Urban & Community Health Pillar Newsletter
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Quarterly Pillar Meeting
We have our Quarterly Pillar Meeting coming up to discuss Pillar updates. It will be one hour over zoom. Join Tara Gomes after the meeting for some coffee and cookies at the LKS 136 Multipurpose Room from 2:00PM-2:15PM. It is a good opportunity to connect with other colleagues in the Pillar.
Date: November 27, 1:00PM - 2:15PM
Location: zoom + in person coffee LKS 136
Join the Zoom here.
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Welcome Anna Dare!
Dr. Anna Dare is a Gastrointestinal Surgical Oncologist and Surgeon-Scientist who recently joined St Michael’s Hospital and the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute. She also holds an appointment as Assistant Professor at IHPME (Clinical Epidemiology), Dalla Lana School of Public Health. Originally from Aotearoa New Zealand where she completed medical training, Dr Dare went on to do a PhD at the University of Cambridge, followed by general surgery residency at the University of Toronto, and surgical oncology fellowships at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre and the University of Toronto. Dr Dare has an academic background in epidemiology, health economics, and global health systems research. Her clinical, research, policy and advocacy work focus on understanding and addressing inequities in access to surgical and cancer care, within local and global populations. She is the Canadian Lead on the GlobalSurg3 prospective cohort study of cancer surgery access, quality and outcomes in 82 countries, and has served on several Lancet Commissions on Cancer, Surgery and Global Health Systems.
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Celebrating Our Successes | |
Dr. David Jenkins
Congratulations to Dr. David Jenkins from our Pillar who was one of 26 appointees to the Order of Ontario. The Order of Ontario recognizes exceptional leaders from all walks of life and diverse fields whose impact and lasting legacy have played an important role in building a stronger province, country and world. Read more here.
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Dr. Korryn Bodner
Dr. Korryn Bodner, Research Associate at MAP, was invited by the WHO to present her work at the WHO R&D on Improving Vaccine Effectiveness Studies: A vital step before the next pandemic (who.int), on September 14, 2023. Dr. Bodner is using simulation modeling of SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics to examine systematic biases and solutions to measuring vaccine effectiveness with observational study designs during evolving outbreaks. At the R&D meeting, Dr. Bodner discussed and shared her work on the challenging issue of collider bias.
Read more here.
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Meet Dr. Mikaela D. Gabriel!
"But I like to go by Dr. Mikki Mouse 😊"
When did you first start at Unity Health Toronto? "March of 2023! I’m a fairly recent hire, and my first few months at Unity have flown by in a wonderful flurry of exploring my role, making connections, and planning ahead for research."
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Briefly tell us about your research and research program: "Clinical and research work looks at different domains of Indigenous health, and that covers a lot of broad areas – but health needs to be holistic for it to be complete and accessible for many Indigenous Peoples and nations that live in Tkaronto. My research focuses on Indigenous housing loss and housing insecurity, and the impact that has on mental health, but also employment and education, and how cultural and community connection can offer crucial supports for healing and stability. My work also looks at not only research, but how these findings can be implemented into service delivery and policy change to make long-lasting improvements for Indigenous wellbeing. That’s a lot of ground to cover, but there’s a lot of ground that needs to be covered. I’m a very hard worker – and my plan is to work very hard to help my people feel safe and be healthy." | |
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What has surprised you most about Unity Health Toronto since you started? What are you most excited to see in the future for Unity Health Toronto? "Unity has only brought delightful surprises. It was a treat to find out how warm, welcoming, and encouraging everyone was. From students to more senior researchers whom I’ve looked up to, everyone went out of their way to make me feel connected, welcome, and see how we could help each other to help others. It’s a beautiful environment. As for the future, I think I’m excited to see the continuous support for Indigenous initiatives and care for Indigenous patients and families come further into fruition. I’m looking forward to working hard to help build stronger community connections, strengthen patient relationships, and listen to community voices to direct and support health outcomes."
If someone was going to read just one of your papers, which would you suggest?
"Just one?! Oh, gosh. Hmm. I can’t pick just one! How about two?
Our Home Is Native Land: Teachings, Perspectives, and Experiences of Indigenous Houselessness.
Sacred Women, Laws Profane: The Missing Justice for Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls," it gives what I hope to be a personal and political perspective on so much senseless loss and vacant laws that persist in our communities. You can find it here (scroll to page 11)"
In all my works, I try to have a strong narrative element – a voice, a story, that helps to unify what we’re seeing, to humanize and understand academia into broader domains. I’m really just a storyteller who found her way into research, but when there’s so many stories to be told, well – I fit right in."
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What new direction in your field most excites you?
