Fernando Morales/The Globe and Mail
It is my great pleasure to nominate Dr. Tom Chau as a Transformational Canadian.
Dr. Tom Chau is one of Canada's leading biomedical engineers. His innovations in pediatric rehabilitation are making headlines in scientific media and healthcare around the world. Tom Chau's Infinity lab at the Bloorview Research Institute is a place which generates technological breakthroughs that have practical applications in the lives of children with disabilities.
Early in his career, Dr. Chau gave up a promising position in the corporate world to dedicate his life and work to improving the lives of children with disabilities. He believes that children - even the most complexly disabled, are fundamentally "ok" just as they are, and that technology should enable and empower their lives. His intelligent systems adapt to each child's unique needs and strengths. Julian Cappelli, whose mother joins me in making this nomination, is just one of the thousands of children who have already benefited from Dr. Chau's research.
An inspiring and dedicated teacher and mentor, Dr. Chau is attracting ever-increasing numbers of researchers and graduate students to work in his lab. In addition to a stellar group of homegrown, Canadian talent, Dr Chau's recent trainees have hailed from top schools in India, UK, Australia, China, France and Mexico. Under his leadership, Holland Bloorview is turning out top-notch researchers who are committed to solving the issues and challenges faced by children with disabilities and their families.
Dr. Chau's current focus on the physiological basis of communication promises to revolutionize the way we treat children who are 'locked in'. This ground-breaking work is reaching children at Holland Bloorview whose minds are in tact but who are locked inside a non-functional body. Dr. Chau and his team are discovering novel communication channels for non-verbal kids to express themselves and indicate personal preference: "apple juice, not milk". While the idea is simple, the science behind it is not.
I have attached a detailed summary that outlines the wide scope of research and the impact of Dr. Chau's work - his vision, leadership, innovations, awards, and achievements. I think you will agree with me that Dr. Chau is transforming pediatric rehabilitation care and quality of life research. He is also recruiting the best young minds in the country to a higher calling, ensuring that faster and more effective solutions will be forthcoming to better the quality of life for Canada's most vulnerable children and their families.
In short, I believe Dr. Chau exemplifies the meaning of Transformational Canadian.
Sincerely,
Valerie McMurtry
President and CEO
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation