We have just concluded “Women’s Health Research Month” and I want to thank all of our members and staff who enthusiastically participated in our annual symposium, @WomensResearch Wellness Exchange, media highlights, or attended the BC Women’s Health Foundation Illuminations  Luncheon to raise funds for the WHRI’s research awards. It has been wonderful to extend our focus on women’s health research beyond March 8 into an entire month!

I also want to congratulate and recognize the trailblazing work of WHRI member and UBC Faculty member, Dr. Wendy Norman, who has tirelessly led a team of researchers in partnership with BC Women’s Hospital to advocate for and achieve universal FREE contraception for BC residents, which started April 1! This momentous feat is a victory not only for the team and the residents of BC who may now be able to overcome financial barriers in obtaining contraception, this is also a victory for science. When a research idea travels the many hurdles and twists in the road to reach the finish line of a significant change in health policy or practice, it is an opportunity for all of us to be inspired to continue on our own path. Read more about the media coverage of Dr. Norman’s research in this e-blast.

Finally, and on the note of policy and practice change, I want to encourage all of our members to complete our annual metrics survey. The survey allows us to profile your academic and knowledge translation (policy, practice) impacts over the last year. Completing the survey also provides us with a better understanding of our membership areas of interest and membership needs. The survey takes no more than 5 minutes of your time.

Happy Spring to each of you,

Lori Brotto, PhD, R Psych

Executive Director | Women's Health Research Institute
Professor | Department of OBGYN, UBC
Canada Research Chair | Women's Sexual Health

International Women's Day

This year, the WHRI partnered with the Women's Health Research Cluster and the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative to celebrate International Women's Day on March 8th. We curated podcast episodes aligned with the theme of #EmbracingEquity and interviewed Dr. Maya Gislason who discussed how equity is incorporated into her research.

The Women's Health Research Symposium

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March 8th also marked the eighth annual Women's Health Research Symposium, which was co-hosted by the BC Mental Health and Substance Use Research Institute. The theme, "Advancing Women's Mental Health Through Research", inspired all of the presentations, many of which were co-led alongside patient partners. Principles of working towards equitable, compassionate, and gender-inclusive approaches to women’s mental health research rang loud and clear throughout the day.

Women's Health Research Month

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In March 2023, our philanthropic partners, the BC Women’s Health Foundation (BCWHF), announced the inaugural Women’s Health Research Month. Over the course of the month, Cally Wesson, BCHWF CEO, and Dr. Lori Brotto, WHRI Executive Director, had opportunities to speak about the importance of funding women’s health research.

"Making the Invisible, Visible"

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The month culminated with the Illuminations Luncheon, which featured a keynote by the Honorable Jody Wilson-Reybould, a Research Spotlight, and a Panel Discussion. Our sincere thanks to the BC Women's Health Foundation who raised $363,000 during the month of March to fund research awards. 

Wishing Dr. Karin Humphries a Happy Retirement

Last week, CHEOS announced the upcoming retirement of Dr. Karin Humphries. Dr Humphries has been a champion of closing the sex and gender gap in heart health care. We wish Dr. Humphries all the best in her retirement.

Welcome, Sara

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Introducing Sara Derikvand, Research Project Manager at the Women's Health Research Institute.

Sara joined UBC in 2009 as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, and later worked as a Research Associate until 2016. She gained valuable experience and knowledge from working on various projects and learning from experts in her field.

In 2017, Sara transitioned to clinical research, becoming a Senior Research Coordinator at the St. Paul's Sinus Center. Managing various clinical trials and working with a diverse team of experts, she discovered her passion for advancing patient care, particularly in women's and children's health. Sara realized that research is not just about discovering new knowledge but also about transforming that knowledge into tangible outcomes that benefit patients and their families.

As a Research Project Manager at the Women's Health Research Institute, Sara remains dedicated to advancing patient care. The research program at BC Women’s Hospital’s Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (OBGYN) and the wider Oak Street Campus is under Sara's responsibility. She oversees and manages research projects, ensuring they are conducted efficiently and effectively while meeting regulatory requirements. Sara works closely with researchers, partners and collaborators to align projects with organizational goals, manage budgets, timelines, and resources. Sara is committed to fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation, believing that working together can lead to more significant outcomes and a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families. She strives to create opportunities for researchers to share knowledge and experiences, collaborate on projects, and access the resources they need to be successful. Additionally, Sara is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in research to ensure equal opportunities for all to contribute and benefit from research.

When not working, Sara enjoys exploring nature with her family and chasing after her son in the park.

Connect with Sara at sara.derikvand@cw.bc.ca 

WHRI Lunch & Learn

BC Women's Research Rounds

Save-the-Date for our next BC Women's Research Rounds on Friday April 21st at 8:00 am. Dr. Whitney Wood will be presenting, "'Choice' in Childbirth in Mid-Twentieth Century Canada".

Learning Objectives:

1. Provide an overview of the history of childbirth and obstetric practice in mid-twentieth century Canada
2. Learn about the historical roots of ongoing health equity issues and gaps in care as they relate to maternal health and obstetric services
3. Explore the limits of "choice" in childbirth from a reproductive justice perspective, as shaped by factors including gender, race, class, and location
   

Zoom details below or select the "add to calendar" button to save these into your calendar.

https://phsa.zoom.us/j/69384121933?pwd=eERJK1FrdTJYbEx1NzFrQStHbCt2UT09          

Meeting ID: 693 8412 1933
Password: 581699