Who’s the Boss – RI Transitions from the 80s to the 90s
In the late 1980’s SickKids Research Institute was transitioning into a new decade, a new age of science and awaiting a new addition to the Hospital that would bring new research space. But that’s not all. Dr. Aser Rothstein, Director of the Research Institute, retired in June 1986 after over 14 years at SickKids and Dr. James Friesen assumed the post as the new Director in October 1987. Here is an excerpt from the introduction written by Dr. Aser Rothstein in his final Annual Report as Director.
I write this introduction to the 1985 Annual Report of the Research Institute with some feeling of reluctance. It is my last report prior to my resignation as Director. …
During the 14 years I have been at The Hospital for Sick Children, a new generation of people have arrived. …Only a fraction of the present Research Institute staff were here when I arrived and soon a new Director will be in place. With the capital developments on stream and with new and energetic leadership in place, HSC and the Research Institute are ready to move upward; to reach for a higher level of excellence. I wish you all well.
Dr. Aser Rothstein
1985 Annual Report
Dr. Manual Buchwald led the Institute as Acting Director from June 1986 to October 1987 when Dr. James Friesen assumed the appointment. Here is an excerpt from his first Annual Report as Director.
Since the retirement of Dr. Aser Rothstein, the Research Institute has weathered a period of uncertainty. When approached to consider taking on the Directorship I felt flattered and challenged, not least because the Rothstein shoes are large ones to fill. Furthermore, I was somewhat daunted by the complexity of the Research Institute and the realization of its importance to Canadian science, thus of the responsibility of assuring that it thrives. …
In recent months, I believe we have begun to rekindle the general sense of optimism and momentum that has characterized the Research Institute. We have taken steps to resolve some of the space problems that are inherent in a situation in which there are more researchers with active programmes than space to accommodate them. This condition unfortunately is likely to continue for the next few years; however, we can look forward to considerable relief in the 1990’s when the new Hospital addition is completed. …
The Research Institute is on track and is flourishing. …Our job over the next year is to plan the direction of the Research Institute for the 1990’s.
Dr. James Friesen
1987 Annual Report