MEDICAL INNOVATORS’ CHALLENGE, HEALTH CARE INNOVATION AWARD FINALISTS
The David Elias CHS Health Care Innovation Award Finalists
In a high-stakes showdown, three finalist teams will pitch their game-changing medical solutions to revolutionize local health care.
This year, you have the power to vote for the winner of the David Elias CHS Health Care Innovation Award, helping to shape the future of medical advancements in our community.
The prize: $500,000
MORE ON THE MEDICAL INNOVATORS’ CHALLENGE:
Helping Hands: Robotics for Nursing Support
Improving Clinical Care by Introducing Robotic Team Members to SJRH
This project aims to introduce Diligent Robotics’ Moxi robots at the Saint John Regional Hospital (SJRH). By performing non-patient-facing tasks like delivering supplies and assisting with wayfinding, Moxi can free up staff to focus on what matters most—patient care.
Moxi robots can seamlessly navigate hospital corridors independently, delivering supplies, medications and lab samples, and assist with patient wayfinding. By taking on lower-value tasks, Moxi robots allow staff to do what only they can do: supporting patients and saving lives.
Already transforming workflow efficiency in U.S. hospitals, Moxi has been shown to reduce staff stress, improve operations and enhance patient experience. This project would make the SJRH one of the first hospitals in Canada to use this innovative technology, redefining what’s possible in health care.
Bridget Stack
Clinical Executive Director, Cardiac Care Program, Horizon Health Network
Janine Doucet
Clinical Director, NB Heart Centre
Saint John Regional Hospital, Horizon Health Network
Amanda McCoy
Nurse Manager 5AN & CCU
Saint John Regional Hospital, Horizon Health Network
Jennifer Sheils
Vice-President Strategy, Transformation & Chief Innovation Officer, Horizon Health Network
Vanessa MacDonald
Resource Nurse 5AN & CCU
Saint John Regional Hospital, Horizon Health Network
Establishing Genetic Service in NB
Establishing a Wholesome Germline Genetic Service Delivery in the Province of New Brunswick
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. By introducing whole exome sequencing (WES) and AI-powered variant interpretation, geneticists and pathologists will be equipped to deliver cutting-edge, life-changing results with unprecedented speed and precision.
Beyond transforming patient care, this innovation promises to help attract more genetic specialists to the province by matching or outpacing our global peers.
This means greater access to diagnostic testing and screening for preventative, life-saving care – right here in New Brunswick.
Dr. Doha Itani
Division Head, Molecular Diagnostics and Cytogenetics
Saint John Regional Hospital, Horizon Health Network
Tiffany Clouston
Clinical Specialist, Molecular Genetics and Cytogenetics
Saint John Regional Hospital, Horizon Health Network
Renata Yehia
Supervisor, Molecular Genetics and Cytogenetics, Saint John Regional Hospital, Horizon Health Network
Alyson Cronkhite
Medical Laboratory Technologist, Molecular Genetics and Cytogenetics
Saint John Regional Hospital, Horizon Health Network
Heart Rescue in Aging Cardio-Oncology Patients
Innovations in Next-Generation Nanotechnology and Artificial Intelligence for Identification and Management of Amyloidosis
New Brunswick’s aging population faces a rising threat from cardiovascular disease and cancer — both linked to amyloidosis, a life-threatening condition that impairs heart function. With silent symptoms, amyloidosis too often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, leading to delayed treatment, debilitating symptoms and even premature death.
A cutting-edge approach combining artificial intelligence (AI), nanoSERS and echocardiography can revolutionize how amyloidosis is detected. By improving diagnostic accuracy, this breakthrough technology will reduce wait times, allow for early detection of life-threatening diseases and ease pressure on New Brunswick’s health care system.
Dr. Kenneth D’Souza
Senior Scientist, NB Heart Centre, Saint John Regional Hospital, Horizon Health Network
Dr. Jean-François Légaré
Division Head, Cardiac Surgery, NB Heart Centre
Saint John Regional Hospital, Horizon Health Network
Dr. Keith Brunt
Translational Scientist, NB Heart Centre
Associate Professor, Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick
Dr. Akram Mikaeilpour
Cardiologist - ACHD Specialist, NB Heart Centre
Saint John Regional Hospital, Horizon Health Network
Victoria Nelson
Ph.D. Student, Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick
Ernest Namdar
Ph.D. Candidate, Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto
Let’s fuel the future of health care, together.
Witness cutting-edge ideas come to life and connect with the brightest minds in the field.
