DalEM will host Dr. Laurie J. Morrison as the 2024 Dr. John Ross Distinguished Scholar at the upcoming DalEM Research Day on May 22, 2024. As keynote speaker for the event, Dr. Morrison will share insights she has gained over her decades-long career as a clinician, scientist and leader in the vital field of resuscitation.  

Dr. Morrison is a Professor and Clinician Scientist in the Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Her research is focused on implementing and evaluating time-sensitive interventions in acute emergencies.

Among her many accomplishments, Dr. Morrison established Rescue, a collaborative prehospital research network. Together, the Rescu investigators conduct randomized controlled trials and outcome validation studies in resuscitation research (cardiac arrest and trauma) and contribute to the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium, which has evolved into a national resuscitation network for Canada (CanROC). She also founded Collaborative Specialization in Resuscitation Sciences, enabling the training of over 80 graduate students.

Dr. Morrison contributed to the development of the 2005, 2010 and 2015 American Heart Association Guidelines, and provides scientific oversight of the Continuous Evidence Evaluation strategy for the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation. She is also a founding member and current chair of the Network of Canadian Emergency Medicine Researchers. This network provides peer review and mentorship to emerging researchers and support for multi-centre trials.

Dr. Morrison has received the Canadian Medical Association May Cohen award for excellence in mentorship and is an honorary member of the European Resuscitation Council, in recognition of her lifetime achievement in resuscitation sciences. She delivered the AHA Dickinson W. Richards Memorial Lecture as well as the honorary Negovsky Lecture for the European Resuscitation Council. In addition, the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation named her a Giant in Resuscitation and the American Heart Association has given her a lifetime achievement award in resuscitation sciences.

Mark your calendar and be prepared for an inspiring keynote address at this year’s DalEM Research Day. This annual event will take place on Wednesday, May 22 in person and with an option to attend virtually.