Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute

@ubcmedicine.bsky.social @vchhealthcare.bsky.social @ubcorthopaedics.bsky.social

Advanced surgical tissue flap monitoring for early intervention A new implantable tissue monitoring technology could be a gamechanger for complex head and neck reconstructive surgery, as well as other surgeries. Developed by Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) researchers Drs. Babak Shadgan and Donald Anderson, the microvascular free tissue transfer Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (FTT-NIRS) sensor system could reduce the number of revision surgeries needed for invasive skin flap transplants.

Developed by VCHRI researchers Drs. Babak Shadgan & Donald Anderson, a new implantable tissue monitoring technology is a game changer for head, neck & other reconstructive surgeries:

On Oct. 15, join Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia for a session with Dr. Daniel Evans on integrating genetics into routine family medicine practice: https://ow.ly/xHjv50X5ljK

Breaking the stigma: Gynecologic cancer survivor encouraging women to speak up Thousands of women in Canada are diagnosed with gynecologic cancers every year – but there’s still a lack of awareness. Cecilia Hua spoke with a cancer patient and a doctor about how women can take control of their own health.

To raise awareness about gynecologic cancers, VCHRI expert Dr. Jessica McAlpine spoke with CityNews Vancouver about empowering women to have proactive conversations with their doctors about their health: https://ow.ly/53Js50X5lfZ Gynecologic Cancer Initiative

#ParticipateInResearch to help investigators examine spontaneous craving in e-cigarette users: https://www.vchri.ca/research-study/investigating-spontaneous-craving-e-cigarette-users #YesToResearch #LendAHand Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH)

Explore the findings from an interdisciplinary collaboration to build a learning health system in Canada’s first publicly funded “dementia village” long-term care home. Join the Centre for Clinical Epidemiology & Evaluation on Oct. 20 for a session with Dr. Amy Salmon: https://ow.ly/7R8C50X5leQ

@gynecancerinitiative.ca
@ubcmedicine.bsky.social

AI in Gynecologic Cancer Research: Common Questions Answered (GCI x AI in Medicine FAQ Sessions) - Gynecologic Cancer Initiative April 20–26 is National Fertility Awareness Week– a nationwide movement dedicated to breaking the silence, raising awareness, and advocating for better fertility care across Canada. In honour of this week, we sat down with Nicole Keay, a long-time patient partner with the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative (GCI) and host of the GOSH Podcast. 

How does AI improve diagnosis? Can AI predict how a patient will respond to treatment? Gynecologic Cancer Initiative & Artificial Intelligence in Medicine Lab are exploring how AI can be used to advance gynecologic cancer research & clinical care:

👏 Congrats to Dr. Judy Illes on receiving the Canadian Science Policy Centre 2025 Trailblazer Award, recognizing her pioneering work & its profound impact on shaping the future of science, innovation & policy in Canada: https://ow.ly/ka3q50X5OB6 Neuroethics Canada @dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social

VCHRI researcher Dr. Roger Wong spoke with CTV News about the importance of exercise & cognitive stimulation in helping prevent neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia: https://ow.ly/1SYb50X2mS6 Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia CTV News Vancouver

Discover a new publication by VCHRI researcher Dr. Lillian Hung exploring virtual team-based care planning for older adults with dementia. @nurselillian.bsky.social

Thank you to @vghfdn.bsky.social, Richmond Hospital Foundation, Lions Gate Hospital Foundation, @providenceresearch.bsky.social, Organ Donation and Transplant Research Foundation, @healthresearchbc.bsky.social, VGH Nursing Alumnae Association, BC Nurses’ Union for supporting health research.

