By: Candice Tang, ORT Times Writer
Last month, University Health Network (UHN) released its 2019–2023 strategic research plan to advance research and bolster patient care. As members of the UHN research community, trainees play an important role in the realization of this plan.
“Everyone at UHN will work together to help realize the priorities set forth in this plan. We’ve selected a diverse group of Leads from across UHN to develop the specific initiatives within each priority—and these groups will reach out to all our stakeholder groups. Trainees will be consulted as part of this process, and we will include trainees on some of the implementation teams for the initiatives,” said Dr. Bradly Wouters, Executive VP Science and Research at UHN, in an email to the ORT Times.
Here are different ways trainees can work towards UHN’s five Strategic Research Priorities:
Engage every patient to strengthen our learning health system.
Patients are becoming increasingly involved in their own health care, whether it’s through deciding what type of treatment they wish to receive or through participating in clinical studies. The experiences and insights of patients not only motivate and inspire researchers, but also help to drive patient-centric care. Trainees can do their part by recognizing and embracing the value of patient insights in their day-to-day research.
Empower research teams and collaboration.
UHN is committed to supporting collaborative research teams that align basic, clinical and health services research by improving access to data, developing best practices and aligning resources. Trainees can propose meetings with potential collaborators and explore new areas of research to steer their work in a new direction.
Accelerate the translation of discovery to practice.
Without rigorous clinical testing and commercialization strategies, most drugs in development may never reach the patient’s bedside. As UHN streamlines operations to support this third priority, trainees can think about what resources they need to take their research to the next step. Trainees can visit the UHN Technology Development & Commercialization unit to initiate collaborations with industry and venture partners.
Unleash the power of technology and innovation.
Soon, artificial intelligence and machine learning will become commonplace in many research labs. Today, trainees are positioned to develop and/or adopt these advanced technologies in their own labs alongside traditional methods of data collection and analysis. This technical experience will provide new opportunities for trainees as they progress in their careers.
Grow research through financially sustainable structures.
Research discoveries are made possible with financial support from the government, industry, and foundations. Trainees are encouraged to apply for both domestic and international grants as well as other sources of funding to support their research.
Find out more about UHN’s Strategic Research Plan 2019–2023 here.