Dean's Message: Developing a Healthy Future
Human development, as well as neurosciences and brain health, are major research themes in our academic strategic plan for the Faculty of Medicine. These priorities build on our internationally recognized research strengths — such as the Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Fraser Mustard Institute for Human Development. Our Department of Psychiatry recently led the establishment of a Medical Psychiatry Alliance, in collaboration with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, the Hospital for Sick Children and Trillium Health Partners. This initiative focuses on improving the health of the most vulnerable among those suffering mental and physical disorders, through innovation in research, education and clinical care. All of these directions speak to our responsiveness to local, national, and international brain health needs.
Giving everyone the best start possible, aided by a lifetime of good brain health, ensures not just a longer life — but a better quality of life. A recent study of EU member countries compiled by the McGovern Institute at MIT estimated the total cost of brain disorders to be €798 billion per year. Some figures put the total economic cost — measured in terms of lost productivity and workdays, and direct patient care — at double the cost of cancer.
On Thursday, April 10, we celebrated our achievements at an event in London, England, called “Brain Storm.” It was an opportunity to discuss global challenges in brain research and recognize our international collaborations with the University of Cambridge and the Karolinska Institutet. Among the participants were the Chief Executive Officer of the UK’s Royal Mail Group, Moya Greene, University of Toronto Chancellor Michael Wilson and Mats Sundin, who has joined with the Faculty to promote advanced training and research in developmental health. Moya and Mats are both members of the Faculty of Medicine’s Boundless Campaign Cabinet.
Through new diagnostics and early therapeutic interventions we can reduce the burden of developmental and mental health disorders. By improving the brain health of people of all ages, we can expand human potential and the ability of all citizens to play a productive role in the global workforce, and at the same time reduce the financial cost of caring for people with mental health challenges. And by working with our international partners, we can ensure our efforts to improve brain health of individuals and populations across the globe.
Brain Storm was an opportunity for us to recommit ourselves to these goals, recognize our collaborators and attract new support for our important work. The event also followed on the heels of a University of Toronto alumni reception in London the previous day, which reconnected graduates with one another, the University and our Faculty’s current priorities.
I invite you to watch a video that debuted at Brain Storm that highlights our work in human development and neuroscience and brain health.
Catharine Whiteside
Dean, Faculty of Medicine
Vice-Provost, Relations with Health Care Institutions
