Dr. Roman Szumski

Vice-President, Life Sciences

In 2005, Dr. Roman Szumski was appointed the National Research Council's Vice-President, Life Sciences. 

A medical doctor and pathologist by training, Dr. Szumski is recognized as a visionary leader and an innovative manager with unique experience in building strategic public-private sector partnerships in the life sciences sector. He was the founding CEO of Calgary Laboratory Services, and more recently Vice-President (Science & Technology) of MDS Inc.

During his years at MDS headquarters, Dr. Szumski held executive-level responsibility for scientific assets of the firm, with more than 10,000 employees, $1.8 billion in annual sales and diverse international business interests. While at MDS, he also led the development of new business initiatives in cancer therapeutics and personalized medicine.

As founding CEO of Calgary Laboratory Services and as President of a private firm, Dr. Szumski championed and built a new collaboration between the Calgary Regional Health Authority and the private sector that facilitated major improvements in service and efficiency in the services offered through seven public and private sector labs. His career at Calgary Medical Laboratories included the roles of pathologist, director of microbiology, and medical director. He also worked in the Department of Pathology at the University of Calgary.

Dr. Szumski is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and he holds degrees from Queen's and McGill universities.