Health Authority those living off reserve – report having a (FNHA), a groundbreaking organization population, are still chronic health condition. Diabetes was first founded to oversee the planning and delivery detected in aboriginal people only 50 years of health services to First Nations and aborig- on the upswing ago, and yet is now up to four times more inal communities in BC. Ignaszewski in aboriginal prevalent in First Nations people than in non- brought in Dr. John O’Neil, dean of health aboriginal Canadians. Rates of heart disease sciences at Simon Fraser University (SFU), communities. and stroke, which are decreasing in the gen- with whom he had previously co-developed eral population, are still on the upswing in other cardiac research positions. Together aboriginal communities. with other academic and clinical experts, the

8 Promise ■ Fall/Winter 2015 group designed a unique framework. “We have an opportunity to look at this Dr. John O’Neil, who is recruiting for the The $1.9-million FNHA Chair – the first from a lens that First Nations people can Chair in partnership with representatives from of its kind in Western Canada – will be a part- appreciate,” says Gallagher. “The research St. Paul’s and the FNHA, says that while the nership between the FNHA, SFU and St. agenda, driven by First Nations and imple- position is driven by cardiology, a broad Paul’s Hospital, and funding, shared roughly mented as best as we can in partnership with approach to the role is critical to its mandate of equally between the three founding organiza- our communities, will build our own capacity supporting wellness for First Nations people. tions, will support the FNHA Chair for 10 to do research on ourselves.” “Chronic disease is the health condition years. The Chair will lead research and edu- that is the most prevalent and the most prob- cation into critical policy related to heart lematic in First Nations communities,” health, and the control and prevention of says O’Neil, “and core to chronic disease is chronic diseases among First Nations people. cardiovascular health and all its complica- tions, like diabetes, mental health problems Balanced Mandate and addictions.” The future appointee to the new Chair This far-reaching scope of leadership position will be a full-time professor in the opens wide possibilities for candidates for the faculty of health sciences at SFU; will FNHA Chair, from clinicians to PhD research- conduct clinical research and support the ers in chronic disease prevention to experts in development of First Nation-centred health community health promotion. O’Neil says the programming at St. Paul’s; and will have a steering committee has already identified home office at the FNHA, which will set several impressive potential recruits with the direction for the Chair and oversee the necessary First Nations or indigenous back- delivery of programming that arises from grounds, and expects the position to be filled the work. and “on the ground running” by January 2016. “It’s a three-part strategy,” says Ignasze- To Ignaszewski, the creation of the FNHA wski. “The person will be given an academic Chair is a game-changing event for St. Paul’s mandate through SFU; a clinical mandate Hospital and for the compassionate care it through St. Paul’s; and a political mandate Chronic disease is delivers to its First Nations patients and all of through the FNHA.” the 400,000 people it serves each year. “It’s a really exciting opportunity for us,” the health condition “It took a generation of cardiologists and says Joe Gallagher of the FNHA. “This Chair policymakers to finally realize that heart isn’t going to be driven by the academic world that is the most disease is the number-one killer of women of or the medical world. It’s going to be balanced. all ages, and only now are programs being That is a systemic shift.” prevalent and the created to address that gap,” he says. “This Gallagher says it is key that the FNHA could do the same for First Nations people.” Chair approaches research from the perspective most problematic Ignaszewski hopes that, in the near future, of health and wellness, rather than disease: the Chair will secure funding to become a “We don’t want to just talk about heart health in First Nations permanent and fully endowed position: from a sickness point of view.” “Being a part of this gives me a great sense of communities, and achievement. This could become a model for Building Bridges other provinces.” More than a century of colonization and the core to chronic Chief John, meanwhile, says it is heart- residual effects of residential schools have warming to see an idea he had 17 years ago drastically altered the lifestyle and social disease is cardiovas- come to fruition. determinants of First Nations people, says “Too many of our people are dying way Gallagher, while at the same time earning cular health and all too young,” says John. “This could help the distrust for outside intervention, research or cardiologists, the general practitioners, the planning. Effective dissemination of health its complications, nurses, aides and all the people who work in information and services is further compli- our communities to better understand this, and cated by the extreme diversity of First Nations like diabetes, mental have the proper training to see the signs and in British Columbia. There are 203 bands, know what the aftercare is.” ■ 30 language groups, and a population that health problems ranges from the Fraser Salish region that To learn how to support heart care, research encompasses the urban streets of Vancouver and addictions. and teaching at St. Paul’s Hospital, please to some of the most remote and isolated contact St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation at communities in the province. 604-682-8206 or visit www.helpstpauls.com.

Fall/Winter 2015 Promise ■ 9 The collaboration between cardiologist/electrophysiologist Dr. Charles Kerr (left) and cardiac surgeon Dr. Jamil Bashir (right) has produced groundbreaking advances in heart procedures for patients. Revolutionary Heart Care A unique collaboration between heart surgeons and cardiologists/electrophysiologists at St. Paul’s has led to

