Meet Helen — A digital health researcher who balances her busy career with a love of the arts and animals.
Q: What is your role in health research?
A: I am an associate lead of the Digital Emergency Medicine Unit (DigEm) in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of British Columbia (UBC), helmed by VCHRI researcher Dr. Kendall Ho. In this role, I lead a team conducting research and evaluation in digital health, virtual care and patient and public engagement across various health contexts, from acute care to community settings.
My work spans DigEM’s diverse portfolios and projects, which brings variety to my day-to-day activities. I often find myself working on grant proposals, conducting focus groups over Zoom, mentoring staff as they write publications or collaborating with project partners and co-investigators.
Q: What is your research area of interest?
A: My research focuses on participatory approaches to research and evaluation, social accountability in education and leveraging digital health tools to build health care capacity. With a background in educational psychology, I’ve been particularly drawn to exploring how perspective-taking and empathy can foster effective collaboration and team-based practice.
Q: What is the best part about your research job?
A: I get to collaborate with brilliant colleagues from interdisciplinary and diverse backgrounds who bring fascinating ideas and perspectives to our integrated programs and projects. I also appreciate that my role is ever-evolving, presenting new challenges that allow me to flex my creative muscle regularly.
Q: What is one of the biggest accomplishments of your career so far?
A: One of my proudest moments was defending my PhD dissertation, surrounded by all of my colleagues. Their support alleviated my anxiety and gave me confidence to succeed. I am so privileged to be part of such a kind and thoughtful team that genuinely cares about one another.
Q: What do you do for fun in your spare time?
A: My favourite way to spend time outside of work is at the local equestrian barn, where my daughter trains five days a week. Being in the presence of horses is incredibly calming, and it is wonderful to connect and communicate with them.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go and why?
A: I’d visit the Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge in Chase, B.C. to spend time with the animals and meet Shirley and Rob, the founders of the refuge. They do amazing work providing a safe home for neglected, abused or unwanted donkeys. As an animal lover, I believe strongly in supporting organizations like theirs.
Q: What is one thing we might be surprised to learn about you?
A: I was the lead singer in a punk band in Saskatoon in the 1980s, called Helen Bach and the Hurricanes!
Q: What would you do if you were not in health research?
A: I love writing poetry, songs and comedy. In another life, I might have pursued a career as a comedy writer.
Q: What piece of advice would you give your younger self?
A: Don’t worry so much and try to live in the moment. Oh, and definitely learn to drive a stick shift!
