Search
Search
National award honours innovator Frank Prato’s excellence in medical physics
Dr. Frank Prato is a man of many firsts:
First in Canada to conduct magnetic resonance brain imaging. A pioneer in magnetic resonance cardiac imaging. Driving force behind the installation of Canada’s first PET/MR scanner. Founder of the Canadian Organization of Medical Physicists (COMP) while president of the Canadian College of Medical Physicists.
And while Dr. Prato admits to a competitive streak that constantly propels him to break new ground in medical physics, the renowned, prolific researcher is keen to note these innovations have been part of a larger team effort.
“My career has been filled with opportunities to work with and train some spectacular scientists who have made major contributions across Canada and around the world,” he says. “I’m proud of the whole group that has developed over the years and the support St. Joseph’s has provided.”
Chief Medical Physicist at St. Joseph’s Health Care London (St. Joseph’s), Dr. Prato has been awarded the 2024 COMP Gold Medal, the organization’s highest award for outstanding career achievement.
“Dr. Prato’s ground-breaking work in the field of medical physics has not only advanced the scientific community but also significantly impacted patient care in Canada and beyond,” says COMP President Boyd McCurdy, “His pursuit of innovation and excellence exemplifies the highest standards of our profession, and we celebrate his outstanding contributions to medical physics with admiration and gratitude.”
Dr. Prato is also Assistant Scientific Director and Imaging Program Leader at Lawson Health Research Institute (Lawson) and professor of medical imaging and medical biophysics at Western University.
“I have worked with Frank for 36 years now and have come to recognize him as one of the finest people I know,” says Dr. Ting-Yim Lee, Director of PET/CT Research at Lawson, medical physicist at St. Joseph’s Hospital, and one of the nominators of Dr. Prato for the award.
“Frank is unfailingly helpful and authentic, a great listener and a tenacious problem-solver. He demonstrates excellence and professionalism in medical physics locally, nationally and internationally.”
Dr. Lee cites Dr. Prato’s leadership in being “at the forefront of numerous international innovations in nuclear medicine and diagnostic radiology.”
Throughout his 48 years as a medical physicist, Dr. Prato has been inspired by the potential of technology’s reach into human health.
“I’ve always wanted to work in an area where we can do research, with a vision of what’s going to be important in patient health. I get excited about being on the leading edge of discovery that’s embedded in patient care.”
Critical advancements in nuclear medicine and diagnostic radiology, thanks to the work of Dr. Prato and his St. Joseph’s/Lawson team, have included:
- Introducing the first bone mineral density imaging procedure on a patient in Canada, a tool now essential for managing osteoporosis.
- Performing the first magnetic resonance brain imaging in Canada, setting a national standard.
- Pioneering magnetic resonance cardiac imaging techniques, enhancing the understanding of myocardial scarring and blood flow assessment.
- Introducing the first PET/CT and PET/MR scanners in Canada, revolutionizing molecular imaging and proving the economic value of advanced imaging technologies.
- Imaging the brains of premature infants, a world first.
- Developing Canada’s first self-sustaining cyclotron infrastructure.
- Conducting the world’s first MRI-compatible, high-resolution brain PET scan.
- Early diagnosis and treatment of dementia, mental illness and prostate cancer.
Dr. Prato’s leadership extends beyond his technical achievements. As the founder of COMP, an organization that now includes more than 800 professionals, he played a crucial role in establishing the organization, advocating for medical physicists' independent voice and professional growth.
His tenure as President and board member of the Canadian College of Physicists in Medicine (CCPM) was marked by significant advancements, including enhancing certification processes and establishing reciprocity with the American Board of Medical Physics. Dr. Prato also received the Valuable Service Award from CCPM in 2002 and was named a Fellow of COMP in 2013.
Earlier this spring, Dr. Prato received a Dean’s Award of Excellence for Research Faculty from Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. He is also the sole Canadian to have won the d'Arsonval Award, an international honour from the Bioelectromagnetics Society.
A dedicated mentor, Dr. Prato has guided more than 60 Masters of Science students, PhD students and Post-Doctoral Fellows, many of whom have won awards and secured prominent positions in the field. His mentorship has been instrumental in the success of numerous scientists within the Imaging Program at Lawson, contributing to a legacy of innovation for years to come.
“At 78 years old,” he says, “I am pleased to say I have achieved things at St. Joseph’s that will far outlast me.”
New research showcased at third annual Parkwood Institute Research Spring Update Half Day
More than 100 researchers, staff and trainees attended the third annual Parkwood Institute Research (PIR) Spring Update Half Day on April 27, 2018 to share their innovative research and learn about work from across PIR through interactive workshops and poster presentations.
A program of Lawson Health Research Institute and located at St. Joseph’s Health Care London’s Parkwood Institute, PIR represents three major research programs: cognitive vitality and brain health, mobility and activity, and mental health. The event allowed guests to hear about new studies and recent research developments from across these three themes.
