DOYLE-JACKS LEGACY CAMPAIGN - A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN UBC AND THE POF
Our Shared Commitment
Despite significant advances in research and technology, the prevalence of hearing loss continues to rise. Thankfully, our understanding of hearing loss, genetics and neurophysiology is also advancing. With an improved understanding of the inner ear’s function and novel genetic and cellular therapies, the time is ripe to turn our attention to finding life-changing cures and preventative strategies that harness the affected individuals own biological systems. These research avenues offer hope for a future in which hearing degeneration is no longer accepted as an inevitable by-product of aging.
Recognizing the need for further research and sharing a commitment to the Doyle-Jacks legacy, UBC and POF partnered in 2004 to establish the Dr. Patrick J. Doyle and Dr. Quentin D. Jacks Professorship in Otolaryngological Research. With the goal of enabling breakthrough research, the Doyle-Jacks Professorship has supported the work of two leading researchers, Drs. Dietrich Schwarz and Cathie Garnis. Following in the footsteps of Drs. Doyle and Jacks, this Professorship offers hope for the countless people worldwide affected by Otolaryngological conditions, such as hearing loss and cancers of the head and neck.
The Way Forward
Building on this success, UBC and POF are partnering to raise funds for a new academic position dedicated to hearing loss research. Funds raised would enable the Division to support a leading researcher to pursue innovative and emerging approaches to hearing loss, such as stem cell therapy to regrow damaged hair cells or developing more effective treatments for inflammatory ear disease. Your philanthropic support is urgently needed to support emerging hearing loss research at UBC.
The Burden of Hearing Impairment
One of the most common complaints heard by physicians, hearing loss affects 10% of the population. Although hearing impairment is mainly perceived as a condition of aging – an estimated one-third of people over 65 experience some hearing loss – it impacts people of all ages. 25% of young people entering the workforce show early signs of hearing loss. There is growing concern about the rise of noise-induced hearing loss among youth, especially as much of this early damage only becomes apparent as we approach middle-age.
Hearing loss has a profound effect on quality of life. Those affected face an increased risk of depression, anxiety, isolation and cognitive decline. In children, hearing loss negatively impacts academic performance and social adjustment. Adults with hearing loss have higher unemployment rates and lower paying jobs. The condition also effects society, costing the Canadian economy over $18 billion per year.
A Legacy of Pioneering Otolaryngological Research
Vancouver otolaryngologists Drs. Patrick Doyle and Quentin Jacks dedicated their lives to reducing the burden of hearing loss. As Head of the UBC Division of Otolaryngology until 1991, Dr. Doyle led the Division to international prominence, pioneered the first Cochlear Implant program in Canada and was the first surgeon in the country to install the device. Dr. Jacks introduced day-care surgery for many otolaryngology procedures – now the standard for the majority of these surgeries. Drs. Doyle and Jacks formed the Pacific Otolaryngology Foundation (POF) in 1978, dedicated to supporting UBC otolaryngology research.
Thanks to this dedication, individuals with hearing impairment benefit from assistive technologies, hearing aids, cochlear implants and implanted devices. These advances offer treatment for individuals with even advanced hearing loss, reducing the personal and economic burdens associated with the condition and helping the hearing impaired to live full and productive lives.
To learn more about supporting hearing loss research, please contact Robert Doyle at rdoyle@pacificopportunity.com
Our Shared Commitment
Despite significant advances in research and technology, the prevalence of hearing loss continues to rise. Thankfully, our understanding of hearing loss, genetics and neurophysiology is also advancing. With an improved understanding of the inner ear’s function and novel genetic and cellular therapies, the time is ripe to turn our attention to finding life-changing cures and preventative strategies that harness the affected individuals own biological systems. These research avenues offer hope for a future in which hearing degeneration is no longer accepted as an inevitable by-product of aging.
Recognizing the need for further research and sharing a commitment to the Doyle-Jacks legacy, UBC and POF partnered in 2004 to establish the Dr. Patrick J. Doyle and Dr. Quentin D. Jacks Professorship in Otolaryngological Research. With the goal of enabling breakthrough research, the Doyle-Jacks Professorship has supported the work of two leading researchers, Drs. Dietrich Schwarz and Cathie Garnis. Following in the footsteps of Drs. Doyle and Jacks, this Professorship offers hope for the countless people worldwide affected by Otolaryngological conditions, such as hearing loss and cancers of the head and neck.
The Way Forward
Building on this success, UBC and POF are partnering to raise funds for a new academic position dedicated to hearing loss research. Funds raised would enable the Division to support a leading researcher to pursue innovative and emerging approaches to hearing loss, such as stem cell therapy to regrow damaged hair cells or developing more effective treatments for inflammatory ear disease. Your philanthropic support is urgently needed to support emerging hearing loss research at UBC.
The Burden of Hearing Impairment
One of the most common complaints heard by physicians, hearing loss affects 10% of the population. Although hearing impairment is mainly perceived as a condition of aging – an estimated one-third of people over 65 experience some hearing loss – it impacts people of all ages. 25% of young people entering the workforce show early signs of hearing loss. There is growing concern about the rise of noise-induced hearing loss among youth, especially as much of this early damage only becomes apparent as we approach middle-age.
Hearing loss has a profound effect on quality of life. Those affected face an increased risk of depression, anxiety, isolation and cognitive decline. In children, hearing loss negatively impacts academic performance and social adjustment. Adults with hearing loss have higher unemployment rates and lower paying jobs. The condition also effects society, costing the Canadian economy over $18 billion per year.
A Legacy of Pioneering Otolaryngological Research
Vancouver otolaryngologists Drs. Patrick Doyle and Quentin Jacks dedicated their lives to reducing the burden of hearing loss. As Head of the UBC Division of Otolaryngology until 1991, Dr. Doyle led the Division to international prominence, pioneered the first Cochlear Implant program in Canada and was the first surgeon in the country to install the device. Dr. Jacks introduced day-care surgery for many otolaryngology procedures – now the standard for the majority of these surgeries. Drs. Doyle and Jacks formed the Pacific Otolaryngology Foundation (POF) in 1978, dedicated to supporting UBC otolaryngology research.
Thanks to this dedication, individuals with hearing impairment benefit from assistive technologies, hearing aids, cochlear implants and implanted devices. These advances offer treatment for individuals with even advanced hearing loss, reducing the personal and economic burdens associated with the condition and helping the hearing impaired to live full and productive lives.
To learn more about supporting hearing loss research, please contact Robert Doyle at rdoyle@pacificopportunity.com