Craig Campbell, MD, FRCPC
Dr. Craig Campbell is the Medical Director of the multidisciplinary Neuromuscular Clinic at Thames Valley Children’s Centre and the Pediatric Neurophysiology Laboratory at Children’s Hospital London Health Sciences Centre. Craig serves as a Full Professor in Pediatrics, Clinical Neurological Sciences, and Epidemiology at Western University, and is a Scientist at the Children’s Health Research Institute. He completed his training in pediatrics, neurology, and epidemiology at the University of Ottawa.
Dr. Campbell is actively involved in numerous academic and industry-led clinical trials focusing on pediatric neuromuscular diseases.
Here is what he has to say about rare diseases:
In your opinion, what are some of the biggest challenges facing the rare disease community today?
“The challenges are myriad , but let’s take a first step and get some form of a government endorsed rare disease strategy in place for Canada! Acknowledging the need for unique pathways for rare disease issues will go a long way to dealing with the very real and acute challenges facing those with rare disease.”
What are specific areas within the rare disease landscape that particularly excite you and why?
“I am constantly in awe of the resilience and courage of the patients living with rare disease. Their drive to make things better for each other is inspiring and actually is the engine that moves us forward. In Canada we have a tremendous sense of community and collaboration that we need to continue to capitalize on.”
How would you describe yourself in one sentence?
“I am an eternal optimist for better outcomes for those with rare disease, who has had to adjust expectations to the realities of a complex health care and health regulatory system in Canada.”