world-leading advances in care for heart patients By Joseph Dubé t is not often that a man can say he’s had his life saved twice, but that is exactly the case for St. Paul’s Hospital heart patient David Hebb. After two decades of having his chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) successfully managed I by electrophysiologist Dr. Charles Kerr, Hebb recently had a pacemaker inserted by cardiac surgeon Dr. Jamil Bashir, and he credits the two St. Paul’s heart doctors with keeping him alive. “I am absolutely indebted to both those men; they’ve prolonged my life and without them I wouldn’t be here. It’s not only their incredible acumen, it’s that they listen to their patients,” says Hebb. “I have the good fortune of being Dr. Kerr’s patient for the last 20 years and I’m convinced he’s the best arrhyth- mia specialist in Canada. “Last November, before Dr. Bashir did my surgery, he got a special MRI- compatible pacemaker couriered in to meet my medical needs,” says Hebb, a 74-year-old retired sales rep. “It is the first of its kind in BC, and I’m so grateful to Dr. Bashir for securing it for me.” Collaboration of specialists Hebb isn’t the only heart patient to benefit from the combined expertise of the cardiologists/electrophysiologists and cardiac surgeons at St. Paul’s provincial Heart Centre. Since 1994, thousands of people with AF and other heart arryth- mias have been treated at St. Paul’s, where BC’s top heart specialists form the largest and most comprehensive cardiac care program in BC. “The current [heart] program at St. Paul’s is really a hybrid of cardiovascular surgery and cardiologists who are electrophysiologists,” explains Bashir, a heart surgeon and Director of Laser Lead Extraction at the provincial Heart Centre at St. Paul’s. “Beginning with Dr. Kerr [who pioneered the program], we’ve worked hard over the years to create what is today a complete cardiac team.” “In the 20 years since we began the program at St. Paul’s, it’s grown from one room to two full-time laboratories, and from one person [Kerr] to the six special- ists we now have working here,” says Kerr. “In that time there have also been a lot of advances in technology [related to cardiology] and in that respect, I think we’ve been at the front of the curve over the last 15 years.” The program’s continual exploration of new technologies related to heart care has allowed the team at St. Paul’s to accrue an impressive list of pioneering mile- stones. St. Paul’s was the first hospital in Western Canada to use computer car- diac mapping systems (which generate 3-D images of the heart) to detect the origin of abnormal heart rhythms. St. Paul’s electrophysiology team also pioneered one of the first programs in Canada to treat AF with a technique called ablation. Through ablation, small wires are inserted in the upper leg and advanced into the heart. The areas respon- sible for the faulty electrical signals that cause AF are ablated (and therefore blocked), allowing the heart to beat normally again. Groundbreaking heart procedure Recently, St. Paul’s has become the nation-wide frontrunner in yet another groundbreaking heart procedure known as laser lead extraction. With this proce- dure, doctors use a precise device called an excimer laser to remove the wires that connect a pacemaker or defibrillator to the heart muscle. This innovative and minimally invasive approach, developed at St. Paul’s, has dramatically improved outcomes for patients and driven down mortality rates to almost zero. “Leads can break or become infected, and when they get infected you’ve got Heart patient David Hebb says his life saved twice, thanks to to take them out,” says Kerr, who had headed up the divisions of cardiology at the combined expertise of electrophysiologists and cardiac both St. Paul’s Hospital and UBC for much of his distinguished career. “This laser surgeons at St. Paul’s. lead extraction has really revolutionized the process and is the state of the art.”

Photos: (opposite) Greg Morton, (Inset) Ron Sangha Fall/Winter 2015 ■ Promise 11 Largest Lead Extraction Program in Canada Lead extraction is a procedure where electronic wires (called leads) connecting pacemakers and other implanted devices are removed from the heart. St. Paul’s Hospital operates the largest lead extraction program in Canada, accepting referrals for treatment from Saskatchewan, Alberta, Northwest Territories and the Yukon. Implantable cardiac devices This year, the laser lead extraction program, everyone. Of course, by doing that, he makes are designed to be permanent, spearheaded by Bashir, will perform its 1000th things better for patients, and that’s the key.” lead extraction at St. Paul’s – a milestone that Kerr’s influence in guiding heart care but as with all medical devices, underlines the program’s prominence as the reaches far beyond St. Paul’s and UBC, and has some circumstances, such as largest of its kind in Canada, and highlights included terms as vice-president and president infection or breakage, require St. Paul’s as a major centre of research and of the Canadian Cardio-vascular Society. This them to be removed. innovation in this challenging specialty. year, in addition to winning the annual achieve- The lead extraction program’s “We’re really a leader in the area of laser ment award of the Canadian Heart Rhythm top specialist, Dr. Jamil Bashir, is lead extraction, and our program is actually a Society, he’s been honoured with the establish- currently heading up a nation- western Canadian resource,” says Bashir. “If ment of a new UBC scholarship – the Dr. wide study aimed at developing a other provinces or territories have a problem Charles Kerr Program. Sponsored by Med- Canadian Lead ExtrAction Risk case, they’ll send us those patients and we can tronic, in partnership with St. Paul’s Hospital score (CLEAR score), which will almost always solve the issue.” Foundation and UBC, the scholarship will At St. Paul’s provincial Heart Centre, the allow St. Paul’s to attract and retain two brilliant standardize risk assessments cardiologists/electrophysiologists and cardiac young investigators and clinicians per year. across the country. surgeons work collaboratively, deftly tapping “It really is a great honour,” says Kerr, who St. Paul’s owes much of the into each other’s unique expertise and skill sets himself has devoted most of his professional success of its lead extraction in order to determine the best approach for career to the care of patients with heart arrhyth- program to its use of a medical every patient situation. mias. “The recipients will greatly enrich our device called an excimer laser – “In a lot of places the extractions are run by arrhythmia management program at St. Paul’s.” a thin wand that generates a electrophysiologists, but because we’re a sur- In summing up an illustrious career spent micro-thin beam of light that can geon-led program at St. Paul’s, we can offer a studying and healing the human heart, Kerr cut through human tissue whole breadth of different procedures,” says provides a humble overview: “Compared to Bashir. “For example, on the rare occasion when I started out, with a homemade amplifi- without generating any heat. when we get into trouble during extraction, we cation system that occupied about half the Unlike with other more invasive can open the chest and fix the problem pretty room, to the technology we have now, it’s surgeries, lead extraction using much immediately.” been pretty amazing to watch the changes in the excimer laser requires only a Bashir acknowledges that the spirit of inter- cardiology over 34 years of practice. It’s an tiny incision in the patient’s chest. disciplinary co-operation has been evident at honour to be part of it.” ■ St. Paul’s progressive model St. Paul’s provincial Heart Centre since its of an interdisciplinary extraction inception: “It evolved very much under the To learn how you can support heart team is being adopted by other direction of Dr. Charlie Kerr. He’s always been care, research and teaching at St. Paul’s hospitals across Canada and an excellent advocate for the team approach, Hospital, please contact St. Paul’s Hospital abroad. always had the ‘rising tide floats all boats’ phi- Foundation at 604-682-8206 or visit losophy and the desire to make things better for www.helpstpauls.com.

