Surrey Neurologist Honored for Parkinson’s Disease Research
In a significant milestone for Canadian medical research, Dr. Jason Chan, a neurologist at Surrey Memorial Hospital, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Michael Smith Health Research BC Health Professional-Investigator Award. The prestigious honor comes with substantial funding aimed at advancing Parkinson’s disease research and translating scientific discoveries into better patient care. The award supports Dr. Chan’s ongoing work and signals BC’s commitment to supporting researchers who bridge the gap between lab findings and clinical practice.
About the Award and Its Impact
The Health Professional-Investigator Award, part of Health Research BC’s portfolio, recognizes seasoned clinicians who conduct impactful research while delivering patient care. The 2025 award, carrying a substantial annual grant, empowers physicians like Dr. Chan to lead high-priority projects, collaborate with other researchers, and pursue translational studies that can alter the course of Parkinson’s treatment and management. By enabling long-term projects, the award helps ensure that promising insights do not stall due to limited funding.
Dr. Jason Chan’s Research Focus
Dr. Chan’s work centers on understanding the progression of Parkinson’s disease, identifying biomarkers for early diagnosis, and evaluating novel therapeutic strategies that could slow disease progression or alleviate symptoms. His research combines clinical observation with advanced imaging techniques and collaborative trials, aiming to tailor interventions to individual patients. The grant enables him to expand data collection, recruit participants, and accelerate the translation of research findings into improved clinical protocols at Surrey Memorial Hospital and beyond.
Advancing Patient Care in the Community
Beyond the laboratory, Dr. Chan emphasizes patient-centered care. His research seeks not only to extend life but to improve quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s. This includes exploring non-pharmacological interventions, such as physical therapy approaches, speech and occupational therapy enhancements, and lifestyle modifications that can complement medical treatments. By pursuing a holistic approach, his work aligns with the hospital’s mission to deliver comprehensive care to the communities it serves in Surrey and the wider Lower Mainland.
Collaboration and Future Prospects
The award fosters collaboration among clinicians, scientists, and institutions. Dr. Chan plans to partner with academic centers and industry partners to validate findings, expand trials, and develop scalable treatment strategies. The funding also supports mentorship and training opportunities for emerging researchers in the field of neurodegenerative diseases, helping to build a pipeline of experts equipped to tackle Parkinson’s challenges in the years ahead.
Why This Matters for Parkinson’s Research in BC
British Columbia has a growing ecosystem of health research that benefits from targeted funding and strong clinical networks. By recognizing a Surrey-based neurologist with this high-profile award, Health Research BC underscores the importance of local researchers contributing to global knowledge. The award’s impact extends beyond one physician: it reinforces the region’s capacity to attract research talent, foster innovation, and deliver evidence-based improvements to Parkinson’s patients and their families.
What’s Next for Dr. Chan
With the award in hand, Dr. Chan will begin the next phase of his research program, outlining milestones for biomarker validation, trial recruitment, and collaboration with other centers. The broader neuroscience community will be watching closely as his team tests hypotheses that could reshape how Parkinson’s is diagnosed and treated in the near future. For patients at Surrey Memorial Hospital and the surrounding community, this research offers renewed hope for more effective therapies and personalized care plans.
