Research spotlight: Cape Breton shaping the future of heart health with milestone in clinical research 

Cape Breton has reached a major milestone that will give local patients first-in-the-world access to innovative cardiology care through clinical research, further solidifying Nova Scotia’s growing reputation as a leader in healthcare innovation. 

A team of researchers in Cape Breton, led by Dr. Paul MacDonald, a cardiologist at Nova Scotia Health, enrolled the world's first patient in the AstraZeneca Prevent HF clinical trial – beating out 34 other countries to secure the global First Subject In.

Read more about how this cardiology trial aims to prevent heart failure before it starts

Nova Scotia Health affiliate scientist explores exercise as medicine in cancer care 

Dr. Melanie Keats, an affiliate scientist with Nova Scotia Health, is redefining care care, leading bold research that puts exercise at the heart of treatment to boost outcomes and quality of life.

Learn how Dr. Keats is making exercise a standard part of cancer care.

Meet Nova Scotia Health affiliate scientist, Dr. Leah Cahill

Dr. Leah Cahill brings heart to her research - driven by her roots as a dietitian and a personal connection to heart disease.

Discover how the Nourish team is shaping policy and improving health across Nova Scotia.

Innovation Spotlight: One MBA students’ journey from personal experience to healthcare innovation 

From volunteering at IWK Health as a teen to supporting innovation in healthcare today, Dalhousie University MBA student Lachlan McPhee’s experiences sparked a lasting desire to give back. 

See how a personal journey inspired his mission to improve healthcare in Nova Scotia.

Rare disease innovation in Nova Scotia and beyond – meet Dr. Luke Chen 

The New York Times has spotlighted a groundbreaking trend: using artificial intelligence to repurpose existing drugs for rare diseases.

What's even more exciting? This cutting-edge work has roots right here in Nova Scotia.

Dr. Luke Chen - a hematologist with Nova Scotia Health, professor at Dalhousie University, and affiliate professor at UBC - used this very approach to help save a patient who was nearing hospice care.

Explore how Dr. Chen is using AI to bring hope to rare disease patients.

Meet Nova Scotia Health affiliate scientist, Dr. Violet D'Souza

Dr. Violet D’Souza is working to close the oral health gap for vulnerable populations, from cancer survivors to those experiencing cognitive decline or forced migration.

Her clinical training in Finland and PhD research revealed how often oral health is overlooked in medically complex and marginalized groups, driving her commitment to tackle these disparities through research, education and policy.

See how Dr. D'Souza is advocating for equity in oral health care.

Photo courtesy of Travis McDonough, Founder &CEO of Wellnify.ai

Kicking off a healthier Nova Scotia: Wellnify Community Wellness Challenge begins

June 17 marked the launch the Wellnify Community Wellness Challenge—the second collaborative initiative with Wellnify and Nova Scotia Health, supported by the Department of Cyber Security and Digital Solutions and IGNITE Atlantic.

Built on an innovative platform that blends gamification, community engagement, and accessible wellness tools, Wellnify encourages healthier habits in a fun, inclusive way. This initiative highlights the power of cross-sector collaboration to promote community health and drive digital innovation throughout the province.

Take a closer look at the innovation behind the Wellnify movement.

The Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub is leading innovation and research within the healthcare system to deliver high-impact solutions for patients and providers. Through strategic partnerships with clinical champions, industry, healthcare foundations, governments and academic partners, we're harnessing the best available evidence and innovative solutions. For more information, visit our website and follow us on social media.