The Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute (BHCRI) is committed to meaningful patient engagement in cancer research. Through our Patient Partners in Research program, individuals with lived experience of cancer contribute directly to research teams across Atlantic Canada.
What are Patient Partners?
Patient partners are individuals with lived experience of cancer—including patients, survivors, caregivers, and family members—who contribute to research as members of research teams.
In collaboration with researchers, patient partners may be involved in:
- Helping shape research questions and priorities
- Contributing to study design and materials
- Providing input on recruitment and participant experience
- Participating in interpretation and communication of results
- Supporting knowledge sharing and dissemination
Engagement in Practice
BHCRI will be hosting a closed-door workshop in Halifax this month as part of the Patient Partners in Research program. The session will bring together BHCRI patient partners, the program co-chairs, and invited research partners and external contributors to support ongoing development of patient engagement in cancer research across Atlantic Canada.
Patient Partnership co-Chairs
Dr. Jeanette Boudreau, BHCRI Scientific Director, Dalhousie University
Dr. Boudreau is a cancer immunology researcher whose work focuses on how immune system genetics influence responses to cancer. As Scientific Director of BHCRI, she supports the integration of patient engagement within cancer research and contributes to guiding the Patient Partners in Research program.
Dr. Don Desserud, Political Science Chair, University of Prince Edward Island; BHCRI Patient Partner
Dr. Desserud is a cancer survivor and patient advocate who brings lived experience to cancer research and policy discussions. He contributes to patient engagement activities at BHCRI supports the development of meaningful partnerships between patients and researchers.