Collaboration: the catalyst for our research advances and exemplary patient care

At a time when divisiveness stands in the way of progress in so many parts of the world, I am immensely proud that Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) chooses a better way.  Our Institute and our people put collaboration and cooperation at the core of what we do. And this teamwork approach pays off. We’re seeing tremendously accelerated research progress as our researchers pool their individual talents into larger group collaborations. Our research staff also partner collaboratively with patients in innovative ways to form meaningful relationships and provide better patient care.

Teamwork helps us push the boundaries of possibility in scientific research—and it is paying off.

Very few of our researchers work in isolation. They understand the inherent advantages of diverse perspectives and backgrounds, and are keen to learn from and help each other achieve the very best results for our patients. We see multiple lab teams—from different disciplines—sharing cutting-edge technology to enhance expertise without compromising on standards and results. Two heads are always better than one.

I see examples of this spirit of cooperation an ongoing basis throughout VCHRI. From surgeons working with engineers to develop new medical tools; to prostate cancer researchers collaborating with both industry and patient partners to move laboratory discoveries into more effective treatments; to heart and lung experts adapting new technology to improve the quality of health care delivery. This constant cross-fertilization of ideas and approaches leads to new discoveries every day. And the team-based approach is having a positive impact on our patients’ quality of life.

We highlight examples of this impact on patients in our monthly In It Together patient-engagement newsletter. At VCHRI, we recognize that we are all ‘in it together’ to find better treatments and breakthroughs; our patients and research participants regularly report that they feel respected and heard. By collaborating with our patients, we are making them partners in research that informs the care they receive. We are also making connections that can encourage others to participate in research studies and clinical trials. As such, working collaboratively not only strengthens our teams, it supports our work.
 
Thank you for your daily efforts in making our workplace a cooperative, welcoming and engaging place for all of our VCHRI team members and patients. I wish you all a restful, well-deserved holiday break with your loved ones, family and friends and an exciting and collaborative year ahead.