The M. H. Mohseni Institute of Urologic Sciences launches at VCHRI, advancing urologic disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Vancouver, BC — The M. H. Mohseni Institute of Urologic Sciences has officially launched within the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, marking a significant advancement in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of urologic diseases. 

The institute will bear the name of Mr. Mohammad H. Mohseni in recognition of his transformational $20 million gift to VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation’s landmark Urologic Sciences campaign, which saw hundreds of donors come together to raise $65 million in less than two years.

Building on the global reputation of the Vancouver Prostate Centre, the campaign will see the creation of many new research centres that bring the same world-leading care to other areas of urologic disease.

Urologic diseases, which affect the urinary tract, kidneys, bladder, prostate and reproductive organs, impact a majority of British Columbians over the course of their lives. In Canada, the health care costs of urologic diseases exceed $20 billion annually. Prostate cancer alone accounts for nearly $900 million of these costs, highlighting the urgent need for innovation and advancement. 

Philanthropic support through VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation has been multiplied many times over by funding from both the federal and provincial governments and competitive granting agencies to create the institute. This collaborative initiative positions Vancouver as a global leader in urologic care, integrating cutting-edge research and translating groundbreaking discoveries into world-class care.

As part of the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, the M. H. Mohseni Institute of Urologic Sciences is committed to attracting top talent, fostering a highly collaborative and technologically advanced environment. It will be home to six specialized centres, each dedicated to advancing research and clinical care in its specific area of focus:

  • Vancouver Prostate Centre
  • Centre for Kidney Stones and Minimally Invasive Surgery
  • Centre for Functional Urology and Reconstructive Surgery
  • Centre for Kidney Transplantation and Immunology
  • Reproductive and Sexual Medicine Centre
  • Centre for Adolescent and Transitional Urology

Researchers and clinicians at the institute work together to develop innovative diagnostic, therapeutic and preventative solutions that address the full range of urologic conditions. A key mission is to accelerate the translation of scientific breakthroughs into clinical practice and improve the health and quality of life for everyone living in British Columbia.
The creation of the M. H. Mohseni Institute of Urologic Sciences marks the culmination of VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation’s Urologic Sciences campaign. Co-chaired by Dr. Larry Goldenberg (CM, OBC), Founding Director, Vancouver Prostate Centre, and Mr. Rod & Mrs. Jeannie Senft (OC), who have been grateful patients and supporters, the campaign launched in July 2022 with a goal to amplify clinical care, research, and education across urologic diseases.

“The establishment of the M. H. Mohseni Institute of Urologic Sciences within the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute marks a pivotal moment in our mission to advance research that directly impacts patient care," says Dr. Teresa Tsang, executive director of the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute. "Our vibrant research community is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation in urologic health, fostering groundbreaking discoveries that will improve the lives of patients here in British Columbia and beyond."

"With its focus on integrating scientific advancements into clinical practice, the Institute will be a catalyst for turning research into real-world solutions, setting a new standard for urologic care globally.”

About the donor

Mr. Mohammad H. Mohseni is a first-generation Canadian who immigrated to Canada in 1981. An engineer by education and profession, Mr. Mohseni created and grew a family-owned business, ECS Electrical Cable Supply, into a global company headquartered in Richmond. ECS has been named one of “Canada’s Best Managed Companies” for 13 consecutive years, achieving Platinum Designation in Deloitte’s leading business awards program.

Inspired by the values and philanthropic traditions of his father and great-grandfather, Mr. Mohseni established the Mohammad H. Mohseni Charitable Foundation to further enhance the well-being of the Iranian and Canadian communities with a focus on innovative advancements in health and education. He has been a consistent supporter of VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation for more than a decade, contributing to areas such as men’s health and glaucoma research and committing more than $21.7 million to date.

Quotes

Minister Josie Osborne, Minister of Health
“It is wonderful to see this important work being done to put British Columbia at the forefront of urology research. I offer my sincere gratitude to Mr. Mohseni for his transformative donation, as well as to the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation for leading the campaign that made this all possible. I look forward to seeing the impact the M. H. Mohseni Institute of Urologic Sciences will have on improving the lives of people in British Columbia and around the world.”


Vivian Eliopoulos, president and CEO, Vancouver Coastal Health
“This new research institute for urologic sciences will help people with prostate, kidney, pelvic and sexual health concerns receive state-of-the-art care, informed by the latest in medical research. With this investment, British Columbians will benefit from scientific discoveries made within their own province that can improve their urologic health. Vancouver Coastal Health is proud to be part of this innovative partnership that can potentially change lives, right here in B.C.”


Dr. Teresa Tsang, Executive Director, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute
“The establishment of the M. H. Mohseni Institute of Urologic Sciences within the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute marks a pivotal moment in our mission to advance research that directly impacts patient care. Our vibrant research community is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation in urologic health, fostering groundbreaking discoveries that will improve the lives of patients here in British Columbia and beyond. With its focus on integrating scientific advancements into clinical practice, the Institute will be a catalyst for turning research into real-world solutions, setting a new standard for urologic care globally.”

Dr. Martin Gleave (CM), Executive Director, M. H. Mohseni Institute of Urologic Sciences and head of department of urologic sciences, University of British Columbia
“This Institute represents the natural evolution of the globally recognized, core-supported, multi-disciplinary team-based research at the Vancouver Prostate Centre. Thanks to VGH & UBC Foundation and its generous donors who have powered groundbreaking advancements and helped attract the world’s best scientists and health care specialists to B.C., we are able to help grow other programs and centres within urologic sciences, linking translational research with clinical studies to offer leading edge treatments for many urologic conditions.”


Angela Chapman, president and CEO, VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation
“Today, we are once again reminded of the vital role that philanthropy plays in health care innovation. What started as an ambitious vision for the future of urologic sciences, medical research and patient care at VGH & UBC Hospital, has surpassed all expectations with $65 million raised including the transformational $20 million gift from Mohammad H. Mohseni. Philanthropy has been an engine of health care innovation, ensuring patients across BC have access to some of the world’s best medical experts, diagnostics, therapies, clinical trials, and technologies – right here at home. The opening of the M. H. Mohseni Institute of Urologic Sciences is an important step in lifting medical research capability and capacity here to improve care for everyone in BC living with urologic disease.”


Mohammad H. Mohseni, philanthropist
“I am deeply honoured to support VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation in the creation of the M. H. Mohseni Institute of Urologic Sciences. The opportunity to contribute to health care innovation in BC and help improve the lives of all those affected by urologic diseases is truly a privilege. My gratitude goes out to all the incredible clinicians, researchers, and health care specialists who will be leading this lifesaving work. It is my hope that the advancements made here will lead to meaningful, lasting change, not just for patients in BC and our communities, but for people around the world.”

For further information please visit vghfoundation.ca/urology.

Photos courtesy of VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation

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