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Similar to other research organizations, the Canadian Network for Improved Outcomes
in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (CaNIOS) has to work with very tight budget
during the year of 2011. Although CaNIOS was bounded by such financial constraints,
we continue to work with Lupus Canada and its provincial affiliates to foster the best
research program for patients with lupus in Canada, build up awareness of lupus to
the public, and invite the best speakers to share their expertise and knowledge with
those affected by this condition. Since our last meeting in Vancouver in June 2010, we
have been very productive publication-wise and in grants application.
I would like to thank the staff at the CaNIOS coordinating centre, Dr. Ellie Aghdassi, Mr. Jiandong Su,
Ms. Stacey Morrison and Ms. Cathy Chau as well as the CaNIOS board of directors, Drs Janet Pope,
Christine Peschken, Christian Pineau, Joan Wither and Douglas Smith, who have worked tirelessly to
oversee multiple activities that have taken place during the year. I would also like to thank our committee
chairs, who have brought new ideas, comments and concerns to CaNIOS for discussion. Furthermore,
I would like to also thank our sponsors and all of those who support CaNIOS with their time, effort,
and money. In particular, I would like to extend our appreciation to the Lupus Clinical Trials Consortium,
Inc. (LCTC), the Toronto Western and General Hospital Foundation and a generous anonymous
donor, the Autoimmunity Research Centre (AARC), Lupus Canada and its provincial organizations,
and with special thanks to Lupus Ontario. CaNIOS also appreciates our industry sponsors including
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc., Glaxo Smith Kline, and others for
providing funding support to sustain our infrastructure.
In ending, I would like to also announce that after 25 years, I have decided to move back home to
Quebec City. As of July 1st, 2011, I am joining a dynamic group of rheumatologists and researchers both
at the ‘Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec’ (CRCHUQ) and at
‘Université Laval’. I will enthusiastically bring my expertise in lupus and systemic autoimmune rheumatic
diseases to this part of the country and I am looking forward to build a new collaborative and multidisciplinary
clinical and research program there. With the relocation from Toronto to Quebec, I will remain
as the President of CaNIOS until the end of my term as I am committed to further develop and
strengthen our collaborative network in the coming years to insure its transition to younger leadership.
I’d like to take this opportunity to express my special and personal appreciation to all persons living with
lupus and who have contributed in so many ways to the successes of CaNIOS. Remember that you are
CaNIOS primary “raison d’être”.
Many thanks for your continuous support, and I wish every one an enjoyable summer.
Paul R Fortin, MD, MPH, FRCPC
President, Canadian Network for Improved Outcomes in SLE |
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