ORIHI Research Symposium

Celebrate Research Week (CRW) 2025 brings together researchers, institutions, health organizations, and innovation hubs to make research more visible, valued, and impactful. Through a coordinated series of events and activities held across the country from November 17–21, 2025, CRW highlights how research drives knowledge, informs policy, and supports everyday wellbeing.

As part of CRW 2025, the Osler Research Institute for Health Innovation (ORIHI) invites you to its inaugural ORIHI Research Symposium. This multidisciplinary event showcases cutting-edge research across healthcare and community sectors, emphasizing the importance of sharing knowledge to amplify impact, foster collaboration, and drive innovation.

Info: Presenters: Tiziana Rivera, Executive Vice-President Quality, Research and Chief Nursing Executive, William Osler Health System; Dr. Veronique Boscart, Chief Scientific Officer, Osler Research Institute for Health Innovation

Info: Rebecca Finlay leads the Partnership on AI (PAI), a global non-profit that brings together over 100 partners across 17 countries to ensure that developments in artificial intelligence advance positive outcomes for people and society. With a career at the intersection of technology and society, Rebecca has held leadership roles in civil society, research organizations and industry. Before joining PAI, she founded the AI and Society program at the Canadian Institute For Advanced Research, one of the first international, multistakeholder initiatives focused on the societal impacts of AI.

Info: Clinical excellence with community impact
Presenter: Dr. Shy Amlani, Physician Lead of Cardiovascular Research, William Osler Health System

Dr. Shy Amlani, an interventional cardiologist and physician lead of cardiovascular research at Osler, will discuss how advances in cardiovascular care intersect with population health. Drawing on his extensive clinical, research and academic experience, Dr. Amlani will highlight how innovations in acute heart attack treatment, minimally invasive catheterization and equitable access to care can be scaled to improve outcomes across diverse communities. He will also explore emerging research, novel therapies and evolving models of care that inform both clinical practice and public health policy.

Info: From feedback to framework: Developing a community-guided diabetes education program for Black adults in Peel
Presenters: Julianah Oguntala, Morgan Martin, Kisanet Kebedom (University of Toronto); Joie Shaw (Canadian Black Registered Dietitians Association); Chenai Kadungure (Black Physicians’ Association of Ontario); Dr. Maryam Taghavi (Sunnybrook Research Institute); Dr. Mireille Norris (University of Toronto); Dr. Camille Clarke (Toronto Metropolitan University)

Black communities in Peel region face a disproportionate burden of type 2 diabetes, yet culturally tailored education programs remain limited. This study developed and refined CHOICES Diabetes, a free, community-based online program grounded in culturally relevant, community-engaged practices. Enhancements include nutrition education, interactive cooking demonstrations and personalized goal-setting. The program presents a scalable model for equitable chronic disease education and improved health outcomes.

Info: Cardiovascular disease and culturally adapted self-management education and support in Peel region
Presenters: Amrit Thandi (Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto); Joyeuse Senga (Toronto General Hospital Research Institute); Tharsan Kanagalingam(Toronto General Hospital Research Institute); Sebrin Sharif, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University; Prathiga Suthanthirarajan, David Campbell (Department of Medicine, University of Calgary); Kelly Smith (Michael Garron Hospital-Toronto East Health Network); Lorraine Lipscombe (Women’s College Research Institute, Women’s College Hospital); Raj Pannu (Emergence Creative); Calvin Ke (Toronto General Hospital Research Institute)

An interdisciplinary community-engaged adaptation of cardiovascular disease self-management programs for Punjabi, Tamil and Black/African/Caribbean communities. The project demonstrates robust collaboration and strong support for culturally adapted prevention strategies.

Info: Equity in cancer care: Lessons from external quality assessment (EQA) biomarker proficiency testing
Presenter: Dr. Brandon Sheffield, Advanced Diagnostics, William Osler Health System

This presentation will highlight findings from the latest Canadian Pathology Quality Assurance report on EQA for biomarker proficiency testing. Dr. Sheffield will discuss the implications of these findings for health system performance, access to equitable cancer diagnostics and the delivery of personalized cancer care across Canada.

