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Arthritis Research Canada, Senior Scientist, Dr. Antonio Aviña-Zubieta Appointed Head of the UBC Division of Rheumatology

January 7, 2022 (Vancouver) – Arthritis Research Canada is proud to announce the recent appointment of Senior Scientist, Dr. Antonio Aviña-Zubieta, as the Head of the Division of Rheumatology at the University of British Columbia. The appointment will go into effect July 1, 2022.

The position is responsible for the development and coordination of the entire Division, which is made up of programs located at all of UBC’s teaching hospitals. Dr. Aviña-Zubieta will be tasked with leading the Division of Rheumatology in its Provincial focus on clinical care, education and research – for a term of five years.

In addition to his role with Arthritis Research Canada, Dr. Aviña-Zubieta is an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, at the University of British Columbia, the BC Lupus Society Research Scholar, and the Walter and Marilyn Booth Research Scholar.

Dr. Aviña-Zubieta is a world leader in using administrative health data to answer key questions about the long-term benefits and safety of medications used to treat rheumatic diseases. He is leading studies that include evaluating the risk and outcomes of COVID-19 infection in patients with autoimmune diseases exposed to immunosuppressive medications; evaluating the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in the same patient population; evaluating the risk of toxicity to the eyes associated with the use of hydroxychloroquine in rheumatoid arthritis and in lupus; evaluating the risk of multiple sclerosis associated with the use of anti-TNF agents, the most commonly used class of biologic medications in rheumatoid arthritis.

His research programs at Arthritis Research Canada support the training and mentoring of our next generation of research scientists – for Dr. Aviña-Zubieta this includes three PhD, one Master’s and three undergraduate students.

“It is an honour to have been appointed to this important role and I look forward to officially assuming the duties in July. As the Head of UBC’s Division of Rheumatology, I hope to recruit and train new scientists, as well as support our current scientists, to continue the important research and clinical work of my predecessors, Dr. John Esdaile and Dr. Kam Shojania,” says Dr. Aviña-Zubieta.

In the interim, responsibility for the position will be held by Arthritis Research Canada’s Scientific Director, Dr. Diane Lacaille.

For more information, https://www.arthritisresearch.ca/antonio-avina-zubieta/

 

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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 world recognized research is creating a future where people living with arthritis are empowered to triumph over pain and disability. Arthritis Research Canada is conducting research across Canada in British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec and is affiliated with five major universities: University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, University of Calgary, Université Laval, and McGill University. Arthritis Research Canada is leading research aimed at arthritis prevention, early diagnosis, new and better treatment, and improved quality of life.

 

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Heather Caulder
Marketing and Communications Officer
604-207-4010 or hcaulder@arthritisresearch.ca
www.arthritisresearch.ca

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