"Oh, lots. The rise of more Indigenous minds coming to the table, guiding future health and education. The promotion of our cultures as something celebrated, beautiful, and necessary for our wellbeing. The inclusion of land-based activities in healing, education, teaching, and knowledge sharing. I just attended the Indigenizing Health Symposium 2023: Nations Gathering on the Land by the Waakebiness Institute for Indigenous Health, and it was held entirely on the land, featuring keynotes from top Indigenous researchers as well as Elders and knowledge keepers. It was a beautiful experience where our learning had space to breathe – something that can’t always happen in a regular classroom."
What was the most meaningful career advice that you have received?
"I’m certain I’ve missed the prose in how she articulated it, but I remember Dr. Suzanne L Stewart, my mentor, saying, “Keep ceremony at the heart of everything you do.” It always reminds me to balance my perspective, remember what’s most important, focus on healing, and ensure I’m bringing good energy and great love to my work – and for those I serve."
If you could have any superpower, which one would you have and why? "Flying, of course! In all of my happiest dreams, I’m flying. Then I can finally make the Quidditch team."
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Get to Know the Pillar Scientific Directors
To celebrate research month and build stronger cohesion within the Research Institute, we're thrilled to present our Scientific Directors of our research pillars.
What to Expect:
- Highlighting pillar advancements
- Engage in dialogue in our open Q&A session
- Enjoy a free lunch
Drop in for our Pillar Scientific Directors - Lunch & Learn session for Scientists, Investigators and Trainees!
Date: November 16 12-1pm
Location: In-person LKS 211
Lunch is provided, be sure to register here by November 9th.
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Centering Patient and Community Partners on your Research Teams using EDI Principles
The Patient and Community Engagement in Research Committee (PCERC) is hosting an event to bring to life the Transform level of the PCERC Resource Guide, focusing on transforming our understanding and practices of PCE guided by EDI principles/values to make a more meaningful impact.
Please join us for this hybrid event where lunch will be provided to in-person attendees!
Date: November 24, 12:00PM - 1:30PM
Location: via zoom and in person LKS 216
Find more information and the zoom link here.
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Causal Inference and Data Science for Improved Policy Workshop
The Data Sciences Institute is hosting a two-day workshop focused on addressing the gap between cutting-edge econometric tools and relevant economic questions addressing societies’ most pressing concerns. The workshop seeks to establish research collaboration between data scientists, experts and applied researchers.
Date: November 10-11
Location: In-person
Data Sciences Institute
10th floor Seminar room, 700
University Ave, Toronto
Register and learn here.
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CIHR Team Grant: Embracing Diversity to Achieve Precision & Health Equity
This funding opportunity emphasizes health equity and inclusion of a diversity of populations who have historically experienced inequitable health outcomes in Canada. This opportunity is composed of two types of grants: Research Teams (RT) Grants; and Knowledge Mobilization Hub (KMH) Supplement.
Find more information here.
Webinar: CIHR will be hosting webinar(s) to support participants with the requirements of this funding opportunity and to answer questions. Webinar links will become active at the time the webinar is scheduled.
Value: LOI Stage: $20,000 Engagement Grant; Full Application: $400,000 per year for up to 5 years for RT, and $150,000 per year for up to 5 years for KMH.
Deadlines:
Letter of Intent: February 1, 2024.
Full Application: October 22, 2024.
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CFI Innovation Fund
A formal call has yet to be announced for the CFI Fund, however, this is a great opportunity for Scientists to start thinking, talking and planning for future infrastructure proposals. If there are any upcoming infrastructure needs, please reach out to Tara Gomes to help connect you with the relevant timelines.
Approximate deadlines:
CFI NOI expected deadline: Oct 2024
CFI Full Application expected deadline: Feb 2025
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DSI Postdoctoral Fellowship
The DSI Postdoctoral Fellowships are designed to support multi/interdisciplinary training and collaborative research in data sciences that include faculty from the University of Toronto and partner institutes. To be considered for the Fellowship, applicants must pursue a research project that has a data sciences focus, through the development of novel methodology or the innovative application of existing approaches. Find more information here.
Value & Duration: CDN $60,000 for one year, plus benefits and a $1500 stipend to assist fellows with presenting their work at scientific meetings or to participate in workshops or courses.
Deadlines:
Applicant Deadline: January 12, 2024
Supervisor Deadline: January 19, 2024
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Opportunities and Resources | |
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Data Science & Machine Learning Software Certificates now offered by the Data Sciences Institute
DSI’s new Data Science Certificate and Machine Learning Software Foundations Certificate offer flexible upskilling opportunities. These continuing studies certificates are designed for mid-career professionals with work experience. The certificates include job-ready skills sessions and networking opportunities with potential employers. Offered online, part-time over 16-weeks, at a cost of $425.
For more information and to apply, visit here.
