Leadership


Dr. Poul Sorensen

Director, Academy of Translational Medicine

A professor in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dr. Sorensen is an internationally recognized molecular pathologist and cancer biologist specializing in pediatric cancers. His extensive experience in translational medicine and discovery of novel genetic changes in childhood cancers and breast tumours has led to new diagnostic tests and treatments for both pediatric and adult cancer patients. His research has also significantly advanced our understanding of the role of proteins in cancer cell growth, such as activated NTRK fusion proteins, and how aggressive tumour cells adapt to microenvironmental stress. Dr. Sorensen is a Distinguished Scientist at the BC Cancer Research Centre, holds the Asa and Kashmir Johal Endowed Chair in Childhood Cancer Research, and is a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.

As Director, Dr. Sorensen will seek to establish the ATM as a world-leading centre of excellence in advancing the translation of scientific discoveries into solutions that improve patient care, therapeutics and research knowledge. He will also oversee the development of educational initiatives that will support faculty, scientists, and clinicians engaged in translational research, as well as enhance the continued growth and training of a new generation of translational scientists.

One-on-One with Poul Sorensen
Meet the director of the Faculty of Medicine’s newly-established Academy of Translational Medicine.

A Year in Review

2023 with Dr. Poul Sorensen


Dr. Dean Regier

Associate Director, Academy of Translational Medicine

Dr. Regier is an associate professor at the School of Population and Public Health and Director of the Health Economics Support and Research Unit (HESRU) at BC Cancer. He is also a Senior Scientist within Cancer Control Research, and currently serves on the province’s Drug Benefit Council, which makes evidence-informed recommendations to the Ministry of Health about the listing of drugs on the PharmaCare program formulary.

As the Associate Director of the ATM, Dr. Regier provides day-to-day leadership and guidance to the ATM, as well as defines strategic direction for the ATM regulatory and educational programs.

 

Q & A with Dean Regier
Harnessing the regulatory process to fuel bio-innovation, improve health.


Lea Cameron

Senior Manager, Operations, Academy of Translational Medicine

Before joining the Academy of Translational Medicine at UBC Lea was Special Advisor to the Vice-Principal (Research and Innovation) and the Vice-Principal (Administration and Finance) at McGill University, tasked with advancing the innovation agenda at McGill and developing and implementing projects related to process improvement and workforce management.  Lea spent four years as Senior Director, Office of the Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic) at McGill.  Lea also worked at the MaRS Discovery District in Toronto, teaming with leaders in the innovation economy to develop supporting services and infrastructure for propelling technology-centric innovation in Ontario.  As Senior Manager, Operations at the Academy of Translational Medicine, Lea provides comprehensive strategic oversight for all areas of ATM operations.