“Parkwood Institute Research covers different research areas but what we want to emphasize with this event is the overlap and collaboration between our programs. Having an inter-disciplinary approach that encourages partnerships ultimately helps us to incorporate new knowledge into patient care at Parkwood Institute,” says Dr. Cheryl Forchuk, Beryl and Richard Ivey Research Chair in Aging, Mental Health, Rehabilitation and Recovery, and Assistant Director, Lawson.
Five interactive workshops were held on a variety of different topics, such as clinical trials, systematic reviews, innovation in health care, practice-based research methods and evaluating SMART technology. The workshops were led by some of Parkwood Institute’s research leaders, including Drs. Cheryl Forchuk, Robert Teasell, Michael Borrie, Dalton Wolfe, and Arlene MacDougall.
Attendees also had the opportunity to visit poster presentations on recent PIR projects.
Ashrafunissa Janmohammad (above), Lawson research coordinator at Parkwood Institute’s Chronic Wound Management Clinic, was one of the poster presenters at the event. She presented on a study led by Lawson associate scientist Dr. David Keast, which assessed whether chitosan gelling fibre dressing could be effective in controlling bleeding after minor wound surgery. Chitosan is derived from chitin, the structural component of the cell walls of fungi and the shells of arthropods such as crabs, lobsters, shrimps and insects.
Juweiriya Ahmed (above), a MSc candidate at Lawson and Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, was another presenter. Her poster outlined a study investigating the interaction between neuroanatomical and genetic risk factors that may contribute to the development of psychotic symptoms (delusions and hallucinations) in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Supervised by Lawson scientist Dr. Elizabeth Finger, the study could help inform the development of therapeutic targets and treatment plans.
New study shows technology could play an important role in mental health support
LONDON - In a study published in MDPI Journal, a team of researchers at Lawson Health Research Institute have shown that the use of technology may assist in better outcomes for those living with both mental health and physical disorders.
Dr. Cheryl Forchuk, Assistant Scientific Director at Lawson, and her team embarked on a pilot study that used smart home monitoring solutions to assist those living with both a mental health disorder and other health challenges. The purpose of this pilot study was to see if technology could improve overall lifestyle and wellbeing.
“We began our research by using hospital prototype apartments – apartment style care spaces within hospital settings – that were equipped with smart home technology solutions such as a screen device, activity trackers, weigh scales and medication dispensers,” says Dr. Forchuk who is also the Beryl and Richard Ivey Research Chair in Aging, Mental Health, Rehabilitation and Recovery at St. Joseph’s Health care London. “Once we tested it in a hospital setting, we wanted to find a way to take this idea out into the community in different kinds of housing and living situations to see if it would be beneficial.”
The research team partnered with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and the London and Middlesex Community Housing (LMCH) to work together to retrofit the homes of the 13 study participants.
“We worked together with the participants and their care providers to choose what combination of technology they felt would be best for them,” says Dr. Forchuk. “No matter their health condition each participant wanted to be more active and independent, with the goal of staying out of hospital.”
All smart devices were connected to the Lawson Integrated Database, which is a database that can securely collect data from multiple sources such as health devices. This allowed care providers to send reminders to participants, while also tracking usage and results.
“The key benefits we noted was that study participants started to live healthier lives,” says Jonathan Serrato, Lawson Research Associate. “Participants logged going for walks and exercising more often, as well as making healthier food choices. Those who used the medication dispensers did not miss a single dose. The touch screen devices also allowed participants to easily communicate with care providers and support networks, and access more resources.”
Following the pilot study, the research team also published a subsequent paper, as a ‘how-to guide’ for utilizing smart home technology interventions as a health care tool.
“This paper is a helpful resource that outlines implications and considerations when it comes to smart home technologies,” adds Serrato. “There are many areas we touch upon such as security, privacy and feasibility as well as hardware and software information for those who would like to take on their own similar type of smart home technology project.”
Lawson Health Research Institute is one of Canada’s top hospital-based research institutes, tackling the most pressing challenges in health care. As the research institute of London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Health Care London, our innovation happens where care is delivered. Lawson research teams are at the leading-edge of science with the goal of improving health and the delivery of care for patients. Working in partnership with Western University, our researchers are encouraged to pursue their curiosity, collaborate often and share their discoveries widely. Research conducted through Lawson makes a difference in the lives of patients, families and communities around the world. To learn more, visit www.lawsonresearch.ca.
Senior Media Relations Consultant
Communications & Public Engagement
T: 519-685-8500 ext. 73502
Celine.zadorsky@lhsc.on.ca
New transportation resource for youth in crisis
LONDON, ON – Transitional aged youth in Middlesex County now have access to a free transportation resource to access mental health services. Called the County Transport initiative, it will help youth ages 16 to 25 in Lucan, Parkhill, Exeter and Strathroy-Caradoc get the mental health care they need, when they need it.
