Meet Dr. Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, Newly Appointed WCHRI Associate Director
Dr. Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, a developmental pediatrician at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital where he directs the Autism Research Centre, has stepped into a new role as Associate Director at the Women and Children's Health Research Institute (WCHRI). With a focus on researching early detection, timely diagnosis, and health care for autistic children and youth, Dr. Zwaigenbaum brings a wealth of experience and a dedication to improving healthcare outcomes for children to the role.
Dr. Zwaigenbaum's journey into pediatrics was a natural calling, driven by a lifelong passion for understanding how people learn and develop, as well as the impacts of mental health. These were ideas he found interest in as far back as high school, and he expanded on them through the mentorship he received during his clinical training. This eventually led to the focus in his research into autism, seeing it as an avenue to expand knowledge and improve supports and services for an underserved group.
His commitment to improving healthcare extends beyond clinical settings. As an active member of WCHRI's program advisory committee, Dr. Zwaigenbaum has championed research efforts that bridge critical gaps in both children’s and women's health.
Stepping into his new role, Dr. Zwaigenbaum is eager to tackle the challenges faced in women's and children's health research. One particular goal he has is finding a solution to a question he always considers in his work; “How do we improve health and wellbeing in a complex and rapidly evolving environment?”
Dr. Zwaigenbaum emphasizes the need for equitable access to healthcare and addressing disparities based on sex, gender, and geographic location. He sees these challenges not only as obstacles but as opportunities to innovate and create impactful changes in healthcare policy and practice.
“In some respects, the challenges are also an opportunity. Although it can be daunting tackling health challenges at a systems level, I feel like it's the ideal environment because people are collaborative. They're open minded to new approaches and recognize that a lot of these solutions are not going to simply be technical. Finding sustainable and equitable solutions will require collaboration and ways of thinking that address deeper issues.”
Valuing the power of community engagement and effective science communication, Dr. Zwaigenbaum advocates for transparent and accessible research. An informed public means that investments in research can result in tangible improvements in healthcare outcomes. His collaborative approach extends to partnerships with organizations like the Alberta Women's Health Foundation and the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation, where he acknowledges their role in advancing research and health care delivery.
Embarking on this new chapter at WCHRI, Dr. Zwaigenbaum is optimistic about the future under the program’s new leadership structure. He looks forward to fostering greater connections between children's and women's health research, driving initiatives that promote inclusivity; for example, addressing the specific health care needs of autistic women and other underrepresented groups.
Dr. Lonnie Zwaigenbaum's appointment as Associate Director at WCHRI marks a significant milestone in his career and highlights his commitment to advancing health research. His contributions will help WCHRI in continuing to create a healthier and more equitable world for women, children, and families everywhere. Please join us in welcoming him to his new role!
At the AWHF, we are proud to support WCHRI and so many researchers making an impact in women’s health. You can provide funding to WCHRI researchers and projects by donating to the AWHF here.