from the October 18, 2010 issue of Connect

A Global Education

Dr. Vincent Mor

As technology brings the world closer together, researchers across the globe are asking many of the same questions when it comes to research and health care: How can health policy and health research at the national and international levels contribute to better health-care systems? How can we better understand the health-care needs of women across their lifespan? What are the effects of seasonal flu on health-care outcomes for people in long-term care facilities?

At the Women’s College Research Institute (WCRI), we understand the importance of collaborating with researchers from different countries to find the answers. That’s why we’re inviting professors from around the world to come to Toronto and work with our scientists and trainees.

“Having professors visit WCRI is incredibly important,” explains Dr. Paula Rochon, vice-president of research. “Not only does it provide opportunities for our researchers to interact and have conversations they wouldn’t otherwise have, it allows us to share ideas and learn how similar problems are tackled in different settings around the world.”

While WCRI has often hosted professors for events in the past, the opportunity to have professors visit for a longer period is unique. “This allows them to work on more meaningful research,” explains Dr. Rochon. “In September, we hosted Dr. Vince Mor, who was with us for six weeks.”

During his visit, Dr. Mor, professor and former chair of the department of community health at Brown University, worked with Dr. Andrea Gruneir and other scientists at WCRI to characterize the use of emergency departments (EDs) by older people in Ontario. They compared how often EDs were used for flu-like illness and exacerbation of cardio-pulmonary conditions by people residing in nursing homes versus those living in the community.

“I've had the pleasure of attending weekly rounds at the hospital and got great feedback on my own research presentations both at Women's College Hospital and at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES),” says Dr. Mor. “It has been a very fulfilling experience.”

Opportunities like this take several years to set up, and are often the result of previous relationships and networking. But Dr. Rochon believes that they are well worth the wait.

“We’re creating national and international networks and making incredible researchers, like Dr. Mor, accessible to our scientists,” Dr. Rochon adds. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to build global relationships and create opportunities for collaboration around the world.”

WCRI will soon welcome visiting professors from Finland and Australia.

For more information about Women’s College Research Institute, click here.