Toronto’s College Well being Community says it has a brand new plan to recruit the most effective and brightest medical scientists from around the globe, together with the US, the place the federal government is shedding 1000’s of well being researchers.
At a information convention Monday morning, UHN executives outlined their “Canada Leads” technique to recruit 100 of the world’s main early-career well being scientists to Canada’s largest hospital community, to assist Canadian medical analysis and innovation, and drive financial development.
The Canada Leads program will supply chosen scientists a two-year analysis funding dedication, in addition to mentorship from main entrepreneurs and assist from a staff devoted to transitioning scientists to their new dwelling.
UHN president and CEO Kevin Smith says the purpose of the recruitment effort is to generate world-leading discoveries and financial spin-off in manufacturing, biotech and commercialization.
“We all know there may be an unbelievable alternative to supercharge our Canadian financial system by way of daring funding in science and expertise,” Connor mentioned.
“And whenever you look around the globe, the proof is completely clear: nations that put money into science do not simply lead in innovation, they lead in prosperity.”

Smith says supporting extra homegrown discoveries may also enhance a made-in-Canada provide chain of superior medical services. Though Canada spends over $400 billion on well being care yearly, a good portion of that’s spent on applied sciences, prescribed drugs and provides that aren’t manufactured within the nation, he says.
“Now we have to ask ourselves, why not? Why are we not reaping the complete financial advantages of our personal discoveries?” Smith mentioned.
“That is the chance in entrance of us at this time, to make sure the following world breakthroughs not solely begin right here in Ontario, but additionally profit Canadians first, additionally that they will create great jobs, prosperity, a stronger tax base and shield our most cherished program, our common health-care system.”
UHN will spend $15 million to recruit the primary 50 researchers, Smith mentioned, with funding secured by way of philanthropic investments. The UHN Basis and the Princess Margaret Most cancers Basis are actually setting about discovering matching funds.
UHN seeking to capitalize on potential U.S. mind drain
The marketing campaign will look to benefit from giant cuts and layoffs at federal well being companies within the U.S., together with the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention and the Nationwide Institutes of Well being.
Scientists overseeing most cancers analysis, vaccine and drug approvals, public well being and tobacco rules are amongst 10,000 already laid off.
“As others pull again, Canada should step up,” Smith mentioned Monday.
Manitoba and B.C. have launched their very own campaigns not too long ago to draw extra U.S. health-care professionals.
“Among the prime scientists are searching for a brand new dwelling proper now, and we would like UHN and Canada to grab this chance,” Julie Quenneville, president and CEO of the UHN Basis, mentioned at Monday’s information convention.
UHN’s Toronto Normal Hospital was not too long ago ranked by Newsweek because the third finest hospital on the earth, making UHN a sexy place for prime scientists to relocate, Quenneville mentioned.
“It is really the primary finest hospital exterior of the US,” she famous, with solely the Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic ranked increased by Newsweek.
UHN is Canada’s prime analysis hospital, consisting of 10 websites in Ontario and greater than 20,000 members, together with roughly 6,000 researchers.
Ontario will air adverts to draw U.S. scientists: premier
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who was additionally available at Monday’s information convention, advised the province has one other advert marketing campaign within the works to enrich UHN’s recruitment technique. The adverts would run within the U.S., he mentioned, just like when the province not too long ago ran adverts south of the border earlier than U.S. President Donald Trump imposed tariffs, telling Individuals that the 2 nations are stronger collectively.
“We will go on many fronts to combat these tariffs, however one approach to win massive time is to get the brightest minds in the US to come back to the best sub-sovereign nation on the earth, and that is Ontario, and we’ll be operating these adverts,” Ford mentioned in his remarks on the UHN occasion.
“The analysis finished by these recruits will appeal to funding, develop the financial system … and place proper right here at UHN because the place the place innovation and breakthroughs occur,” he mentioned.
Ontario can also be within the midst of implementing a life sciences technique, to draw biomanufacturers similar to OmniaBio and AstraZeneca.
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