A Special Interview with Professor J. David Spence—— the Pioneer in Stroke Prevention
On August 8, 2024, the Editorial Office of Vessel Plus conducted a special interview with Prof. J. David Spence, Professor Emeritus of Neurology and Clinical Pharmacology at Western University in London and Director of the Stroke Prevention and Atherosclerosis Research Center at the Roberts Research Institute.
Prof. Spence discussed how his interest in stroke prevention originated, particularly focusing on the measurement of carotid plaque burden. He elaborated on the development of his concept of "treating arteries instead of treating risk factors". Additionally, Prof. Spence discussed the impact of plant-based meat substitutes (PBMAs) on cardiovascular health and areas that need further research. He also shared his insights on the role of obesity in cardiometabolic diseases and how he maintains a spirit of continuous exploration.
Personal Introduction:
Prof. J. David Spence is a renowned Canadian expert in atherosclerosis and stroke prevention. He holds the position of Professor Emeritus of Neurology and Clinical Pharmacology at Western University and serves as the Director of the Stroke Prevention and Atherosclerosis Research Center at the Roberts Research Institute. Prof. Spence has made significant contributions to the application of carotid ultrasound technology for assessing atherosclerosis, establishing its importance in clinical practice.
Education
B.A. University of Western Ontario 1965
M.D. University of Western Ontario 1970
M.B.A. University of Toronto 1991
Fellowship in Clinical Pharmacology at the Cardiovascular Research Institute
University of California at San Francisco 1974-76
Research
Professor Spence dedicated his career to stroke prevention. Starting in 1986, he pioneered the measurement of 2-dimensional carotid total plaque area. Since 1994, he has collaborated with Profs. Aaron Fenster and Grace Parraga at the Robarts Research Institute in the measurement of 3D plaque volume, vessel wall volume, plaque ulceration, and assessment of vulnerable plaque. His research program focuses on the measurement of atherosclerosis by ultrasound for risk stratification, genetic and biological study of atherosclerosis, and for evaluating the effects of new therapies. He pioneered a new approach to vascular prevention − “treating arteries instead of treating risk factors” − which has markedly reduced risk among high-risk patients with carotid stenosis.
Awards
Francis McNaughton Young Investigator Award, Canadian Neurological Society, 1974
Research Award, Canadian Hypertension Society
Stroke Recovery Association Clifford J. Goodall Award of Merit, 1998
Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, 2008
Stroke Innovation Award (with Dr. Daniel Hackam) from the AHA journal Stroke, 2011
Lifetime Achievement Award, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, presented by Dean Michael Strong, 2013
Scientific Excellence Award, Canadian Society for Atherosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology
Western University Distinguished Alumnus Award for Professional Achievement, 2017
Appointed to the Order of Canada, 2019
William Feinberg Award for Excellence in Clinical Stroke, American Heart Association, 2020
Named a Fellow of the International Hypertension Society, 2021
Editor: Fitz Zhao
Language Editor: Catherine Yang
Production Editor: Yan Zhang
Respectfully submitted by the Editorial Office of Vessel Plus
