Co-chairs Bryan Klein, Murray Palay and Dr. Brian Postl are pleased to announce that the Winnipeg Chapter of the Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University will be honouring long-time volunteer Dr. Brent Schacter MD at a cocktail reception at the Fairmont Hotel on April 29, 2013.  Dr. Schacter will be presented with the prestigious IMRIC Award in recognition of his many years of devoted service to the Hebrew University. Dr. Schacter is a past -president of the Winnipeg chapter and a member of the national board of CFHU. His career has been dedicated to cancer research and treatment.  In addition to his many commitments, Dr. Schacter sits on the FASD joint steering committee which oversees the collaborative research project between the University of Manitoba and Hebrew University, currently entering its third year.

He is a Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine of the University of Manitoba and member of the Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology at CancerCare Manitoba. From 1993 to 2003 he was President and CEO of CancerCare Manitoba.  He then became CEO of the Canadian Association of Provincial Cancer Agencies (CAPCA) from 2003 until 2008.
 
Brent is currently a Co-Chair of the Canadian Task Force on AYA (Adolescents and Young Adults) Oncology.  He is the Principal Investigator on the Canadian Tumour Repository Network (CTRNet) Program Grant from CIHR-ICR, which is currently about to launch a Canadian Tumour Biobank Certification Program and which has received $ 6.3 million in funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research-Institute of Cancer Research since 2004.

In addition to his contributions at CFHU, Dr. Schacter has been a Board member of the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue for the past six years, and became President of the Synagogue in December 2013.

Honourary Chair Dr. Arnold Naimark states that “the research into Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is a potential game changer.  Hebrew University’s Abraham Fainsod has determined a link between alcohol absorption, vitamin A absorption, and fetal brain damage.  Dr. Fainsod’s and his team’s collaboration with the team at University of Manitoba is uncovering some remarkable discoveries.  Dr. Schacter has been engaged with this research collaboration from the beginning.”

Margaret Shuckett, Winnipeg Chapter President attests to Dr. Schacter’s suitability for this honour: “Brent is one of the kindest and most sincere volunteers I have ever had the pleasure to work with.  His commitment to medicine is matched only by his commitment to furthering the success of Hebrew University.  FASD is a scourge that has touched so many families around the world, not just in underprivileged communities.  Imagine the possibilities of eradicating the prenatal brain damage that limits the potential of hundreds of thousands of individuals.”

Dr. Schacter’s tribute will take place on Monday, April 29,  5:30 – 7:30 pm  at the Fairmont Hotel.  The Honourable Dave Chomiak, Minister of Innovation, Energy and Mines and Dr. Geoff Hicks, Director of Regenerative Medicine Program at the University of Manitoba will be guest speakers.

“Professor Schacter’s commitment to enhancing research collaboration between the University of Manitoba and the Hebrew University has been long-term and exemplary.  Dr. Schacter has facilitated strong links among researchers in many fields from both institutions”, said Digvir Jayas, Vice-President (Research and International) and Distinguished Professor at the University of Manitoba.

Tickets to the Tribute honouring Dr. Schacter, as well as contributions to the FASD Research Collaboration in honour of Dr. Brent Schacter, can be made by contacting Sharon Zalik, Executive Director of the Winnipeg CFHU office, at 204-942-3085 or [email protected].