Summer student research program helps improve patient care

When it comes to advancing cutting-edge medical care, William Osler Health System (Osler) often looks to its own team members, engaged partners, and an enthusiastic group of undergraduate students whose timely and practical research regularly leads to direct benefits to its community.

Faced with exponential growth in its research program and building on its longstanding commitment to learning and education, Osler launched its Summer Student Research Program (SSRP) in 2015, and invited applications from undergraduate students pursuing various fields of study across Ontario. The initiative opened the door for students to gain rare hands-on experience in practical short-term research, both clinical and non-clinical, within a community hospital setting.

“Osler is one of only a few community hospitals in Canada actively engaged in research, which includes Osler-initiated research projects, as well as partner-led clinical trials to test new medications and therapies,” said Patti Rempel, Director, Clinical Research, William Osler Health System. “We currently have close to 200 active research projects, all of which are dedicated to improving the quality of care we deliver to our patients every day, with students playing an important role in helping to advance our research.”

During the summer of 2022, 15 student research positions were funded by Employment and Social Development Canada’s Summer Jobs program, and four more by Toronto Metropolitan University, with whom Osler is currently partnering to help support the development of a School of Medicine in Brampton. Selected student applicants receive an enriching research experience.

“Given that many of the research projects are led by Osler clinicians who have daily clinical responsibilities in our hospitals, they keenly welcome student participation,” said Rempel, who notes that the SSRP matches students to research projects based on their interests and areas of study. “It’s a win-win for researchers, students and, most importantly, for our patients.”

Among the many research projects benefiting from student involvement was one recently led by Osler renal pathologist, Dr. Shubha Bellur. Her study looked at the spectrum of renal diseases prevalent in Osler’s communities, and the benefit of providing in-house renal biopsy services to minimize wait times for results, leading to earlier medical treatment for patients and more efficient use of hospital resources.

Dr. Bellur’s small project team was supported by students Anika Sharma, who is pursuing her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Toronto, and Jessica Kaloti, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science: Biology Research Specialization at McMaster University. “The Summer Student Research Program at Osler is an excellent opportunity for students like myself to gain firsthand research and clinical experience that supports our education and potential career goals. It has been an amazing experience to be part of Dr. Bellur’s research team,” said Sharma.

With the students’ support, the team conducted an audit of renal biopsies for 1,256 patients at Osler, with a focus on the turnaround time for biopsies that were sent to outside laboratories to be read versus those read in-house. The team also recorded the spectrum of native renal diseases prevalent in the community, and any additional tests required to reach an accurate diagnosis.

What they discovered was that the turnaround time for results decreased by 25.8 per cent when renal biopsies were performed in-house, with physicians receiving a preliminary report on their patients’ results within one to two business days. This, most importantly, reduced the wait time for patients to begin medical treatment, which leads to better patient outcomes, and also led to greater efficiencies in the use of hospital resources.

“There’s no question that the impact of this research on our community will be near term and positive,” said Dr. Bellur, who was impressed with the work the two students contributed to advancing this research over the summer. “As we’re seeing a steady increase in renal biopsies in our community, Anika and Jessica’s meticulous and attentive efforts on this project will help shape the future efficiency of the renal biopsy process at Osler.”

Osler serves one of the fastest growing regions in Ontario, providing care for 1.3 million people in Brampton, Etobicoke and surrounding communities. Given the region’s multi-cultural and multi-generational population, Osler fosters a culture of research, innovation and learning by working together with team members, research partners, students and academic institutions to advance excellent, evidence-based care.

“We’re proud of the high calibre research and learning environment we have created at Osler and, as it continues to flourish, we are committed to sharing what we learn for the benefit of all patients both within and beyond Osler,” said Rempel.

Osler’s SSRP runs from May to August each year. For more information visit www.williamoslerhs.ca/SummerStudentResearchProgram.