Top Health Care Innovators Win $600,000 in Prizes at Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation Medical Competition

 

(Saint John, NB) – Two groundbreaking projects were named the winners of the 2025 Medical Innovators’ Challenge, presented by the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation. The sold-out event on April 23 marked an exciting milestone in community-led health care transformation, awarding $500,000 to the winner of the David Elias CHS Health Care Innovation Award and $100,000 to the recipient of the inaugural Community Impact Award.

The competition has helped catalyze more than $2.5 million in innovative health care solutions since 2017, thanks to donor generosity. The 2025 edition welcomed a packed audience to the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal and featured live pitches from five finalist teams. Hosted by comedian James Mullinger, the evening gave attendees the opportunity to cast their vote for the winning teams.

David Elias CHS Health Care Innovation Award Winner – $500,000, Establishing Genetic Service in NB

Led by Dr. Doha Itani, Division Head, Molecular Diagnostics and Cytogenetics at the Saint John Regional Hospital, this project aims to enhance local genetic services by reducing reliance on out-of-province labs to dramatically cut current wait times for genetic testing. This will mean greater access to diagnostic testing and screening for preventative, life-saving care right here in New Brunswick. The project was selected as the winner for its visionary approach, potential for broad system impact and alignment with health system priorities.

“We’re thrilled to have this opportunity to bring advanced genetic testing back into the province so patients will have better access to care and reduced wait times,” said Dr. Itani. “This award will have an impact on many patient populations and their family members, including those with common diseases such as breast, prostate and colon cancer, as well as relatively rare genetic diseases like hereditary cardiomyopathy, epilepsy and developmental delay. We’re thankful to the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation for supporting our work for over a decade—we couldn’t do what we do without them.”

This year marks the first time the $500,000 award has been presented under its new name: the David Elias CHS Health Care Innovation Award, in honour of lead funder, Canadian Health

Solutions CEO Dr. David Elias. Dr. Elias was recognized with a Health Care Champion award for his steadfast support of the medical competition for more than a decade.

Community Impact Award Winner – $100,000, Meet the Kids Where They Are

The new Community Impact Award, presented by lead funder GreenShield, was created to celebrate solutions that extend health care access beyond hospital walls. This year’s winning project, led by Dr. Sarah Gander, Social Pediatrician with NB Social Pediatrics Inc. (NBSP), involved an expansion of NBSP to add a school and health liaison role in three Saint John schools. The project will support children facing social and health challenges by providing timely health care, early interventions and community resources.

“This award is a powerful validation of our belief that the health care we deliver to children needs to meet them where they are and we need to listen to the people who know them best, including their teachers,” said Dr. Gander. “With this funding, we’ll be able to work together with community partners to ensure that children thrive and are able to reach their full potential.”

A Celebration of Bold Ideas

“This is what happens when vision and generosity meet,” said Shannon Hunter, President & CEO of the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation. “Philanthropy is more than financial support—it’s a reflection of shared values and purpose. Tonight proves that when we work together, we can forge a healthier future.”

Hunter acknowledged the importance of strategic partnerships and public sector leadership in making innovative care possible. “Health care challenges are too big for any one organization to solve alone. Collaboration isn’t a luxury anymore—it’s a necessity.”

Hunter and Dr. Elias moderated the David Elias CHS Health Care Innovation Award competition while Dr. Andrew Bond, Senior Vice President and Medical Director at GreenShield and Cynthia Goodwin, CEO of CCGoodwin Consulting, moderated the Community Impact Award pitches. J. P. Girard, Executive Vice President & Head of Health Insurance of GreenShield, was on hand to present the inaugural Community Impact Award.

For more information, visit www.sjrhfoundation.ca/medical-innovators

 

About the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation

Since 1984, the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation has been dedicated to inspiring donor generosity, enabling and recognizing community support in advancing patient care. Our community has helped raise over $160 million, funding new cutting-edge technologies, capital projects, innovation, medical research and professional education in all health care areas, improving the health of New Brunswickers. For more information, visit: sjrhfoundation.ca.

 

For more information, please contact:

Alex Davis
alex@ccgoodwin.ca | (506) 259-4081