Getting to Know: Dr. Kerri Schellenberg
A Q-and-A with Dr. Kerri Schellenberg, a Saskatoon-based faculty member in the Division of Neurology.
Dr. Schellenberg is an Associate Professor of Neurology. She is the Director of the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron diseases (ALS/MND) clinic, Medical Director of the Royal University Hospital (RUH) electromyography (EMG) lab and sees patients in neuromuscular clinic. She completed her medical studies at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), a neurology residency at the University of Alberta, a neuromuscular fellowship at Duke University and an ALS fellowship at the University of Alberta. She has a Masters of Medical Education from the University of Dundee.
What is your area of research? Tell us about your ‘big moments of research?’
Research has been an extension of my clinical practice. It is through caring for neuromuscular patients that I have made novel observations, and was prompted to develop clinical trial access for my patients.
In 2017, I founded the multidisciplinary ALS clinic with a provincial scope. I initiated multiple investigator-led studies, participated in national research collaborations, co-authored the Canadian Best Practice Recommendations in ALS, and have facilitated five international treatment trials with additional trials upcoming. Our clinic has now achieved Canadian ALS Centre status (nationally recognized site for multidisciplinary standard of care and research participation). This has elevated Saskatchewan to remain at top of mind for ongoing projects and collaborations.
I noted the high prevalence of spinobulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) in the Indigenous population of Saskatchewan during my work. This is a hereditary motor neuron disease with similarities to ALS. I uncovered a gap in knowledge amongst care providers and communities, and identified that this required advocacy and partnerships with colleagues. A community guiding circle led by Drs. Alexandra and Malcolm King, comprised of patients with lived experience and an Indigenous Elder, guides our research at every step. We recently published that the highest known prevalence of SBMA in the entire world is within those who self-identify as Indigenous in Saskatchewan. I am the lead for the upcoming SBMA Canadian Best Practice Recommendations, and am co-PI or co-I multiple grants/projects. Most importantly, a historically marginalized community now feels their concerns are being addressed.
Do you have any messages for early-career clinicians?
Be curious. Seek collaborations with your colleagues locally and nationally. This will inspire you and provide you with more opportunities than you would have if working alone.
What are your future aspirations for research?
I am grateful to be a current co-principal investigator and co-investigator on two Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) grants to further study SBMA and other neuromuscular diseases and develop clinical trial networks.