Mental Health and Substance Use Research Scholar in Residence
December 22, 2023
VICTORIA – Island Health and the University of Victoria are pleased to announce Dr. Colette Smart is the new Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) Research Scholar in Residence. In this role, Dr. Smart will collaborate with Island Health MHSU team members to generate new evidence to inform care and use existing research evidence to support improving access to high-quality MHSU services.
“Leading edge research plays a key role in advancing care and treatment for people living with significant mental health challenges,” said Dr. Wei Song, Executive Medical Director, Mental Health and Substance Use, Island Health. “The goal of this research is to better understand relationships between trauma and serious mental health issues, such as psychosis and treatment-resistant depression, to support more effective care.”
Dr. Smart is a Registered Psychologist and an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Victoria. Her research focuses on clinical neuropsychology, cognitive-affective neuroscience, and neurorehabilitation.
“Ensuring the best, research-driven care for our communities is at the heart of what we do," said Minister Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction. “Insights from researchers like Dr. Smart will help us refine our methods and extend better support across Vancouver Island and beyond.”
“Dr. Smart’s expertise in trauma and resilience will benefit the entire Vancouver Island community,” said Lois Harder, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences.
As the Island Health Research Scholar in Residence, Dr. Smart will lead research activities in both hospital and community settings using a neuropsychological approach, with the goals of enhanced client care planning and treatment for those who may face significant barriers due to traumatic stress. As with all research, client participation is informed and voluntary.
By bringing academic research in to the health-care setting, Island Health will be able to improve and enhance specialized care for people with serious mental health challenges. Dr. Smart will begin this role in January 2024, with preparatory work including ethics reviews already being underway. The Island Health Research Scholar in Residence is a two-year position.
About Island Health:
Island Health provides health and care services to more than 885,000 people on Vancouver Island, the islands in the Salish Sea and the Johnstone Strait, and mainland communities north of Powell River. With more than 30,000 health-care professionals, including more than 3,000 doctors, nurse practitioners, midwives and dentists that make up our Medical Staff – as well as 1,000 volunteers, and the dedicated support of 12 foundations and 19 active auxiliaries – Island Health delivers a broad range of health services, including: public health services, primary health care, home and community care, mental health and substance use services, acute care in hospitals, and much more across a huge and geographically diverse region. Research is a part of Island Health’s purpose statement and an integral part of service delivery ensuring to support ongoing improvements in quality and outcomes for patients.
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