12 Promise ■ Fall/Winter 2015 Photo: Ron Sangha Stroke survivor Yvonne Neubert (left) and her daughter Laura are grateful for the advanced care Yvonne received through St. Paul’s Hospital’s Stroke/ TIA Clinic Advanced Stroke Care St. Paul’s Hospital’s comprehensive stroke program provides advanced care – from diagnosis and treatment to healthy recovery By Michelle Hopkins

t started with a mild headache that “Everyone who cared for mom knew broken blood vessel) and transient ischemic 79-year-old Yvonne Neubert dismissed what to do,” says Laura. “From the moment attacks (TIA), also known as mini-strokes as stress. The day, after all, marked the we arrived and all through her recovery, she and often a precursor to stroke. third anniversary of her husband’s death received amazing stroke care at St. Paul’s.” “Stroke patients are losing millions of I brain cells every minute that the brain is and she was already feeling emotional. However, when Neubert began struggling to Urgent need for stroke care not getting adequate oxygen,” says Tai. keep her balance, she immediately called her Dr. Charles Tai, physician lead and clini- “This is why fast diagnosis and interven- daughter Laura Neubert. cal instructor with St. Paul’s Division of tion in emergency is such a critical first “My mother didn’t worry about the Neurology, says the scope of stroke care step to the best-possible outcome.” headache because she suffered from services provided to patients at St. Paul’s Once treated and discharged, stroke migraines, but with this she knew some- is vital, especially given our aging demo- survivors at St. Paul’s are referred to the thing was wrong,” says Laura. “Because graphic and the statistics. It’s estimated that outpatient Stroke/TIA Clinic, operated my father-in-law and dad both had bypass stroke strikes 50,000 Canadians each year, through the Integrated Health Network, for operations at St. Paul’s Hospital, that’s and that more than 315,000 Canadians comprehensive counselling, after-care and where we took mom.” are living with its after-effects. Further, to access rehabilitation services. Within minutes of arriving at St. Paul’s some 14,000 Canadians die from stroke or “This rapid-access program allows us Hospital’s emergency, Neubert underwent stroke-related complications each year. to reduce wait times and provide timely a CT scan, together with a battery of tests. Stroke care at St. Paul’s frequently stroke care for patients who’ve been Doctors quickly diagnosed a rare type of begins in the emergency, where urgent care referred to us by emergency or who’ve hemorrhagic (bleeding) stroke called a left physicians are experts at diagnosing and experienced a recent stroke or TIA,” says thalamic stroke – a response to her high treating ischemic stroke (caused by blood Dr. Dean Johnston, a stroke neurologist and blood pressure medication. clots), hemorrhagic strokes (caused by a head of the Stroke/TIA Clinic at St. Paul’s.

