Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health Appoints Expert Members to its New Canadian Drug Expert Committee
OTTAWA, Aug. 31, 2011 /CNW/ - The Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) today announced the appointment of the expert members to its newly established Canadian Drug Expert Committee (CDEC).
CDEC consolidates the mandates of two previous CADTH committees: the Canadian Expert Drug Advisory Committee (CEDAC) and the COMPUS Expert Review Committee (CERC). Dr. Brian O'Rourke, President and CEO of CADTH, commended the members of CEDAC and CERC for their outstanding contributions to CADTH, and noted that creating CDEC is a natural evolution for the Agency.
"Integrating these two roles allows members to combine their expertise, offering both formulary recommendations and advice regarding the appropriate utilization of pharmaceuticals," said Dr. O'Rourke.
Dr. Robert Peterson will be the Chair of CDEC. He is the Executive Director of the Drug Safety and Effectiveness Network, a joint venture of Health Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). Dr. Peterson is well known internationally for his work in the areas of drug development, health technology assessment, and regulatory review, having previously served as Director of the Section of Pediatric Clinical Pharmacology at the University of Colorado, Professor of Pediatrics and Pharmacology and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Medicine, Director of the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, and as Director General of the Therapeutic Products Directorate at Health Canada.
In accepting the position, Dr. Peterson said: "I am honoured to be among this exceptionally capable group of committee members and to advance this important pan-Canadian work in providing advice and recommendations on the reimbursement and use of pharmaceuticals."
The expert members of CDEC are:
- Dr. Robert Peterson, Chair of CDEC; Executive Director, Drug Safety and Effectiveness Network, Canadian Institutes of Health Research/Health Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia
- Dr. Ahmed Bayoumi, Physician, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
- Dr. Bruce Carleton, Professor of Pediatrics and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia
- Dr. John Hawboldt, Associate Professor, School of Pharmacy, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
- Dr. Peter Jamieson, Family Physician, Hospital Medicine and Long-Term Care, Alberta Health Services; Medical Director, Foothills Medical Centre; and Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta
- Dr. Julia Lowe, Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
- Dr. Kerry Mansell, Assistant Professor, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
- Dr. Irvin Mayers, Division Director, Pulmonary Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
- Dr. Lindsay Nicolle, Professor of Internal Medicine and Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba; and Consultant, Adult Infectious Diseases, Health Sciences Centre and Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Dr. Yvonne Shevchuk, Professor and Associate Dean Academic, College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
- Dr. Jim Silvius, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta
- Dr. Adil Virani, Director, Lower Mainland Pharmacy Services, and Associate Professor, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia
The selection process for two public members to serve on CDEC is currently underway.
"This new committee structure strengthens the Agency's relationships within the health care community," said Dr. O'Rourke. "Its evidence-based approach uses the most current medical and scientific knowledge, and strives to ensure that CADTH's work reflects the societal needs and values of Canadians."
About CADTH
The Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health is an independent, not-for-profit organization funded by the federal, provincial, and territorial governments of Canada. CADTH is one of Canada's leading sources of information and advice on the effectiveness and efficiency of drugs, medical devices, and other health technologies.
For further information:
Media Contacts:
John Yan, Director, Communications and Government Relations
Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health
613- 226-2553
johny@cadth.ca
Janis Bogart, Communications Officer
613-226-2553
janisb@cadth.ca