David Reed

CDHF Research Funding Improves Understanding and Treatments

Dr. David Reed, an Internal Medicine resident at the University of Alberta, says it is critical that Canadian digestive health research continues to be funded so that we may improve our understanding and find better treatments for those suffering from digestive diseases

He also asserts the important fact that having access to funding specifically earmarked for graduate students wishing to conduct gastrointestinal (GI) research helps attract new researchers to the field. In 2002, Dr. Reed was chosen as the recipient of Doctoral Award that was co-sponsored by Canadian Digestive Health Foundation (CDHF) and Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR). The award provided $20,000 a year for his research for three years.

The funding Dr. Reed acquired through CDHF was used to support research he was conducting for his doctoral program at Queen's University which examined neural reflexes in the gastrointestinal tract. The research demonstrated that the activation of a specific receptor, protease activated receptor-2, by an inflammatory mediator made nerves in the GI tract excitable even after that mediator had been removed. This is a possible mechanism of abnormal GI function in inflammatory conditions.

"Receiving this award was an incredible honour," says David. "Funding -- especially external funding -- is very difficult to acquire as a graduate student. The funds provided by CDHF and CIHR greatly contributed to the completion of my doctoral program."

Dr. Reed entered medical school at the University of Toronto after completing his doctoral program and continued to participate in basic science research in gastrointestinal physiology. Now in residency in Internal Medicine, Dr. Reed intends to use his research experience to provide care for the digestive health of people in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

"Digestive diseases affect everyone, either directly or indirectly, and have a major impact on quality of life," says David. "Research conducted in digestive diseases by Canadians continues to produce exciting findings that improve the digestive health of our country."