Christine Carrie Bruce | Digital Pathology | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Christine Carrie Bruce | Digital Pathology | Best Researcher Award

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.

Keqing Shi | Pathology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Keqing Shi | Pathology | Best Researcher Award

Director at The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, China

Dr. Shi Keqing is a distinguished professor, deputy chief physician, and doctoral supervisor with expertise in mechanobiology and cancer research. Over the past several years, he has made significant contributions to translational medicine, aiming to address pressing clinical challenges through innovative research. He has authored multiple high-impact publications in leading international journals and holds authorized invention patents, showcasing his strong scientific productivity and innovation. In addition to his academic achievements, he has successfully led major research projects supported by national and provincial foundations, demonstrating strong leadership and commitment to advancing medical science. He has also played a key role in establishing a clinic-based biomechanics platform, bringing together a multidisciplinary research team to bridge clinical applications with scientific exploration. His editorial responsibilities further highlight his role in shaping academic discourse, while his active involvement in talent development reflects his dedication to nurturing the next generation of researchers.

Professional Profile 

Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile 

Education

Dr. Shi Keqing pursued rigorous medical training, culminating in an MD degree, which laid a solid foundation for his career in clinical medicine and scientific research. His academic journey combined both clinical expertise and research excellence, enabling him to bridge the gap between medical practice and scientific inquiry. Through his education, he acquired strong theoretical knowledge in biology, medicine, and cancer research, complemented by practical training in advanced clinical methodologies. His exposure to diverse academic environments provided him with the analytical and problem-solving skills necessary to address complex medical challenges. This solid educational background allowed him to progress into specialized fields such as mechanobiology and translational medicine. With a commitment to academic growth, he pursued further learning and research opportunities, shaping his career as both a clinician and a scientist. His educational path reflects a balance of clinical medicine and innovative biomedical research, preparing him to contribute significantly to multidisciplinary advancements.

Professional Experience

Dr. Shi Keqing has established a remarkable professional career as a professor, deputy chief physician, and doctoral supervisor, integrating both academic and clinical responsibilities. His professional journey includes leading multiple research projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation, provincial research programs, and ministry-level initiatives, reflecting his expertise in project management and scientific innovation. In addition to his research contributions, he has played a significant role in mentoring doctoral students and building a multidisciplinary team dedicated to translational medicine. He has also contributed to the development of a clinic-based biomechanics platform, which serves as a hub for collaborative studies between clinicians and researchers. Beyond his institutional responsibilities, Dr. Shi serves as a member of the editorial board of the Journal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology, actively contributing to academic publishing and peer review. His combined clinical practice and academic leadership underline his commitment to advancing both patient care and scientific discovery.

Research Interest

Dr. Shi Keqing’s research interests focus on mechanobiology and cancer, with an emphasis on developing translational strategies that connect fundamental science with clinical applications. His work explores how mechanical forces and biological processes interact in cancer development and progression, aiming to uncover new therapeutic approaches for improving patient outcomes. In addition to cancer research, he is interested in biomaterials, tissue repair, immunotherapy, and advanced diagnostic technologies, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of his scientific approach. He has contributed to the development of innovative biomaterials for wound healing, novel drug delivery platforms, and advanced biosensors for cancer detection. His research also extends to exploring genetic and molecular mechanisms that influence immune responses and tumor microenvironments. By combining experimental studies with clinical applications, his research contributes to the creation of practical solutions to pressing medical challenges. His overarching goal is to address critical health issues by integrating scientific discovery with clinical innovation.

Award and Honor

Dr. Shi Keqing has been widely recognized for his contributions to medical research and has received numerous honors and distinctions throughout his career. He has been selected as a high-level top talent among leading academics in Zhejiang Province and has been included in the Academician Pair Youth Talent Training Program, demonstrating recognition of his leadership potential in academia. He has also been named among the young top talents of the Wenzhou Ou Yue Yingtalent Plan and the second level of the Wenzhou 551 Talent Project, reflecting both regional and institutional acknowledgment of his scientific achievements. His role as an editorial board member of the Journal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology highlights his influence in the international academic community. These awards and honors emphasize not only his research excellence but also his dedication to advancing clinical applications through translational medicine. They underscore his leadership, vision, and sustained contributions to biomedical research.

Research Skill

Dr. Shi Keqing has developed advanced research skills that encompass a wide range of techniques in mechanobiology, cancer biology, and translational medicine. He is skilled in integrating molecular biology, cell biology, and biomaterials research to design innovative therapeutic strategies. His expertise includes developing bio-inspired materials for tissue repair, exploring immune modulation mechanisms, and advancing cancer diagnostics through biomarker detection and nanotechnology. He has demonstrated strong proficiency in leading clinical and laboratory collaborations, establishing platforms that bring together multidisciplinary teams to tackle complex medical problems. His research skills extend to managing large-scale funded projects, authoring high-impact scientific publications, and guiding doctoral candidates in their academic growth. Additionally, he has expertise in applying computational approaches to medical imaging and pathology analysis, which strengthens his work in precision medicine. His ability to connect laboratory research with clinical translation demonstrates a holistic skill set that supports both scientific innovation and patient-centered outcomes.

Publications Top Notes

Title: A dynamically phase-adaptive regulating hydrogel promotes ultrafast anti-fibrotic wound healing
Year: 2025
Citation: 13

Title: Hepatic FXR-FGF4 is required for bile acid homeostasis via an FGFR4-LRH-1 signal node under cholestatic stress
Year: 2025
Citation: 13

Title: Piezo1-Mediated Ferroptosis Delays Wound Healing in Aging Mice by Regulating the Transcriptional Activity of SLC7A11 through Activating Transcription Factor 3
Year: 2025
Citation: 2

Title: Modulation of Macrophage ferroptosis under the guide of infrared thermography promotes the healing of pressure injuries
Year: 2025

Title: Natural, safety immunomodulatory derivatives of lactobacillus biofilms promote diabetic wound healing by metabolically regulating macrophage phenotype and alleviating local inflammation
Year: 2025

Title: Dental Pulp Stem Cell Lysate-Based Hydrogel Improves Diabetic Wound Healing via the Regulation of Anti-Inflammatory Macrophages and Keratinocytes
Year: 2024
Citation: 2

Title: Nanoparticles Fueled by Enzyme for the Treatment of Hyperlipidemic Acute Pancreatitis
Year: 2024
Citation: 2

Title: ACURAT: Advancing tuberculosis detection through assembled PCR & CRISPR for ultra-sensitive Rifampin-resistant analysis testing
Year: 2024
Citation: 3

Title: Sequential Regulation of Local Reactive Oxygen Species by Ir@Cu/Zn-MOF Nanoparticles for Promoting Infected Wound Healing
Year: 2024
Citation: 3

Title: Enteral nutrition in the management of acute pancreatitis: Modulates gut microbiome and alleviates inflammation
Year: 2024
Citation: 2

Conclusion

Overall, Dr. Shi Keqing stands out as a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his impactful contributions at the intersection of mechanobiology and cancer research, his leadership in multidisciplinary translational medicine, and his dedication to solving clinical problems through innovative science. His impressive publication record, funded projects, and professional recognition underline his excellence, while his future potential lies in expanding his global collaborations and leadership roles, ensuring continued advancement of both research and clinical applications for the benefit of society.