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PI application for Summer Student Support Due December 8 - Collaboration with RASI
The Research Institute initiated a competition to support and subsidize ten Black, Indigenous or Racialized students to work with our researchers. Research Application Support Initiative (RASI) provides support to undergraduate students from underrepresented communities in obtaining summer research positions. The Research Institute will choose ten researchers to be paired with ten RASI students for 2024. The ten students will participate in a 12 week (minimum) full-time paid position on the researcher’s team. Please complete this survey by Friday December 8th to indicate your interest in having a subsidized RASI undergraduate summer student for summer 2024. If you have any questions about the program, please email [email protected]
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Getting Started in Research & Innovation:
Research Services Guide for New Researchers and Research Staff
The Research Services Guide is created by the Office of the Vice President Research & Innovation (OVPRI) for newly appointed researchers and research staff to help them get oriented to research administration resources and support services. It is designed to complement the general onboarding processes managed by Human Resources and your home department. This Guide provides a concise snapshot of all research related resources with links to more detailed information available on our Research website or UnityNet portal.
DiscoverResearch - Online Tool
DSI directly supports over 245 researchers and trainees, many now discoverable on DiscoverResearch – U of T’s online tool to highlight celebrate and promote all of our research experts to help spark discovery, connection and collaboration. It is an excellent way to search for and learn about data science research expertise. The tool, is open to U of T faculty members and affiliate scientists, is an excellent way for researchers to highlight their data science research expertise and affiliation with the Data Sciences Institute. Learn more here.
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Urban and Community Health Trainees
We've made a short form to create a list of trainees in the Pillar who may be interested in updates, networking, and skill-building. We want to improve our Pillar by creating a stronger sense of belonging, so please share this with your trainees to help them connect!
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How to Design Your Research Project & Prepare for Your First Committee Meeting
Join the RTC for an interactive discussion with Dr. Katalin Szaszi on the practical aspects of research project design and program advisory committee (PAC) meetings. This event is open to all trainees at any stage of their research career. Coffee and cookies will be provided. Register in advance here.
November 15, 2023 | 1:00 - 2.30 PM
In-person only: LKSKI Rm 240
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Scientists and Investigators within the Pillar continue to be incredibly productive! Below is a selection of a few publications that have been released in recent months.
Di Carlo, C., Mighton, C., Clausen, M. et al. Parents’ attitudes towards research involving genome sequencing of their healthy children: a qualitative study. Eur J Hum Genet (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41431-023-01476-9
Matheson, F. I., McLuhan, A., Croxford, R., Hahmann, T., Ferguson, M., & Mejia-Lancheros, C. (2023). Health status and health-care utilization among men recently released from a superjail: a matched prospective cohort study. International journal of prisoner health, ahead-of-print(ahead-of-print), 10.1108/IJPH-01-2023-0004. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPH-01-2023-0004
Karamouzian, M., Rafat, B., Kolla, G., Urbanoski, K., Atkinson, K., Bardwell, G., Bonn, M., Touesnard, N., Henderson, N., Bowles, J., Boyd, J., Brunelle, C., Eeuwes, J., Fikowski, J., Gomes, T., Guta, A., Hyshka, E., Ivsins, A., Kennedy, M. C., Laurence, G., … Werb, D. (2023). Challenges of implementing safer supply programs in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative analysis. The International journal on drug policy, 120, 104157. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104157
Adus, S., Macklin, J., & Pinto, A. (2023). Exploring patient perspectives on how they can and should be engaged in the development of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in health care. BMC health services research, 23(1), 1163. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-023-10098-2
Hardy, B. J., Filipenko, S., Smylie, D., Ziegler, C., & Smylie, J. (2023). Systematic review of Indigenous cultural safety training interventions for healthcare professionals in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States. BMJ open, 13(10), e073320. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073320
Costiniuk, C. T., Singer, J., Lee, T., Galipeau, Y., McCluskie, P. S., Arnold, C., Langlois, M. A., Needham, J., Jenabian, M. A., Burchell, A. N., Samji, H., Chambers, C., Walmsley, S., Ostrowski, M., Kovacs, C., Tan, D. H. S., Harris, M., Hull, M., Brumme, Z. L., Lapointe, H. R., … COVAXHIV Study Group (2023). Antibody neutralization capacity after coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination in people with HIV in Canada. AIDS (London, England), 37(12), F25–F35. https://doi.org/10.1097/QAD.0000000000003680
Doshi, S., Shin, S., Lapointe-Shaw, L., Fowler, R. A., Fralick, M., Kwan, J. L., Shojania, K. G., Tang, T., Razak, F., & Verma, A. A. (2023). Temporal Clustering of Critical Illness Events on Medical Wards. JAMA internal medicine, 183(9), 924–932. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2023.2629
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If you would like to be featured or share content in the newsletter, please contact [email protected] | | | | | |
