Two IHPME Faculty Elected Fellows of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences

Two IHPME faculty members have been named Fellows of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS), one of the highest honours in the field of health sciences.

By: Marielle Boutin

Dr. Walter Wodchis, Professor at IHPME and Senior Scientist and Trillium Health Partners Research Chair in Implementation and Evaluation Science at the Institute for Better Health (IBH), and Dr. Jennifer Stinson, Professor at IHPME, Mary Jo Haddad Nursing Chair in Child Health, Senior Scientist in Child Health Evaluative Sciences, and Nurse Practitioner in the Chronic Pain Program at The Hospital for Sick Children, are recognized for their significant contributions to the field of health sciences through research, policy evaluation, and practice.  

Fellows are appointed from diverse disciplines and are brought together to evaluate and develop sustainable solutions for the nation’s most pressing health challenges.

Dr. Wodchis’ appointment is a result of his critical work on financial incentives and their impact on health outcomes, particularly among high-cost users with complex needs, which has led to a better understanding of spending at the patient level. A leader in health systems research, Dr. Wodchis’ work with the IBH has also contributed to the advancement of integrated care. 

Dr. Wodchis’ career has been punctuated by many triumphs. In 2021, he received the 2021 Barer-Flood Prize in Health Services and Policy Research, recognizing excellence in health services and policy research. From 2013-2018, he co-led an international research team in co-funded by CIHR and the New Zealand Health Research Council. He has co-led several international comparative studies throughout his career. 

Dr. Stinson’s work in improving health outcomes for children with chronic and life-threatening conditions is renowned and her research in addressing symptoms related to disease, focusing on pain management and solutions for transitional care have contributed to her reputation as a leader in her field.  

Dr. Stinson’s various research projects, including “iCanCope with Pain,” “The Power Over Pain (PoP),” and “Teens Taking Charge” have propelled the fields of e-health and m-health technologies forward. Throughout her career, she has been given numerous awards, including the Peter Lougheed CIHR New Investigator Award, and the inaugural Mary Jo Haddad Nursing Chair in Child Health. 

She recalls several defining moments in her career that have shaped her passion in health science research. As a PhD trainee and member of the Canadian Arthritis and Pain in Child Health CIHR-funded research networks, she discovered the importance of co-leading projects with people with live experiences. Becoming the first nurse clinician scientist at SickKids thrust her research forward, allowing her to apply her findings to meaningful clinical care.  

Holding true to the CAHS’ mission of promoting better healthcare and policy improvement, Dr. Wodchis is enthusiastic about the potential for increased recognition and opportunities for collaboration that will come with being a CAHS Fellow.  

“The Academy itself will often call on members to help with white papers, research reports, or advice that they are asked to give from the federal government or possibly provinces. This is more national, so it might open some more opportunities to provide advice at that level of national health policy debates and discussions,” says Dr. Wodchis.  

Dr. Stinson is honoured to have been nominated and selected as one of the Fellows of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences and looks forward to the opportunity to contribute to the wellbeing of Canadians and work towards evidence-based healthcare decisions through collaboration. 

“As a Canadian I have always been passionate about contributing to the health of our society and use of the best evidence to make informed decisions about our health care, especially for my two daughters and grandsons,” says Dr. Stinson. “Professionally, I am excited to be part of Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, with its diverse range of scientists to work together to tackle some of the most pressing complex healthcare issues so that I can continue to contribute to the promotion of health and well-being of my fellow Canadians.” 

Dr. Wodchis is now looking ahead to driving the alignment of primary care with other parts of the healthcare system through team-based care and integrated funding models. 

“We have too many separate streams of funding, separate streams of accountability, and very little capability of collaborating across the health system,” says Dr. Wodchis. “Better payment alignment is key. Changing the system to create more funding for collaboration and more integrated funding models will create a platform to better address population health and high-cost users in the healthcare system.”  

Meanwhile, Dr. Stinson is emboldened by the connections she will make among her fellow health scientists in the academy to tackle some of the most critical systemic health issues. According to her, there is an urgent need for careful management of AI and precision healthcare to avoid health disparities, maintain privacy, and develop systems that are inclusive, particularly within pediatric care and marginalized communities. 

“I am particularly interested in ensuring that we incorporate inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility principles into all facets of our health research including policy making,” says Dr. Stinson. “To improve health sciences in Canada, I am particularly passionate about training the next generation of child health clinician scientists in Canada and ensuring we develop the best policies to promote the health and well-being of Canadians.” 

Dr. Wodchis underscores the importance of a supportive academic environment in achieving this recognition, crediting the support he has received from his peers.  

“Being supported by my peers to put forward new grants, learn how to interact with policymakers, communicate research, and build relationships and partnerships has been a huge accelerant and an incredible source of energy and productivity in my research career, and I’d like to credit them for that,” says Dr. Wodchis. 

As she steps into her new role, Dr. Stinson is committed to championing patient engagement and patient-oriented research to shape the future of healthcare. 

“Our goal should be to ensure that every individual’s voice is heard and that their needs are centrally positioned within our research and policy-making efforts,” says Dr. Stinson. “By doing so, we can drive meaningful advancements in healthcare that benefit everyone, creating a system that is more inclusive, equitable, and effective for all Canadians.”