Perry Family Chair in Advanced Technology and Quality Systems

With five hospitals, four emergency departments, three critical care units, a long-term care home, a full range of medical and surgical specialties, more than 20 community health-care locations and a state-of-the-art surgical centre within the Jerry Coughlan Health & Wellness Centre, Lakeridge Health offers some of the broadest and most comprehensive acute care, ambulatory care, and long-term care services in Ontario.

Lakeridge Health is also home to several regional specialty centres and services, including the Central East Regional Cancer Program, R.S. McLaughlin Durham Regional Cancer Centre, The Shoulder Centre, and eye care and chronic kidney disease services. Additionally, we are proud to serve our community with a full suite of inpatient, ambulatory, and community-based mental health and addictions services, and provide safe, high-quality, compassionate care in our state-of-the-art long-term care home, Lakeridge Gardens.

Lakeridge Health is redefining the future of health care through transformative research, dynamic academic partnerships, and groundbreaking clinical trials. With over 140 active studies, we’re at the forefront of advancing medical knowledge, expanding treatment options, and improving the lives of our patients. Our one-of-a-kind Queen's-Lakeridge Health MD Family Medicine Program is at the forefront of training the next generation of primary care doctors. Each year, over 3,000 students and trainees are supported by the Lakeridge Health Education and Research Network (LHEARN). Through our innovative collaboration with Ontario Tech University, we’re also harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence to revolutionize patient care. Together with our academic, community, and industry partners, Lakeridge Health is tackling the toughest health challenges and elevating the quality of care for the communities we serve.

Guided by our vision of One System. Best Health. and supported by a dedicated team of nearly 9,000 staff, physicians, and volunteers, Lakeridge Health is a proud member of the Durham Ontario Health Team (Durham OHT) and works in collaboration with the Durham OHT, as well as primary care, and community and government partners to foster a truly integrated, regional system of care. Together, we are focused on empowering people to live their best health and fostering an accessible, inclusive, and equitable environment for all.

Position Overview

Lakeridge Health is excited to announce a unique opportunity for the inaugural Perry Family Chair in Advanced Technology and Quality Systems, available by invitation to members within Lakeridge Health and select collaborating institutions. This prestigious chair is designed to support a leading individual who is already established in a clinical or academic role. The successful applicant, if not already appointed, is expected to qualify for an academic cross-appointment as an Assistant or Associate Professor (status only) in an appropriate department at a partnering university, at a level commensurate with their experience. The funding for this chair is primarily intended to complement your existing responsibilities by offering protected time from your clinical or teaching duties, allowing you to focus on advancing innovative research. It may also support pilot projects or to secure staff such as a research coordinator or data analyst to enhance research initiatives. For candidates seeking a full-time role, there may be opportunities to integrate clinical practice with research, depending on alignment with institutional needs. External physician candidates interested in applying for privileges to practice beyond the scope of the Research Chair will be subject to the Lakeridge Health credentialing process and is contingent upon an approved Impact Analysis.

This endowed chair position is focused on advancing research and education in advanced technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics) with an emphasis on quality systems and healthcare innovation. As part of the largest regional implementation of EPIC in Ontario, Lakeridge Health leverages this electronic health record system to capture comprehensive patient data, providing a rich resource for research and innovation. 

Funded through the Our Cancer Campaign, this chair also emphasizes the application of advanced technologies to transform cancer care. We seek a dynamic and experienced leader to drive research initiatives that enhance patient experiences and elevate healthcare quality, particularly for individuals impacted by cancer.

The successful candidate will integrate cutting-edge technologies to advance person-centered care, improve healthcare safety and efficiency, and influence organizational practices. This chair will lead transformative efforts to improve patient outcomes, population health, and system-wide effectiveness, in alignment with Lakeridge Health’s commitment to continuous improvement in healthcare.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead and conduct innovative research projects in advanced technology and quality systems, focusing on developing new methodologies, applications, and technologies to enhance patient experiences and improve healthcare quality.
  • Collaborate with hospital leadership, other departments, industry partners, and research institutions to promote interdisciplinary research and practical applications of advanced technology and quality systems, particularly in healthcare settings.
  • Secure external funding through grants and partnerships to support research initiatives and projects.
  • Contribute to educational programs by sharing research findings, promoting a culture of continuous learning, and mentoring staff and researchers
  • Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals, present at conferences, and actively contribute to the broader healthcare community’s understanding of advanced technology and person-centered quality improvement. 
  • Engage with the broader community, including industry stakeholders, policymakers, and the public, to promote the benefits and applications of advanced technology and quality systems
  • Lead research efforts that advance our understanding of person-centered care and drive improvements in healthcare practices.

Qualifications:

  • A doctoral or medical degree (PhD, MD, or equivalent) in a relevant field, with comprehensive training and demonstrated expertise in artificial intelligence, quality systems, or advanced technologies.
  • A distinguished record of research accomplishments, including publications in journals, invited lectures and research funding from government agencies, industry, or other sources.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead research teams and manage large-scale projects.
  • A commitment to person-centered care and the principles of equity and diversity. 
  • Experience or strong interest in research related to healthcare quality improvement and person-centered care.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate to diverse stakeholders. 
  • Proven leadership skills, including the ability to inspire and motivate teams, foster a culture of collaboration, and drive positive change. 

Remuneration:

While this is not a full-time position, the financial support provided will be flexible to meet the chairholders needs. It may cover research-related activities, release time from professional obligations, or staffing support, offering the opportunity to lead cutting-edge research while continuing in their current role. The term of this Chair will be 5 years, with the possibility of renewal.

Application:

Applications should include:

  1. A cover letter outlining the candidate’s vision for the position
  2. Curriculum vitae
  3. A statement of research interests and future research plans
  4. Supplementary materials such as a digital portfolio of work/publications; and the names and contact information of three referees.

Please send your application to ResearchLeaders@lh.ca by May 6, 2025. 

Accommodation will be provided in all parts of the recruitment and assessment process in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.

 At Lakeridge Health we value inclusion and diversity. We are committed to fostering a culture that is respectful, inclusive and accessible and to employing a workforce that is representative of the diverse community we provide services to. As an equal opportunity employer we welcome applications from all qualified applicants.

 Lakeridge Health is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment and to preventing the transmission of COVID 19 infections among Lakeridge Health team members and our patients. New Lakeridge Health team members will be required to provide proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 during their Post-offer/Pre-employment Health Assessment, subject to any exemptions recognized under the Ontario Human Rights code.