Inaugural MPI Chair in Neurosciences, Prof. Frederick Zeiler, has developed non-invasive monitoring technology that offers continuous blood flow mapping in the brain
Prof. Frederick Zeiler with the new non-invasive cerebral physiology monitoring technology.
Every year in Canada, brain injuries alter the course of countless lives in unexpected and lasting ways. These injuries are caused by car accidents, falls, sports mishaps, and acts of violence. Picture a young athlete who sustains a concussion during a football game. What seems like a minor bump to the head can lead to serious problems later if it’s not properly treated.
In Winnipeg, Health Sciences Centre (HSC) sees over 400 patients each year who suffer from moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
In 2022, with a shared vision of enhancing TBI care in Manitoba, Health Sciences Centre Foundation donors, Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI), and the University of Manitoba (UM) donors joined forces, allocating $3.5 million to establish the inaugural MPI Chair in Neurosciences. The initiative aims to transform TBI treatment by moving beyond a one-size-fits-all model to a more personalized approach.
Prof. Frederick Zeiler is the first MPI Chair in Neurosciences and the head of HSC’s Multi-omic Analytics and Integrative Neuroinformatics in the HUman Brain (MAIN-HUB) Lab.
Enter Prof. Frederick Zeiler, a dedicated doctor and researcher from Beausejour. As the first MPI Chair in Neurosciences and the head of HSC’s Multi-omic Analytics and Integrative Neuroinformatics in the HUman Brain (MAIN-HUB) Lab, Prof. Zeiler’s mission is to lessen brain damage right after an injury, during the critical days that follow. This is the time when quick and effective treatment can make all the difference for a patient’s recovery. Such research focuses on improving our fundamental understanding of basic brain blood flow, oxygen and nutrient delivery capacity live time, and bridges the fields of neuroscience, biomedical engineering, device development and advanced mathematical modelling.
Throughout 2023, the initial year of the program, Prof. Zeiler and his team developed a groundbreaking non-invasive cerebral physiology monitoring technology that offers continuous blood flow mapping in the brain.
Unlike traditional imaging methods, which provide a single snapshot, this innovative system updates data streams in real-time, assessing multiple brain regions simultaneously. This deeper understanding of what’s happening in the brain may help doctors predict outcomes more accurately and act sooner, ultimately improving patient care.
Prof. Zeiler and his team have also created personalized treatment plans that focus on how each patient’s brain reacts, including ways to manage sedation based on brain activity and blood flow.
L-R: Dr. Peter Nickerson, Dean and Vice Provost, UM Rady Faculty of Health Sciences; Dr. Frederick Zeiler, MPI Chair in Neurosciences; Tina Jones, C.M., O.M., Board Chair, HSC Foundation; Jonathon Lyon, President and CEO, HSC Foundation.
Beyond direct patient care, Prof. Zeiler has embraced his role as a leader and mentor in the field. In 2023, he authored 46 publications, including 41 peer-reviewed journal articles, and supervised 17 students at various academic levels. His influence is shaping the next generation of neuroscientists and biomedical engineers who will continue this vital work.
“Without the support of the HSC Foundation, MPI, and UM, none of this groundbreaking research or training for future leaders in TBI care would be possible,” says Prof. Zeiler.
Through the collaborative efforts of the HSC Foundation and its partners, Prof. Zeiler and his team are leading a new chapter in brain research. They are not only offering hope to those affected by TBIs but are also changing the way brain injuries are treated in Manitoba and beyond. Each advancement brings patients one step closer to reclaiming their lives, supported by leading experts and compassionate care givers.
By supporting research initiatives, the HSC Foundation plays a vital role in enhancing technology and improving patient care at HSC. With your support, HSC can continue to improve overall patient care. Please consider donating today.
By Jen Golletz
