For life-changing research to be sustainable, we must invest in the next generation of scientists. Arthritis Research Canada is committed to teaching and mentoring young scientists so that they may continue to find answers and change lives for millions of Canadians, of all ages, with arthritis.

We are proud to introduce you to some of our Trainees and to highlight their important research that is positively impacting the lives of people with arthritis.

Kara Irwin

Bringing Arthritis Care To All Communities

Kara Irwin is a trainee under the supervision of Dr. Cheryl Barnabe, she is also a registered psychologist. Her research aims to help Canadians with inflammatory arthritis get the care they need in their communities and avoid unnecessary visits to the emergency departments and hospitalizations. Watch her video to learn more about this study.

More Trainee Videos

Andre Luquini

Employment and Arthritis

André Luquini is a trainee under the supervision of Dr. Diane Lacaille. He is part of the research team developing Making it Work™. This unique program was created to improve an aspect of disease management that is too often overlooked by healthcare professionals – the management of employment issues. It fills a gap of utmost importance in the health care services available for people with arthritis and has great potential for improving quality of life and reducing the cost of arthritis.

 

John Yan

Osteoarthritis After Injury

John Yan is a trainee under the supervision of Dr. Jackie Whittaker. His research focuses on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL injuries). Most ACL injuries happen to those under the age of 25  and there is a 6 times higher risk of developing post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Watch his video to learn more about this research.

Justin Losciale

Knee Recovery After Injury

Justin Losciale is a trainee under the supervision of Dr. Jackie Whittaker. His research project studies the recovery of knee muscle strength and muscle power after knee joint injuries, particularly in young athletes. The study aims to figure out the root cause of muscle weakness and develop treatments to correct it and prevent osteoarthritis from developing. Watch his video to learn more about this research.

 

Kai Zhao

Arthritis Treatments Effectiveness

Kai Zhao is a trainee under the supervision of Dr.Hui Xie. His research project utilizes administrative data collected as part of routine healthcare activities to estimate the treatment effect of medications in patients with arthritis. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of arthritis treatments, potentially leading to quicker and more informed decisions about patient care. Watch his video to learn more about his research.

 

Kasra Moolooghy

Biologics Side Effects

Kasra Moolooghy is a trainee under the supervision of Dr. Diane Lacaille. His research uses healthcare data to compare the risk of biologics common side effects in people with inflammatory arthritis to inform better treatment choices for patients and healthcare providers. Watch his video to learn more about this study.

Vienna Cheng 

Arthritis Medication During Pregnancy

Vienna Cheng is a trainee under the supervision of Dr. Mary De Vera.  Her research aims to provide evidence on whether the use of newer anti-rheumatic drugs during pregnancy can be harmful to babies after birth. Watch her video to learn more about this study.

Vivienne Yuetong Zhou 

Biologics Effectiveness in People with Inflammatory Arthritis

Vivienne Yuetong Zhou is a trainee under the supervision of Dr. Hui Xie. She is conducting research that uses quasi-experimental methods and innovative statistical models to determine the effectiveness of biological medications and their biosimilars in people living with inflammatory arthritis. Watch her video to learn more about this study.