Info:
Presenters: Elizabeth M. Wooster (Toronto Metropolitan University and McMaster University); Teresa M. Chan (Toronto Metropolitan University and William Osler Health System)

This presentation explores the essential leadership capabilities required for contemporary health care leaders and examines the factors that support and accelerate their leadership development in today’s complex health systems.

Info: Piloting the health for all partnership (HAP): A nursing student-led clinic for underserved clients
Presenters: Heidi Siu, RN, BScN, MScN, PhD, Humber Polytechnic; Kelly Gray, RN, BScN, MScN, PhD(c), Humber Polytechnic; Susan Ferri, RN, BScN, Humber Polytechnic; Tracy Docheff, Mennonite New Life Centre of Toronto
This community-academic collaboration explores an innovative nursing student-led, faculty supervised clinic to provide equitable care for underserved clients. Findings demonstrate the potential for nursing education to reimagine and shape health services delivery in ways that directly addresses local community needs and enhances health equity.

Info: Presenters: Carmela Rapino, BHSc (Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen’s University, School of Medicine, Toronto Metropolitan University); Emma Nagy, MSc, PhD (South East Health Unit, Kingston); Sahar Saeed, MSc, PhD (Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen’s University); Beatriz Alvarado, MD, MSc, PhD (Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen’s University); Nicole Szumlanski, MNSc, RN (South East Health Unit, Kingston); Miriam Kamotho, BScN, RN (South East Health Unit, Kingston); T, Hugh Guan, MD, FRCPC, (South East Health Unit and Department of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases, Queen’s University); Jorge Martinez-Cajas, MD, FRCPC (Department of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases, Queen’s University)
Using the RE-AIM framework, this study evaluates a novel HIV prevention service model in rural and suburban regions. The program increases access to PrEP through local public health delivery, offering scalable solutions to address gaps

Info: Advancing personalized cancer care through genomics and immunotherapy
Presenter: Dr. Parneet Cheema, William Osler Health System and University of Toronto

As Medical Director of Cancer Care and Head of Cancer Research at Osler, Dr. Parneet Cheema is a leader in precision oncology. Her work focuses on integrating genomic testing and immunotherapy into cancer care, to ensure patients gain access to the latest treatments through global clinical trials. Dr. Cheema founded the Osler cancer immunotherapy program. Dr. Cheema’s talk will highlight how personalized approaches are transforming cancer outcomes and advancing equity in access to innovative therapies.

Info: This paired talk brings together innovators and clinicians working at the intersection of wearable devices, patient care and health equity. Presenters will share cutting-edge developments in sensor technology as well as ethical perspectives on privacy, autonomy, and the integration of devices into clinical care.

Info: Advancing Wearable Technology: High-Sensitivity, Humidity-Resistant Temperature Sensors via Inkjet-Printed PEDOT:PSS on Fabric
Presenters: Milad Ghalamboran; Judith Castillo-Rodriguez; Camille Anne Javonillo; Sina Tahbaz; Parnian Majd (Fibra Inc.); Bryan Koivisto (Toronto Metropolitan University); Gerd Grau (York University)
This project presents the development of fabric-integrated temperature sensors designed for wearable applications. By combining affordability, conductivity and biocompatibility, these sensors demonstrate enhanced humidity resistance and sensitivity, showing promise for future health-focused smart textiles.

Info: Presenters: Michelle Fornasier; Carlee Seiler; Téa Christopoulos; Megan Bailey; Dylan McKibbon; Marco Tang (William Osler Health System)
Drawing on a narrative ethics approach, this work examines how wearable medical devices—from glucose monitors to seizure detectors—impact patient autonomy and privacy. The analysis highlights the importance of informed consent, privacy protections and ethical considerations as wearable and digital health technologies become central to patient care.

Info: Psychological wellbeing and physical symptoms in anorexia cachexia syndrome (ACS)
Presenters: Miran Master (McMaster University); Dr. Martin Chasen (William Osler Health System)

This study investigates the interplay between psychological wellbeing and the physical symptoms of ACS in patients with advanced cancer, emphasizing the need for personalized health approaches. Using validated tools such as the hospital anxiety and depression scale, the patient-generated subjective global assessment and clinical measures including BMI, CRP and resting pulse rate, the research explores how individual experiences of psychological distress can intensify or lessen the severity of ACS. By integrating psychological and nutritional care tailored to each patient’s unique needs, this work underscores the value of holistic, personalized health strategies in oncology practice.

