UHN researchers are transforming care globally. Top
left: Fever-related admissions overwhelm a hospital in Jinja, Uganda, where UHN
research is making a difference. Top right: Drs. Kevin Kain and Quique Bassat
of the UHN team are advancing fever management. Bottom left: Health Director
Leroy Quoquat and Chief Clifford Bull improve hepatitis C care for Indigenous
communities. Bottom right: Dr. Gabriela Melo Ghisi with a student in the
Cardiac College program, promote accessible heart health worldwide.
By: Zoya Retiwalla
At the University Health Network (UHN), research is more than discovery—it's a mission to create A Healthier World. As Canada's #1 research hospital, UHN transforms impactful innovations into tangible health care solutions, ensuring they reach the people who need them most.
Guided by the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA), UHN is tackling the unique health challenges of underserved populations. By doing so, UHN is driving systemic change and promoting health equity both in Canada and globally.
Empowering underserved communities
UHN researchers are committed to accelerating solutions that directly benefit high-risk and underserved communities and overcome barriers to care. At the KITE Research Institute (KITE), teams are addressing gender-specific barriers in recovery from traumatic brain injuries. These insights are helping patients rebuild their sense of identity and reintegrate into their communities more smoothly.
Similarly, scientists at the Krembil Research Institute have conducted the first meta-analysis exploring how co-occurring personality disorders influence depression treatment outcomes. Their game-changing research highlights the urgent need for tailored interventions, and new clinical trials are already underway to explore innovative therapies.
Bridging gaps in chronic and cmplex care
UHN is driven to address disparities in treating chronic and complex conditions. The Institute for Education Research (TIER) is tackling gaps in diabetes care by creating culturally informed resources for Indigenous, Black, and South Asian Canadians. These efforts are designed to deliver equitable and effective care that reflects the unique challenges faced by these populations.
In cardiovascular health, researchers at KITE are focused on empowering women by designing rehabilitation programs that account for the social, cultural, and systemic barriers they encounter in preventing and managing heart disease. This approach ensures women receive care that addresses their specific needs.
In the realm of cancer treatment, UHN researchers from TIER and the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre are developing an ethical framework to expand access to CAR-T therapy. This life-saving cancer treatment is often inaccessible due to its high cost and limited availability, but UHN's framework prioritizes equity, ensuring that all patients—regardless of socioeconomic status—can benefit from this transformative innovation.
Global impact: Reaching the unreachable
UHN's commitment to equitable health care extends beyond Canada, addressing gaps in underserved communities worldwide. Researchers at the Toronto General Hospital Research Institute (TGHRI) are leading an international consortium to revolutionize fever management in sub-Saharan Africa. By introducing a simple finger-prick blood test, they aim to save lives in resource-limited settings where accurate and timely diagnosis can make all the difference.
Closer to home, TGHRI has also collaborated with Commercialization at UHN to develop Medly, a digital self-monitoring tool for heart failure patients. This innovation provides patients—especially those in remote areas—access to cutting-edge care, demonstrating how technology can bridge the gap between health care providers and hard-to-reach communities.
Building a healthier future
UHN is at the forefront of cutting-edge research, dedicated to ensuring equitable access to health care. By adhering to IDEA principles, UHN is not only closing care gaps but also paving the way for a future where everyone benefits from transformative health solutions. UHN's work, both in Canada and globally, showcases the power of research to create a healthier, more inclusive world.