Asthma researcher wins eminent scientist award

Toronto, ON – Dr Teresa To, senior scientist and head of the Child Health Evaluative Sciences program at SickKids Research Institute, has been selected to receive the eminent scientist of the year award 2008 in the field of pediatrics and community health research, by the International Research Promotion Council (IRPC). Her award was announced in the December issue of Recent Advances and Research Updates , a journal published by IRPC.

Dr To was chosen based on her research excellence in community health and her unique research contribution to the control of asthma. The IRPC presents the World Scientists Forum awards annually to researchers whose work has significantly affected medical care globally, especially in developing nations.

Dr To’s research at SickKids includes the patterns of healthcare utilization, access to care and practice patterns for a variety of medical and surgical conditions. One of her most recent accomplishments was the asthma surveillance program in Ontario which she pioneered. This program is considered to be one of the most promising prototypes for the development of a national asthma monitoring system.