Scientific and Medical Advisory Council
The Scientific and Medical Advisory Council (SMAC) provides strategic advice to Crohn’s and Colitis Canada on scientific and medical matters relevant to the organization’s mission. The SMAC advises on medical and scientific policy and program issues, ensuring Crohn’s and Colitis Canada’s work is evidence-based and reflects the best science. Read the SMAC Terms of Reference here.
Apply to become a member of SMAC
Crohn’s and Colitis Canada (CCC) is pleased to announce that we are accepting applications for our Scientific and Medical Advisory Council (SMAC). CCC relies on members of the SMAC for advice and input on our Mission-related programs and activities. We are currently seeking basic scientists and gastroenterologists specialized in the treatment of IBD. To ensure geographic representation, we encourage applicants from Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and the Atlantic provinces.
Selected members are expected to sit on the SMAC for an initial term of three years with the possibility of renewal for a second term. Members are also expected to participate in 2-3 meetings per year. All meetings are held virtually, excluding the last meeting of the year, which is normally held in-person at our annual Meeting of the Minds conference in Toronto. Please note that in 2025 all meetings will be held virtually. Meetings and correspondences are conducted in English.
For more information on roles and responsibilities of SMAC members, please review the Terms of Reference included in this invitation as an attachment.
If you’re interested, please email your cover letter, resume and the application form to research@crohnsandcolitis.ca with the subject “SMAC Member Application” by Wednesday July 9, 2025 11:59 PM ET.
If you have questions, please email us at research@crohnsandcolitis.ca.
SMAC members:
| Members |
Title |
Laura Sly, PhD
(co-Chair, Basic) |
Professor of Medicine
University of British Columbia |
Frank Hoentjen, MD, PhD
(co-Chair, Clinical) |
Professor of Medicine, Director - IBD Unit
Division of Gastroenterology
University of Alberta |
Deanna Gibson, PhD
(Past Chair) |
Professor, University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus |
| Usha Chauhan, RN, NP |
Retired Nurse Practitioner
CANIBD Chair of the Board |
| Colette Deslandres, MD |
Head of Gastroenterology Division & Professor of Medicine
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program Director
CHU Sainte-Justine
Université de Montréal |
| Jean-Eric Ghia, PhD |
Director, Gastrointestinal Basic Biology Research, IBD Clinical & Research Centre
Associate Professor, University of Manitoba |
| Simon Hirota, PhD |
Professor, University of Calgary |
| Reena Khanna, MD, MSc |
Professor of Medicine
Western University |
| Ellen Kuenzig, PhD |
Assistant Professor, Western University |
| Emma Allen-Vercoe, PhD |
Professor, Canada Research Chair, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph |
| Bruce Vallance, PhD |
Professor, University of British Columbia |
| Laura Targownik, MD |
Associate Professor of Medicine
University of Toronto |