Congratulations! Our Clinic Director, Dr. Anne Bassett, was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada on December 28th, 2023. She was honoured “for her research and clinical contributions to advancing our understanding of the genetics of schizophrenia, particularly in the identification and characterization of genetic subtypes of the disorder”. This includes her three decades of clinical care of adults with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome (22q11.2DS, or “22q”), and her pioneering research to better understand this important genetic condition.
Dr. Bassett is the Dalglish Chair in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome, and the Director of the Dalglish Family 22q Clinic at the Toronto General Hospital. Our Clinic provides ongoing care that is devoted to adults with 22q11.2DS of any age, from late teens through older age ranges. Along with many other possible associated conditions, an adult with 22q is about 20 times more likely than someone in the general population to develop schizophrenia, a serious but treatable psychiatric illness. Our multi-disciplinary and family/caregiver approach focuses on anticipatory care tailored to the individual, and partnered with clinicians in the community. Our clinical research enables us to learn from our patients their families, so that we can apply the new knowledge gained as we move forward. The aim is to help adults with 22q achieve the best health and quality of life possible.
We are very excited that Dr. Bassett’s contributions are being recognized by this special honour!