Dr. Ron Stewart EMS Clinical Scientist

Dalhousie University

Dalhousie University and the QEII Health Science Centre are seeking a clinical scientist in Emergency Medical Services to become the inaugural Dr. Ron Stewart EMS Clinician Scientist. Located in Halifax, the largest city in Atlantic Canada and the capital of Nova Scotia, offers an attractive maritime environment and an enviable lifestyle. Many desirable living areas are within walking distance or a few minutes cycling or drive from Dalhousie University and the QEII Health Science Centre. Home to three universities, Halifax offers many entertainment and cultural activities, as well as ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Our hospital is a regional referral centre, serving patients from Nova Scotia as well as from the other Atlantic Provinces.

Dr. Ron Stewart, a visionary leader in Emergency Medicine, was the first medical director within the Los Angeles paramedic program and the founding Head for the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. Recognized as a “Hero of Emergency Medicine” by the American College of Emergency Physicians, he is regarded as one of the early founders of Paramedicine. Dr. Stewart returned to Canada in 1988 to the University of Toronto and then to Dalhousie University. He served as the Nova Scotia Minister of Health from 1993 until 1996 and was instrumental in the amalgamation of ground ambulance operations into a single provincial entity called Emergency Health Services. He served as Professor Emeritus in the Dalhousie University Department of Emergency Medicine until his passing on October 22, 2024. This limited term position has been created through a generous donation from Dr. Ron Stewart with matched funding from the C/AFP Department of Emergency Medicine and support from the QEII Foundation.

The successful clinician-scientist will develop a nationally leading research program in the field of Emergency Health Services, including, but not limited to, emergency 911 response, multi-option EMS, community paramedicine, critical care transport, air ambulance transport and inter-facility telemedicine/ transportation connections. The successful candidate will also facilitate and co-develop paramedic led research by supervising graduate students and paramedics pursuing graduate-level EMS research projects.

The Clinician Scientist will report directly to the Department Head, Emergency Medicine. In addition to securing grants from funding agencies, the Clinician Scientist will work with the Dalhousie Faculty of Medicine Advancement and the QEII Foundation to seek further funding of the program. Funding for this position includes both support for research infrastructure (funding to support operating expenses, stipends, etc.) as well as a vision to promote paramedic lead research in EMS through the creation of annual studentships for paramedics looking to pursue graduate level research. The Clinician Scientist will have accountability for the infrastructure budget as well as the support of a full-time research manager.

Qualifications:
Candidates for this position must hold a Medical Doctorate (MD) and be a board-certified emergency physician (FRCP, CFPC-EM, equivalent) with formal research training (Masters or PhD) and/or an excellent track record of publications and grant acquisition. The successful candidate must hold or be eligible for licensure to practice Emergency Medicine in Nova Scotia. The successful candidate will be an innovative team builder who will foster collaborative and multidisciplinary research initiatives and mentor young investigators. They will promote departmental research initiatives through successful grant competitions and the development of partnerships with public and private sectors, both nationally and internationally. Preference will be given to an individual with a demonstrated interest in Health Systems/Services research in keeping with the priorities outlined in the recent CIHR/IHSPRS strategic plan (Canadian Institutes of Health Research – Institute of Health Services and Policy Research Strategic Plan 2021-2026), and a demonstrated interest in Prehospital and Transport Medicine (PTM) would be considered an asset.

Term:
The appointment will be for a five-year limited term and will be eligible for one five-year renewal pending satisfactory review. The successful candidate will also be granted a continuing academic appointment at an appropriate rank in the Department of Emergency Medicine. More information about the department can be found here.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity.

If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed here.

Applicants must apply online and submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of research interests and contact details for three referees.

Deadline:
Applications will be accepted until June 13th, 2025 and candidate review will begin immediately. This position will remain open until filled.

Apply here: https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/18743

For more information please contact:
Dr. Kirk Magee
Committee Chair
kirk.magee@dal.ca