Libin researcher taking on new provincial role

Dr. Sonia Butalia, MD, is taking over as the Scientific Director of Alberta Health Services’ Diabetes, Obesity and Nutrition SCN, effective Sept. 1.

The job will see this clinician-scientist working with researchers across Alberta, supporting vital projects in areas of research involving diabetes, nutrition and obesity to improve outcomes for patients.  Butalia will also be facilitating the creation of a research network.

“I am hugely passionate about improving the health of Albertans, and I believe research is the key to doing so,” says Butalia. “I am very excited to take on this role.”

Butalia’s  own research focuses on developing innovative tools and strategies to improve cardiovascular risk factors in the community. In order to meet the real needs of patients and health care providers, Butalia’s research engages patients, physicians, care providers and decision-makers.  

This work has led to Butalia making a name for herself nationally. She received the 2018 Diabetes Canada New Investigator Award and has contributed to several textbooks and co-authored several national clinical practice guidelines on diabetes and hypertension.

Butalia will be stepping down as the co-lead of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute’s Person to Population (P2) research initiative within the Libin Cardiovascular Institute. P2 is a multidisciplinary team of researchers and clinicians at the individual and population level committed to tackling some of the cardiovascular health issues facing patients.

Dr. Sonia Butalia is an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Medicine and Community Health Sciences at the University of Calgary. She is a member of both the Libin Cardiovascular Institute and the O'Brien Institute for Public Health.