🙌 In 2024/2025, VCHRI & partners awarded over $1.8M in funding to more than 40 researchers & teams pushing the boundaries of health research in B.C. & beyond. Explore current opportunities & register today to secure funding for your research: www.vchri.ca/service... #DidYouKnow #AtAGlance

This National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, join us in a moment of reflection & action. Learn about the origins of #OrangeShirtDay & the story of Phyllis Webstad, whose experiences inspired the movement: https://ow.ly/J5O650X2mCB

Join us for Science, Stand-Up, & Song on Oct 16th @sbmeubc.bsky.social !🙌 This one-of-a-kind variety show includes expert stem cell scientists, amazing comedians, and music throughout! 👩‍🔬🎤🎵 🎟 bit.ly/sciencestanduptickets

@nikashakiba.bsky.social
@scienceinvancouver.com

About DCI - DCI - Dilawri Cardiovascular Institute

This #WorldHeartDay, learn how compassionate, world-class experts at the Dilawri Cardiovascular Institute are using cutting-edge technology & evidence-based research to advance heart health & change lives: https://ow.ly/9MJG50X2mLX #DCI

@womensresearch.bsky.social @drloribrotto.bsky.social

#ParticipateInResearch to help investigators refine a large language model-based chatbot to provide support to augment an existing acceptable, feasible & efficacious online treatment for sexual difficulties in women: www.vchri.ca/researc... #YesToResearch #LendAHand

@vchhealthcare.bsky.social @providencehealthcare.org @vghfdn.bsky.social @ubcmedicine.bsky.social @providenceresearch.bsky.social

Celebrate knowledge translation with us at the showcase on Oct. 1! Explore impactful projects implemented by Knowledge Translation Challenge teams at BC Cancer, Providence Health Care & Vancouver Coastal Health: www.vchri.ca/events/...

@vchhealthcare.bsky.social @ubcmedicine.bsky.social @dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social @jamanetworkopen.com

Early clues of MS found years before symptom onset A new study led by Dr. Helen Tremlett, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute researcher and professor in the UBC Faculty of Medicine, sheds light on the earliest stages of multiple sclerosis (MS). Published in JAMA Network Open and with funding from the National MS Society and MS Canada, the research team found that the disease process may begin up to 15 years before characteristic symptoms used to make a diagnosis appear. 

By analyzing 25 years of health care data from across B.C., a new study led by VCHRI investigator Dr. Helen Tremlett identified early signs of multiple sclerosis, paving the way for earlier diagnosis & more effective prevention strategies:

💡 Did you know many #RareDisease treatments start with drugs already on the market? Drs. Luke Chen and Mariam Goubran at @vchresearch.bsky.social are repurposing existing medications to bring new therapies to those with rare conditions.

Learn more about their program: https://bit.ly/4pObtTB

A gut reaction: The role of microbiome imbalance in kidney stones Kidney stone disease has been on the rise in Canada over the past 25 years and researchers believe that the gut microbiome is at least partly to blame. The condition affects between six to 12 per cent of Canadian adults, with around 50 per cent of these individuals experiencing recurrent kidney stones. 

A cutting-edge study led by VCHRI researcher Dr. Dirk Lange explores how kidney stone disease is linked to gut microbes & microbiome processes, shedding light on the origins of the recurrent kidney stones: www.vchri.ca/stories... @vchhealthcare.bsky.social @ubcmedicine.bsky.social

Lindsay Van der Meer, a Knowledge Translation 2023 recipient at BC Cancer, explored integrating hand grip strength measurement into nutrition assessment for adults with head & neck to improve care. #KnowledgeTranslation

Erin Starman, a Knowledge Translation Challenge 2025 recipient at @fraserhealth.ca, implemented FEED project to support families transitioning from hospital to home with hands-on demonstration & instructional videos on baby’s nutrition at home. #KnowledgeTranslation

Benita Le Morvan, a Knowledge Translation Challenge 2025 recipient at Northern Health, aims to better understand the facilitators, barriers & strategies for implementing person-centered long-term care. #KnowledgeTranslation

Chantelle Giesbrecht, a Knowledge Translation Challenge 2023 recipient at @vchhealthcare.bsky.social, piloted a new psychosocial rehab group to advance care for patients with schizophrenia-related disorders. #KnowledgeTranslation

Ashley Beaulieu, a Knowledge Translation Challenge 2018 recipient at @providencehealthcare.org, developed an online e-module to empower clinicians with knowledge to support patients’ rights under the Mental Health Act. #KnowledgeTranslation

#FundingOpportunity 💡 The Knowledge Translation Challenge — organized by VCHRI in partnership with BC Cancer, Fraser Health, Northern Health, Providence Health Care and Vancouver Coastal Health — supports clinician teams in moving evidence into practice. Register today: www.vchri.ca/service...