Dr. Crispin Russell, lead for Team Enhanced Lung Cancer Care. Image: submitted
When Covid-19 restrictions kept the Dragon’s Den-inspired competition from taking place in person, Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation partnered with Hemmings House Pictures to let the show go on.
This year, the hospital foundation’s medical research competition, aka Lion’s Den, is coming back in the form of a film. The movie will focus on the behind-the-scenes journey of three teams of medical professionals competing to win half a million-dollar prize to fund their project.
“By capturing that on film, [the foundation] could really explain to a wider audience the importance of philanthropy and really the power that the passion physicians can have long-term in healthcare in this province,” said Shannon Hunter, director of marketing and communications.
The “Lions” – the men and women in business who served as judges and investors – are Dr. David Elias, the CEO of Canadian Health Solutions, Miranda Hubbs, an independent director of Nutrien, Scott McCain, chairman of the board of McCain Foods Limited, Mike Webb, executive vice president of Nutrien, and Bob Owens, one of the founders of Owens MacFadyen Group.
“It’s really cool to see well-respected business leaders invest their own money but then also really judge,” said Hunter. “It was not just which one has the nicest pitch, they looked at the mechanics and the impact and the cost to the province when they were going through the judging process.”
RELATED: The Medical Dragons’ Den Will Showcase Innovative Healthcare Research in N.B.
Here is a quick rundown of each team’s project: the first focuses on new equipment for a chemistry lab to improve speed and accuracy of drug detection; the second on a 3D artificial intelligence lab; and the third on enhanced lung cancer care. Each team has a 30-second preview of their three-minute pitch on The Give’s website.
“[They are] really unique and they all have a different impact on the province,” said Hunter.
Production for the film started in October, but they were slowed down by changing Covid-19 restrictions across provinces. In March they were finally able to set a date.
“So when New Brunswick, Ontario and Calgary could film at the same time we did a cross-Canada production where the teams actually presented their video concepts that have been recorded over the last four months for the Lions,” said Hunter.
In August, the three groups will get the chance to watch each other’s videos for the first time and the Lion’s will reveal the winner. In addition to the 500,000, the winner will receive $100,000 from the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation.
But no one team will walk away empty-handed. Second place will receive the $75,000 Community Choice Award funded by J.D. Irving, Limited. To unlock the award, the donation must be matched by the combined donations from the community. Donors will be offered the chance to vote for who they think deserves the award.
“It’s a really powerful example of how innovation and creativity and really impressive business leaders can fundamentally change healthcare for any province, not just this province,” said Hunter.
“Coming out of the pandemic we are even more hyperaware of the need in the healthcare system, to make sure that our healthcare providers….not only do they have the tools to do their job but they have the very best tools,” said Hunter.
The foundation planned to release the movie solely online, but since they made the announcement they have had physicians, hospital staff, and community members asking where they can buy a ticket. Because of this response, they are considering holding a public viewing following Covid-19 guidelines.
For those who want to watch at home, it will be free to stream on The Give’s website on September 10.
Rachel Smith is a summer intern for Huddle, an Acadia Broadcasting content partner.