Photo: Brian Smith Fall/Winter 2015 ■ Promise 13 “We are also a regional partner with other In addition to providing comprehen- advanced stroke care for pregnant women Vancouver hospitals in stroke care, as well sive stroke care and counselling to outpa- who have suffered stroke before, during or as a provider of outreach stroke care advice tients, St. Paul’s has also developed a Code after their delivery. to hospitals throughout BC and the Yukon. Stroke protocol for patients who experi- ence in-hospital strokes. St. Paul’s is also Teaching and research Comprehensive, personalized care one of the few centres that can provide As with so many of the innovative The Stroke/TIA Clinic uses a co-ordinated, programs at St. Paul’s, the stroke program multidisciplinary team approach to helping has become a hub for ongoing teaching patients recover and rehabilitate their abili- Signs of Stroke programs in neurosciences. ties after stroke. If you experience one or more of “We see a lot of stroke patients at “We begin by assessing the severity the following stroke symptoms, St. Paul’s,” says Tai. “Our program, of the damage [a stroke patient has expe- call 9-1-1, or go immediately to your together with our large patient population, rienced] and then determine the best plan nearest emergency department. Just has provided us with the opportunity to of attack – either outpatient rehabilitation, remember the acronym FAST: educate and train undergraduate medical or in-patient at Holy Family Hospital or F: Facial droop students, post-graduate students, neurology GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre for acute A: Arm (limb) weakness or numb- residents and neurologists in advanced cases,” says Sandy Barr, program director ness. Usually of the same side. stroke care.” of stroke services. Elevated arm may drift downwards In terms of St. Paul’s mandate as a “No two stroke patients are alike, which S: Speech or language difficulties centre of research, the Stroke/TIA Clinic is T: Time to call 9-1-1 immediately or is why the program for each patient is highly currently conducting a number of studies, get the patient to the ER ASAP. personalized,” adds Beena Parappilly, a including looking into the role of cardiac clinical nurse specialist who is currently Other symptoms include: Sudden disease in stroke. loss of vision; sudden loss of balance doing her PhD in stroke. “It really does “We are involved in collaborative clini- and co-ordination; and sudden take a team to help with assessment, treat- cal trials with the department of cardiology severe and/or unusual headache. ment and discharge, and planning the best in assessing the role of specific devices to rehabilitation program for that patient.” close congenital cardiac defects and the Patients of the stroke unit have access What is YOUR stroke risk associated with percutaneous to the expertise of the entire stroke care Stroke Risk? heart valve surgery,” says Johnston, illustrat- team, which ensures each has precisely the ing yet another groundbreaking partnership support required to meet their wide-rang- There are a number of known risk between departments that has become one factors for stroke. They include: ing needs. The team comprises physicians, of the hallmarks of research at St. Paul’s. nurses, speech pathologists, dietitians, ■ Smoking – smokers are at a 40- As for stroke survivor Yvonne Neubert, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, per-cent higher risk of stroke than she is forever grateful for the care she’s non-smokers respiratory therapists and social workers, received through St. Paul’s Hospital. After ■ High blood pressure among others. a week at St. Paul’s, she was able to return ■ Obesity Barr and Parappilly add that regular home, backed by regular followup visits ■ Diabetes team meetings are a major part of the ■ Previous stroke with her neurologist, Dr. Mat Kula, and stroke program, together with consulta- ■ Family history of stroke rehab services through the Stroke/TIA tions with patients and their family mem- ■ First Nations heritage Clinic. Today, Neubert walks three kilo- bers and caregivers to ensure patients ■ Age – the risk of stroke doubles metres a day and has recovered 95 per cent have the support they need to achieve every 10 years after age 55 of her abilities – just the outcome the team optimal recovery. strives for every day at St. Paul’s Hospital. ■

Understanding Hemorrhagic stroke takes place when a How a person is affected by a broken blood vessel leads to bleeding in the stroke depends on the area of the brain Stroke brain. Treatment for hemorrhagic strokes affected and the amount of tissue Strokes are divided into two basic types: is more limited and neurologically special- disruption to the area, which is why fast ischemic and hemorrhagic. ized, sometimes involving neurosurgery. intervention is so vital to minimizing Approximately 87 per cent of strokes are Patients can also experience what’s damage. The effects can range from ischemic, where a blood clot blocks the called a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) minor weakness to major paralysis, flow of blood to the brain. This type of stroke or mini-stroke. TIAs typically present the difficulty speaking to a complete inability is often treated using a clot-busting drug same symptoms as a stroke, but disappear to speak. Even so, with the right called tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) within a short period of time. However, rehabilitation, even profoundly affected and, in some cases, using neurological they are a warning that stroke risk is high patients can experience some degree procedures to remove the clot. and should be treated immediately. of recovery.

14 Promise ■ Fall/Winter 2015 Photography: Brian Smith YOU’RE THE REASON... Thank You, Donors! our tradition of St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation raised $24.25 million in 2014/2015, the excellence continues fourth-straight year donors helped set a new record fundraising total for St. Paul’s. We are pleased to recognize donors who gave $1,000 or more. For more information, view our Annual Report at www.helpstpauls.com.

We have made every effort to include all eligible donors who wished to be recognized. If you have any feedback on this list, email [email protected] or call 604-682-8206.

