Chairholders
Profile
Blaine Alexander Chronik
Physics and Astronomy
The University of Western Ontario
Chair title
NSERC/Synaptive Medical Inc. Industrial Research Chair in Magnetic Resonance Systems Development
Chair program
Industrial Research Chairs program
Role
Senior Chairholder since 2015
Summary
With this Industrial Research Chair (IRC), we are embarking on a new program to support fundamental research, development and fabrication of new, customized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems, as well as testing and development of MR-compatible medical devices and technology.
We ultimately seek the capacity to design, prototype and produce custom MRI platforms for the first time within Canada. Our vision is to have MRI platforms that are optimized for specific applications within research or hospital environments: for example, stroke-specific platforms located in emergency departments, open-geometry systems for spine and breast imaging, and knee-specific systems in orthopedic departments. This approach diverges from the traditional approach of single, multi-use MR systems located in central locations within a hospital or research centre. We are also proposing to develop new platforms and methods for testing and development of medical devices and other technology (pacemakers, orthopedic implants, surgical robotics, etc.) for use with these new customized MRI systems. Our industry partner in this proposal is Synaptive Medical Inc., an SME headquartered in Toronto that focuses on developing medical equipment and applications.
Dr. Chronik is a tenured Full Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Western University. Before holding this IRC, he held a Canada Research Chair in Medical Physics (2003–2013) and was the Faculty of Science Distinguished Research Professor (2014–2015). He has over 20 years of experience working in the field of MRI and completed his postdoctoral work at Stanford University in the Department of Electrical Engineering. He is well known as a world expert on gradient and field modulation systems and associated safety concerns. His group built the first integrated preclinical positron emission tomography/MRI system in Canada and published the first demonstration images from the system in 2008. Dr. Chronik is also the President and Managing Director of MRIdt Inc., a company he created in 2008 to provide test and development services to the medical device industry.
Partner
- Synaptive Medical Inc.
Contact information
Physics and Astronomy
The University of Western Ontario
Physics and Astronomy Building 1151 Richmond St
London, Ontario
N6A 3K7
Tel.: 519-661-2111, ext. 86455
Fax: 519-661-2033
Email: bchronik@uwo.ca
Website:
http://www.physics.uwo.ca/people/faculty_web_pages/chronik.html
