Arthritis Research Canada Welcomes Dr. Valérie Leclair to its Research Team

April 25, 2024 (Vancouver, BC) Arthritis Research Canada continues to expand its presence across Canada and is pleased to welcome Dr. Valérie Leclair as a Research Scientist with the McGill University team. Dr. Leclair brings a wealth of expertise in autoimmune inflammatory myopathies, further strengthening the organization’s commitment to advancing arthritis research.

Based in Montreal, Dr. Leclair is affiliated with McGill University and the Lady Davis Institute and is a practicing rheumatologist at the Jewish General Hospital. As a founding member of the Canadian Inflammatory Myopathy Study (CIMS), she has played a pivotal role in characterizing novel clinical phenotypes and generating knowledge to improve outcomes for individuals living with inflammatory myopathies, diseases where the immune system attacks the muscles and causes inflammation. Her extensive research portfolio encompasses various topics, including evaluating risk factors, drug effectiveness, morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs for these diseases.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to join Arthritis Research Canada as a Research Scientist,” said Dr. Valérie Leclair. “I look forward to contributing to this esteemed multi-disciplinary team and collaborating towards our shared goal of alleviating the burden of arthritis and systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases.”

Arthritis Research Canada has earned international recognition as a leading arthritis research environment, with centers across Canada, including British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, and Nova Scotia. The organization’s expert scientific team is internationally recognized for collaborating with medical professionals worldwide.

“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Leclair to Arthritis Research Canada. Her unique expertise adds invaluable depth to our mission of advancing arthritis research,” said Dr. Diane Lacaille, Scientific Director at Arthritis Research Canada. “Together we will continue to push boundaries, driving innovation and improving outcomes for millions affected by arthritis and auto-immune diseases.”

Arthritis affects over 6 million Canadians and is the leading cause of work disability in the country. Arthritis Research Canada’s scientific team is currently engaged in over 100 studies, covering a breadth of arthritis-related topics, with a determination to reduce the burden of arthritis and provide timely and cost-effective solutions to address healthcare needs.

For more information about Arthritis Research Canada’s current research click here.

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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 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 Officer, Arthritis Research Canada

604-207-4010 or vrubio@arthritisresearch.ca