The federal government has committed $212,500 to the QEII’s innovative imaging centre, BIOTIC, through ACOA’s Business Development Program. The grant will result in drastic improvements to both the treatment of brain disorders and the studies of future generations of neurosurgeons and nurses at the QEII. BIOTIC also received $50,000 from the QEII Foundation and $5,000 from Conquer Mobile to make these projects happen.
Dr. David Clarke, head, Division of Neurosurgery, sees a more efficient training environment for the QEII’s future healthcare professionals. Specialized lighting and video recording equipment will be installed in the QEII’s neurosurgical suite, which will later host the launch of a simulation platform. This specialized equipment will enable the team to create teaching apps through the platform, so that students can perform virtual brain surgeries, among other training initiatives.
“Funding this critical infrastructure will enable us to continue to lead in developing novel technology-based platforms for training the next generation of surgical teams. The goal is to provide surgical training environments that are both safer for patients and cost-effective for the healthcare system,” Dr. Clarke says.
Beyond this, a new electroencephalogram (EEG) will be instated, allowing BIOTIC researchers to collaborate with companies seeking solutions for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries.
BIOTIC is a unique facility in Atlantic Canada where scientists, clinicians and students come together to develop technologies that will have a direct impact on patient care. The centre provides researchers with first-rate equipment and the expertise needed to translate ideas from theory to commercial product, which can then be sold around the world.
The Honourable Peter MacKay announced the contribution in May. He says the investment will stimulate growth in research and ultimately, Nova Scotia’s economy. “Advancing this type of technology improves patient care, creates opportunity for members of our local life sciences community and builds long-term prosperity in our region,” says MacKay.
Dr. Steven Beyea is the science lead at BIOTIC. He says the world-leading research happening at the QEII wouldn’t have impact without the investment of government, non-profit and private sectors. “Great science matters not in health care if one does not successfully take the leap to translate that research into the creation of next-generation medical technologies that can change the course of a patient’s life,” he says.
