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Study offers hope for hard-to-treat type 2 diabetes

Lisa Mercer had tried just about everything to regulate the ups and downs of her blood sugars, from a strict diet to medication to four-a-day-day insulin shots. She describes her participation at Lawson Research Institute in an international clinical trial – testing a combination of automated insulin pump and continuous glucose monitoring – as “life-changing.”

A New England Journal of Medicine research paper co-authored by Dr. Tamara Spaic, Lawson scientist and Medical Director of St. Joseph’s Diabetes Education Centre, shows the system has excellent results for people like Mercer with hard-to-treat type 2 diabetes. “This is an exciting finding because it shows we can improve patients’ blood sugars and hopefully prevent long-term negative consequences of high sugars while at the same time making it easier for patients to manage the disease,” Spaic says. Read the full story.

Researchers testing novel treatment for distorted smell triggered by COVID-19

Researchers are testing a promising new treatment for distorted smell caused by COVID-19. While some people lose their sense of smell completely (anosmia) after the virus, others develop parosmia, where familiar smells become distorted and unpleasant. This condition can turn everyday experiences, like eating or drinking, into a struggle. For example, a morning cup of coffee might smell and taste like a skunk, or a once-delicious steak could seem rotten. These distortions can severely impact quality of life, leading to weight loss and social isolation. 

Dr. Leigh Sowerby, an Otolaryngology surgeon and scientist at Lawson Research Institute, is teaming up with specialists from Anesthesia and Pain Management to help those dealing with parosmia after COVID-19. They’re testing a treatment called Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) in a clinical trial.

Read more about the treatment here and meet one participant who saw their sense of smell return to normal after taking part in the study. 

In the News

The buzz around kidney stone research

Researchers at St. Joseph’s Lawson Research Institute are using an unexpected model—the fruit fly—to study kidney stone formation. Led by Riley Fidler, a Master’s student at Western University, the study investigates whether antibiotics contribute to kidney stones by disrupting the gut microbiome. Since fruit flies share 70 per cent of their genes with humans, they serve as a valuable model for kidney disease research. By analyzing how different antibiotics affect the flies' excretory organs, the team aims to identify new ways to prevent kidney stones.

Read Full Story - also featured in the April 2025 issue of Hospital News! 

Lawson LEADS surgical innovation

You may have seen the big posters throughout our hospitals, in videos, or on social media – Lawson LEADS research! As part of a dedicated promotional campaign, St. Joseph’s is trumpeting the strengths of Lawson research and researchers, locally and to the world. Catch the first of six short videos highlighting our specialty research areas – this segment highlighting Lawson’s local and international surgical impact: sight-saving procedures, hand and upper limb care, breast care and urology. And be sure to share the video and your colleagues’ successes through your social-media channels. 

Lawson Research Institute Directors

Lisa Porter, PhD, Vice President, Research and Scientific Director. She is responsible for leading strategic planning for research at St. Joseph’s and Lawson and setting up and operationalizing the governance structure for Lawson. A current member of the Research Canada board of directors, she sits on several regional and national research committees and was also the founding director of WE-SPARK Research Institute, a Windsor health research consortium. Her academic position is at the University of Windsor where she is a Distinguished Professor in Biomedical Sciences, and an academic leader who specializes in cancer biology and cell cycle regulation. Porter holds funding from the CIHR, NSERC, Canadian Breast Cancer Society, Terry Fox Foundation Marathon of Hope and Cancer Research Society. Her research impact has been recognized through many different awards and honours including the Royal Society of Canada College of New Scholars and this year through the Ontario Medical Association Centennial Award.  

Andrey Andriets, BSc PhM, RPh, MBA (Healthcare), Interim Director Research Operations. Andrey joined St. Joseph’s in 2016, and in 2020 stepped up to the challenge of leading the pharmacy department through the pandemic. As the director of pharmacy, he oversaw inpatient and retail pharmacies within the hospital, provided corporate leadership on numerous Accreditation Canada required organizational practices and served as secretary of St. Joseph’s Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, overseeing clinical trials involving drugs. His interim role with Lawson began in July 2024, allowing him to bring his natural curiosity, operational expertise and deep understanding of St. Joseph’s culture and structure to a broader scope of work. In his role, he has helped navigate complex challenges, foster collaboration across departments and mentor the newly formed Lawson operations team. Whether tackling logistical hurdles, supporting his team or shaping long-term strategies, Andrey approaches every challenge with dedication and a people-first mindset. Outside of work Andrey is a father of two, a husband of 17 years, a passionate audiophile, a member of the London Food Bank board of directors and a volunteer at his local church. 

