Dr. Luanne Metz

Professor, Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary

Dr. Luanne Metz studied cell biology and completed an MD at the University of Calgary (1983). She studied Internal Medicine at the University of Toronto (1983-85) then returned to Calgary to complete a Neurology Residency (1985-88) and a Fellowship in MS/Neuroimmunology (1989). As a member of the Department of Clinical Neurosciences within the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine, Dr. Metz became MS Clinic director in 1992 and Section Chief of Neurology in 2014.

She is recognized for the enhancing development of the Calgary MS Clinic (in collaboration with Clinic Manager/Nurse Practitioner Colleen Harris) and for the development of a bench-to-bedside translational research program (in collaboration with basic scientist Dr. V. Wee Yong). Specific areas of research interest include clinical trial design, development of novel therapies (including minocycline), study of oral corticosteroids and vitamin D, and mental health issues in MS (in collaboration with Dr. S. B. Patten). Dr. Metz implemented an electronic health record in the Calgary MS Clinic that supports patient care, clinic management, and outcomes research.

Dr. Metz is recognized globally as an expert in Multiple Sclerosis, is widely published, and holds several grants. She has led over 50 industry sponsored clinical trials, has served on several international data and safety monitoring boards, and has designed and completed her own investigator initiated studies. She was the Principal Investigator of a recently competed multicentre Phase III clinical trial funded by the MS Society of Canada. Dr. Metz was honoured as one of the Top 40 University of Calgary Alumni in celebration of the University of Calgary’s 40th anniversary celebrations and she has been awarded the Watanabe Distinguished Achievement Award for overall excellence and extraordinary contributions to the Cumming School of Medicine. In 2015, Dr. Metz was awarded the Alberta Medal of Distinguished Service—which recognizes physicians who have made an outstanding personal contribution to the medical profession and to the people of Alberta.