Patient Partners in Research Program
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 hosted a full day workshop in Halifax this past April as part of the Patient Partners in Research program. The workshop brought together 30 patient partners, researchers, trainees, and representatives from regional and national organizations, including Ovarian Cancer Canada, the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network, and the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network. Participants identified shared priorities, explored models of meaningful patient engagement, and advanced the development of a coordinated regional Patient Partners in Research Program. Following the workshop, a working group was established to develop a comprehensive white paper outlining implementation recommendations, including structured researcher–patient matchmaking, onboarding and training processes, and ongoing engagement supports.
Co-Chairs, BHCRI Patient Partner Program
Dr. Jeanette Boudreau, BHCRI Scientific Director
Dr. Boudreau is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Microbiology and Immunology and Pathology at Dalhousie University. Her research focuses on harnessing the human immune system to improve cancer therapies with expertise in natural killer cell biology, immunogenetics, and cancer immunotherapy. As Scientific Director of BHCRI, she provides strategic leadership in advancing collaborative cancer research across Atlantic Canada.
Dr. Don Desserud, BHCRI Patient Partner
Dr. Desserud is a Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Prince Edward Island and serves as Chair of the Political Science Department. He brings his lived experience as a cancer survivor and his expertise in public policy and governance to support meaningful patient engagement in cancer research.