Q&A with Kelli Stajduhar - Special Advisor Health Research

VPRI: What excites you most about your new role as Special Advisor Health Research? Do you have specific goals you’d like to achieve during your two-year term? 

What excites me most about my new role as Special Advisor for Health Research is the opportunity to work at the intersection of cutting-edge research and real-world health solutions. Half of my career I spent working within the health system — directly with patients, family members, health care providers, leaders and decision makers. I’ve experienced, first-hand, what research and evidence integration means. I am particularly passionate about the role that universities and researchers can play in helping to inform the “real world” of health care practice, policy and health system decision making.

At the same time, I have never been under the impression that research alone is what drives decisions in health care, but I do believe in the potential power of research to help inform decisions in the complex milieu that is the health care system. If I can achieve anything in this role, I hope that it is a greater appreciation of the need to bring university researchers, health system decision makers and clinicians, and community based organizations together around a shared vision for what health, health care, and health research could look like - to capitalize on the opportunities and strengths that can be brought to bear on some of the most challenging health and social issues in our society

VPRI: Leading the implementation of UVic’s strategic health vision will be part of your new role. What opportunities do you see for UVic and people at UVic? 

I hope I’m not the only one leading UVic’s strategic health vision! But I think we are at a point at UVic, with the development of the Faculty of Health, and the development of several strategic health research initiatives, that we need to be bold in asserting and communicating some of the amazing health research that is already going on around campus. From vaccine development to understanding the human genome, to biomechanical innovations, to behavioural medicine, public health and social innovations, we are making a difference to the everyday lives of people in our communities and beyond.

We all have a job to do in lifting up each other’s work and to — perhaps — being a little less shy about sharing our own accomplishments.

VPRI: How has your previous experience prepared you for this new chapter? 

Having been a nurse for nearly 40 years, and working at the intersection of health systems, clinical decision making and health research for much of my career means I’m pretty pragmatically oriented toward real-world impact. I find myself always asking the question: How can my research findings improve outcomes for patients, families, the community and society?

I also think that research impact must be variously defined. Not all health research has immediate impact — most doesn’t.  Research impact, in my view, is a series of small discoveries that move us closer to a wanted outcome, whether that is at the bench or in the lab, in the clinic, or in a more informed decision or policy.

I’ve learned over the years to be patient, to value the wisdom I bring from years of working in health care, and to be open to those ideas, theories and solutions that are different from what I might know.

VPRI: From your perspective as Special Advisor Health Research, what makes the UVic research community unique? Do you have advice for new researchers? 

The health research community at UVic stands out because of its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and a holistic approach to health. Being in a mid-sized university has its challenges but I think it also means we can be nimble, responsive to emerging issues in health and foster a collaborative spirit that is not just limited to academia but extends to partnerships with healthcare providers, community organizations, industry and other partners. Our strong focus on, and commitment to, community-engaged research and Indigenous health and wellness also adds a unique dimension to our research community.

My advice to new researchers: Stay curious, embrace collaboration, always look for opportunities to learn, and find good mentors who lift you up and have your back.