London, Ont. – Dr. Michael Ott has been appointed the inaugural Verspeeten Chair in Oncology, and Dr. Samuel Asfaha as the inaugural Verspeeten Chair in Translational Cancer Research. These appointments follow a $5 million gift from the late Archie and Irene Verspeeten to London Health Sciences Foundation (LHSF), matched by Western University. This contribution is part of the Verspeetens’ transformational $20 million donation in 2024.
The newly established chairs at Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry represent an important step forward in strengthening cancer research and care, with a shared focus on accelerating discovery and improving patient outcomes. The roles support leading clinician-scientists and researchers working across London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute (LHSCRI) and Western University, helping to bridge laboratory discovery with clinical application while also advancing understanding of the biological mechanisms that drive cancer.
Dr. Michael Ott, Chair and Department Head of Oncology at LHSC, St. Joseph’s Health Care London and Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, professor in the Department of Surgery and Department of Oncology, has been named the inaugural Verspeeten Chair in Oncology. He will conduct research across Western and LHSCRI.
In his new role, Dr. Ott will focus on uncovering the biological mechanisms that drive cancer, with the aim of advancing discoveries from basic science into new therapies and treatment pathways that can progress toward clinical trials and improved patient care.
Dr. Samuel Asfaha, a gastroenterologist at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), scientist at LHSCRI and professor at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, will lead a research program focused on advancing early detection, improving treatment response and developing more personalized approaches to cancer care. His work brings together stem cell biology, genomics, and patient-derived organoid technology to accelerate the translation of discoveries into improved outcomes for patients.
“At LHSCRI, we’re focused on research that will improve patient outcomes,” says Dr. Chris McIntyre, Vice President of Research at LHSC and LHSCRI Scientific Director. “Dr. Ott and Dr. Asfaha bring complementary expertise that strengthen both translational and foundational cancer research, and their leadership will help move promising discoveries more quickly into clinical practice.”
Through these donor-supported chair positions, Dr. Ott and Dr. Asfaha will each lead distinct but complementary research programs aimed at advancing cancer discovery and improving treatment approaches from both translational and fundamental science perspectives.
“The Verspeeten Chairs in Translational Cancer Research and Oncology reflect the powerful impact donor support can have on advancing care,” said John MacFarlane, president and CEO of LHSF. “We are proud to congratulate Dr. Ott and Dr. Asfaha on their well-deserved appointments. Archie and Irene’s generosity continues to drive meaningful research forward and supports experts working every day to improve outcomes for patients and families in our community.”