VSSI Research Team

The Spine Research Team provide research infrastructure and support for physicians, allied health professionals and other researchers in the Spine Program at Vancouver General Hospital. The research team consists of research assistants, a research nurse, a clinical research coordinator and a program manager. The team is responsible for activities such as: assessing the feasibility of proposed studies; preparing research documentation; screening, enrolling and conducting follow-ups; collecting, analyzing and reporting on data; assisting with conference presentation and with publication of results; and managing the finance of research projects. Members of the team work closely with VSSI surgeons as well as with staff in the David and Brenda McLean Integrated Spine Clinic and clinicians and allied health staff in the Acute Spine Unit at VGH. In addition, they liaise not only with physicians and researchers, but also with UBC departments such as the Office of Research Services, University-Industry Liaison Office, Research and Trust Accounting, and other organizations such as the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, BC Cancer Agency, industry sponsors, and other research institutions throughout North America. The Rick Hansen Institute, co-located in the Blusson Spinal Cord Centre engages a number of members of the Acute Spine Program in leadership positions.