Associations, The Moore Family in AlphaDelta Management Corp. Fasken Martineau & Foundations and memory of Greg Moore DuMoulin LLP Institutions Arrow Transportation The Gwyn Morgan & Patricia Systems Inc. International Inc. Trottier Foundation Ascot Jockey Club Limited Fletchers Fabricare Ltd. Almas & Abdul Allibhai Edward & Emily Family Foundation McWhinney Foundation Atlas Scaffolding Ltd. Flowerz Armstrong Family Foundation Open Society Foundations ATS Healthcare Fluor Canada The Ascension Foundation Pacific Open Heart Association Ausenco Gallagher Bros. Contractors Ltd. BCIT Electrical Trades Class Pon Yon’s Dai Society BC Fasteners & Tools Ltd. GFS Canada Group The Keith & Betty Raven Foundation BC Hydro Beedie Foundation Gilead Sciences Canada, Inc. James & Penny Rogers BC Place Stephen & Kathy Bellringer Charitable Foundation BDBG Glacier Media Group Bridges Family Memorial Rotary Club of Bentall Kennedy Golder Associates Ltd. Foundation Vancouver Arbutus BL Innovative Lighting Gore Mutual Insurance Buddhist Compassionate Rotary Club of Vancouver’s Company Foundation Relief Tzu Chi Blair Shapera Custom Clothing RHF Hearing Foundation Graestone Ready Mix Inc. Foundation Canada Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP Scleroderma Association of BC The Great-West Life Canadian Foundation BMO Capital Markets for AIDS Research Shon Yee Benevolent Assurance Company Association of Canada Boehringer Ingelheim Carraresi Foundation in Grosvenor Canada Limited The Sook Ching Foundation (Canada) Ltd. memory of Augusto Carraresi Halse-Martin Sze Cheung Shiu- Bogdonov Lerer Construction Co. Ltd. Colon Cancer Canada King Foundation Engineering Inc. Harris & Company LLP Electrical Contractors Ida & Thomas Tait BTY Consultancy Group Inc. Association of BC Heritage Office TB Vets Charitable Foundation Bull, Housser & Tupper LLP Essential Needs Foundation Furnishings Limited Paul Terry & Louise Turner The Burrard H.E.L.P. for Street Youth Hoffman-La Roche Limited of Canada Society University of British Columbia Canada Bread Co. Ltd. Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites International Brotherhood Vancouver Pacific Lions Club Canada Scaffold Supply Co. Ltd. HSBC Bank Canada of Electrical Workers 258 The Whitearn Foundation Canadian Western Bank Huckleberry Mines Ltd. International Brotherhood of The Wolrige Foundation Electrical Workers Local 213 Corporation Industrial Alliance Insurance Ken & Anne Woods & Financial Services Inc. Kapoor Singh Siddoo Foundation Mr. & Mrs. P.A. Woodward’s International Pacific Sales Ltd. Foundation City of Vancouver John C. Kerr Family Foundation Jakin Engineering & Employees of WorkSafeBC Cobra Electric Ltd. Construction Ltd. KPMG LLP Zalkow Foundation Cullen Diesel Power Ltd. J.D. Sweid Ltd. The Langar Foundation Deloitte J+J Shared Services Lohn Foundation Corporate Donors Denbigh Fine Art Services Jenkins Marzban Logan LLP London Drugs Foundation 1111 Melville Limited The Dick Irwin Group JP LED Lighting Loyal Protestant Association of Companies Partnership KAL TIRE Lynn Valley Lions Club Dilawri Group of Companies A&W Services Kasian Architecture Interior The M.A.C. AIDS Fund of Canada Inc. Dunbar Lumber Supply Design & Planning Ltd. M.W. Grand Lodge of Abbott EcoTex Healthcare KGHM International Ltd Linen Service Inc. Ancient Free & Accepted Acciona Infrastructures KMD Distribution Ltd. Masons of BC & Yukon Canada Inc. Corporation Knight Piesold Ltd. Mackenzie Family Foundation Advanced Parking Employees of DP The Andrew Mahon Systems Ltd. World Vancouver The Kronier Family Foundation Air Canada Cargo EOS Lightmedia Lai’s Family

Fall/Winter 2015 ■ Promise 15 2 Thank You, Donors!

