Senior Program Director at University Health Network, Canada
Christine Bruce is a distinguished healthcare leader and researcher whose career spans leadership in laboratory medicine, digital pathology, and healthcare transformation. She has demonstrated expertise in advancing diagnostic services, implementing innovative solutions in laboratory operations, and leading system-level strategies that improve patient care and access. Her contributions extend from establishing large-scale COVID-19 testing operations to pioneering digital pathology for rural and remote communities, ensuring equitable healthcare delivery across regions. She has authored and co-authored impactful publications in high-impact journals and has actively shared knowledge through national and international conferences. Christine also plays a vital role in academia, mentoring students and professionals through teaching, lectures, and professional board service. With a strong focus on healthcare integration, innovation, and applied research, she continues to bridge the gap between research, policy, and clinical practice. Her leadership, research contributions, and dedication to advancing laboratory medicine highlight her as a prominent figure in the field.
Professional Profile
Scopus Profile
Education
Christine Bruce has pursued a lifelong commitment to education and professional development in healthcare and management. She began her academic journey with a Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science from St. Lawrence College, which laid the foundation for her clinical and technical expertise. She later earned a Bachelor of Health Administration in Health Services Management from Toronto Metropolitan University, followed by a Master of Health Administration in Community Care from the same institution. Christine is currently pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration at Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh, reflecting her dedication to combining research with practical healthcare leadership. Alongside formal degrees, she has acquired advanced certifications, including a Lean Sigma Black Belt, a Lean Sigma Green Belt, and a Clinical Laboratory Quality Manager Certificate, which enhance her capacity for innovation, quality improvement, and system optimization. She is also recognized as a Certified Health Executive by the Canadian College of Health Leaders, underscoring her academic and professional excellence.
Professional Experience
Christine Bruce has built a distinguished career through progressive leadership roles in healthcare organizations across Canada. She currently serves as Executive Director of Regionalization for Northwest Ontario Laboratory Services and as Senior Director of the Laboratory Medicine Program at University Health Network, where she oversees one of the country’s largest laboratory medicine programs. In these roles, she leads teams of hundreds of professionals and physicians, managing multimillion-dollar budgets while driving transformative initiatives such as digital pathology adoption, standardized quality management, and advanced workforce development. She previously held leadership positions at Sinai Health, where she helped establish Ontario’s largest COVID-19 testing facility, and at Grand River Hospital and St. Mary’s General Hospital, where she directed integrated laboratory services. Her earlier career includes senior roles at LifeLabs, where she contributed to quality systems and business development. Christine’s work has consistently emphasized system integration, operational efficiency, and innovative models of care that advance patient outcomes.
Research Interest
Christine Bruce’s research interests focus on the intersection of laboratory medicine, healthcare innovation, and digital transformation. She is particularly passionate about advancing digital pathology and implementing diagnostic technologies that improve access to high-quality care in underserved and remote communities. Her work explores practical applications of research to transform health systems, including biomarker implementation, laboratory service optimization, and integration of artificial intelligence into clinical diagnostics. She has also contributed significantly to pandemic-related research, particularly in scaling up COVID-19 diagnostic services and developing system-level strategies for rapid response and resiliency. Christine’s interests extend to healthcare workforce innovation, where she studies new models of professional roles and interdisciplinary academic practice to address national shortages in laboratory science. Through collaborative and translational research, she aims to align scientific discovery with policy and clinical implementation, ensuring measurable improvements in patient care, healthcare accessibility, and system sustainability while positioning Canada as a leader in laboratory innovation.
Award and Honor
Christine Bruce has received numerous awards and honors that reflect her outstanding contributions to healthcare, research, and professional leadership. She was recognized with the A.R. Shearer Pride of the Profession Award by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science for her dedication to advancing laboratory medicine. At University Health Network, she received the Local Impact Award for her leadership in driving system transformation and innovation. She was also awarded an Honorary Diploma from St. Lawrence College, acknowledging her significant contributions to education and the profession. Christine has been a nominee for the Premier’s Award for College Graduates, which highlights individuals who have made extraordinary achievements in their fields. Other notable recognitions include the Gaman Modi Award of Excellence, the Founders Fund Award, and the PreAnalytical Excellence Award, each highlighting different facets of her impact from research excellence to operational innovation. These honors collectively underscore her national influence and professional distinction.
Research Skill
Christine Bruce possesses a diverse range of research skills that have enabled her to make impactful contributions to laboratory medicine and healthcare innovation. She is skilled in applied clinical research, with expertise in designing and implementing studies that translate directly into improved patient care and healthcare delivery models. Her proficiency in digital pathology, biomarker implementation, and diagnostic system transformation demonstrates her ability to integrate emerging technologies into practical clinical settings. She has extensive experience with quality management systems, Lean Six Sigma methodologies, and data-driven performance evaluation, which enhance her capability to conduct rigorous research with measurable outcomes. Christine is also adept at collaborative and interdisciplinary research, working across academic institutions, hospitals, and health networks to achieve shared objectives. Her skills in academic writing and dissemination are evident in her publications in high-impact journals, as well as her presentations at international conferences. Collectively, these skills position her as a strong applied research leader.
Publications Top Notes
Title: Guidance for securing approvals for new biomarkers: from discovery to clinical implementation
Authors: Harriet Feilotter, Christine Bruce, Eleftherios P. Diamandis, Miyo K. Chatanaka, George M. Yousef
Year: 2024
Citation: 3
Summary: This review article provides a comprehensive guide for the technical and clinical validation parameters necessary for the successful commercialization of molecular biomarkers. It outlines the various steps involved in translating a molecular discovery into clinical practice, emphasizing the importance of rigorous validation processes. The paper also discusses different options for regulatory approvals, including companion diagnostics, laboratory-developed tests, and direct-to-consumer testing, highlighting the complexities and considerations at each stage of biomarker development.
Conclusion
Christine Bruce is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award for her exceptional contributions to laboratory medicine, digital pathology, and healthcare transformation. Her research has advanced diagnostic science, improved access to high-quality laboratory services, and shaped policy and practice across Canada. With her ongoing academic engagement, leadership roles, and dedication to innovation, she demonstrates strong potential for continued impact in both national and global research communities, making her a distinguished candidate for this recognition.