Research Stories
We’re talking to researchers, health care workers, and people like you to find out more about how research works in our province and why it’s so important. Watch some of their stories below or sign up for our newsletter to learn more about how you can help shape Alberta’s medical future.
Karen Hamilton
“There are no real limits anymore.”
Through a clinical trial studying ex-vivo organ perfusion, cystic fibrosis patient Karen Hamilton received new lungs that previously would have been considered too damaged for the procedure. Karen took part in the trial hoping that her efforts would one day help future cystic fibrosis patients.
Jillian Karst
“Everything you do… is helping the next person.”
Jillian Karth is a young girl who was diagnosed with psoriasis. Through a clinical trial run in Alberta, she is now psoriasis-free. Her mom Shirley sees how health research positively affects not just Jillian, but anyone else who might have the condition.
Brad Weskett | Greg Smith
“If we don’t have research, we’re not going to make any advancements.”
Brad Weskett and Greg Smith are both patients of Dr. Farnaz Amoozegar at the Calgary Headache Assessment & Management Program (CHAMP) in Alberta. They’ve both participated in clinical trials, and they both believe health research is important.
Shanine Lafreniere
“The value of clinical research is in front of us every day.”
Shanine’s daughter was diagnosed with biliary atresia as a newborn and needed a liver transplant at 9 months old. After the successful transplant, Shanine believes in giving back to studies and research to help promote new clinical advances.
Breean Haslam
“You’re the reason we can do research.”
Breean has done research since she was in nursing school. She enjoys helping patients not just right now, but in years or generations to come—and she loves encouraging patients to do the same through research.
Dina Kao
“To conduct research, we need patient participation.”
Dina Kao is a gastroenterologist who found herself studying Clostridium difficile infection. She believes that while Alberta is ideally suited for health research, we need patient involvement more than anything.
Maia Stock
“I was stuck in bed, and now I can actually have a life.”
When she developed POTS at age 14, Maia Stock went from having an activity-full life to being bedridden all day, every day. Since then, she’s participated in clinical trials that have helped advance how POTS is understood and treated.
Thomas Peacocke
“The kind of care we have is the result of having a society that cared enough.”
Thomas was hesitant to undergo a new procedure to replace a heart valve, but the non-invasive nature of the study treatment made him an ideal candidate. Thanks to this research, he now feels better than ever.
Laura Saunders
“As a parent of two very young children… my voice matters.”
Laura took part in a study to improve communication between physicians, pediatric patients, and patients’ families. The study showed her how important her input is in guiding health care for her children and herself.
Kerry Eliott
“There might be a cure out there around the corner.”
A Type 1 diabetic since he was 15, Kerry Eliott is passionate about diabetes research. He participated in a clinical study with Dr. James Shapiro for a potentially life-changing diabetes treatment involving insulin-producing stem cells.
Anne Babineau
“Alberta has tremendous capacity for research.”
Anne Babineau has always been curious about new developments and treatments in health research, especially those that can help people live longer, healthier, more productive lives.
Gail Mackean
“Your experience… is a unique experience.”
Gail’s son Sam was born with a number of complex medical issues. As a result, Gail got involved in health research to help design services that would meet the needs of kids and families.
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