Ledcor Construction Ltd. Scott Construction Group Estate of William J. Halchuk In memory of Helene Jospe Leith Wheeler Investment Seaside Paper Products Ltd. Estates of Xavier & In memory of Cheup Tong Lam Counsel Ltd. Servier Canada Inc. Helene Hetzman In memory of Annie On Nei Lau Lin Haw International Co. Ltd Azad & Yasmin Shamji Estate of Robert Kenny In memory of Chi Shing Lee Lordco Auto Parts Sheraton Vancouver Estate of Franklin A. Lindsay L’Oréal Canada Wall Centre Hotel Estate of Phyllis In memory of Barry Lefeaux MacDonald Development Shoppers Drug Mart Veronica Lowdell In memory of Pui U Leong Corporation Silver Standard Resources Estate of Dora Evelyn Manuel In memory of Tobias Locher MacKay CEO Forums Silver Wheaton Corp. Donald Matheson & In memory of Judith Lye Audrey Matheson Fund Madison Pacific Properties Inc. Stantec In memory of Margaret Estate of Nora J. McDermott Fiona MacDonell Madison Venture Group Stikeman Elliott LLP In memory of Russ Mann Magellen Developments Stuart Olson Construction Estates of Donald & (20/20) Inc. Elaine Needes In memory of Donald Sudden Technologies Mainland Sand & Gravel Ltd. Estate of Margaret Charles McCarthy Taseko Mines Marin Investments Ltd. Murdoch Priestman In memory of Robert Ltd. McEachern Marisco Holdings Ltd. Estate of Afra Rogan The Charitable (nee Allison) In memory of Michael McMillan LLP Giving Program Dorothy & Paul Ryan Andrew McLennan Medtronic of Canada Ltd. Terminal Forest Products Ltd. Estate of Murray R. Woodward In memory of Paul Minichiello Merck Canada Inc. Thomas Downie Holdings Ltd. Estate of Theresa In memory of William Gary Moss MMM Group Townline Homes Inc. Helen Joan Wynne In memory of Anne Njakara Moe’s Home Collection Up Sign Estate of Gloria Lillian Zuhoene In memory of Romolo Olivieri Mommy’s Mind Enterprises Valley Traffic Systems In memory of Franco Pingitore Mott Electric Varshney Capital In memory Of MyTiffin Healthy Meals Ltd. In memory of Herbert Ventana Construction (Bart) Ramsden Rudy Nielsen Corporation In memory of John Ames In memory of Judith Ratcliff Neo-Neon International Ltd. ViiV Healthcare ULC In memory of Glenn Ashenden In memory of Barry Reed North Growth Villa Capri Enterprises Ltd. In memory of In memory of Kaye Richter Management Ltd. Vinpac Lines Christopher Balango Novartis Canada In memory of Harvey Bowering In memory of John Warrington PCI Management S. Robertson NRG Research Group Weissach Performance Ltd. In memory of In memory of Leslie Sefton Odlum Brown Ltd. Dr. Hajra Burton Wertman Development Corp. In memory of Bert The Onni Group In memory of Paul Steunenberg Westburne Electric Supply BC Siu-Chung Chan Orbis Investments WesternOne Rentals & Sales In memory of Brian Stonnell (Canada) Ltd. In memory of Pui Westshore Terminals Yue Helen Chan In memory of Robert Szmata Orr Development (1980) Corp. Limited Partnership In memory of In memory of Heinz Thiel Wide Loyal Development Ltd. Francis Chang, Sr. In memory of May Soo Wog Pacific Blue Cross William F White In memory of Grace Chang In memory of Barbara Wood International Inc. Paladin Security In memory of Shui Wai Cheung In memory of Ho Yen Yen Bros. Food Services Ltd. Pat Anderson Insurance In memory of Un Fun Ching Yoneda & Associates In honour Of Phoenix Truck & Crane Service In memory of William Chittock Presentation Services In memory of Renee Doruyter In honour of Susan Allinson Audio Visual Zuffa Canada Productions, ULC Prime Interiors In memory of In honour of King Chan Estate Donors Mary Ann Duggan Prismtech Graphics In honour of Dr. Maria Corral In memory of Norman Franz In honour of Sheron Empey Pro Line Communications Ltd. Estate of Catherine In memory of In honour of Megan Fuchs Rancho Management Services Mary Gillian Bartlett Richard Garossino Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd. Bergquist Family In honour of Aileen Ha Memorial Fund In memory of Lillian Gulka & Danielle Chan Reza Motallebi Kashani Estate of Thelma N. Brown In memory of John D. Helm In honour of Sukh Ladhar Rio Tinto Alcan Estate of Arthur G. L. Burchett In memory of Mary Hole In honour of Ryan Popma Rokstad Power Corp. Estate of Severina Carretti In memory of Kam Hon In honour of Nathan Shad Rolin Resources Inc Estate of Mary Ferracin In memory of Joan Ives In honour of Sandy Soy Roper Greyell LLP Estate of Robert Lucas Foster In memory of Glyn Jenkins In honour of Chi-Chen Tsai Safetech Scaffold Ltd. Estate of William In memory of In honour of Miriam Yu’s Scotiabank (Bill) Franklin Andrew (AJ) Johnson 86th birthday

16 Fall/Winter 2015 ■ Promise Thank You, Donors! 3

Individual Donors Ron, Wendy, Bronwyn, Allan J. Farrar John Jarman Aiden Carere Kiumars Fatehi Liz & Joe Jarvis J. Fraser Carmichael Josephine Abel Norman W. Fieldgate In memory of Glyn L. Jenkins Rene & Edith Carrier Mark Achtemichuk Rafael & Miriam Filosof J. B. Jensen The Casey Family James Adamson Steve Fleck In memory of Andrew D. Chamberlain Dean & Joy Alexander Philip L. Flostrand (AJ) Johnson Kwei Hing Chan Mayzelle Allen Frances A. Ford Elin Jolly Lucilla Chan Ilana Aloni & Ron Aloni Gwynneth Foulds Barrie Jones June & John Ames In memory of In memory of Helene Jospe Francis F. Chang, Sr. Jane Fowler Edvard & Mary- Harold & Maureen Juby Shou Chang Chang In memory of Norman C. Franz Louise Anderson Peter & Lynn Kalbfleisch Robert Charlebois Lily Fu Kimberly Anderson In memory of Dr. Frank Kalla Yu-Chieh Cheng In memory of Lauren “Woody” Anderson Richard Garossino Marina Kaplun in honour Victor & Jocelin Chern The Ashenden Family In loving Pamela George in of Dr. Sinclair memory of Glenn Ashenden Derek Cheung memory of Fred Geoge Robert Henry Kielhorn Michael J. Audain Addy Kwok Fai Ching Robert & Nancy Gibson Mrs. Gladys King Basim Azzam Brian Chittock David W. Giese Martha Kirkley Peter Barr Lil Chrzan Mr. Mehar & Mrs. Parkash Gill In memory of C. Victor Kathleen Barsky Magdalene Chung Enrico & Cheryl Giustra Kloepfer from your family The Bauman Family Wallace B. Chung Tania Gleave Jean & Russell Ko Pat Beaton Robert H. Clark K. N. Golden Hans & Linda Kohler Bruce & Bette Benda Heather Clarke Lindsay & Liz Gordon Jack & Tina Koning Victor Benna Dr. Thelma Sharp Cook Shina Graham-Cumming Rita & Gerhard Krause & Donald Cook Rick Bennett & Moyna Krusell Tudi Grelish Ngan Chu Kwong Ms. Barbara A. Cotter Michael Berkson Helga Grimm Alice & Larry Laberge Mr. & Mrs. W.E. Couling Don & Terry Bernard Sam & Patti Gudewill Robert G. Lacey Michael & Joyce Courtenay Baljit Ladhar Barbara J. Bessey John Gugins Bob Cowan Andy P. Lam Donald Best In memory of Lillian Gulka F. David Culbard Frances B. Lam In memory of John Allan Bevan Robert & Margaret Guy Gary E. Cummings Howard Lam The Ken Birdsall Fund Howard Ha John & Jean Dahl Luke Lau In memory of Charles Birch Bob & Judy Hager Family Dick Dar Patrick & Matilda Lau Stella Black Anna Jean Haley Rick Dauphinee Mrs. Vera Lavery The Blake Family Alasdair & Alison Hamilton Violet Davies Maria Lee Lauren Blake Willi & Marilyn Hamm Jeff Davis Wing Kai Lee Garret/Deborah Gesner for Grant Hammond Gladys Dawe Nicholas/Thomas/Andrea/ Fred G. Hanson In memory of Barry Lefeaux Michael Blanchard Jacob & Corrie Dekker Andrew & Nora Harmsworth Lydia Legebokoff In memory of Wendy Richard Dendy Margaret Li Ruth Blanchard Bob & Sue Hastings Kelly Derricott & Wen Che Li Neil Bowden Scott Campbell Terry F. Heenan Yew Tin Lim Hazel M. Boxall Anjali Dhingra Peter Henderson Betty-Anne Lindsay Nancy Boyd Bruno & Nadia DiSpirito Michael Heskin Lena Liu George & Sheri Braun Fred & Marie Donatiello Debra Hewson & Dana H Prince Peter & Helen Lo Becky L. Brechin Karel Doruyter Sio Kei Ho Kow Mooi Loh Leonard Brett Ian & Frances Dowdeswell The Hollands Family James Loughery BRITISH The Barry Drummond Family Donald & Johanne Homer Brandt C. Louie Janice Brown Camrose Ducote Jim Hope Jerry & Lilli Luking Margaret I. Brown Sherri DuMerton Colleen H. Hua In memory of Judith Anne Lye In memory of Murray D. Bryce A.K. Ellwyn Yvonne Hum Thor & Joan Lynum Oonagh Burns Mark Emanuel Joe Iaci Neil S. MacKenzie In memory of Hajra Burton Mr. Sammy Eng Juerg Ingold Bonnie Mah Susie S. Eng James E. Jackson Doug & Lynne Butterworth Po Man & Anita Wong Kevin England Monty & Kay Jang & Kathreen Cammayo Family Fund, held at In loving memory of our son Doris E. Campbell Andy & Karen Falkenberg Vancouver Foundation Russ Mann (1982-2003)