Jocelyn Edwards, Director, Grants Development & Research Administration at the Office of Research Services since 2013 bringing more than 10 years of previous legal experience and expertise acquired as a lawyer working for a well-known law firm in London, Ontario, where she focused on commercial litigation. Within her portfolio at Lawson, Jocelyn is responsible for the Grants Development, Research Approvals, Contracts and Quality Assurance and Education Program teams. Jocelyn has extensive expertise in drafting and negotiating research related contracts and in research study start-up processes. Jocelyn is an active member of several working groups, both internal to the hospital as well as city-, province- and nation-wide, including the Clinical Trials Ontario Operational Leadership Committee, which advise on the operational activities and supports required to improve and accelerate the clinical trial start-up process, with an ultimate vision for transformational change to vastly improve patient access and participation in clinical trials and increase competitiveness in the global clinical trial environment. 

Shane Isacsson, Director, Corporate Services & Finance within the Office of Research Services. Within his portfolio, Shane is responsible for the Informatics, Health and Safety and Finance teams. Shane brings with him 15 years of financial management leadership and an in-depth knowledge of the inner workings of research operations having been a part of the Lawson Health Research Institute joint venture in 2010. 

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We encourage researchers to submit grants, publications and awards for us to showcase. Please provide a one- to two-sentence plain-language description along with the submission.

We recognize and congratulate some of the recent external funding awarded to our researchers: 

Dr. Lillian Barra has been awarded $199,493.50 from the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) under the Rare Diseases Registry Funding competition for the project titled “The Canadian Vasculitis Network Registry (CanVascR)".

The project aims to better understand real-world treatment outcomes for rare blood vessel inflammation diseases, helping guide care decisions through improved patient tracking and global data partnerships. This funding will be used to improve vasculitis data registry and increase data collection, expand to new sites, and enhance international collaborations.

Check out a few examples of the research published in February and March: 

McIntyre A, Booth R, Shepherd L, Kerr M. (2025). Emergency department patients' self-perceived medical severity and urgency of care: The role of health literacy, stress and coping. International Emergency Nursing. 

This study explores how emergency department (ED) patients’ self-perceived urgency are influenced by health literacy, stress levels and coping strategy. The researchers found poor agreement between triage acuity and self-assessed medical urgency, as well as age differences in the estimate of needs and health literacy. Health care professionals, policymakers and patient advocates to learn about how stress and health literacy gaps contribute to avoidable ED visits, poor care experiences, and the importance of patient-centred approaches.  

Monari EN, Booth R, Forchuk C, Csiernik R. (2025). Black family members' experiences and interpretations of supportive resources for them and their relatives with substance use disorders: A focused ethnography. Qualitative Health Research. 

This article explores the experience of Black Canadian family members supporting relatives with substance use disorders, focusing on their challenges in accessing culturally relevant support. Through interviews with 26 participants from African and Carribean communities, researchers found families often relied on religion, sent relatives abroad for treatment, and faced stigma due to limited local resources. This article is essential for health care providers, policymakers and community advocates seeking to address systemic barriers and improve culturally responsive care for Black communities in Canada. 

Norman E, Mistry MR, Lalone E, Suh N. (2025). A kinematic analysis of wrist and carpal function using four-dimensional computed tomography technology: A dynamic perspective. Journal of Hand Surgery - American Volume. 

This study explores how advanced 4D imaging technology captures detailed wrist motion to improve diagnosis of joint problems like instability and arthritis. Researchers used the technique to track bone movements in real time, revealing patterns that help identify subtle abnormalities often missed by traditional scans. Hand surgeons, physical therapists and researchers should read this article to better understand dynamic wrist disorders and guide targeted treatments for improved patient outcomes. 

Sibbald S, Barber M, Urbshott K, Buttar E. (2025). Community led lung health support groups: Processes, perspectives and roles for researchers. Breathe. 

Sibbald and colleagues explored how partnerships between researchers and community-led lung health support groups – like one in London, Canada – help people with chronic lung diseases connect socially and manage their conditions through activities, guest speakers and shared experiences. By collaborating with these groups, researchers provided resources, organized educational sessions and fostered a sense of community which members found vital for reducing isolation and improving their quality of life. Health care professionals, researchers and individuals affected by lung diseases should read this to understand how combining community-driven support with academic expertise can create meaningful, practical solutions for chronic illness care. 

