Transforming discovery into patient care benefits

When James was first diagnosed with Crohn's disease, at times the pain was so severe and the symptoms so debilitating that he was unable to get out of bed. Thankfully he found some relief when he came under the care and treatment of Dr. John (Jack) McDonald, MD'61, clinician, and professor in the Division of Gastroenterology with the Department of Medicine and researcher at Robarts Research Institute.

Dr. McDonald has dedicated his more than 40 year-long career to understanding, researching and treating Crohn's disease as well as other inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).

This incredible foundation of knowledge and expertise has led to research developments including specialized expertise in the treatment of Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. It has also translated into cluster randomization trials and the provision of a Central Image Management Systems. Through Dr. McDonald's work and that of his colleague Dr. Brian Feagan, Robarts Research Institute is recognized as a centre of IBD expertise and clinical training to optimize patient outcomes.

A new endowed Chair in Inflammatory Bowel Disease has now been established to further this work. The Chair will enable clinicians to strictly focus on IBD research in order to recognize the future possibilities in the treatment and management of the disease. They will be charged with transforming discovery from the lab to the clinical setting and to the direct benefit of patients.

To date $3 million has been donated. Now a further $2 million is being raised to bring the endowed fund to a total of $5 million. Pending administrative approvals, the chair will be named to recognized Dr. John and Susan McDonald.

Establishing endowed chairs is critically important to the development of the clinical and academic programs at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. "Endowed chairs provide a level of sustainability, allow us to attract and retain some of the best minds and help us to develop our research programs," said Dr. Michael J. Strong, dean, Schulich Medicine & Dentistry.

Today, James is a firefighter with the London Fire Station and with is wife is now a parent to three young children. Thanks to Dr. McDonald, he has learned that there are ways to control his disease and that he can really live his life to the fullest. For James that means keeping in top physical condition so that he can work alongside his fellow firefighters, go camping with his kids and live what he feels is a normal healthy life.

To learn more about the endowed Chair in IBD, please contact Gillian Sneddon, Director of Development: t. 519.661.2111, ext. 80559
e. Gillian.sneddon@schulich.uwo.ca

Click here to watch our video featuring Dr. McDonald and two of his patients