Foundation Announces Unprecedented Medical Competition Film Premiere

Moving Lions’ Den from the big stage to the film set

SAINT JOHN, NB – The Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation announced that their signature medical competition is back and premiering Friday, September 10, 2021.

In the face of a global pandemic and unpredictable challenges, the Foundation reimagined its Lions' Den stage competition inspired by the popular show Dragons' Den. A first in its fundraising history, the Foundation partnered with Hemmings House, an award-winning video production company, to create a new format - a behind-the-scenes documentary. The film captures clinicians' passion and commitment to improving health care across the province, will give audiences a look at why they are competing, and how they craft their pitch videos with their assigned creative directors along with insights into the judges' decisions.

"The medical innovations at the Saint John Regional Hospital is such an exciting story to tell through film. And the restrictions brought on by COVID had us using every creative tool and technology at our disposal to take viewers behind the scenes. At one point, we filmed across the country, live and interactive -- connecting the panel of judges from three provinces with three different film crews. You gain a huge appreciation for what health practitioners are doing to advance medicine in New Brunswick,” says Greg Hemmings, Founder & CEO of Hemmings House.

Donating and making a big decision for the lead award of $500,000 was the task of five outstanding business and community philanthropists from across Canada, including Dr. David Elias, Miranda Hubbs, Scott McCain, Bob Owens and Mike Webb. "Wise investment in health care has never been more vital than right now. And it's hard to imagine a more discerning group of donors with the collective expertise of our Lions," says Jamie Gallagher, President & CEO of the Foundation.

As virtual fatigue grew during the ongoing pandemic, trust and support from corporate partners ensuring our medical teams could share their journey, passion for improving patient experience and health outcomes, and commitment to increasing donations have been outstanding.

The New Brunswick Innovation Foundation focused on research funding, is strategically investing a $100,000 research grant to the winning team, advancing specialized medication in New Brunswick.

Inspiring our community to create a healthier future is J.D. Irving, Limited, as our Community Choice Award sponsor. The runner-up team that audiences vote as most deserving will take home the $75,000 Community Choice Award.

The final major sponsor is CTV who came on board as the exclusive media partner to help spread the news of how philanthropic organizations are showing incredible resilience, innovation, and determination in extraordinarily challenging circumstances.

MEDICAL PITCHES & TEAMS

Improving Speed and Accuracy of Drug Detection using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

The lab is the cornerstone of excellent care. Lab information is the foundation for doctors and health professionals to make diagnostic and therapeutic decisions for their patients. Bringing the gold standard in drug testing to Saint John increases the number of different drugs/drug classes identified in a single sample from eight to more than 900. Enabling the clinicians to incorporate results more quickly into effective clinical decision-making, including the potential to prevent overdoses and improve patients’ safety. Team members include Dr. Jennifer Shea, Ms. Emily Bodechon and Dr. Duncan Webster.

3-D Artificial Intelligence Lab

Imagine clinicians holding 3D images in their hands, feeling the body parts they will be working on. Imagine giving clinicians a virtual copy of their patient's anatomy to plan and practice surgery. Imagine clinicians having the fingerprint, physical 3D map of a patient’s blood vessels before performing surgery – providing them with a clear view and detail of the surgical site, including obstacles they may face while operating. 3D printing allows doctors and clinicians to hold the future in their hands and improve it. Team members include Mr. Zachary Kilburn, Dr. Darren Ferguson and Dr. Ian Maxwell.

Enhanced Lung Cancer Care

Lung cancer is the deadliest form of cancer, killing more Canadians per year than breast, colon and prostate cancer combined. It is responsible for 13% of new cancer cases in Canada in 2019 and 20% of all cancer deaths. Lung cancer patients are often stigmatized and have decreased social and economic support and multiple medical issues, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The proposal is a three-part plan to enhance treatment and care for lung cancer patients treated at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Team members include Dr. Crispin Russell, Dr. Brian Johnston and Dr. Amy Groom.

LIONS

Bob Owens a respected industry leader and advisor who co-founded the independent wealth management company Owens MacFadyen Group. Bob is a member of the Financial Advisors Association of Canada, the Conference for Advanced Life Underwriting (CALU), the Investment Industry Association of Canada and a sought-after industry speaker.

Miranda Hubbs currently serves on the board of Directors for several major Canadian companies, including Nutrien, Imperial Oil and PSP Investments, and is a CFA charter holder. She is a founding member and National Co-Chair of the Canadian Red Cross Tiffany Circle—Women Leading Through Philanthropy and also serves on the Advisory Board of the Toronto Biennial of Art.

Scott McCain is an internationally known business leader who has held executive roles with McCain Foods, Maple Leaf Foods and is now President of JSM Capital Corporation, a private investment holding corporation. He is a director of SeaFort Capital Inc., Saint John Major Junior Hockey Club Limited, the Fraser Institute's Atlantic Canada Prosperity Initiative and the Margaret and Wallace McCain Family Foundation Inc.

Michael Webb has forged a global career in Human Resources and is now residing in Calgary and serving as Executive Vice President in HR and Administration with Nutrien. Mike moved to Canada in 2010 following a 20-year career in the Asia Pacific region. In his current role for Nutrien, he is responsible for Human Resources, Global Facilities, Sustainability and Stakeholder Relations, Community Relations and Investment, and Issues Management and Government Relations.

Dr. David Elias is a rare blend of physician, entrepreneur, educator, and investor. David is the President and CEO of Canadian Health Solutions. The company provides medical services, health care solutions and is active in research. It is presently exploring the development of E-Health solutions that help improve the efficiency of healthcare delivery and contribute to a sustainable health system.

For more information:

Shannon Hunter

Director, Marketing and Communications Director
Shannon.Hunter2@horizonnb.ca | (506) 349-5116