The Southern Medical Program (SMP) based at UBC Okanagan and Interior Health (IH) are pleased to announce Dr. Aleks Tkach as the new Clinical Scientific Director, Research. Working with the SMP and IH Corporate Director, Research and Evaluation, this new jointly-appointed position represents a commitment to work with academic and clinical partners in new ways to collaborate on clinical research priorities.
Dr. Tkach is a distinguished vascular neurologist and has been a transformative leader at Kelowna General Hospital and as the Medical Director for the Interior Health Stroke Network since 2019. Dr. Tkach will continue to support stroke care as part of the clinical network moving forward.
Dr. Tkach brings a unique perspective to this role, having seen firsthand how the rapid integration of research into clinical practice can save lives. His leadership in implementing AI-driven imaging and advanced EVT protocols has drastically accelerated care delivery, demonstrating that scientific innovation is not a theoretical exercise but a vital tool for immediate patient recovery.
A passionate advocate for rural health equity, Dr. Tkach is dedicated to expanding clinical trials beyond urban centers and involving patients and rural health partners in that process. He recognizes the critical need to support the development of high-level research across diverse communities within Interior Health, ensuring that geography is never a barrier for patients to accessing the latest medical advancements.
With extensive experience in clinical trials and neuro-imaging research, Dr. Tkach is poised to lead a new era of decentralized, patient-centered discovery that serves throughout the Interior Health region and beyond.