Richard Keijzer

Dr. Richard Keijzer is a Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Manitoba's Max Rady College of Medicine. He holds cross-appointments in Pediatrics and Child Health, and Physiology and Pathophysiology. As the Thorlakson Chair in Surgical Research and Director of Research for Surgery, he bridges clinical practice with laboratory innovation in pediatric surgery.

• Education: MD, PhD, and MSc from ErasmusMC (Netherlands); fellowships in Toronto and Alabama
• Research: Focuses on congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), lung development, microRNAs, and prenatal therapies
• Leadership: Chair of Canadian Child Health Clinician Scientist Program Selection Committee; 2018 Site Director for Surgery at HSC-Children’s Hospital

His work combines microRNA/circRNA mechanisms with minimal-invasive pediatric surgery, aiming to translate discoveries from bench to bedside. Recent publications address CDH biomarkers, prenatal interventions, and clinical trial methodologies.

Awards:

• 2021 Travelling Fellow, James IV Association of Surgeons
• 2020 Pediatric Chairs of Canada Leadership Award
• 2013 CIHR/Manitoba Lung Association/CHRIM New Investigator Award
• 2012 Canadian Child Health Clinician Scientist Career Development Award

As a pediatric surgeon-scientist, he integrates clinical expertise with experimental research through the Biology of Breathing theme at CHRIM and the Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Study Group. His lab's 2023 work on circRNA biomarkers and miR-200b prenatal therapy exemplifies his translational approach.