Dr. Robert Olson, executive medical director at BC Cancer – Prince George, and Dr. Bernie Eigl, deputy head, department of clinical research at BC Cancer, have been honoured with 2024 Clinical Trials BC Awards for their outstanding contributions to the clinical trials community in British Columbia and beyond.
Clinical Trials BC, part of Michael Smith Health Research BC, recognizes individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to strengthening BC’s clinical trials ecosystem through these annual awards.
Leadership & Advocacy Award
Dr. Robert Olson received the 2024 Leadership & Advocacy Award for his longstanding leadership in the clinical trials and research community.
Robert has led clinical trials that have transformed practice and continue to push the clinical trials boundary. Based in Prince George, he is a persistent advocate for clinical trial success in rural and remote communities. He has worked to increase clinical trial infrastructure in northern BC, opening some of the first clinical trials in the north.
“I am honoured to receive this reward and would like to acknowledge that it took a large team of dedicated individuals to receive this recognition,” says Robert. “Over the last decade, BC Cancer – Prince George has grown from a new regional cancer clinic to a world leader in precision radiation oncology trials, thanks primarily to the collective work of many individuals both in Prince George and supporting of us from BC Cancer’s central clinical trials office.”
Service & Support Award
Dr. Bernie Eigl received the 2024 Service & Support Award for his dedication to supporting clinical trials and enhancing trial participation and efficiency.
Bernie has a positive impact in the research and clinical trials community through support activities related to the Canadian Remote Access Framework for Clinical Trials (CRAFT) project and its implementation in British Columbia. He sits on the steering committee for the project, which is leading the development of decentralized clinical trials across Canada. As a committee member, Bernie has helped address barriers for using satellite sites. His involvement in the creation of the CRAFT framework reflects his commitment to the role that clinical trials play in the everyday care of patients with cancer.
“This award is so meaningful to me because it provides recognition of the work of a large team of individuals from across our province who dedicate all their efforts to increasing access to, and improving the quality of, clinical trials,” says Bernie. “I see the real-world benefits of clinical trials every day, and it is an honour to see that we continue to make a difference.”
This article has been adapted from its original version. Read the Michael Smith Health Research BC article here.