Steven Franklin, U of S Vice-President Research and Maura Davies, President and CEO of the Saskatoon Health Region, welcome Horsburgh back to Saskatoon from Alberta to lead the new initiative.

"Her professional credentials and experience with our community make her an ideal fit as we address key areas of health research," Franklin says. "This includes areas such as Aboriginal and community health, infectious diseases, reproductive health, and development of new medicines."

"Beth Horsburgh's appointment demonstrates our collective commitment to building a stronger research partnership and enhancing opportunities for research excellence that will positively affect the health status of the people we serve and the communities they live in," says Maura Davies, President and CEO, Saskatoon Health Region.

"This new role will also foster an environment where our care is continuously informed and improved by new knowledge. I look forward to welcoming Dr. Horsburgh as a member of our senior leadership team."

Horsburgh was Dean of Nursing at the U of S from 2000 to 2005, before becoming Dean of the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Alberta. She takes up her new duties in Saskatoon in July.

The new joint position is intended to better integrate SHR - U of S research efforts, with the goal of increasing overall health research performance. She will be tasked with developing and implementing strategies and programs with community stakeholders. She will also lead efforts to translate the knowledge borne of an ambitious research agenda into clinical innovation, evidence-based policies, practices, and decision making.

The joint position is also supported by base and operating funds from the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF).

"Dr. Horsburgh's talent for bringing together and building a shared vision makes her an excellent choice for this unique position," says SHRF CEO June Bold. "With one foot in the health system and the other in the university, she will advance innovative research partnerships that attract new funding opportunities and foster outstanding health research."

Horsburgh's new position replaces that of the University Coordinator of Health Research, held for the past seven years by Bruce Waygood. Over the next few months, Waygood will maintain his responsibilities for major initiatives in health research, with the transition to Horsburgh to be completed by the end of June.

"This new position serves as a catalyst to bring together strong partners to create an even stronger 'whole,'" Horsburgh says. "It represents an opportunity for the Saskatoon Health Region and the University of Saskatchewan - but most importantly, it is an opportunity for the individuals, families and communities of the region and province. Together, we can do more, and better health research, the results of which will guide delivery of the most effective health services for the people of Saskatchewan, Canada and the world. I am both delighted and honoured to be entrusted to lead this visionary initiative."

Horsburgh's past teaching has focused upon the health challenges of adults. Her own research focuses on supporting the self-care efforts of adults with chronic illness, while also supporting their family caregivers. She is also actively involved in investigating primary health care reform and its effects on patients, families, and the health care team. She is active within the Canadian Association of University Schools of Nursing (CASN), serving at various times as vice-president research, a board member, and chair of its education sub-committee.

A native of Ontario, Horsburgh is experienced as a clinical nurse manager, instructor, and staff nurse. She served as Director of the School of Nursing at the University of Windsor before coming to the U of S in 2000. She received her masters degree and PhD in nursing at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan and her Master of Education from the University of Windsor.

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For more information, contact:

M.E. (Beth) Horsburgh
c/o Faculty of Nursing
University of Alberta
(780) 492-3029

Michele Bossaer
Corporate and Public Affairs
Saskatoon Health Region
(306) 655-3328
www.saskatoonhealthregion.ca

Michael Robin
Research Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2427
michael.robin@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/research

James Winkel
Communications Officer
Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation
(306) 975-1687
www.shrf.ca