Connecting innovators: The launch of Clinical Council

Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Clinical Council Clinicians Panel

The Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology (CBB) launched its latest initiative aimed at connecting researchers and clinicians to develop innovative solutions to health care challenges.

Originating from a recognized need from both researchers and local health care professionals, the Clinical Council builds a collaborative community driven by the insights of clinicians as they engage with health technology innovators and facilitate broader connections within the health care community.

The earlier you can connect researchers with health care professionals who are experiencing the problems we know exist in health care on a day-to-day basis, the better the researchers are going to be able to align and target their work to address those real needs in a way that is going to be meaningful for clinicians.

Jennifer Howcroft, Clinical Council co-founder and Operations Committee member

Dr. Kevin Samson, Dr. Tejal Patel and Dr. Doug Dittmer

The six clinicians on the council all provide different areas of expertise but they do have a few things in common - experience working in innovative spaces and a desire to make connections with researchers.

Family physician, and Clinical Council member, Dr. Kevin Samson said, “I very much look forward to collaborating with talented, forward-thinking innovators to explore the potential that technology holds for revolutionizing health care.”

To learn more about the clinicians and their expertise, visit the Clinical Council website

The Clinical Council launched on March 27, 2024, to introduce and hear from the clinicians, present the vision and goals of the Council, and discuss the upcoming events for this first year.

Attending this event provided an invaluable opportunity to connect with pioneers in the health domain and to discuss emerging trends and challenges in health care technologies. It was incredibly stimulating to engage with medical professionals who are equally passionate about enhancing patient care through cutting-edge research and development.

George Shaker, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Dr. Steven Dain

The first upcoming event is the Engagement Sessions that offer the chance for face-to-face discussions with Clinical Council members. Faculty, staff, graduate students, and post-doctoral fellows can explore project ideas, forge partnerships, and gain expert clinical insights and feedback. 

To participate in an Engagement Session, visit the Clinical Council website to fill out an application by May 14, 2024.

Ultimately, the Clinical Council strives to build long-lasting connections between the University of Waterloo community and the local health care community. It takes time to find and create meaningful contacts. The Clinical Council aims to eliminate this barrier and skip right to the first conversation.

To learn more about the Clinical Council, visit their website.