DR. DAVID SCHAEFFER’S APPOINTMENT AS INAUGURAL PANCREATIC CANCER RESEARCH CHAIR AT VGH
Dr. David Schaeffer has been appointed as the inaugural Pancreatic Cancer Research Chair at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH), with support from the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. His appointment will be effective until June 30, 2030, spanning a seven-year term.
Dr. Schaeffer, an esteemed associate professor in the Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine at University of British Columbia (UBC) and a leading pathologist at Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role. He also serves as the co-director of Pancreas Centre BC and heads the Gastrointestinal Biobank at VGH.
As a scientist, Dr. Schaeffer’s research endeavors revolve around investigating the comprehensive genetic structure of pancreatic cancer. His primary objectives are to uncover distinct subtypes of the disease and design targeted therapies to better understand treatment response and patient survival rates.
As Pancreatic Cancer Research Chair at VGH, Dr. Schaeffer will provide strategic leadership to support the development of a centre of excellence in pancreatic cancer care, surgery and research at VCH. Central to his role will be the pursuit of high-impact research aimed at advancing tumor profiling and proposing more effective therapies to improve patient outcomes. Dr. Schaeffer will also build a solid foundation through training and mentorship of fellows to support early career investigators, as well as to drive innovation in both the laboratory and clinic settings. He will share pioneering studies with government, the medical community and other stakeholders to contribute to the global knowledge of best practices and to advocate for meaningful change in the system.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Schaeffer on his appointment and express our gratitude for his commitment and leadership to this important area of research.
