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Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute — Leading innovative research with health impact in Canada. vchri.ca
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Behind the lab doors: Accelerating discoveries in precision medicine at the Advanced Genomics & Computational Science Core
Behind the lab doors: Accelerating discoveries in precision medicine at the Advanced Genomics & Computational Science Core
Located within the M. H. Mohseni Institute of Urologic Sciences, the Advanced Genomics & Computational Science Core is on a mission to support Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) researchers in developing new and innovative treatments. Led by Dr. Colin Collins and managed by Dr.
Early detection of lung attacks in COPD
Early detection of lung attacks in COPD
A new risk prediction tool could help reduce the burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on patients and health care systems. The PRECISE-X model tested by lead researcher and Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute scientist Dr. Mohsen Sadatsafavi identified a series of patient characteristics linked to severe exacerbations of COPD following diagnosis.
People in profile: Alvin Kimbowa
People in profile: Alvin Kimbowa
Q: What is your role in health research? A: I am a graduate student in the Ultrasound Technology and AI for Healthcare Laboratory, where I study how artificial intelligence (AI) can support knee osteoarthritis assessment using point-of-care ultrasound devices. My goal is to develop objective tools for community-based screening, detection and monitoring of knee osteoarthritis, particularly for high-risk groups such as athletes with knee injuries, First Nations communities or older adults.
Uncovering the silent threat of liver disease in Greater Vancouver
Uncovering the silent threat of liver disease in Greater Vancouver
A recent study led by Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) researcher Dr. Daljeet Chahal, and supported by VCHRI researchers Drs. Peter Kwan and Eric Yoshida, has unveiled that a significant portion of the Greater Vancouver population is living with undiagnosed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).
Harnessing AI to improve ovarian cancer outcomes
Harnessing AI to improve ovarian cancer outcomes
VCHRI and UBC researchers are part of an international team awarded $2 million to study how artificial intelligence (AI) can improve prediction of ovarian cancer survival, guide treatment selection, and ultimately lead to better patient outcomes. Over the last decade, new treatments have been introduced for high-grade serous ovarian cancer — the most common form of ovarian cancer. However, five-year survival rates remain low, with 70 per cent of patients experiencing relapse.
Home blood pressure monitoring to curb uncontrolled hypertension
Home blood pressure monitoring to curb uncontrolled hypertension
High blood pressure is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality around the world, and affects one in five Canadians. With rates of hypertension on the rise in B.C., research led by experts at the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) has identified the benefits of a novel home blood pressure telemonitoring (HBPT) intervention to prevent hypertension from worsening and help people with the condition take control of their health.
Smart wearables for faster cardiac arrest emergency response
Smart wearables for faster cardiac arrest emergency response
A pioneering study led by Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) researcher Dr. Calvin Kuo and Dr. Mahsa Khalili has demonstrated that consumer wearable technology may hold the key to transforming how out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCAs) are detected, potentially saving countless lives.
Machine learning for handheld cardiac ultrasounds
Machine learning for handheld cardiac ultrasounds
Researchers have confirmed that artificial intelligence (AI) software has the potential to enhance heart failure diagnostics. The study, led by Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute researcher Dr. Christina Luong, shows that the machine learning tool could be safely used to improve the timeliness of heart failure diagnosis and treatment.
Increasing survival from high-risk heart attacks with EARLY SHOCK
Increasing survival from high-risk heart attacks with EARLY SHOCK
A new early warning system could make significant headway in the prevention of cardiogenic shock, a heart condition with an approximate 50 per cent chance of survival. A study led by Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute researcher Dr. Christopher Fordyce introduced the EARLY SHOCK risk scoring algorithm, a novel approach to detect the signs and symptoms of cardiogenic shock.
Early intervention with cryoablation for better heart outcomes
Early intervention with cryoablation for better heart outcomes
Better long-term outcomes for people in need of treatment for atrial fibrillation may start with a cardiac procedure called cryoballoon ablation (cryoablation), according to a study led by Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute researcher Dr. Jason Andrade.
Ask an expert: How does high-intensity exercise affect my heart?
Ask an expert: How does high-intensity exercise affect my heart?
While regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to make the heart stronger and more efficient, pushing the body past its limits can place unique demands on the cardiovascular system. For athletes and highly active individuals, especially those over 35 years of age or with underlying heart conditions, sustaining a healthy and challenging exercise routine for years to come requires understanding how to manage risk.
People in profile: Adam Sunavsky
People in profile: Adam Sunavsky
Q: What is your role in health research?
Ask an expert: How can I prevent slips and falls during icy winter months?
Ask an expert: How can I prevent slips and falls during icy winter months?
Winter conditions can increase the risk of falls, especially for older adults and individuals with mobility conditions, particularly from snow, ice and reduced daylight. Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute researcher Dr. Jennifer Davis shares practical strategies for staying safe and confident during the winter months.
Dr. Stirling Bryan appointed Interim Executive Director, VCHRI & Associate Dean, Research, VCHRI, UBC Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Stirling Bryan appointed Interim Executive Director, VCHRI & Associate Dean, Research, VCHRI, UBC Faculty of Medicine
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Stirling Bryan as Interim Executive Director, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) and Associate Dean Research, Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia (UBC), effective February 1, 2026.
Canadian surgical innovation cuts ovarian cancer risk by nearly 80 per cent
Canadian surgical innovation cuts ovarian cancer risk by nearly 80 per cent
A prevention strategy developed by B.C. researchers reduces the risk of the most common and deadly form of ovarian cancer by nearly 80 per cent, according to a new study published today in JAMA Network Open.
Ask an expert: How do I prevent ovarian cancer?
Ask an expert: How do I prevent ovarian cancer?
Each year, about 3,000 people in Canada are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. With symptoms that are vague and easily mistaken for less serious health issues, it can be difficult to detect in its early stages. As a result, many people receive their diagnosis when the disease is already advanced.
Ask an expert: What should I know about kidney stones?
Ask an expert: What should I know about kidney stones?
Every year, more than half a million people visit the emergency department for treatment of kidney stones. These tiny clusters are formed because of the crystallization of components of the urine and can sometimes lead to great pain for those who develop them. Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute urinary health expert Dr.
Ask an expert: How can I better understand my asthma?
Ask an expert: How can I better understand my asthma?
Asthma is the third most common chronic disease in Canada, affecting nearly 4.6 million people. Common symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing and wheezing can range from mild to severe. While there is currently no cure for this inflammatory airway disease, effective treatment can help people with asthma lead full and active lives.
Ask an expert: How can I tell if I have sleep apnea?
Ask an expert: How can I tell if I have sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common condition in which breathing repeatedly stops or becomes shallow during sleep, leading to poor rest and excessive fatigue. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which affects an estimated one billion people worldwide. It occurs when the upper airway becomes blocked, often accompanied by snoring.
Ask an expert: How can I build a balanced approach to healthy eating?
Ask an expert: How can I build a balanced approach to healthy eating?
We know that a nutritious diet plays a key role in good health, but eating well is about more than just meeting physical needs. Healthy eating is a deeply personal journey that supports emotional well-being, strengthens social connections and empowers thriving communities.
Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute
Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute
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