World-renowned Neurologist Recruited to Calgary!

Dr. Jong Rho to help children with injury and illness of the brain at the Alberta Children's Hospital

CALGARY, April 22 /CNW/ - The Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute for Child and Maternal Health, the University of Calgary Faculty of Medicine and Alberta Health Services are pleased to announce that Dr. Jong Rho is first holder of the Dr. Robert Haslam Chair in Child Neurology.

Starting August 1, 2010, as the first appointee to this esteemed research position and new Division Chief for Pediatric Neurosciences in Calgary, Dr. Rho will lead research and clinical care for thousands of children facing injury and illness of the brain and spinal cord at the Alberta Children's Hospital each year.

"We are thrilled that such an internationally-recognized expert has agreed to join our team," says Dr. Jim Kellner, Head of Pediatrics for the University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services Calgary Zone. "We are very grateful to the community for so generously supporting the Haslam Chair which was key to Dr. Rho's recruitment."

With a dynamic plan and vision for the future of pediatric neurology at the children's hospital and research institute, Dr. Rho believes Calgary can provide international leadership in pediatric neurosciences within the next five to 10 years. As a clinician-scientist, he is committed to ensuring that research and care are tied closely together so that each benefits the other in the development of better treatments and cures for children. Also a strong proponent of collaboration, Dr. Rho says he is looking forward to building bridges with the adult neurosciences team as well.

"Part of the reason I'm so excited about my new role is the real sense of unity and opportunity there is in Calgary," says Dr. Rho. "Both the pediatric and adult neurosciences teams are strong. They have a solid connection with the community and everyone wants healthcare to improve. I know we can do great things to help children by building on existing strengths and working together on a common purpose."

Dr. Rho is being recruited from Phoenix, Arizona where he is a Senior Staff Scientist and Director of Pediatric Epilepsy Research at the Barrow Neurological Institute, and Associate Director of Child Neurology at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center.

The Alberta Children's Hospital is one of a select few centres in Canada which provides comprehensive care in neurology, neuro-surgery, neuro-oncology and neuro-rehabilitation for children. It is the only children's hospital in Canada to provide all four services in one facility.

The Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute for Child and Maternal Health is a joint initiative of the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation, University of Calgary Faculty of Medicine and Alberta Health Services. Research activities focus on linking research findings to improving inpatient care.

The Dr. Robert Haslam Chair in Child Neurology is named in honour of Dr. Robert Haslam, who was the first pediatric neurologist in Calgary and the first Chief of Pediatrics at the Alberta Children's Hospital as well as a highly respected, internationally recognized advocate for children with developmental and neurological disabilities.

For further information: Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation: Belinda Lamb, Office: [phone], Mobile: [phone], Email: [email protected]; University of Calgary Faculty of Medicine: Lois Epp, Office: [phone], Mobile: [phone], Email: [email protected]