Dr. Neary goes to Washington

Posted: February 10, 2015 11:45 a.m.

Dr. Patrick Neary speaking at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Patrick Neary speaking at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C. Photo courtesy of Keegan Bursaw, Embassy of Canada to the U.S.

The Canadian Embassy in Washington D.C. has sought out the expertise of Dr. Patrick Neary and his research in sports-related concussions.

Dr. Neary, Professor of Kinesiology and Health Studies, was the guest of honour at the “Canadian Technology Leaders” dinner, an event held annually at the Embassy. The event helps raise the profile of leading research in Canada. The audience for Dr. Neary included leading members of the local business community in D.C., and researchers and government officials from the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

“This is very exciting for me personally and professionally,” says Dr. Neary whose presentation topic was ‘Pathophysiology of Sport-Related Concussion.’  “It indicates that my concussion research program here at the University of Regina is recognized across Canada and perhaps will lead to exciting collaborations within the United States.”

Dr. Neary has already found an impressive audience in Canada. His projects have attracted  more than $1.3M from research bodies including the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.  

 His research is also being applied at ice level. He’s worked with the Canadian Olympic Hockey Team, the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings and has devised exercise training programs for various university sports teams. He is currently assessing concussion management programs with a number of Western Hockey League Teams.

 The Embassy appearance has the potential to create new opportunities.

“They (Americans) are very interested in what I have discovered in my research and how it fits into their recent BRAIN initiative established by President Obama. Concussion is now considered the signature injury of wartime operations. This could provide a new group of participants for my research,” says Dr. Neary. “This is also a wonderful opportunity for our Kinesiology faculty and demonstrates our ability to compete on the national and global stage.”

The Faculty of Kinesiology offers an array of programs for students and researchers and offers physical fitness programs to members of the community. For more information please visit: http://www.uregina.ca/kinesiology/about-us/index.html