Office of Research & Innovation

Cultivating curiosity. Implementing Innovation.

Our Purpose

The Office of Research and Innovation (ORI) is focused on developing solutions to improve healthcare access and treatment to our local rural communities. We are raising the profile of research and innovation through growth, development and encouraging new areas of research beyond our conventional clinical trials. We aim to be a leader in rural health and wellness. We are developing strong partnerships and are currently members of the Network of Networks and Clinical Trials Ontario.

Brightshores Health System is among Ontario’s largest multi-site, rural acute care hospitals which is home to 1900+ staff and 150+physicians that serve our 6 sites with dedication and skill. Brightshores supports 100,000+ patient visits each year and supports 24/7 Emergency Services at each of our six sites. We provide advanced specialized clinical services.

Our Focus

We focus on transforming patient care to ensure it is excellent, equitable, evidence-based and accessible for the populations we serve. We promote a culture of learning and innovation. We bring evidence into practice to improve population wellbeing and translate knowledge into application at the patient’s bedside. Brightshores ORI opportunities support the recruitment of specialized skills by engaging physicians and healthcare professionals to participate in research alongside their clinical work. 

The ORI develops collaborative partnerships to turn ideas into patient-centered solutions that fit our rural communities through investment, creativity and ingenuity.  

Pillars of Research & Innovation

Population Health
  • Rural healthcare
  • Indigenous health
  • Healthy aging/frail seniors
  • Climate change
  • Marginalized communities & remote settings
Chronic Disease Management
  • Oncology
  • Cardiology
  • Stroke
  • Endocrinology, diabetes
  • Ophthalmology
  • Mental health
  • Addictions 
Technology & Digital Experience
  • Med/tech
  • Virtual care
  • Predictive Analytics
  • Digital tools & emerging technologies (ex. AI)
Healthcare Workers Stability & Wellness
  • Team models of care
  • Burn-out prevention
  • Creative scheduling
  • Physical & mental health promotion

Project Proposals

Interested in learning more about how the ORI can support a research and innovation project? Interested in submitting a project proposal? Contact research@brightshores.ca for more information.