St. Joseph’s Health System, a leader in mission-based health care and innovation, is proud to announce the appointment of two distinguished leaders to its executive team: Dr. Azim Gangji as Vice President, Academic and Dr. Lehana Thabane as Vice President, Research.
These appointments mark a significant step forward in St. Joseph’s Health System’s commitment to advancing discovery, fostering collaboration, and building a strong learning ecosystem. As part of one of Ontario’s largest academic health sciences networks, SJHS is uniquely positioned to lead the way in transforming evidence-informed care delivery and education.
“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Gangji and Dr. Thabane to our leadership team,” said Elizabeth Buller, President and CEO of St. Joseph’s Health System. “Their expertise, vision and passion will enhance our culture of discovery and enquiry, ensuring that every innovation and learning opportunity aligns with our mission of service to our community.”
Creating a Common Learning Ecosystem
As Vice President, Academic at St. Joseph’s Health System, Dr. Gangji will focus on developing common learning ecosystems that support the recruitment, growth and development of health care professionals. He will ensure that SJHS is recruiting and equipping care teams with the tools and skills needed to thrive in a dynamic health care environment.
"Innovation, collaboration and academic partnership are at the heart of transforming health care education," said Dr. Azim Gangji, Vice President, Education, at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. "By working together with our academic and clinical partners, we can build a dynamic and innovative learning ecosystem that not only supports and empowers the teams of today but also trains and prepares the workforce of tomorrow to deliver high-quality, compassionate care.”
Dr. Gangji is also a Professor of Medicine at McMaster University. He is a nephrologist, transplant physician, and has a strong interest in medical education and global health. He has received provincial and national awards for his innovation in education and holds leadership roles including chair of the Academic Advisory Committee chair of the SJHS International Outreach Program and chair of several Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada committees including the AFC Accreditation Committee. He was also pivotal in establishing the West Ontario Academic Health Sciences & Hospitals Education Network, comprising hospital and academic organizations working together to enhance learning and prepare learners for the workforce of tomorrow.
Driving Innovation Through Research
As Vice President, Research at St. Joseph’s Health System, Dr. Thabane will lead efforts to expand SJHS’ research enterprise, cultivating partnerships that bring innovative solutions to life. Under his leadership, SJHS aims to strengthen its reputation as a global leader in health research, translating knowledge into impactful advancements in care for those we serve.
“Our mission is to ensure that the discoveries we make in the lab translate into meaningful improvements in the lives of the people we serve,” said Dr. Thabane, Vice President, Research, at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and Scientific Director of The Research Institute of St. Joe’s Hamilton. “By bridging the gap between bench and bedside, we are creating opportunities to deliver compassionate care and innovative treatments that address real-world challenges. It’s this commitment to making a tangible difference for patients, residents, clients, families, and communities that drives our work every day.”
Dr. Thabane is also a Professor in the Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (HEI) at McMaster University where he has held numerous academic roles as a biostatistician and academic leader. He is a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, and the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.
Advancing our Mission
These strategic leadership roles reflect SJHS’ unwavering commitment to our mission: Living the Legacy. Compassionate Care. Faith. Discovery. By investing in academics and research, SJHS is enhancing its ability to create meaningful partnerships, serve the community and drive innovation in health care.
St. Joseph’s Health System is one of the largest corporations in Canada devoted to health care. We are a large network of hospitals, long-term care facilities, hospices, home care, research institutes and foundations located in four cities in the Ontario-West region, connected by the legacy of our founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph. Together, we are continuing their legacy by reimagining how we provide care, conduct research, and educate our healthcare professionals.
As a system of care, SJHS supports patients, residents and clients across the lifespan: from acute care, post-acute care, long-term care, home and community care to rehabilitation and hospice. St. Joseph’s Health System’s presence across the care continuum, combined with academic, research and innovation partners creates unique, rewarding and distinctive experiences for staff, physicians, researchers and learners. St. Joseph’s Health System plays a significant role in training the next generation of health care professionals; more than 6,000 learners come through SJHS every year.
“Dr. Thabane and Dr. Gangji will enrich our culture of enquiry and expand opportunities for our care teams as part of an academic health sciences network and learning health system,” said Elizabeth Buller. “By innovating together and learning together, we can navigate through complexity, advance our mission, and transform the way we serve our communities.”
For more information, please contact:
Nicole Vaillancourt
Senior Communications and Engagement Officer
St. Joseph’s Health System
nvaillan@stjoes.ca