Below, you’ll find our leadership and collaborators in action, from the Board of Directors and executive leaders to advisory committees and partners, each contributing essential expertise and guidance to move our work forward.
Board of
Directors
Executive
Committee
Advisory
Committees
Our
Partners
Board of Directors
Our board is composed of a distinguished group of leaders and experts in oncology, research, healthcare, and patient advocacy. Together, they provide strategic guidance, governance, and oversight to ensure CMRG remains at the forefront of multiple myeloma research. With a shared commitment to advancing science and improving patient care, our board plays a crucial role in shaping the future of innovative therapies, clinical advancements, and ensuring that patient needs are at the center of all our efforts.
Darrell White, MD
Chair
Dr. Darrell White is a renowned hematologist at Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre and a professor of medicine, as well as the Senior Associate Dean in the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University. He has held numerous leadership roles in medical education at Dalhousie and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His clinical practice and research are dedicated to advancing the treatment of multiple myeloma patients.
Christopher Venner, MD
Vice Chair
Dr. Christopher Venner, a specialist in hematology with expertise in plasma cell dyscrasias, currently practices at BC Cancer Vancouver Centre. After completing fellowship training in the UK, he returned to Canada to lead the Myeloma/Plasma Cell Dyscrasias group at the Cross Cancer Institute. His academic focus on clinical trials and the evolution of plasma cell dyscrasia therapies is deeply integrated with his leadership role as Chair of the CMRG Canadian Multiple Myeloma Database initiative and the CMRG clinical trials group.
Donna Reece, MD
Chief Medical Officer and Director
Donna Reece, MD – Chief Medical Officer and Director Dr. Donna Reece is a distinguished Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto and serves as Director of the Multiple Myeloma and Related Diseases Program at Princess Margaret Hospital. She holds the prestigious Molly and David Bloom Chair in Multiple Myeloma Research. With extensive experience in clinical trials and international myeloma initiatives, Dr. Reece has served as Chair of the Multiple Myeloma Subcommittee for the Canadian Clinical Trials Group and held key roles in international consortia. As the Chief Medical Officer of the CMRG since its inception, her leadership continues to shape the group’s progress.
Sofia Tavoularis, PhD
Director
Dr. Sofia Tavoularis brings unique perspectives as both a multiple myeloma patient and an expert in immunogenetics. She previously served as Director of the HLA Laboratory at Canadian Blood Services, where her contributions to HLA genotyping led to the discovery of numerous new alleles. Dr. Tavoularis is a long-time member of the CMRG Board and has been deeply involved in steering committee and project review activities. Her extensive research background and patient experience have made her an invaluable asset to the CMRG.
Suzanne Rowland, NP
Director
Suzanne Rowland, a recently retired Nurse Practitioner, brings over 40 years of oncology and palliative care experience to the CMRG Board. Having earned her Master of Nursing from the University of Toronto, Suzanne dedicated the last decade of her career to supporting myeloma patients at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, where she developed and led the NP role. Her expertise in pain and symptom management, combined with her compassionate patient care, makes her an exceptional addition to the CMRG Board.
Arleigh McCurdy, MD
Dr. Arleigh Robertson McCurdy is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa, Lead of the Multiple Myeloma Program at The Ottawa Hospital, and a Clinician Investigator at The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. Her clinical research is focused on multiple myeloma and related disorders. She is a member of the Canadian Cancer Trials Group Myeloma Committee, the International Myeloma Working Group, and she is a director on the Canadian Myeloma Research Group Board of Directors.  
Executive Committee
Name
Position
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Name
Position
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Name
Position
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Name
Position
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Advisory Committees
Database Steering Committee
Database Steering Committee at CMRG plays a pivotal role in overseeing the development, maintenance, and strategic direction of the Canadian Multiple Myeloma Database. Comprised of leading experts in hematology, oncology, data science, and bioinformatics, the committee ensures that the database remains a cutting-edge resource for researchers and clinicians. By integrating high-quality clinical, genomic, and laboratory data, the committee supports advancements in personalized medicine, clinical trials, and treatment innovation for multiple myeloma.
Richard LeBlanc, M.D.
Chair
Dr. Richard LeBlanc is a hematologist and medical oncologist at the CIUSSS de l’Est de l’Ile de Montréal – Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont. He is also an associate professor of clinic at the Université de Montréal, medical head of the clinical immunology laboratory at Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, and the holder of the Myeloma Canada Chair. Dr. LeBlanc earned his MD in 1995, completed his certifications in internal medicine (1998) and hematology (2000) at Université Laval, and pursued further research training at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Since then, he has dedicated himself to improving care for multiple myeloma patients through research, education, and clinical practice.
Alissa Visram
Dr. Visram completed her medical degree at the University of Toronto in 2014, followed by internal medicine residency at the University of Ottawa in 2017 and hematology training at Dalhousie University in 2019. She went on to pursue advanced clinical and research fellowships at the Mayo Clinic, where her work centered on the epidemiology of precursor plasma cell disorders. During this time, she also earned a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Clinical Epidemiology from Harvard University.
