TORONTO, May 22, 2012—Dr. Art Slutsky, vice-president of research at St. Michael's Hospital, is the 2012 recipient of the American Thoracic Society Assembly on Critical Care Lifetime Achievement Award.
The prestigious award is given annually to a leading international critical care academic clinician for contributions to research, patient care and the American Thoracic Society.
Dr. Slutsky was the keynote speaker at the annual Critical Care Assembly Dinner at the society's international conference in San Francisco on Monday (May 21), where he received his award.
"Critical care is a great career," Dr. Slutsky said. "It's very satisfying to be able to help patients. I enjoy the intellectual stimulation and creativity of research, but when you apply it to medicine, it becomes even more rewarding as you can improve outcomes for patients."
Although he no longer treats patients, Dr. Slutsky still mentors colleagues and conducts research. His major research interests relate to lung injury caused by mechanical ventilation. As a result of his research work, there has been a shift in approach to mechanical ventilation in the past couple of decades that has had a major impact – using a gentler form of ventilation means that patients are living longer. It also means more lungs are available for transplant.
As head of the Interdepartmental Critical Care Division at the University of Toronto, Dr. Slutsky has been able to attract a number of internationally renowned critical care academic clinicians to Toronto and St. Michael's. A recent external review of the division found that it was in the top two in the world in terms of research output.
"Art is a world-leading pulmonary critical care scientist whose specialty is in treating patients with acute respiratory failure," said St. Michael's President Dr. Robert Howard. "This is a well-deserved honour for him and terrific recognition of the extensive work he has contributed to his field."
About St. Michael's Hospital
St. Michael's Hospital provides compassionate care to all who enter its doors. The hospital also provides outstanding medical education to future health care professionals in more than 23 academic disciplines. Critical care and trauma, heart disease, neurosurgery, diabetes, cancer care, and care of the homeless are among the Hospital's recognized areas of expertise. Through the Keenan Research Centre and the Li Ka Shing International Healthcare Education Center, which make up the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, research and education at St. Michael's Hospital are recognized and make an impact around the world. Founded in 1892, the hospital is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto.
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