Past Coverage of EULAR 2016Past Coverage of EULAR 2016 Return To RheumReports Home

 

RheumReporter Bios

Dr. Zahi Touma

Dr. Zahi Touma
RheumReporter, focus on Lupus

Dr. Touma is a clinical epidemiologist and an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Rheumatology at the University of Toronto, and Staff Physician and Clinician Scientist in the Division of Rheumatology, Toronto Western Hospital and Mount Sinai Hospital. In 2012 he completed his PhD in Clinical Epidemiology and subsequently completed one year of post-doctoral work in Measurement in Clinical Research.

Dr. Touma developed a novel index, the S2K RI-50 (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 [SLEDAI-2K]) Responder Index-50 and a dedicated website that provides training and certification in the use of S2K RI-50. S2K RI-50 is now being used in SLE clinical trials.

His research interests include outcome measurement, particularly for SLE including assessment of lupus disease activity and cognitive function, and quality of life. He is involved in collaborative projects with scientists at the Institute for Work and Health related to the review of critical appraisal tools of studies on measurement properties.

In 2015, he received the Young Investigator Operating Grant and the Young Investigator Salary Award from the Arthritis Society to investigate cognitive impairment in SLE. He has received several research awards including the Best Clinical Research Award from the Canadian Rheumatology Association in 2016.

  • Favourite Food: Cheese pasta with mushrooms
  • Must have luxury: Cake, white chocolate and wine
  • Animal that best describes you: Golden retriever
  • Famous person you could be mistaken for: None!
  • Where you are when you're not working: I am never not working!
  • Weirdest place you've ever slept: I will tell you in private…

Reports by Dr. Zahi Touma