Hamilton, Ontario (May 29, 2012) - The Sir Frederick Banting Legacy Foundation (SFBLF), a Canadian charity dedicated to reducing the prevalence of diabetes, and the Department of Pediatrics of McMaster University’s Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, today announced a partnership to support pediatric diabetes research.
Initially, the partnership will fund an annual expert-led think-tank to address the special challenges faced by diabetic youth as they transition to adult care. In addition, the partnership will fund research projects which will focus on children, First Nations and other at risk communities.
“We are proud to partner with the world-class diabetes research team at McMaster University”, said David Sadleir, President of the SFBLF. “This partnership and the creation of the annual Banting Legacy Lectureship will unite global experts in the field to share their insights and ultimately contribute to improved care for young diabetics across Canada and around the world.”
“The transition of young people with chronic illness into adult health services has been a concern for the pediatric profession for decades”, said Dr. Lennox Huang, Chair of Pediatrics at McMaster University. “We pediatricians, family doctors and other specialists recognize an alarming gap in care which contributes to the untimely death of young patients. McMaster’s new partnership with the Banting Legacy Foundation will tackle this issue head-on.”
The first annual Banting Lectureship will focus on transitional care of youth and is scheduled for late fall of 2012. Provincial leaders in pediatric chronic illness, internal medicine, family medicine and community partners will attend the one-day event.
About Sir Frederick Banting Legacy Foundation (SFBLF)
SFBLF is a registered charitable organization located in Alliston, Ontario, the birthplace of Sir Frederick Banting, co-discoverer of insulin, and Nobel Laureate. The mission of the SFBLF is to fight diabetes and preserve the Banting legacy, through education, outreach and research. SFBLF has many partners including a diabetes outreach team from Stevenson Memorial Hospital (Alliston) and Southlake Regional Health Centre (Newmarket).
About McMaster University and the Department of Pediatrics of the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine
McMaster University, one of four Canadian universities listed among the Top 100 universities in the world, is renowned for its innovation in both learning and discovery. It has a student population of 23,000, and more than 156,000 alumni in 140 countries.
The mission of the Department of Pediatrics is to improve the health of children and adolescents through excellence in patient care, research and teaching. The Department provides comprehensive care and support for the regional referral and consultation centre at McMaster Children's Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario.
For more information please contact:
Veronica McGuire
Media Relations
McMaster University
vmcguir@mcmaster.ca
905-525-9140, ext. 22169
David Sadleir
President
SFBLF
sadleir@mie.utoronto.ca
705-434-3283
