The Team

Leslie Meredith

Research Project Manager

Biography: Leslie completed an MEd at the University of Ottawa and has been working at the Centre for Studies in Family Medicine for over 20 yrs. She has had the lead staff role on national, provincial and regional research projects. She is currently working with Dr. Mathews on a variety of research projects focused on health services in primary care.

Dana Ryan

Research Associate

Biography: Dana Ryan is Master’s trained with approximately 15 years of experience working in an academic research capacity. She currently works as a Research Associate with the Department of Family Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University and with the Faculty of Nursing at Memorial University. She has research expertise in mixed methods studies and has contributed to a number of projects involving physician retention, the development of competencies for registered nurses in primary care, post-graduate medical education, patient access to health care services, pandemic planning for primary care, the impact of funding models on nursing roles, and the development of a national post-licensure education program for nurses in primary care. Outside of research, she enjoys reading, travelling, hiking, and spending time with her pets.

Samina Idrees

Research Assistant

Biography: Samina completed her MSc in Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Western University in 2023. She is currently assisting with multiple research projects led by Dr. Mathews.

Gillian Young

PhD student

Biography: Gillian completed her Bachelor's degree in the Arts and Science program at McMaster University and her MSc in Epidemiology at Western University. She is now in her first year of her PhD in Epidemiology at Western University under the supervision of Dr. Maria Mathews. Her master's thesis was titled "An evaluation of the physician retention program in Newfoundland and Labrador". Her research interests include program evaluation, health services, and health policy. Gillian's doctoral thesis will focus on an economic evaluation of the Primary Care Diabetes Support Program at St. Joseph's Health Care in London, Ontario. Outside of research Gillian enjoys swimming, playing the cello, and spending time outdoors.

Rhiannon Lyons

MSc student

Biography: Rhiannon completed her BSc(Hons) in Animal Biology at the University of Guelph and is now pursuing her MSc in Epidemiology and Biostatistics under the supervision of Dr. Maria Mathews. Rhiannon’s research interests lie in healthcare policy and planning, health equity, rural health, and chronic disease. Her thesis research investigates unattached patients (those lacking a regular primary care provider) at the Primary Care Diabetes Support Program at St. Joseph’s Health Care in London, Ontario. On top of thesis work, she is also involved in various projects in Dr. Mathews’ research group as a research assistant. Outside of research, she enjoys curling, film photography, and staying active.