Dr. Donald Branch

Professor

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Biography

Dr. Donald R. Branch received Bachelor's degrees in Chemistry and Cell & Molecular Biology from San Francisco State University. He completed his PhD in Immunology at the University of Alberta under the mentorship of Dr. Larry J. Guilbert and underwent postdoctoral training in signal transduction at the University of Toronto's Department of Immunology. He is currently a Professor at the University of Toronto, appointed in the Department of Medicine (Division of Hematology). Dr. Branch has a notable career with over 150 original research papers and has received prestigious awards from the American Society of Hematology, American Association of Blood Banks, and Canadian Society for Transfusion Medicine. His research primarily focuses on immunotherapy and transfusion medicine, particularly the mechanisms of action of high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. He utilizes both in vitro and in vivo methodologies to investigate phagocytosis and the therapeutic effectiveness of IVIG. Dr. Branch collaborates with multiple hospitals in Toronto, exploring the clinical implications of antibody interactions in transfusion settings. He is actively involved in drug discovery, developing small molecule replacements for IVIG and has pioneered significant findings regarding pyrazole compounds and their effectiveness in immune-related disorders.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

— Present

University of Toronto • Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Provides instruction and mentorship to graduate students while conducting impactful research in the fields of hematology and immunology.

Affiliate Scientist

— Present

Toronto General Hospital Research Institute • Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Engages in collaborative research focused on immunotherapy and its applications in transfusion medicine.

Staff Scientist

— Present

University Health Network • Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Contributes to hematology/oncology projects, focusing on therapeutic innovations.

Requirements for University of Toronto

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:22
Speaking
Required:22
Total
Required:93
Prerequisites
Appropriate four-year bachelor's degree Background in sociological theory and statistics preferred
Application Checklist
  • Transcripts
  • Two letters of reference
  • Statement of intent
  • Writing sample
  • Curriculum Vitae
Specialization Notes

Department of Sociology