Centre for Aging & Health Appoints New Director of Research

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Vancouver, September 2004— Providence Health Care's Centre for Aging and Health has appointed Dr. Jean-Francois Kozak as the new Director of Research. Dr. Kozak brings a wealth of experience to Providence, not only in conducting and leading research in aging, but also teaching medical and gerontology students. “The Centre is extremely fortunate to have a high-calibre and seasoned scientist such as Dr. Kozak,” says Taj Bhaloo, Leader, Centre for Aging and Health. “His position is instrumental in moving our research mandate forward and enabling Providence Health Care to be a leader in providing excellent care to the elderly.”

As part of his role as Director of Research, Dr. Kozak will develop the Centre's vision for research, which spans clinical and health systems research.

“Research is an important tool which, when used well, helps to answer that question everyone at Providence asks him or herself daily: 'Am I doing the best for those under my care?'” says Dr. Kozak. “To successfully answer this question Providence's Centre for Aging and Health will strive to forge new – and strengthen existing – partnerships for both research and education on aging. I am proud to be a part of this tradition of excellence at Providence.”  Prior to joining PHC, Dr. Kozak was Director, Clinical Health Intelligence Service at the Sisters of Charity of Ottawa, and acting Director of the Clinical Epidemiology Unit in the Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, during which he co-led the Community Dementia Research Network funded at over $1 million by CIHR. Dr. Kozak's other accomplishments include a five-year study focused on end-of-life care for seniors also funded by end-of-life care for seniors also funded by CIHR for over $1 million and a Health Canada grant focused on falls prevention and management. His other interests and publications include prevention of elder abuse and neglect, pain and pain management in the elderly, palliative care and dementia.

In 1999, Dr. Kozak was honoured with the Canadian Association on Gerontology Award for Contribution to Gerontology.