The University of New Brunswick's (UNB) Saint John campus was abuzz with activity as it hosted the second annual Integrated Health Initiative Research Symposium on April 4 and 5. The event highlighted the inspiring research being conducted by UNB students who are poised to be future health leaders and reformers.
The symposium, offered through the continued support of AstraZeneca Canada Inc., began with a series of graduate student presentations that showcased diverse and innovative research topics, including the effects of internet gaming disorder, the inclusion of happiness and wellbeing in education and how dieticians can help address food insecurity.
Research innovation and healthcare reform efforts were the focus at the Integrated Health Initiative's recent health-research symposium.
The honours research presentations continued to impress, with topics ranging from targeting the Hippo Pathway in multiple myeloma to exploring public coverage for outpatient drugs in the treatment of ductal carcinoma across Canada.
Another highlight of the weekend was a keynote address by New Brunswick Health Minister, Hon. Dr. John Dornan (MBA'16).
Dr. Dornan highlighted the shift towards collaborative practice models to address the shortage of healthcare providers in the province. He explained that integrating various healthcare professionals, such as social workers, nurse practitioners and pharmacists, into teams can significantly increase patient capacity.
"We don't have enough physician positions for solo practices for every person, but we do have enough people that can see more patients if they practice collaboratively," he said.
This approach aims to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery by leveraging the diverse skills of different professionals and their scope of practice.
"We are committed to improving access to healthcare... bringing on more clinics and ensuring every person in the province has a primary care provider," Dr. Dornan explained.
Dr. Dornan encouraged students to take advantage of opportunities and to be innovative in their approach to healthcare.
"There are real opportunities for graduating students to work in government and public health sectors where they can contribute to policymaking. It's important to prepare for these roles."
Saturday's sessions focused on transformations and innovations in health, with presentations addressing issues such as improving barriers to endometriosis diagnosis, enhancing youth mental health and addressing overcrowding in New Brunswick emergency departments.
The symposium also featured a career connections breakfast, providing an opportunity for over 70 students to network with mentors who discussed various careers in health.
Research and practicum poster presentations demonstrated the breadth of research being conducted at UNB. Topics included the impact of psychological flexibility on cannabis use behaviors, the role of emotion and anxiety in susceptibility to misinformation and bridging health gaps for newcomer communities.
The event concluded with honours research presentations, awards and a panel discussion on paths and possibilities in healthcare moderated by Winter Allen.
UNB's Integrated Health Initiative Research Symposium not only showcased the innovative research being conducted by its students but also underscored their potential to drive meaningful healthcare reform in New Brunswick.
As Dr. Dornan aptly put it, "As healthcare students, you are part of the group that generates questions, answers them and applies those answers in our community."
Award winners
Graduate student research award
- Exploring the Collaborative Care Experiences of New Brunswick Dietitians Supporting Food Insecure Individuals and Families - Jayda Veinot
Student poster presentation award
- Health Knowledge Translation: From Academia to Application Bridge the Gap, Be the Change - Nick Connor
Honours research awards
- Targeting the Hippo Pathway in Multiple Myeloma: Enhancing TAZ Expression to Improve Therapeutic Outcomes - Anthonia Umejei
- No Prescription, No Problem: The Impact of Prescription-Free Access to Naloxone on Opioid-Related Deaths in the United States - Aaliyah Hogan
- Exploring Case Management for Children and Youth with Complex Care Needs: A Needs Assessment - Matthew Harquail
Transformations and innovations in health awards
- Improving Barriers to Endometriosis Diagnosis, Management, and Quality of Life for Women in New Brunswick - Zoe Gauthier, Hanna Mills, Maggie McGarity, Rebecca Reid and Sena Bronnum
- Enhancing Childhood Nutrition: A Public Health Initiative for School-aged Children in New Brunswick - Nana Afriyie, Brittany Copeland, Raphael Esedebe, Ana Jreige and Alec Hocquard.
