Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Centre

Launched in 1989, the Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Centre (CNRFMC) is a centre for research on nutrition, lifestyle and health. In the past 10 years, our research activities have included studies on the effects of dietary fibre, vegetable protein and monounsaturated fatty acids on serum cholesterol; the effects of diet on diabetes control and insulin sensitivity; and the risk factors for cardiovascular disease in ethnic populations.

The CNRFMC has a long-standing commitment to community involvement. In the past we have assisted in the development of commercial low fat and high fibre food products, promoted health in the community by supporting heart healthy menus in local restaurants, and participated in a corporate program of screening and intervention of heart disease risk factors in the workplace.

Vladimir Vuksan Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Nutritional Sciences
and Departments of Endocrinology, St. Michael’s Hospital

Primary Affiliations:

• Department of Nutritional Sciences
• Departments of Endocrinology, St. Michael’s Hospital

Other Affiliations:

• President of Natural Health Product Research Society of Canada
• Vice President of the Diabetes and Nutrition Study Group (DNSG) of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD)
• Chair of National Nutrition Committee
  Canadian Diabetes Association
• BC Institute of Technology, Board of Directors

Research:

• Dr. Vlad Vuksan holds a dual professorship, at the Department of Medicine and the Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, for the University of Toronto. He has made significant contributions within a unique multidisciplinary clinical research group investigating the physiological effects of food.Dr. Vuksan’s research focuses on the development of novel therapies for modifiable, conventional and emerging risk factors for diabetes mellitus (DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) as well as on the cluster of risk factors featuring the metabolic syndrome.Dr. Vuksan joined St. Michael’s Hospital in 1986, where he developed highly effective viscous fiber blend (VFB), demonstrated the significant role of ginsengs in the context of applying into nutraceuticas, and the use of Salvia Hispanica, Alba (Salba) wholegrain in reducing blood glucose, blood pressure, body inflammation and fibrinolysis. Based on the findings of his work, he is supported by major health agencies, agriculture organizations, as well as, local and international industries. Several industries were able to develop a number of successful, new commercial food products.
  Dr. Vuksan’s pursuits are at times pioneering within the field of nutrition, medicinal herbs, food science and technology. Aside from his teaching duties, his mandate is to continue his clinical and epidemiological research in the field of nutrition, human health and heart disease. He is a member of numerous professional associations and has achieved international recognition as is reflected in the numerous invitations he receives to participate in international meetings.

Research Interests:

• dietary fiber and chronic disease
• rheology vs. physiology of soluble dietary fiber
• prevention and management of the heart disease risk factors
• epidemiology of heart disease in ethnic groups

Research

St. Michael’s Hospital has an international reputation for leadership in nutrition research. Our researchers perform both clinical and basic scientific studies in six hospital programs:

• Diabetes Comprehensive Care
• Heart and Vascular
• Inner City Health
• Mobility
• Specialized Complex Care
• Trauma and Neurosurgery

The Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Centre (CNRFMC) is recognized for its contribution to enhancing knowledge in clinical nutrition and promoting healthy lifestyles in the community.

Many of our dietitians are involved in practice-based dietetic research. Other nutrition researchers are associated with the department of nutritional sciences in the faculty of medicine at the University of Toronto.

Education

St. Michael’s Hospital/Ryerson University Collaborative Dietetic Program-Professional Masters Diploma Program in Dietetics (PMDip Dietetics)

In collaboration with Ryerson University, our new program provides comprehensive, practical, hands on experience for students to complete their professional training in Dietetics.

The program:

• Provides practical experience for students to obtain the Integrated Competencies for Dietetic Education and Practice
• Draws on the abilities and experience of dietitians, diet technicians and other members of the health care team
• Provides opportunity for practical application of theoretical knowledge through planned rotations in a variety of practice settings
• Recognizes the unique background and learning needs of each student
• Fosters continuous self-directed learning
• Provides opportunities to enhance verbal and written communication skills
• Provides opportunity to conduct practice based research
• Integrates a 12 week professional practice course and practical experience to support student learning
• Promotes a supportive student experience through a partnership between St Michael’s Hospital and Ryerson University