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Health Sciences
Thunder Bay boasts a strong and innovative health sciences sector, including a local Medical School, DNA labs and a renowned research institute.
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) is a leading teaching and research hospital, serving all of Northwestern Ontario.
The Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute (TBRRI) is an innovative, brand new facility equipped with advanced technology that attracts world-class talent. It is contributing millions of dollars to Thunder Bay’s economy and driving the growth of the Life Sciences Manufacturing cluster including innovative young businesses and ground-breaking research.
Health Sciences Sector Information
The Lakehead University Paleo-DNA Laboratory is a research laboratory affiliated with the Lakehead University Centre for Analytical Services (LUCAS). The laboratory provides three functions: research, services and teaching. The research covers many aspects of DNA analysis; from the development and implementation of new extraction and purification methods through to their application. Research projects have involved modern and ancient human identification, species identification, and plant and animal genetics.
The Paleo-DNA Laboratory is a leader in mitochondrial DNA research, continually improving methodology, sensitivity and detection methods for DNA examination. Services include archaeological testing, paternity and relationship testing, human and species identification on a variety of sample types. As a University affiliated facility, the main objective is education. Courses and training programs are available to anyone who wants to learn more about the DNA process.
Regional Cancer Care Northwest provides cancer care services that span across Northwestern Ontario with the prevention, screening, diagnostics, education, in-patient and out-patient treatment, surgical treatment, and supportive and palliative care.
Regional Cancer Care Northwest continues to lead Ontario in cancer treatment, diagnostics, and surgical wait times, and are rated highly in Canada for overall patient satisfaction.
St. Joseph’s Care Group (SJCG) offers a broad range of programs and services in addictions and mental health, rehabilitative care & chronic disease management, and seniors’ health in Thunder Bay. Its eight sites include a rehabilitative care hospital, long-term care homes, residential addictions programs, supportive housing, and outpatient services. SJCG is Northwestern Ontario’s regional lead for rehabilitative care, behavioural supports and palliative care.
Coupling research with mobilization, SJCG’s Centre for Applied Health Research (CAHR) conducts high-quality research, engages in knowledge translation, and supports St. Joseph’s Care Group in the creation of new knowledge relevant to Rehabilitative Care, Seniors’ Health, and Addictions & Mental Health.
The Behavioural Sciences Centre provides service to companies and businesses in the region through Employee & Family Assistance Programs, the provision of confidential, high-quality counselling, as well as insurance and workplace assessment services.
With over 2,200 staff and growing, St. Joseph’s Care Group is Thunder Bay’s second-largest employer and operates on an annual budget of $181 million. It is recognized as a leader in delivering safe, high-quality health care and has been Accredited with Exemplary Standing, the highest level awarded by Accreditation Canada.
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) is a 375-bed acute care facility that offers an expansive range of specialist services. TBRHSC is the Regional Trauma Centre and Cancer Referral Centre for Northwestern Ontario and it operates the second busiest emergency room in Canada.
TBRHSC is the teaching hospital of choice for over 1200 learners from the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM), Lakehead University, Confederation College, and other partnering academic institutions. It is Thunder Bay’s largest employer with over 2,800 employees and it operates on an annual budget of more than $300 million.
As the research arm of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, the mandate of Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute (TBRHRI) is to facilitate clinical research – particularly in the area of imaging and related fields – strategic to regional health care needs. TBRHRI houses Northwestern Ontario’s only Cyclotron and Radiopharmacy, capable of producing medical isotopes for clinical use. The Health Research Institute also supports clinical trials at the Health Sciences Centre, which has been one of Canada’s Top 40 Research Hospitals since 2010 thanks in large part to the activities of TBRHRI.
Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) is a joint partnership between Lakehead University in Thunder Bay and Laurentian University in Sudbury. Founded in 2005 to improve health care for northerners, NOSM provides training in more than 90 communities across the region, delivering programs modelled after novel education strategies to meet the healthcare needs of Northern Ontario.
NOSM runs a range of educational programs spanning the undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing professional phases of physician training as well as a number of professions such as registered dietitians and physician assistants.
Strong Health Sciences Sector
Known as the centre for learning for researchers, students, teachers, and other healthcare professionals in Northwestern Ontario, Thunder Bay boasts a strong and deep health sciences sector, including patient care centres, a local medical school, and a renowned research institute. Ground-breaking health research and innovation is also driving the Life Sciences Manufacturing and Biotechnology industries in Thunder Bay.
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
Northern Ontario School of Medicine
St. Joseph's Care Group
Leading The Way in Health Sciences
Health Sciences Labour Force
Career Opportunities in Thunder Bay's Health Sector
Healthcare in Thunder Bay is world-class. As the regional hub for health services in Northwestern Ontario, Thunder Bay serves a catchment population of 250,000 in a geographical area the size of France, and is a leading destination for clinical, teaching, research and health system leadership. Start or advance your health career in Thunder Bay.