Info: Presenters: Saba Shariati (University of Toronto); Jason Nie (Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners); Terence Tang (Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners)

Explores the lived experiences of young adults managing type 2 diabetes, identifying both barriers and enablers to effective self-care. Findings highlight opportunities for tailored interventions, provider support and health system changes to improve outcomes for young people living with diabetes.

Info: Differential effects of alcohol by sex in steatotic liver disease: A time-varying survival analysis of the Canadian longitudinal study on aging
Presenters: Carmela Rapino, BHSc (Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen’s University, School of Medicine, Toronto Metropolitan University); Jessica Burnside, MSc (Department of Public Health Sciences and School of Medicine, Queen's University); Cindy Wen, BMSc, PhDc (Department of Public Health Sciences and School of Medicine, Queen's University); Giada Sebastiani, MD (Department of Medicine, McGill University); Sahar Saeed, MSc, PhD (Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen’s University)

Examines sex-based differences in alcohol-related mortality risk among patients with steatotic liver disease.

Info: Presenters: Daniel Dabir (Toronto Metropolitan University); Paula Chidwick (William Osler Health System); Angela Petropanagos ((William Osler Health System)

Race correction—the practice of incorporating racial or ethnic inputs into clinical algorithms—remains common in health care despite mounting evidence questioning its scientific validity and ethical basis. This project aims to list, describe and contextualize race corrections identified in the literature.

Info: Presenters: Alysha Roberts (Dalhousie University); Michael Butler (Toronto Metropolitan University and William Osler Health System); Mary-Lynn Watson (Dalhousie University and Nova Scotia Health Authority)

This study reviews outcomes associated with delays in diagnostic ultrasound for ectopic pregnancy in a tertiary ED.

Info: Fitting a square peg in a round hole: Ethics-proofing community-based research into a hospital system
Presenter: Paola Cubillos, MD (Colombia), MHSc Bioethics (C)

Explores the challenges of embedding community-based participatory research within hospital research ethics processes. It highlights tensions and proposes practical solutions to bridge community priorities with institutional standards.

Info: Presenters: Arany Sivasubramaniam, Cathleen Blanchard, Shalini Pattabiraman, Yasir Khalid, Chidinma Uzoh (William Osler Health System)

Examines health justice–focused staff education through Osler’s iHuddle program. The curriculum integrates anti-racism and cultural safety principles, offering early insights into workforce transformation.

Info: Presenter: Veena Rani (William Osler Health System, Paediatric Nursing)

Examines South Asian immigrant parents’ views on their children’s mental health and access to culturally sensitive care.

Info: Presenters: Jill Oliver, Paula Chidwick, Henry Siu, Shuaib Hafid, Dawn Elston, Theresa Nitti (William Osler Health System; McMaster University)

The PoET project is an initiative involving 54 long-term care (LTC) homes across Ontario. It seeks to reduce transfers from LTC to hospitals by strengthening decision-making processes and ensuring care is consistent with residents’ wishes and the Health Care Consent Act. The project’s implementation has led to a documented reduction in unnecessary hospital transfers.

Info: Presenters: Vishva Shah (University of Toronto), Joyeuse Senga (University Health Network), Catherine Yu (University of Toronto), Ian Zenlea (Trillium Health Partners), Terence Tang (Trillium Health Partners), Cheryl Barnet (Trillium Health Partners), Savita Bajja (LAMP Community Health Centre), Jing Yi Xie (McMaster University), Jennifer Xiao (University Health Network), Calvin Ke (University Health Network)

Explores the lived experiences of young adults managing Type 2 Diabetes, identifying both barriers and enablers to effective self-care. Findings highlight opportunities for tailored interventions, provider support, and health system changes to improve outcomes for young people living with diabetes.

Event Venue

Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness, 20 Lynch Street, Brampton, Canada

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

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