County Transport is being coordinated by MINDS of London-Middlesex, a program of Lawson Health Research Institute, in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) of Elgin-Middlesex, Star Taxi and Middlesex County through the Lucan and Parkhill Libraries.
“Through our collaborative work, we’ve heard from many youth that transportation is a barrier for them when trying to access mental health services when in crisis. Youth in rural areas find this very challenging since most services are not close to their location,” says Romaisa Pervez, Research Assistant at MINDS of London-Middlesex.
MINDS, a Mental Health INcubator for Disruptive Solution, is a social innovation lab with a mission to address the complexity of the mental health care system. Youth with lived experience, community members and researchers work together to understand and help those living with mental health challenges in London-Middlesex by designing, piloting and testing innovative solutions developed locally.
“We do not have the exact numbers of Transitional Aged Youth (TAY) living in rural Middlesex who would benefit from access to the County Transport Initiative, but we know that mental health services in rural communities are limited and that access to the services available in larger city centres is challenging due to transportation difficulties,” explains Cathy Burghardt-Jesson, Warden for Middlesex County. “Transportation from Middlesex to London, where the majority of mental health resources are located, is underdeveloped as there are limited bus routes and schedules. This leaves little in the way of affordable transit options for TAY in crisis.”
Youth in crisis who connect with CMHA’s Reach Out 24/7 line at www.reachout247.ca or by phone at 519-433-2023 will be supported and assessed by the Crisis Line staff. If it is determined that a visit to the London Crisis Centre is needed, the CMHA Crisis worker will ensure a smooth transition from the Crisis Line to the Star Taxi Service. The youth will be provided with free transportation to and from CMHA’s Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Centre located at 648 Huron Street.
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of the youth accessing this service, Star Taxi drivers have received training developed by CMHA regarding mental health and crisis de-escalation, as well as suicide prevention training by Living Works.
Funding for the initiative has been provided by St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation and the generous support of individual donors in the community.
“With additional funding, the initiative could be scaled up to reach as many youth as possible in Middlesex County and beyond. We want to see all youth in rural areas who want to access mental health services able to do so, by removing the barriers of location and transportation,” adds Pervez. They will be collecting information regarding use of the transportation service and youth experience to refine and improve the initiative.
-30-
Lawson Health Research Institute is one of Canada’s top hospital-based research institutes, tackling the most pressing challenges in health care. As the research institute of London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Health Care London, our innovation happens where care is delivered. Lawson research teams are at the leading-edge of science with the goal of improving health and the delivery of care for patients. Working in partnership with Western University, our researchers are encouraged to pursue their curiosity, collaborate often and share their discoveries widely. Research conducted through Lawson makes a difference in the lives of patients, families and communities around the world. To learn more, visit www.lawsonresearch.ca.
Senior Media Relations Consultant
Communications & Public Engagement
T: 519-685-8500 ext. 73502
Celine.zadorsky@lhsc.on.ca
New transportation resource for youth in crisis
Transitional aged youth in Middlesex County now have access to a free transportation resource to access mental health services. Called the County Transport initiative, it will help youth ages 16 to 25 in Lucan, Parkhill, Exeter and Strathroy-Caradoc get the mental health care they need, when they need it.
County Transport is being coordinated by MINDS of London-Middlesex, a program of Lawson Health Research Institute, in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) of Elgin-Middlesex, Star Taxi and Middlesex County through the Lucan and Parkhill Libraries.
“Through our collaborative work, we’ve heard from many youth that transportation is a barrier for them when trying to access mental health services when in crisis. Youth in rural areas find this very challenging since most services are not close to their location,” says Romaisa Pervez, Research Assistant at MINDS of London-Middlesex.
Romaisa Pervez, Research Assistant at MINDS of London-Middlesex, is leading the County Transport initiative.
MINDS, a Mental Health INcubator for Disruptive Solution, is a social innovation lab with a mission to address the complexity of the mental health care system. Youth with lived experience, community members and researchers work together to understand and help those living with mental health challenges in London-Middlesex by designing, piloting and testing innovative solutions developed locally.
“We do not have the exact numbers of transitional aged youth living in rural Middlesex who would benefit from access to the County Transport Initiative, but we know that mental health services in rural communities are limited and that access to the services available in larger city centres is challenging due to transportation difficulties,” explains Cathy Burghardt-Jesson, Warden for Middlesex County.
“Transportation from Middlesex to London, where the majority of mental health resources are located, is underdeveloped as there are limited bus routes and schedules. This leaves little in the way of affordable transit options for youth in crisis.”
