Dr. Lorrie Kirshenbaum (Canada Research Chair in Cardiology, Principal Investigator in Cardiac Gene Biology, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, and professor, Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Manitoba Faculty of Medicine) became a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS) during a recent ceremony in Ottawa.
Fellows are elected by their peers based on their demonstrated leadership, creativity, distinctive competencies and commitment to advancing academic health sciences. Membership is considered one of the highest honours for the Canadian health sciences community. The objective of the CAHS is to provide advice on key issues relevant to the health of Canadians.
Kirshenbaum (physiology) is best known for his groundbreaking work on viral gene therapy and the regulation of both cell cycle and cell death proteins in the heart. His research has revolutionized the field by providing a means to genetically modify non-functional proteins in cells that cause human disease. Prior to this, it was not possible to genetically manipulate cells of the heart with any uniformity or efficiency. His groundbreaking discoveries have improved our basic understanding of human disease and paved the way for the development of novel therapies for heart failure, cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.