News
Arthritis Research Canada Welcomes Two New Scientists To Its Research Team
November 02, 2023 (Vancouver) Arthritis Research Canada is pleased to welcome Dr. Wei Zhang as a Research Scientist and Dr. Kun Huang as a Clinician Investigator, both affiliated with the University of British Columbia (UBC).
Dr. Zhang is a health economist and assistant professor in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at UBC. She is also a Scientist and Program Head of Health Economics at the Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes. Her research focus started from the measurement and valuation of work productivity loss among people with different chronic conditions including arthritis. It aims at integrating theoretical and empirical findings with health policies, services, and practices through the application of economic theories and methods in health research. She recently expanded her research to include pharmaceutical policy and access to medicines, and the linkage of pharmaceutical databases to increase research capacity.
“Being a trainee in the past and a Research Scientist now, I look forward to collaborating with the outstanding team of researchers at Arthritis Research Canada and to bringing my experience to collaborate in research projects,” said Dr. Zhang.
Dr. Huang is a rheumatologist and earned her PhD in Neuroscience at the University of British Columbia and her MD degree at the University of Toronto. She completed an Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at UBC. She obtained additional training in the field of inflammatory myositis in Toronto. She currently runs a subspecialty clinic in myositis at Mary Pack Arthritis Centre. Her research focuses on inflammatory myositis and the treatment of refractory myositis.
“I am excited to work alongside experts from various fields and contribute to important research aimed at improving the lives of those affected by arthritis and inflammatory myositis” said Dr. Huang.,” said Dr. Huang.
With centres in British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, and Nova Scotia, Arthritis Research Canada is dedicated to advancing and sharing knowledge about the causes of arthritis and auto-immune rheumatic diseases, such as lupus and systemic sclerosis, and addressing issues that impact the lives of people with arthritis. Our multidisciplinary team of world-class scientists is uniquely positioned to find answers to the most pressing issues for people living with arthritis. This breadth of expertise, and the important role of patient partners in our research, allows the research team to identify novel ways to help people with arthritis live well, despite arthritis.
“We are pleased to have Dr. Zhang and Dr. Huang join our organization,” said Dr. Diane Lacaille, Arthritis Research Canada Scientific Director. “Their expertise and skills will enhance our team and broaden our areas of knowledge as we lead vital arthritis research.”
To learn more about Arthritis Research Canada’s current research, click here.
-30-
ABOUT ARTHRITIS RESEARCH CANADA:
Arthritis Research Canada is the largest clinical arthritis research institution in North America. Our mission is to transform the lives of people living with arthritis through research and engagement. Arthritis Research Canada’s scientific director, Dr. Diane Lacaille is leading a team of over 100 researchers, trainees and staff whose life-changing research is creating a future where people living with arthritis have the knowledge and tools to triumph over pain and disability. Arthritis Research Canada is now conducting arthritis research from coast to coast with centres in British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, and Nova Scotia and scientists affiliated with seven major universities: University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, University of Calgary, Université Laval, McGill University, Université de Montréal, and Dalhousie University. Arthritis Research Canada is leading research aimed at preventing arthritis, facilitating early diagnosis, finding new and better treatments, and improving quality of life.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Victoria Rubio
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Arthritis Research Canada
604-207-4010 or vrubio@arthritisresearch.ca
