Two New Scientists Join Arthritis Research Canada’s Research Team

July 16, 2024 (Vancouver) Arthritis Research Canada is proud to announce that Dr. Hyein Kim and Dr. Deniz Bayraktar (Denislav Orlinov) have joined our research team.

Dr. Hyein Kim joins Arthritis Research Canada as a Clinician Investigator. She is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Division of Rheumatology at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Kim’s main clinical and research interest is in systemic sclerosis, a rare auto-immune disease that causes inflammation and scarring of the skin and can affect different organs, including the lungs. She leads the Scleroderma Clinic at the VCH Mary Pack Arthritis Centre and with respirologists at the Scleroderma-Interstitial Lung Disease Clinic at St. Paul’s Hospital.

“I am delighted to join Arthritis Research Canada as a Clinician Investigator. This opportunity allows me to collaborate with renowned scientists and advance research in systemic sclerosis,” said Dr. Hyein Kim. “Arthritis Research Canada’s commitment to improving the lives of people with arthritis aligns with my passion for patient-centred research. I look forward to contributing to new discoveries and enhancing care for people affected by systemic sclerosis.”

Dr. Deniz Bayraktar (Denislav Orlinov) is an Affiliate Professor at Izmir Katip Celebi University in Turkey and has recently completed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Arthritis Research Canada. His new appointment as an Affiliate Scientist with Arthritis Research Canada will enhance opportunities for international collaborations. As a physiotherapist, he is currently studying the effects of different exercise approaches on various childhood and adulthood rheumatic diseases. Dr. Bayraktar collaborates with the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) as the Official Representative of Turkish Health Professionals, and with the Pediatric Rheumatology European Association as the Health Professionals representative in the Auto-Inflammatory Working group. He is also a member of the Emerging EULAR Network Social Media Sub-committee.

“It is a great honour to become Arthritis Research Canada’s first international Affiliate Scientist,” said Dr. Bayraktar. “My previous experience as a research trainee at this organization was invaluable, providing me with critical insights and skills that have significantly contributed to my career. I am eager to build on that foundation and bring my expertise to the team. Bridging Europe and North America regarding arthritis research will be my priority.”

With centers across the country, Arthritis Research Canada’s 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 fundamental 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 delighted to welcome Dr. Hyein Kim and Dr. Deniz Bayraktar to the Arthritis Research Canada team,” said Dr. Diane Lacaille, Arthritis Research Canada Scientific Director.” Their unique contributions will strengthen our multidisciplinary approach and further our mission to transform the lives of people impacted by arthritis through patient-centred research and engagement.”

Learn more about Arthritis Research Canada’s research 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