Two MAP scientists were appointed Canada Research Chairs earlier today, in an announcement made by Science and Sport Minister Kirsty Duncan at the University of Victoria.
Drs. Patricia O’Campo and Nav Persaud are joining eight other current Canada Research Chair holders at St. Michael’s Hospital. Learn more about their work below.
Dr. Patricia O’Campo
Canada Research Chair in Population Health Intervention Research
While we tend to think of health policies as responsible for keeping people healthy, social and economic policies are larger determinants of health than the health-care system.
Dr. Pat O’Campo, interim executive director of the Li Ka Shing Research Institute and a MAP scientist, is leading research into the advancement of population health interventions by evaluating current practices, and informing the design of health and social protection programs and policies to reduce urban health inequities.
Dr. O’Campo said she’s elated to receive this Tier 1 Canada Research Chair appointment, and excited about the ways in which it will allow her to focus her research and collaborate with others moving forward.
“Receiving this chair means we can develop new partnerships with organizations working on tough urban health challenges that impact health, and create new opportunities for training in this relatively new area of research,” said Dr. O’Campo. “It’s a real honour to be recognized for your body of research, but also to be recognized for your proposed program of research for the next seven years.”
Dr. Nav Persaud
Canada Research Chair in Health Justice
Wealthy people tend to live longer and healthier lives than those who are disadvantaged.
MAP scientist Dr. Nav Persaud is studying initiatives aimed at narrowing the gap between the highest and lowest wealth brackets. In particular, he’s examining the effects of providing individuals experiencing poverty with tangible goods to improve their health, such as essential medicines and healthy foods.
Dr. Persaud said he’s looking forward to continuing his work with the support of St. Michael’s Hospital and the Canada Research Chairs Program.
“I’m delighted and grateful to be appointed a CRC,” said Dr. Persaud. “It can be difficult to secure funding, and with this appointment, I look forward to five years of support to continue studying ways to address serious global health inequalities.”