Before joining McMaster University, Dr. Visram served as a staff hematologist at The Ottawa Hospital and held an academic appointment as Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Ottawa.
Darrell White, M.D.
Dr. Darrell White is a hematologist at Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre and a professor of medicine at Dalhousie University. As the senior associate dean of the Faculty of Medicine, he has been extensively involved in medical education. His clinical and research work focuses on the treatment of multiple myeloma, and he has held leadership positions in medical education at both Dalhousie University and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
Guido Lancman, MD
Dr. Guido Lancman is an active staff within the Lymphoma, Myeloma, Transplant group at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto. I am a clinician-investigator with a clinical clinic focus on plasma cell dyscrasis and research interest in optimizing the efficacy and safety of novel therapies in multiple myeloma, with a particular interest in immunotherapies. I am involved in the development of multiple myeloma clinical trials through Princess Margaret and through the Canadian Myeloma Research Group, as well as site PI of large multi-centre trials.
Julie Stakiw, M.D.
Dr. Julie Stakiw is a hematologist specializing in multiple myeloma. She completed her medical training at the University of Saskatchewan and hematology training at Queen’s University. Her clinical focus is on developing treatment pathways for multiple myeloma. She has led numerous clinical trials and received grants for her translational research in myeloma at the Saskatchewan Advanced Diagnostic Research Laboratory.
Rayan Kaedbey, M.D.
Dr. Rayan Kaedbey is the director of the Autologous Stem Cell Transplant and Apheresis Units at the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal. He specializes in plasma cell dyscrasias and conducts clinical research in this field. After earning his medical degree from McGill University and completing his residency, Dr. Kaedbey pursued a fellowship in myeloma and autologous stem cell transplant at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
Sofia Tavoularis
Dr. Sofia Tavoularis was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2014, the year she retired from Canadian Blood Services as Director of the HLA Laboratory, where she oversaw national HLA genotyping for Canadian OneMatch stem cell donors. An expert in histocompatibility, immunogenetics, and molecular biology, she contributed to the discovery of 37 novel HLA alleles reported to the WHO Nomenclature Committee and published widely.
She serves on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Myeloma Research Group (CMRG) and previously contributed to the CMRG Project Review Committee. An emeritus member of the American Society of Hematology (ASH), she earned her PhD in immunogenetics from Johns Hopkins University and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Ottawa, where she later served as Adjunct Professor. Across her career, she has published 121 papers and abstracts spanning HLA and KIR genotyping, platelet and stem cell biology, and immunohematology.
Health Technology Evaluation Committee
The Health Technology Evaluation Committee for the Canadian Myeloma Research Group (CMRG) is a team of experts dedicated to assessing and guiding the adoption of innovative technologies that improve outcomes for individuals living with multiple myeloma. The committee evaluates emerging diagnostics, therapeutics, and digital tools to ensure they are safe, effective, and accessible for patients across Canada.
By providing strategic insights, evidence-based assessments, and recommendations, the committee supports policymakers, clinicians, and healthcare organizations in making informed decisions about new technologies. Its work strengthens the integration of cutting-edge innovations into the healthcare system, ultimately advancing high-quality care and improving the lives of those affected by myeloma.
Patient Advisory Committee
The Patient Advisory Committee for the Canadian Myeloma Research Group (CMRG) is a dedicated group of patients, caregivers, and advocates who provide valuable insights and perspectives to ensure that research and treatment initiatives are aligned with patient needs. This committee plays a crucial role in shaping CMRG’s projects, offering feedback on clinical trials, patient care strategies, and educational materials. By integrating the patient voice into decision-making, the committee helps enhance the relevance and impact of CMRG’s work, ultimately improving the quality of life and outcomes for those affected by multiple myeloma.
Patient Advisory Committee
CMRG is currently seeking community leaders from 15 jurisdictions across Canada to join the Patient Advisory Committee.
We welcome individuals who have lived experience with myeloma—patients, caregivers, and advocates—who are passionate about contributing to research advancement, improving patient care, and supporting national collaboration.
If you or someone you know is interested in helping shape the future of myeloma research and care, we invite you to get involved and make your voice heard through participation on the CMRG PAC.
Biobank & Translational Research Committee
The Translational Research Committee provides scientific guidance and strategic direction to ensure that discoveries in basic and laboratory research are effectively translated into clinical applications that benefit patients with multiple myeloma. Its purpose is to identify and promote initiatives that bridge laboratory findings with clinical practice, foster collaboration between basic scientists, clinicians, and industry partners, and guide the integration of translational endpoints into CMRG studies. The committee also plays a central role in the development and oversight of biobanking initiatives, ensuring high-quality sample collection and management to support correlative studies that advance understanding of disease biology, treatment mechanisms, and patient outcomes.
