Dr. Julie Robillard, Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology and Associate Director, Neuroethics Canada, has been awarded the Dr. Andrew Eisen Leadership Development Award for outstanding leadership and her project, Characterizing the Impact of Respite Care in ALS (CIRCA) project. She accepted the award at the ALS Society of BC Awards Ceremony on April 2.
ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is a progressive and ultimately fatal neuromuscular disease that eventually paralyzes limbs and muscles of speech, swallowing and respiration. There is no cure, and only limited treatment options are available to patients with the disease.
“Respite care is a critical issue for the ALS community, since it can play a huge role in improving the quality of life for people living with ALS. It also reduces burden for caregivers, which in turn can benefit ALS patients,” said Dr. Robillard. “I chose to help lead this work as it is a topic I’m very interested in. In my research program on the impact of brain health interventions, I believe it’s critical to learn directly from patients and their families as they are the true experts!”
The purpose of this award is to recognize outstanding leadership development of a new ALS program or service initiated and implemented by an individual or chapter.
“I am very honoured to be receiving this award, which, in reality, belongs to the entire team,” said Dr. Robillard. “The team, including co-leads Drs. Bannerman and Eisen, and our wonderful staff and research assistants have done an amazing job of capturing the voices of the ALS community in BC.”
“The CIRCA project will provide data for ALS BC to build a business plan in the hope to provide increased support for ALS caregivers in the home, sustainably,” said Wendy Toyer, Executive Director of the ALS Society of BC.
For more information on the ALS Society of BC, visit www.alsbc.ca.