Fall/Winter 2015 ■ Promise 17 4 Thank You, Donors!

Betty Mar William Rich Gordon Walsh Fund Dr. Amin Javer, Ariana Javer & Arissa Javer Ralph Markin In memory of Gisela Wegner The Kerr Family The Marrie Family Rosemaire Riddell Ronald A. White Dr. Marla C. Kiess Jaime Martins Ellen L. Riley Harvey Wiebe The Leipsic Family Lutcya McCarthy Marc & Vicky Rizzardo Gloria J. Williams Astrid Levelt & Rick Littler Bill & Ethel McIntosh Dr. Frances Rosenberg Daniel Wilton Stuart Louie The McLeod Family Alex Ross Harvey Wolfson Robert S. Rothwell Aaden, Brennan, Joanne McLeod Augustine S. Wong Connor & Ivor Luk Stuart Rush Q.C. In memory of Michael In memory of Daniel Wong Drs. Ian & Helen Macdonald Andrew McLennan Terry Salman Jason Wong Dr. Bill MacEwan Donald & Christa McLeod Stan Salo Kenneth Wong The Maclagan Family Fred McLeod Andrew & Sophie Saxton Linda Wong Dr. S.F. Paul Man James McLean Leila Sazgarnejad Martin Wong Rogerio & Maria Isabel Terry & Joan McQuillan Veronica Scarpino John Wood Martins Family Erin McSavaney Rolf Schiller Margaret Anne Wyness Dr. Katharine Mirhady John J. Meier Albert & Jane Scholtz Dan Young Dr. Terrence & Gerald Mendes Ronald Schuss Mrs. Donna Morrison Jim & Carol Mercier St. Paul’s Hospital Dr. Brian Owen In memory of Leslie Sefton Family Donors Pacific Nephrology Group Thomas & Phyllis Meredith Maria Wu Ying Shearon Dr. Peter Paré Dorothy Mills John & Breda Sheehan Dr. James Abel The Phang Family Mike Minenko Thorne Shindler The Allard Family M.K.L. Mr. David & Mrs. Ken Shinozaki Frank & Marilyn Anfield Family Mary-Beth Poole Nancy Morrison Joseph & Annie Siermy Wayne A. Barry Dr. Alan Rabinowitz Nico & Nanny Mulder ten Kate Erik Simensen Mark Blucher Radiologists of Victor Neilson In memory of Ian The Boone Family St. Paul’s Hospital Kathleen Kent & Ken Neros Gordon Sinclair Dr. Peter Burgi Dr. Robert Rangno In memory of Heino H.E. Sinnecker David Byres Dietmar & Brigitte Raudzus Kurt Neumann Margaret A. Slaymaker In memory of O.K. Chan Dr. Stephanie Rhone Chara Ng Lorna Smith Dr. Sammy Chan, Zulie Sachedina & Firoz Dossa Tyler Noviczky Marianne Soy Cardiology Inc. Dr. Philip M. Sestak Peter C. Obermueller William Spires CHÉOS: The Centre for Tom & Roxanne Shepansky Pat O’Hara Health Evaluation & Lilly Sprenger Outcome Sciences The Sin Family Petronio Olivieri Lloyd J. & Christine Stadler Dr. Anson & Mrs. Jessie Cheung Drs. Robert & Arlene Sindelar Robert S. Olma Mrs. Linda Stollery The Cousineau Family St. Paul’s Hospital Shinichi & Shirley Omatsu Department of Anesthesia Ken Stuart The Cullen Family John Ormiston St. Paul’s Hospital Guillermina Suppin Department of Family & Willis W. Osborne Gastroenterology Physicians Mike & Isabel Tanaka Community Medicine Peter & Shelley O’Sullivan St. Paul’s Hospital Department Lawrence & Annie Tang Dianne Doyle & Family of Obstetrics & Gynaecology Thomas Pak Bella Tata & Zarine Dastur Enid Edwards St. Paul’s Hospital - Jasmine J. Panthaky Respiratory Physicians In loving memory of Shirin Margot & Doug Filipenko Robert S. Peacock (Kermani) & Dali Tata Dr. Gordon Francis St. Paul’s Hospital Department of Surgery Helen Peters Richard Tetrault Romayne Gallagher Miriam Stewart Ted Peters In memory of Heinz Thiel The Gourlay Family Drs. Mustafa Toma Anthony & Gloria Petrina Gail & David Thompson Eric Harris & Zina Alkafaji Jeannette Piry, in loving Fred & May Tsai Dr. Brett Heilbron Stephan van Eeden memory of Grace Chang Sally Tsai Debra Hewson & Children Mr. & Mrs. Vollet Anne B. Piternick Peggy Tsang Dr. Jim Hogg Dr. John Webb Donald & Margaret Potvin Gerard & Eleanor Van der Sman Dr. Chih-Ho Hong & Dr. Brian Westerberg Lyle Povah Arthur & Beverley Vanidour Dr. Susie Song Sylvia Wigham Ron & Carol Price Lorene Vernon Dr. Andy & Mrs. Marla Dr. Brian Willoughby In memory of Herbert Ignaszewski Dr. Maurice & Mrs. Jane Wong (Bart) Ramsden Don & Ausma Vicic Dr. Robert Irvine & Judith & Glen Ratcliff Idonio D. Villani Ms. Donna Turko Dr. Milton & Eileen Wong Barry Reed Fund Lan Vinh Dr. & Mrs. S. Isomura Dr. Alastair Younger

