@WomensResearch WHRI

In Episode 30, we'll be discussing community-engaged research on gender-based violence and sexual assault. Before we proceed, please note that our conversation may be triggering for some individuals. Please refer to our show notes for resources.

Our guests, Dr. Ann Pederson and Dr. Kate Rossiter, bring extensive expertise with backgrounds in health promotion, trauma research, and community engagement. Together, they'll share insights from their project on Changing Perceptions of Sexual Assault in BC, shedding light on barriers and facilitators to seeking help.



Resources:
VictimLinkBC (1-800-563-0808)

Over 150 languages

Community-based anti-violence services across BC – endingviolence.org

Community Legal System Society

Biography:

Dr. Barha is a multidisciplinary, translational researcher with expertise in behavioral neuroscience, neuroendocrinology, and exercise neuroscience. The goal of her research is to promote healthy brain aging by developing efficacious and personalized exercise interventions for cognition and neuroplasticity using both randomized controlled trials in humans and rodent models. 

Specifically, she is interested in determining who benefits from exercise by focusing on biological sex and genetics, examining when in the lifespan to most effectively intervene with exercise by looking at critical neuroendocrine transition states (i.e., pregnancy, midlife, older age), and exploring how exercise exerts its influence on the brain. She is particularly interested in the short- and long-term consequences of pregnancy for brain health and the potential role of physical activity. 



The Aging, Mobility and Cognitive Health Laboratory: https://cogmob.rehab.med.ubc.ca/research

VCHRI Directory: Understanding perimenopausal brain health | VCH Research Institute (vchri.ca)

Dr. Cindy Barha profile: https://profiles.ucalgary.ca/cindy-barha

Lab Twitter account: https://twitter.com/UBC_CogMobLab

Lab IG account: https://www.instagram.com/cogmoblab/

Our WHRI KT Manager hosts Dr. Rachel Ollivier, a PhD-trained Nurse Practitioner joining BC Women’s Hospital with a unique role that includes dedicated research time. With 7 years of nursing experience, a PhD from Dalhousie University, and a Nurse Practitioner Diploma from Queen’s University, Dr. Ollivier brings extensive expertise. Named one of North America’s Top 25 most influential women for 2023, she also serves on the boards of the Canadian Association of Perinatal & Women’s Health Nurses and Options for Sexual Health BC. Join their conversation on feminist poststructuralism and sexual health research in the post-partum period.


Resources:

Postpartum Sexual Health with Dr. Rachel Ollivier, PhD (buzzsprout.com)

Rachel OLLIVIER | PhD NP | Research profile (researchgate.net)

Meet one Woman of Influence | Queen's Gazette (queensu.ca)

Queen's University student named among the most influential women of 2023 | CTV News

Nursing alum honoured with Top 25 Women of Influence award - Dal News - Dalhousie University

Sexual health after birth | The Social - YouTube

In this episode, we are discussing the BREAST study, conducted by the UBC Sexual Health Research Lab, the BC Cancer Agency, and the University of Calgary Department of Oncology.

This study looks into aiding breast cancer survivors with post-treatment sexual changes. Principal investigators, Dr. Lori Brotto and Dr. Lauren Walker compare two effective treatments: online mindfulness-based group therapy and sexuality education. These interventions target sexual challenges. We are also joined by Melody, a survivor and study participant who shares her experience.

Enjoy this brief and insightful exploration of mindfulness and sexuality education in supporting breast cancer survivors.



Important Links:

Follow Dr. Lori Brotto on IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/drloribrotto/⁠

The Brotto lab: ⁠https://brottolab.med.ubc.ca/

Sex and Cancer Dr. Anne Katz: https://www.drannekatz.com/books/

Watch Bridgerton on netflix: https://www.netflix.com/ca/title/80232398

Follow ubcshr on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ubcshr/?hl=en

Better Sex through Mindfulness book: https://www.amazon.ca/Better-Sex-through-Mindfulness-Cultivate/dp/1771642351

Blog post: https://brottolab.med.ubc.ca/studies/empowering-breast-cancer-survivors/

Meditation and mindfulness resources: https://bccancer.libguides.com/ld.php?content_id=36775815

Dr. Katrina Bouchard is an Assistant Professor in UBC's Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. She directs the Psychology, Health, and Sexuality (Phase) Laboratory, focusing on enhancing sexual health care for women, people with vulvas, and their partners. Additionally, she serves as Research Director at the BC Centre for Vulvar Health, a leading center for comprehensive care and research on vulvar health concerns.

Resources


Phase Lab⁠
⁠BC Center for Vulvar Health⁠
⁠Hello Vulva Instagram⁠
⁠Dr. Katrina Bouchard

Patient-oriented research is all about engaging patients, their caregivers, and families as active partners in the research process. By involving them, we ensure that studies focus on the priorities identified by patients themselves, leading to improved outcomes and better care.

In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with some incredible individuals from the Endometriosis Patient Research Advisory Board. Joining us today are Edurne Lopez de Arbina, Jessica Sutherland, and Heather Noga. They are here to share their valuable insights and experiences in the world of patient-oriented research.



Resources:

Canadas Strategy for patient-oriented research

Patient Engagement in Research Scale (PEIRS) Workbook

Reflections on Patient Engagement by Patient Partners

Patient-oriented research pathways self-assessment readiness tool for researchers