David Smookler completed a PhD in Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology in 2010, where he contributed to basic liver research in hepatitis and liver regeneration. In 2014, he joined the Toronto Centre for Liver Disease at the UHN as the Director of Hepatitis C Education and Access for Remote Communities. This program aimed to create infrastructure and support for local workers delivering HCV care and treatment, through training and online contact with liver specialists. In addition, the program works with First Nations communities to develop community-wide testing initiatives for HCV and other blood-borne diseases. In 2018 Dr. Smookler became part of the VIRCAN team, where he has continued working with First Nations communities, supported local efforts at HCV testing, and investigated improvements to existing point of care testing.