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Advancing family medicine through research

Alumni panelists at this Breakthrough Breakfast event hosted by Dal's Faculty of Medicine discussed how innovative research drives equity and accessibility to advance family medicine.

±Ź“Ē²õ³Ł±š»å:ĢżJanuary 29, 2025

µž²ā:ĢżEmily Brown

A collage of portraits of the 4 panelists. (l-r) Drs. Ruth Lavergne, Emily Marshall, Kevin Pottie and Mathew Grandy.

The first installment of 2025ā€™s Breakthrough Breakfast Series was on January 28 at the historic Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21.Ā 

This inspiring morning event, hosted by Dr. David Anderson, Dean of Medicine, highlighted the critical role of research in addressing challenges and driving innovation in family medicine.

The session focused on pressing issues such as long wait times, the shortage of family doctors, administrative burdens, and the need for equitable access to primary care. Through dynamic presentations, esteemed researchers showcased how their groundbreaking work is improving healthcare for unattached patients, vulnerable populations, and the broader community.

Featured speakers

  • Dr. Ruth Lavergne (MScā€™09)
    An associate professor and Tier II Canada Research Chair in Primary Care, Dr. Lavergne delved into her work on disparities in access to care. Her research explores how policy reforms like virtual care and payment restructuring can create more equitable healthcare systems tailored to Canada's evolving population needs.
  • Dr. Emily Marshall (MScā€™00)
    A professor in Dalhousieā€™s Department of Family Medicine and director of BRIC-Nova Scotia, Dr. Marshall presented her findings on access, continuity, and comprehensiveness in primary healthcare. Her pan-Canadian studies emphasized improving outcomes for equity-deserving populations and optimizing healthcare delivery across all life stages.
  • Dr. Kevin Pottie (BScā€™87, MDā€™92)
    Distinguished professor and Research Chair in Family Medicine, Dr. Pottie shared insights into his transformative work on health equity and digital innovation. His systematic reviews and clinical guidelines are reshaping care for refugees, migrants, homeless individuals, and the elderly, particularly through 'deprescribing' initiatives.
  • Dr. Mathew Grandy (BScKā€™05, MDā€™09, PGMā€™12)
    Dr. Grandy highlighted advancements in improving physicians' workflows, reducing administrative burdens, and enhancing overall primary care accessibility and sustainability.
Watch the recording of the event!

A special thank you goes to our sponsors:

  • Gold Sponsor: Shannex
  • Bronze Sponsors: QEII Foundation, Lawton Drugs, and the New Brunswick Medical Society

The event left attendees inspired and hopeful about the future of family medicine as research continues to shape a more accessible and equitable healthcare system for all.

Stay tuned for the next session in the , which is featured around brain health on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.