18 Fall/Winter 2015 ■ Promise by Ann Collette Q&A

Dr. Sheila Au Dr. Sheila Au, head of the Division of Dermatology at St. Paul’s Hospital and clinical assistant professor at UBC, began her career as a pediatrician before finding her true passion in dermatology. Au and her colleagues recently won their second Dermatologist from the Heart Award, a $10,000 grant to be used towards an innovative project.

What is unique about the Division of Dermatology at St. Paul’s? Each person in this group brings a unique subspecialty interest to the table. Dr. Aaron Wong works as our HIV dermatology specialist. Dr. Gillian de Gannes has expert knowledge of contact and occupational dermatitis. Dr. Chih-ho Hong and Dr. Gurbir Dhadwal have expertise in cutting- edge therapeutics, and run our rapid access clinics. Dr. Simon Wong has partnered with Dr. Stephen Kline from Psychiatry to create the Skin Health Liaison (SKIL) Clinic, where they assess patients with skin diseases related to psychiatric conditions.

What role do you play in the care of post-transplant patients? Transplant patients are at-risk for developing skin cancer, in part due to their chronic immunosuppression. For the past three years, I have been the dermatologist in the Skin Cancer Post-Transplant (SCREEN) Clinic. So far we have diagnosed 300 skin cancers in this clinic. I’m grateful to Dr. David Landsberg and the post-renal transplant team, who have supported this endeavor.

Tell me about the combined Dermatology/ Rheumatology (DART) Clinic? Patients with rheumatologic conditions, such as lupus or rheu- matoid arthritis, often suffer from both skin and systemic disease and require integrated management. The head of Rheumatology, Dr. Kam Shojania and I see patients together to develop a treatment plan.

What research projects have you undertaken at the Division? I want to know whether what we are doing is working, so we have conducted patient satisfaction surveys of the DART and SCREEN Clinics. We’ve studied how accurate we are at diagnosing skin cancer in our transplant patients and have also conducted a 10-year review of every skin condition we have seen during in-patient consultations. We’ve also created a protocol with our nephrology colleagues for the management of calciphylaxis, a life-threatening skin condition.

Of what professional accomplishments are you most proud? Watching an idea blossom into reality is one of the most satisfy- ing things. I am also honoured to be the head of such a dedicated group of dermatologists and do what I can to support them.

What do you do for fun? My kids have inherited my husband’s sense of humour, so I spend a lot of time laughing at my family’s antics. I design and make jewelry, which is my creative outlet. Books, friends, fitness and chocolate round out my daily pleasures. ■

Photo: Ron Sangha Fall/Winter 2015 ■ Promise 19 You hold the hope Our patients benefit directly from your generosity.

This holiday season, please think about the patients at St. Paul’s Hospital. Through Lights of Hope, you can contribute to their greatest needs. Donate at lightsofhope.com/promise

#LightsofHope 604 682 8206