Name
Position
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Name
Position
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nullam sagittis suscipit feugiat. Integer ut congue erat. Maecenas imperdiet, eros vitae finibus tempor, felis urna ultricies purus, sit amet placerat arcu massa nec urna. Sed lectus ipsum, tempor non scelerisque nec, vestibulum vel mauris. Nam finibus condimentum ligula. Donec sed neque neque. Sed at lacus mi. Donec ac tempus mi. Phasellus et nunc id odio dapibus tincidunt.
Name
Position
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Name
Position
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Name
Position
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Name
Position
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nullam sagittis suscipit feugiat. Integer ut congue erat. Maecenas imperdiet, eros vitae finibus tempor, felis urna ultricies purus, sit amet placerat arcu massa nec urna. Sed lectus ipsum, tempor non scelerisque nec, vestibulum vel mauris. Nam finibus condimentum ligula. Donec sed neque neque. Sed at lacus mi. Donec ac tempus mi. Phasellus et nunc id odio dapibus tincidunt.
Sustainability Committee
The Sustainability Committee is responsible for guiding CMRG’s long-term organizational resilience and growth. Its purpose is to develop strategies that ensure financial stability, diversify funding sources, and promote efficient resource utilization. The committee provides oversight for sustainability initiatives, including fund development, partnerships, and infrastructure planning, while aligning these efforts with CMRG’s mission to advance multiple myeloma research and improve patient outcomes.
Engin Gul, BSc, MBA
Chief Executive Officer
Engin Gul is the Chief Executive Officer and a founding operations director of the Canadian Myeloma Research Group (CMRG). He leads CMRG’s strategic, operational, and financial activities, overseeing clinical research programs, real-world data initiatives, translational research, and national partnerships to support high-quality multiple myeloma research across Canada.
Donna Reece, MD
Chief Medical Officer and Director
Donna Reece, MD - Chief Medical Officer and Director Dr. Donna Reece is a distinguished Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto and serves as Director of the Multiple Myeloma and Related Diseases Program at Princess Margaret Hospital. She holds the prestigious Molly and David Bloom Chair in Multiple Myeloma Research. With extensive experience in clinical trials and international myeloma initiatives, Dr. Reece has served as Chair of the Multiple Myeloma Subcommittee for the Canadian Clinical Trials Group and held key roles in international consortia. As the Chief Medical Officer of the CMRG since its inception, her leadership continues to shape the group’s progress.
Arleigh McCurdy, MD
Dr. Arleigh Robertson McCurdy is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa, Lead of the Multiple Myeloma Program at The Ottawa Hospital, and a Clinician Investigator at The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. Her clinical research is focused on multiple myeloma and related disorders. She is a member of the Canadian Cancer Trials Group Myeloma Committee, the International Myeloma Working Group, and she is a director on the Canadian Myeloma Research Group Board of Directors.
Clinical Trials Committee
The CMRG Clinical Trials Committee is a multidisciplinary group responsible for guiding the development and scientific direction of CMRG-led clinical research. The committee evaluates and prioritizes new trial concepts, provides expert input on study design, and supports the development of high-quality protocols that align with CMRG’s strategic priorities. It also contributes to the interpretation and dissemination of study findings to ensure that research outcomes meaningfully advance patient care and future innovation.
Engin Gul, BSc, MBA
Chief Executive Officer
Engin Gul is the Chief Executive Officer and a founding operations director of the Canadian Myeloma Research Group (CMRG). He leads CMRG’s strategic, operational, and financial activities, overseeing clinical research programs, real-world data initiatives, translational research, and national partnerships to support high-quality multiple myeloma research across Canada.
Donna Reece, MD
Chief Medical Officer and Director
Donna Reece, MD - Chief Medical Officer and Director Dr. Donna Reece is a distinguished Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto and serves as Director of the Multiple Myeloma and Related Diseases Program at Princess Margaret Hospital. She holds the prestigious Molly and David Bloom Chair in Multiple Myeloma Research. With extensive experience in clinical trials and international myeloma initiatives, Dr. Reece has served as Chair of the Multiple Myeloma Subcommittee for the Canadian Clinical Trials Group and held key roles in international consortia. As the Chief Medical Officer of the CMRG since its inception, her leadership continues to shape the group’s progress.
Arleigh McCurdy, MD
Dr. Arleigh Robertson McCurdy is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa, Lead of the Multiple Myeloma Program at The Ottawa Hospital, and a Clinician Investigator at The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. Her clinical research is focused on multiple myeloma and related disorders. She is a member of the Canadian Cancer Trials Group Myeloma Committee, the International Myeloma Working Group, and she is a director on the Canadian Myeloma Research Group Board of Directors.
Our Partners
Driving Innovative Care
We sincerely thank our industry partners for their generous support in advancing multiple myeloma research and patient care. Your contributions are invaluable to our mission.
Non-Industry
We are proud to partner with national and international non-profit organizations dedicated to fighting myeloma and other cancers. Through strategic collaborations, we strengthen our collective efforts to advance research and improve patient outcomes.
Below are our esteemed industry partners:
