Bridging Gaps: A Patient-Oriented Neuroscience Research Symposium
Lina Sifi, special to the HBHL Trainee Commitee 鈥� After a year of dedicated planning, the HBHL Trainee Committee welcomed over 100 participants to the Research Institute of the 91丝瓜视频 Health Centre (RI-MUHC) on November 22, 2025, for a full day focused on patient-oriented neuroscience research. The symposium brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds鈥攊ncluding people with lived experience, patient partners, caregivers, students, researchers and clinicians鈥攖o foster meaningful dialogue and collaboration.
The day opened with a keynote address by occupational therapist Tatiana Ogourtsova, who highlighted the value of patient and public engagement in research on developmental challenges. Later, an interactive poster session gave students the opportunity to share their work directly with people with lived experience, encouraging open exchange and mutual learning.
A panel discussion moderated by Dr. Roberta La Piana and Sonia Lussier explored the realities of navigating the healthcare system with rare and mental health disorders. The panel featured Dr. Jason Karamchandani, Julie Coulombe, Maria Masnata, Abbe Lai and Pamela Fortier. The conversation resonated strongly with attendees, with one participant describing it as a 鈥済reat panel fireside chat with impressive speakers.鈥�
The symposium concluded with reflections from patient partners Linda Lafontaine and Greg Chetkowski, who reminded attendees that advancing patient engagement requires us to 鈥渘etwork our network.鈥� Their message underscored the importance of connection, collaboration and community building to sustain patient-oriented research.
We extend our sincere thanks to the event鈥檚 advisory committee鈥擠r. Susan Rich, Sonia Lussier, JoAnne Mosel, Monica Halsey and Heather Dyck鈥攚hose guidance and support made this initiative possible.
Building on this milestone, the HBHL Trainee Committee looks forward to continuing to highlight lived-experience knowledge and ensuring equal space for patient partners and researchers in the conversation.
Stay tuned for what鈥檚 next!