Dr. Brandon Sheffield
Medical Director of Advanced Diagnostics,
William Osler Health System
Dr. Frank Martino
President & CEO,
William Osler Health System
Tiziana Rivera
Executive Vice President, Quality, Research, & Chief Nursing Executive,
William Osler Health System
William Osler Health System is redefining the future of health care in Canada through ground-breaking advancements in cancer diagnosis, treatment, and research.
William Osler Health System (Osler) is redefining the future of health care in Canada through ground-breaking advancements in cancer diagnosis, treatment, and research. From being the first hospital in the country to offer in-house liquid biopsy testing to launching the Osler Research Institute for Health Innovation (ORIHI), Osler is shaping transformative health care solutions that prioritize patients and improve health outcomes.
Revolutionizing cancer care with liquid biopsy technology
Osler is leading the way in precision oncology as the first Canadian hospital to implement in-house liquid biopsy testing. This state-of-the-art technology enables physicians to perform genetic testing for cancer diagnosis and treatment using a simple blood sample rather than a traditional, invasive tissue biopsy.
“Our work demonstrates that rapid, point-of-care liquid biopsy can be integrated with tissue-based Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), allowing for precise, personalized cancer care right here in our community,” said Dr. Brandon Sheffield, Medical Director of Advanced Diagnostics at William Osler Health System. “This innovation is not only transforming patient experiences but also enabling faster, more informed treatment decisions.”
Osler’s Division of Advanced Diagnostics, led by Dr. Sheffield, has set a global benchmark with its unparalleled turnaround time for liquid biopsy results — delivered in as little as one day. A recent three-year study published in Cancers, titled Point of Care Liquid Biopsy for Cancer Treatment — Early Experience from a Community Center, underscores the profound impact this technique is having on patients with various cancer types.
With cancer cases in Osler’s communities projected to double by 2038, this innovation comes at a critical time. Osler is also preparing to expand its cancer care capabilities by establishing a much-needed comprehensive Cancer Care Centre at its Brampton Civic Hospital site, which will include radiation therapy and other advanced services closer to home.
At Osler, we believe that innovation is at the heart of exceptional patient care. The launch of ORIHI marks a significant milestone in our journey to drive
transformative change in health care.
Launching the Osler Research Institute for Health Innovation
To build on its reputation as a leader in health care innovation, Osler recently unveiled the Osler Research Institute for Health Innovation (ORIHI) during Celebrate Research Week. ORIHI represents a bold step forward in Osler’s commitment to advancing health care through cutting-edge research and collaboration with technology, academic, and community partners.
“At Osler, we believe that innovation is at the heart of exceptional patient care,” said Dr. Frank Martino, President and CEO of William Osler Health System. “The launch of ORIHI marks a significant milestone in our journey to drive transformative change in health care. By uniting with our partners, we are creating a dynamic hub for ground-breaking research and innovation that will benefit our community and beyond.”
The launch of ORIHI marks a significant milestone in our journey to drive transformative change in health care. By uniting with our partners, we are creating a dynamic hub for ground-breaking
research and innovation that will benefit our
community and beyond.
Celebrate Research Week, from November 18 to 22, 2024, showcased Osler’s pioneering efforts in health innovation, including liquid biopsy technology and other trailblazing initiatives. More than 20 events across Osler’s sites provided over 1,100 in-person attendees and hundreds online who joined dignitaries and partners, with a first-hand look at how ORIHI is shaping the future of health care.
“ORIHI is an exceptional opportunity to take Osler’s decade-long legacy of research and innovation to new heights,” said Tiziana Rivera, Executive Vice President, Quality, Research, and Chief Nursing Executive at William Osler Health System. “This milestone reflects our dedication to enhancing patient outcomes and delivering world-class care.”
A vision for transformative health care
By championing revolutionary technologies like liquid biopsy and establishing ORIHI as a hub for innovation, Osler is setting a new standard for health care in Canada. With its focus on patient-centered care and relentless pursuit of excellence, Osler is not only addressing the immediate needs of its fast-growing community but also contributing to a brighter, healthier future for all Canadians.
Learn more at williamoslerhs.ca.
