Dr. Chris West is a research scientist with the Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention and Management and Assistant Professor with the Faculty of Medicine’s Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences and ICORD. Check out our Q & A with Dr. West.
What questions are you seeking to answer through your research?
My laboratory is studying the mechanisms that underpin the reduction in cardiovascular and pulmonary function that occurs following high-level spinal cord injury, and is also focused on developing and testing interventions aimed at restoring cardiovascular and pulmonary function.
How did you become interested in this field?
My interest in the field stems from my early involvement with wheelchair rugby in the UK where I completed my graduate training. From the first time I studied the exercise responses of wheelchair rugby athletes I became fascinated with the underlying physiology of spinal injuries.
Where do you see your work having the greatest impact?
The two main areas I see my work having the greatest impact are on the hemodynamic management of acutely injured individuals as well as in those individuals with high-level SCI who use wheelchairs living in the local community.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love all outdoor activities and particularly enjoy running trails with my two dogs. As a father to an active two-year old I also enjoy a range of outdoor activities with my family including camping, hiking, and cross-country skiing.