BRIC NS Primary Care Research Day 2026

BRIC NS—a Canadian Institutes for Health Research funded network—together with Dalhousie University’s Department of Family Medicine, is pleased to host the 8th annual Primary Care Research Day on May 4, 2026, at the Dalhousie Student Union Building. This in-person conference will feature a full day of insightful discussions, research presentations, and meaningful opportunities to connect with colleagues across the primary care community.

This year’s theme, “From Clicks to Care: Strengthening the Digital Foundations of Primary Care,” will explore innovative approaches, challenges, and future directions for e-health systems in primary care.

Primary Care Research Day brings together primary care researchers, healthcare professionals, decision‑makers, students, and community partners from across the province and beyond. It’s a valuable opportunity to engage with leaders in the field, explore emerging research, and contribute to conversations shaping the future of primary care.

Mark your calendars and be part of this enriching experience!

Info: Brewing Ideas is an informal networking opportunity. Attendees will be encouraged to join a table and share questions and ideas with their peers on pressing topics in primary care!

Info: Opening ceremony  provided by Catherine Martin  (Director of Indigenous Community Engagement, Dalhousie University); welcome and introduction to the theme of the day provided by Dr. Emily Gard Marshall ( Professor, Department of Family Medicine,  Dalhousie University) ; and opening remarks provided by Dr. David Anderson (Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University).

Info: 'Opportunities for Practice-Based Research and Learning and Clinician Involvement in Research Using EMRs'

Speaker: Dr. Donna Manca (Professor & Director of Quality Improvement, Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta)

Info: 'Health System Optimization of EMRs and Opportunities to Address Administrative Burden and Support Clinicians'

Panelists: Dr. Donna Manca (Professor & Director of Quality Improvement, Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta), Ryan McNeil (Director of Digital Health, DHW), Dr. Ashley Miller (Chief Medical Information Officer NSH & IWK Health), Dr. Jonathan Fitzsimon (Family Physician, Medical Lead Renfrew County Integrated Virtual Care, Assistant Professor, University of Ottawa, Clinical Researcher)

Moderator: Dr. Mathew Grandy (Co-Director, BRIC NS)

Info: 'Patient and Community Access to Data and Indigenous Data Sovereignty'

Panelists: Dr. Barb Hamilton-Hinch (Assistant Vice Provost EDI, Dalhousie University & Lead Researcher, On These Shoulders Research Collaborative), Camryn Sock (Outreach Coordinator, Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq), Dr. Amy Grant (Director of Research, MSSU), Jenna Kedy (Patient Partner, BRIC NS Patient Advisory Council)

Moderator: Dr. Ruth Lavergne (Co-Director, BRIC NS)

Info: Informal networking reception

Info: Please note this agenda is tentative and subject to change.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Dalhousie Student Union, 6136 University Avenue, Halifax, Canada

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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