Youth in crisis who connect with CMHA’s Reach Out 24/7 line at www.reachout247.ca or by phone at 519-433-2023 will be supported and assessed by the Crisis Line staff. If it is determined that a visit to the London Crisis Centre is needed, the CMHA Crisis worker will ensure a smooth transition from the Crisis Line to the Star Taxi Service. The youth will be provided with free transportation to and from CMHA’s Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Centre located at 648 Huron Street.
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of the youth accessing this service, Star Taxi drivers have received training developed by CMHA regarding mental health and crisis de-escalation, as well as suicide prevention training by Living Works.
Funding for the initiative has been provided by St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation and the generous support of individual donors in the community.
“With additional funding, the initiative could be scaled up to reach as many youth as possible in Middlesex County and beyond. We want to see all youth in rural areas who want to access mental health services able to do so, by removing the barriers of location and transportation,” adds Pervez.
They will be collecting information regarding use of the transportation service and youth experience to refine and improve the initiative.
Parkwood Institute Research Open House
You’re invited to the Parkwood Institute Research Open House
Parkwood Institute Research is hosting its 2nd annual Open House with an opportunity to meet research teams working in the areas of Cognitive Vitality and Brain Health, Mobility and Activity, and Mental Health.
Date: Friday, November 30, 2018
Time: 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Learn more about this vibrant academic health care community in London. A part of St. Joseph’s Health Care London, Parkwood Institute represents the next era in care, recovery and rehabilitation. Across this site, clinical and research teams are collaborating in new ways across disciplines and specialties.
Parkwood Institute Research groups are conducting studies with the goal of improving care for:
- Patients recovering from stroke, acquired brain injury, spinal cord injury and amputation;
- Those with cognitive issues such as dementia and mental illness; and,
- Patients needing specialized geriatric care, palliative care and veterans care.
This special open house and interactive tour will give guests the opportunity to meet researchers and their teams to learn more about their innovative and meaningful research.
This free event is open to the public including members of London’s vibrant health care and research community.
Location:
Parkwood Institute
550 Wellington Road South
London, Ontario N6C 0A7
Various research spaces within the Parkwood Institute Main Building and the Mental Health Care Building. Greeters will be stationed at the entrances of both buildings to guide visitors to the featured spaces.
Directions and parking maps can be found here.
Parking:
Please see the detailed site map for the location of the visitor parking lots.
The lot rate is $4.00 when you enter. $1 and $2 coins and credit card accepted (press the start button then insert payment)
Refreshments and snacks will be available along your tour. If you have any questions, please contact PIR_Info@sjhc.london.on.ca.
Parkwood Institute Research Open House 2019
Parkwood Institute Research, a program of Lawson Health Research Institute, is hosting its third annual Open House and interactive tour showcasing research that is making an impact for patients and their families.
A part of St. Joseph’s Health Care London, Parkwood Institute represents the next era in care, recovery and rehabilitation. Across the site, clinical and research teams from across disciplines and specialties work together to bring tested solutions to the people who need them the most.
The special open house with interactive tour gives guests the opportunity to meet researchers and their teams to learn more about their work in the areas of Cognitive Vitality and Brain Health, Mobility and Activity, and Mental Health.
This free event is open to the public including members of London’s vibrant health care and research community.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, November 28, 2019
Time: 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Locations: Parkwood Institute Main Building Auditorium (Room B2-109)
*PLUS selected locations throughout the building. Directions to be provided.
Click here for directions to Parkwood Institute and parking maps.
The lot rate is $5.00 when you enter. $1 and $2 coins and credit card accepted (press the start button then insert payment)
Refreshments and snacks will be available along your tour.
If you have any questions, please contact @email
Download the event poster.
Parkwood Institute Research Open House 2020 – VIRTUAL EVENT
Parkwood Institute Research, a program of Lawson Health Research Institute, is hosting its fourth annual Open House showcasing research that is making an impact for patients and their families.
The special open house this year will move to a VIRTUAL platform making it even easier to connect to the researchers and their teams who work in the areas of Cognitive Vitality and Brain Health, Mobility and Activity, and Mental Health.
Why you should attend:
- See videos, demonstrations and project summaries presented by the different research teams.
- Participate in interactive activities so you can learn more about PIR and why their work matters.
- Ask questions to the research teams LIVE during the online event.
- Learn about ways to get involved with research.
- Have fun with live polls, games, match-making and more!
A part of St. Joseph’s Health Care London, Parkwood Institute represents the next era in care, recovery and rehabilitation. Across the site, clinical and research teams from across disciplines and specialties work together to bring tested solutions to the people who need them the most.
This free virtual event is open to anyone interested in learning more about hospital-based research happening in this region and getting to know members of London’s vibrant health care and research community.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, November 26, 2020
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: This is a VIRTUAL event being held on the Whova event and conference app. It can be accessed through a web browser or by downloading the Whova app on your preferred device.
If you have any questions, please contact PIR_Info@sjhc.london.on.ca.