Sunnybrook

In 2015, Sunnybrook scientists and clinicians performed a world-first: They successfully and non-invasively opened the blood-brain barrier to deliver chemotherapy into the brain tumour of a patient using MRI-guided focused ultrasound (FUS). Nearly 10 years later, those same researchers are once again approaching a new breakthrough, this time with the potential to bring the technology to more patients and more clinics, and to revolutionize the treatment options for many neurological and brain diseases. We sat down with global FUS pioneer and vice-president of research and innovation at Sunnybrook, Dr. Kullervo Hynynen and scientist and chief of the Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Dr. Nir Lipsman, to learn some of the latest developments and most promising potential of the next-generation FUS helmet. As we prepare to unveil our new Garry Hurvitz Brain Sciences Centre, we’re looking ahead as we continue to innovate treatment and care for people living with brain disorders. Read more about the new technology: https://bit.ly/3zYz5zD

Today is #WorldMentalHealthDay and we asked people across Sunnybrook what they do to prioritize their mental health. Check out their answers! Let us know in the comments what you do to promote mental wellness! 🧠💚

What a night! A huge thank you to everyone who organized, attended, and participated in the inaugural Chefs’ Circle Gala on October 5, raising an impressive $1,012,888 for Sunnybrook! Your commitment truly makes a difference in the lives of our patients and their families. A big thank you to William Cheng for his inspiring vision and leadership in creating this exceptional event, which brought together award-winning Michelin-star chefs from around the world to lead a team of talented chefs for an incredible celebration of food, culture, and support for Sunnybrook. Looking forward to seeing you next year! #ThisPlaceIsSpecial

Sunnybrook Research Institute spin-off company, Arrayus Technologies Inc., recently announced Health Canada | Santé Canada approval of its MRI-guided focused ultrasound (FUS) system for the ablation of uterine fibroids. Following the success of its first-in-human clinical trial, led by Dr. Elizabeth David, affiliate scientist and interventional radiologist at Sunnybrook, this approval paves the way for Canadian health-care providers to offer a safe, non-invasive alternative to traditional surgical options for this common gynecological condition. Arrayus was founded by Dr. Kullervo Hynynen, vice-president of research and innovation at Sunnybrook. Dr. Hynynen is a global pioneer in FUS research and was the first to combine FUS with MRI to guide and monitor treatment. Read more: https://bit.ly/4dHxEU2

Today, Sunnybrook welcomed MPP Robin Martin to celebrate the Government of Ontario's expanded base funding for Ontario's Emergency Medical Assistance Team (EMAT). We have operated EMAT since 2009 through our Centre for Prehospital Medicine. EMAT is a flexible, modular team that can be deployed anywhere in Ontario with road access within 24 hours to provide specific medical services. As home to Canada’s first and largest trauma centre, Sunnybrook appreciates the role EMAT plays in providing emergency medical care. Thank you, MPP Martin, for joining us today to celebrate this expanded funding. This support will improve operations and access to training, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Ministry of Health to support this essential resource.

Last month, the Toronto Regional Arthroplasty Collaborative (TRAC) program was recognized by the Ontario Health System Quality & Innovation Awards and received the Improved Value and Sustainability Award. TRAC is a cross-hospital partnership between Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Michael Garron Hospital, Sinai Health and Unity Health Toronto. It aims to reduce backlogs in hip and knee replacement surgery by leveraging unused weekend operating room capacity. TRAC celebrated its one-year anniversary and has helped over 1000 patients avoid long wait lists and get the surgeries they need. Sunnybrook is honoured to be a part of a meaningful collaboration among its partners, and we look forward to the continued success of the TRAC program in supporting patients. To learn more visit: https://bit.ly/3ZVQHqD

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Adjustments to lifestyle can be important for those living with breast cancer – but how impactful are they? “As powerful as lifestyle changes can be, they are never a substitute for the standard treatments your health-care team has prescribed.” says, Dr. Ellen Warner, Medical Oncologist at Sunnybrook’s Odette Centre. Read our latest blog to learn more about best practices to follow when living with breast cancer https://bit.ly/4dDWhRE.

We’re proud of the beautiful, natural spaces that surround the Sunnybrook grounds and the communities we’re part of. Our president and CEO, Dr. Andy Smith, recently wrote a piece for Leaside Life about his enjoyment exploring the nature and hidden gems of the Sunnybrook and Leaside community. He also talks about the importance these spaces play in daily practices, his approach to leadership, and connecting us with our neighbourhoods. Next time you’re in the Sunnybrook area, make sure to take some time to take in the nature around you – no matter which campus you’re visiting! Read Andy’s article: https://bit.ly/3XIwCBg

#ThisPlaceIsSpecial because of our physicians using digital applications of patient stories to support whole-person, dignity conserving care.    Congratulations to Dr. Giovanna Sirianni, family physician in the Integrated Community Program, on receiving the 2024 AMS Healthcare Compassion and Artificial Intelligence Fellowship to support her work exploring how health-care providers can leverage connectedness through stories in electronic health records.    Learn more: https://bit.ly/47PHDWd

It’s almost here… This month we’ll be unveiling the new Garry Hurvitz Brain Sciences Centre before it opens to patients early next year. The new state-of-the-art facility will allow us to continue to innovate, develop new treatments and improve care for people living with brain disorders, like Marci who was diagnosed with a meningioma, a common but serious type of primary brain tumour. With help from her interprofessional care team in the Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Marci was back on her feet barely three weeks after her surgery. And that’s why the next year, when another meningioma tumour was discovered behind her right eye, Marci knew exactly where to go. Read Marci’s story and see why Sunnybrook and the Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program is providing “the gold standard in compassionate care”: https://bit.ly/3ZH9K7T