Research Areas

Aiming to promote healthy fetal and newborn development

Our research goal is to investigate the conditions leading to normal and abnormal fetal and newborn development. We also develop and evaluate diagnostic tests and treatments used in the management of fetal, newborn and maternal health. We seek to understand, identify, prevent and treat conditions that cause congenital malformations (whether genetic or arising from a prenatal event), premature labour, low birth weight and newborn infections. Moreover, we also strive to understand the long-term impact of a poor in utero environment on health outcomes across the life course. We have state-of-the-art research labs and recognized experts in study techniques related to fetal and maternal health.

Faculty

Dr. Harrison Banner
Dr. Barbra de Vrijer
Dr. Genevieve Eastabrook
Dr. Daniel Hardy
Dr. Janine Hutson
Dr. Timothy Regnault

Aiming to assist women experiencing problems with fertility

Our research goal is to help couples having difficulty starting a family by assisting them and their partners. We collaborate with basic research scientists on projects dedicated to advancing knowledge in assisted reproduction. Our core laboratory facilities are leading edge. Our researchers investigate the three key phases of assisted reproduction: (1) gametogenesis, the maturation and maintenance of healthy female eggs and male sperm, (2) fertilization, the processes involved in the interaction between eggs and sperm leading to pregnancy, and (3) early pregnancy development, the conditions necessary to sustain life in the first few weeks after fertilization.

Faculty

Dr. Basim Abu Rafea
Dr. Angelos Vilos

Cross-appointed

Dr. Dean Betts 

Aiming to improve female pelvic health related to:

Our research goal is to alleviate the great discomfort experienced by the one out of three women in Canada who have pelvic floor and other benign gynaecologic disorders. Our clinicians treat patients suffering from urinary and fecal incontinence, lower urinary tract and genital disorders including pelvic organ prolapse. Our research increases our understanding of pelvic floor anatomy and determines the best types of treatment using novel technologies, which are less invasive than traditional techniques.

Faculty 

Dr. Queena Chou
Dr. Yvonne Leong

Aiming to prevent cancers of the cervix, ovaries endometrium and vulva, facilitating early detection and to achieve the best possible treatment outcomes.

Our research goal is to develop the most cost-effective approaches to screening, diagnosing and treating the four major gynaecological cancers; ovarian, endometrial, cervical, and vulva. We evaluate the relative merits of current screening and treatment options, improve current treatments and develop new ones, pioneer the use of new technologies in both screening and treatment and improve cancer survivorship and end of life care. Our research is used to set provincial guidelines for care and the practice standards doctors across Canada use every day. We have created a gynaecological disease site team which brings together all the medical and other allied health specialties to support a patient through the spectrum of care-prevention, screening, treatment, survivorship and end of life. This patient focused approach ensures that patients receive timely and integrated compassionate care.

Faculty

Dr. Ji-Hyun Jang
Dr. Jacob McGee
Dr. Trevor Shepherd

Every patient’s journey through obstetrics and gynecology is unique, from the choices they make about family planning to the quality of care they receive during procedures. In a field where individualized, culturally safe care is paramount, advancing our understanding of how best to meet the diverse needs of our patients is critical.

Our generalists in obstetrics and gynecology are leading research programs that are committed to improving patient outcomes through evidence-based exploration of a wide range of clinical practices. This includes optimizing family planning and contraceptive options to better align with patients' needs and values, as well as advancing quality improvement initiatives such as reducing surgical site infections and enhancing procedural safety. Equally important is our focus on creating an inclusive environment where care is tailored to be culturally safe and responsive, ensuring that every patient feels heard and respected throughout their experience.

Faculty 

Dr. Harrison Banner
Dr. Stephanie Black
Dr. Barbra de Vrijer
Dr. Genevieve Eastabrook
Dr. Carol King
Dr. Tamara Kuzma
Dr. Jeff Nisker
Dr. Debbie Penava
Dr. Taryn Taylor

Health care Team Performance and Simulation Research 

In the fast-paced, high-stakes world of obstetrics, split-second decisions and seamless teamwork are essential to positive outcomes for both the mother and the infant. Yet, understanding and improving the intricate dynamics of health-care teams under pressure remains a critical challenge. This program of research focuses on advancing health-care team performance and patient outcomes in obstetrics through innovative applications of simulation-based education and qualitative research. This work leverages simulation in novel ways to investigate complex questions about team dynamics, communication and clinical decision-making that are otherwise challenging to study in real-world settings. 

By using simulation as both a training platform and a research tool, the program examines how health-care teams interact under pressure and identifies opportunities for improving collaboration and performance. These insights are being translated into practices that enhance teamwork and care delivery in obstetrics. 

Faculty 

Dr. Taryn Taylor