James Christenson

James Christenson is a Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine within the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia. He serves as a Scientist at the Providence Health Care Research Institute and practices as an emergency physician at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver. His academic career spans decades of dedicated research and leadership in emergency medicine.

Dr. Christenson's primary research interests focus on resuscitation science, cardiovascular emergencies, and prehospital care. His work specifically addresses sudden cardiac death, the chain of survival, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, emergency medical services, clinical prediction rules, and knowledge translation. His research has significantly influenced emergency care protocols and practices across Canada.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on improving outcomes in cardiac arrest and stroke interventions. His work demonstrates strong interdisciplinary collaboration between emergency medicine, cardiology, and prehospital care systems. The publications highlight his leadership in translating research findings into practical clinical applications that enhance patient care in emergency settings.

• 2018 Providence Health Care Research and Mission Award
• Chair of the Resuscitation Advisory Committee for Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (serving for over 30 years)

Dr. Christenson leads several major research initiatives including serving as Co-Principal Investigator and past Chair of the Steering Committee for the Canadian Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium, Principal Investigator of the FRONTIER Trial (a neuroprotective intervention for severe stroke), and Executive Lead of the BC Emergency Medicine Network. His work has been funded by CIHR and other major research agencies, with recent projects focusing on improving emergency care in remote First Nations communities on Vancouver Island.

He has built and launched the BC Emergency Medicine Network to facilitate knowledge sharing and clinical support for all emergency practitioners in British Columbia, which is currently funded by CIHR to improve emergency care in four Nuu Chah Nuulth remote communities.