Zhang Y, Chang N, Faber KJ, Athwal GS, King GJ. (2025). Sex-related differences in wear patterns in primary elbow osteoarthritis. Shoulder & Elbow. 

This study examines differences in arthritis patterns between men and women with elbow osteoarthritis requiring surgery, using detailed imaging to compare cartilage wear in specific joints. Researchers found that men had more cartilage loss in the outer elbow joint, while women showed similar wear in both inner and outer areas, suggesting sex-based differences in disease progression. Orthopedic surgeons, rheumatologists and researchers studying joint health should read this article to better understand how arthritis manifests differently by sex, which could inform personalized treatment approaches for patients with elbow pain. 

Lawson homelessness research Cheryl Forchuk to receive Coronation Medal

Dr. Ali Bateman receives Sisters of St. Joseph Award for Excellence

Applications are now open for the Lawson Research Institute and London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute Spring 2025 Internal Research Fund competition, which provides support to researchers affiliated with both organizations. This funding opportunity is intended to support new investigators in conducting hospital-based research and exploring innovative ideas with the potential to transform health care. The Internal Research Fund (IRF) serves as a critical resource for initiating pilot projects that establish proof of concept, laying the groundwork for meaningful advancements in health care research. Eligible researchers are encouraged to submit their applications by Apr.28, 2025. For details, please visit the IRF SharePoint webpage. Please note that eligibility criteria have recently changed, contact internalresearchfund@sjhc.london.on.ca to confirm your eligibility.



Application Deadline: Apr. 28, 2025 

The Health Data Research Network Canada (HDRN Canada) Pragmatic Trials Training Program offers weekly open-access learning modules covering various aspects of pragmatic clinical trials. Over the past weeks, the program has featured modules on using routinely collected data in randomized trials, trial designs and randomization schemes, target estimands in clinical trials and statistical analysis plans.

Additionally, Dr. Matthew James provided an overview of the Contrast RISK trial, titled “Clinical Decision Support to Reduce Contrast-Induced Kidney Injury During Cardiac Catheterization: Design of a Randomized Stepped-Wedge Trial.” 

Check pragmatictrialstraining.ca for more. 

All are invited to learn about sacred moments from a team of expert speakers from the University of Michigan. The presentation titled ‘Caring for Hospitalized Patients: Introducing the Sacred Moments Initiative’ will be held on Apr. 30, from 1 to 2:30 pm, in the Parkwood Institute Mental Health Care Building auditorium (room F2-235). A virtual option for attendance will also be available, with a link to join coming soon. 

Sacred moments are brief but meaningful experiences of personal connection, awe, or transcendence, often occurring during times of crisis. This session will explore the role of sacred moments in health care, their benefits for care providers, and how to use this framework to enhance care. 

Light refreshments will be provided, and all are welcome to attend. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP here. 

Save the date for the Joint Mental Health Research and Innovation Day, taking place on Nov. 27. This event, co-hosted by Lawson Research Institute, St. Joseph’s Health Care London, London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) Research Institute, LHSC, and Western University’s Department of Psychiatry. It will bring together health care professionals, academics, trainees, and community members to highlight cutting-edge mental health research and innovations. Mark your calendars to join us for an incredible keynote speaker, oral and poster presentations, and engaging discussions that drive advancements in mental health care. 

London Health Research Day is coming soon—are you registered?

On May 13, 2025, Professor Francesca Ciccarelli, PhD, a world-renowned expert in cancer genomics, will share groundbreaking insights into the future of cancer research and precision medicine. This is your chance to learn from a leader shaping the future of health care.

"What drives cancer initiation, evolution, and response to therapy?"

12:15 to 1:15 p.m. 

McKellar Room – University Community Centre (UCC) 2nd Floor 

Beyond the keynote, engage with cutting-edge research, connect with fellow learners and explore oral and poster presentations showcasing the latest discoveries in our health research community. 

Don’t wait—register now and be part of this exciting day of innovation. All taking place at Western’s University Community Centre (UCC). 

London Health Research Day is an annual research event featuring outstanding work from labs across Western’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, the Faculty of Health Sciences, Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's Health Care London and London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute.

Share your news with us!

We want to hear about your latest projects, grants, publications, awards and events!

Send news to lawsonresearch@sjhc.london.on.ca

Lawson Research Institute, the health innovation arm of St. Joseph's Health Care London, is committed to making discoveries that improves lives. Every day, Lawson scientists work to translate their ideas into innovations that improve patient care. Lawson LEADS health research. Find us online at sjhc.london.on.ca/research and on social media @stjosephslondon

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