Grant: CIHR New Investigator

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), also known as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, is the third leading cause of death worldwide. In Canada, it affects an estimated one in four adults aged 35 and older and is the most common cause of chronic disease hospital admission and readmission. My goal is to improve the health of the substantial number of Canadians affected by COPD and reduce its burden on our health care system. I am an internationally known health services researcher and a practicing respirologist who has published high impact studies in the world's most prestigious peer review medical journals. I have received close to 17 million dollars in peer-reviewed funding as principal and co-investigator. I will conduct my research using unique population data sources-including clinical databases and electronic medical records-and innovative techniques to examine the real world experiences of people with COPD. My success will be assured through excellent mentorship, an outstanding research environment and by working with an engaged network of clinicians, decision makers and stakeholders to ensure my results are immediately relevant and applied in improving clinical care and developing health policy. Over the next five years, the following four objectives will drive my research and knowledge translation agenda: 1. Create new knowledge that improves clinical care and policy for people with COPD, 2. Identify and fill gaps in quality, evidence-based COPD care, 3. Ensure my research results are translated into improvements in COPD clinical care and policy and ultimately contribute to improved health and a strengthened health care system, and 4. Train and mentor the next generation of respiratory disease researchers and knowledge translation specialists. Achieving my objectives will lead to substantial and sustainable improvements in care for Canadians with COPD, improving their health and reducing strain on our already overburdened health care system.