A message from Dermot Kelleher, Dean, Faculty of Medicine and Vice-President, Health.
I am pleased to announce that Dr. J9 Austin has been appointed Head, Department of Medical Genetics, effective to June 30, 2030.
Dr. Austin is a professor in the Department of Medical Genetics and the Department of Psychiatry. Their research applies a justice-oriented approach to advancing personalized medicine to ensure diverse populations have access to the potential benefits of precision medicine. Dr. Austin has founded the world’s first specialist psychiatric genetic counselling service, and their work has been recognized through awards for teaching, leadership and research. They are also a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, and serve as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Genetic Counseling.
As Head, Department of Medical Genetics, Dr. Austin will develop and enact a strategic plan that fosters cohesion and belonging, working with colleagues to enhance the department’s national and international reputation for leadership in basic genomic science, clinical genomic research, genomic education and clinical service delivery. Dr. Austin will also work with colleagues and partners around the province to help move the implementation of genomic medicine forward for B.C. in an equitable and accessible way.
Dr. Austin’s appointment follows the leadership of Dr. Jan Friedman, who served as interim Head from September, 2022. I wish to thank Dr. Friedman for his significant contributions and dedication to supporting the Department in this role.
Please join me in congratulating Dr. Austin on their appointment.
