Congratulations to the 2023 Glenda MacQueen Award winner: Dr. Danielle Baribeau
Learn more about the winner of the annual $100,000 career development award for women in psychiatry
As clinician scientist and psychiatrist Dr. Danielle Baribeau moves into the next phase of her career establishing a research program, there’s one principle she keeps top of mind: the value of mentorship.
“There has been a lot to learn this past year as a new clinician scientist, particularly regarding research operations, budgets, and grant writing. These are different skills than the things I studied during my PhD and residency,” she notes. “It's been a steep learning curve, but I’m lucky to have had great mentorship along the way.”
She credits mentors along all stages of her career, from her undergrad at McMaster University, to PhD and medical training at the University of Toronto, to a fellowship at SickKids, and now as part of the team at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital.
“I’m grateful to my supervisors and senior colleagues who have helped steer me and given me advice over the years,” Dr. Baribeau says. “Also, the teams at Holland Bloorview have been so supportive and collaborative as I’m getting started.”
The late Dr. Glenda MacQueen is fondly remembered for her dedication to mentorship. A psychiatrist and clinician scientist, Dr. MacQueen was passionate about lifting up her colleagues in academic psychiatry and setting early career professionals, particularly women, up for success.
Now, Dr. Baribeau is the third annual recipient of the prize that bears her name: the Glenda M. MacQueen Memorial Career Development Award for Women in Psychiatry.
“This award is personally meaningful to me. I didn't know Dr. Glenda MacQueen myself but my mentor and PhD supervisor, Dr. Peter Szatmari had also supervised Dr. MacQueen during her training, so it's kind of full-circle in a way,” she noted.
“While the populations that Dr. MacQueen and I have focused on are a bit different, I think we have similar approaches to the complexity and the breadth of mental health research. If I could have an impact like hers in my career, I would be very proud.”
Dr. Baribeau leads a research program focused on translating genetic research into improved mental health care in autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions.
“We now know a lot about specific genetic differences that impact neurodevelopment, but we have very little information on what that means for an individual family or child when it comes to their clinical care,” she explains.
“With a large team, we’re linking genomic databases to health databases so we can better understand the lifelong impacts of these genetic changes. My hope is that we can use this information to help families and youth anticipate mental health supports they will need, and know which treatments will be most effective. The goal is to use these large linked datasets to directly inform clinical care for individuals with rare genetic conditions.”
The Glenda MacQueen Award is delivered as a partnership between the CIHR-Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction and the Canadian Psychiatric Association. Dr. Baribeau’s award “came at the perfect time,” she said.
“There are many challenges with launching a research program, in terms to building a team, managing new projects, and ensuring adequate funding . Both the symbolism of this award, and the associated resources, will help me to sustain my program for another year, as we work towards a shared vision.”
And of course, a new career phase comes with new opportunities in mentorship.
“My research team and scope are gradually growing; we have a great group of staff and students working together within the Autism Research Centre at Holland Bloorview,” says Dr. Baribeau.
“It’s definitely been bi-directional in terms of learning with them. I’m very grateful.”
To learn more about the award and apply for the 2024 edition, visit the Canadian Psychiatric Association website.
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