Ori Rotstein Lecture in Translational Research

The Annual Ori Rotstein Lecture in Translational Research is an important event for the Institute of Medical Science - it is a time to celebrate the exceptional scientific contributions of our scientific community.

The Ori Rotstein Lecture in Translational Research was established in 2011 to mark Dr. Rotstein's 25-year engagement with the IMS. Dr. Rotstein is an IMS Alumnus, former IMS Director (2000-2010) and long-standing faculty member. Dr. Ori Rotstein is now the Vice President of Research and Innovation at Unity Health Toronto. He is also a Professor and Associate Chair of the Department of Surgery at the University of Toronto. We are honoured to have him come back and host this Annual Lecture each year.

Christopher Mushquash, Ph.D., C.Psych., is Anishinawbe (Ojibway), and a member of Pawgwasheeng (Pays Plat First Nation). He is also a researcher and clinician, who integrates traditional knowledge into his work, exploring sustainable ways of healing that also addresses systemic problems that Indigenous Peoples, particularly Indigenous youth, continue to face in Canada.

Dr. Mushquash’s research and practice has contributed to improved outcomes in Indigenous communities and enhanced understanding of the nature of developmental and intergenerational trauma in First Nations people, improving clinical care for those with substance use difficulties. His research has upended conventional understandings of mental health in Indigenous families and established best practices for engaging Indigenous people in research. Furthermore, his research has directly influenced federal funding policy in First Nations communities, and assisted leaders of those communities to advocate for culturally and contextually informed services for their people.

His many publications serve as a strong foundation on which new policy is being built; he has delivered presentations to governments and served on major national and provincial health policy committees. He has supervised many undergraduate, graduate, and post graduate students, with seven having successfully earned their Ph.D. credentials under his supervision. In this way, Dr. Mushquash is able to teach others to be similarly compassionate and knowledgeable helpers, who can flourish in their careers while placing Indigenous wellness at the centre of all they do.