Faculty of Health Sciences brings together health-care organizations and social service agencies for research dialogue

Health-care organizations, social service agencies and service providers across Southern Ontario are hoping they’ve laid the groundwork for a regional health research consortium after gathering for a research retreat at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT). Approximately 70 representatives from more than 20 regional organizations discussed opportunities for research and collaborative partner engagement during the event hosted by UOIT’s Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS).

“We are very excited to host this event to bring collaborators from across the continuum of care to dialogue on important issues facing the community, recognizing that close links with our partners are necessary to successfully address key research questions,” said Dr. Ellen Vogel, dean, FHS. 

“It is very exciting to see our partners in the same room for the first time, engaged in a common goal to conduct meaningful research,” said Dr. Otto Sanchez, director, Research and Partnerships, FHS. “We are looking forward to helping coordinate collaborative research projects that have emerged from this retreat.”

The retreat was facilitated by Dr. Gina Browne, founder and director of the Health and Social Service Utilization Research Unit funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Dr. Browne is a professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.

Prior to the retreat, the FHS Office of Research and Partnerships met with Lakeridge Health, the Region of Durham’s Health Department, Grandview Children’s Centre, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, and the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College to explore common research themes. The organizations were asked to present issues and challenges their organizations face. During the session called Generating Ideas for Research Synergy, a dialogue began to spark further collaborations including the development of research proposals, funding avenues and identification of next steps, which could include another forum in early 2013.