Have you ever wondered how diabetes researchers decide what to explore and investigate? Or what it’s like to participate in a study? Have you ever had an idea you cared about and wished someone could research? There are many different types of studies with very different commitment levels.

Join us for a webinar that will explain how your lived expertise of diabetes can inform research. Find out how you might be able to participate in studies tailored to your interests or even co-design or co-lead studies.

Patient-oriented research is a practice that aims to centre those with lived and living experience in all the research processes, from deciding what question to explore, to collecting the data, writing the report, and sharing the findings. Learn from researchers, and people living with diabetes about how they are co-leading important patient-oriented research projects and how you can get involved too.

Meet Our Speakers

Dr. Bruce Perkins – Professor, University of Toronto Department of Medicine

Bruce Perkins’ research platform, research leadership, clinical practice, and advocacy work has focused entirely on strategies to improve the lives of those, like himself, living with type 1 diabetes. His research has focused on early biomarkers and mechanisms of diabetes complications, and complications prevention through artificial pancreas technologies and add-on-to-insulin drug therapies. Among leadership in other projects funded by CIHR, NIH, and JDRF, he sits on the Executive of the historic but ongoing “DCCT/EDIC” Study (Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications), and co-leads the Innovations in Type 1 Diabetes Goal Group within the Diabetes Action Canada national patient-oriented research strategy.

Dr. Carly Whitmore – Assistant Professor, McMaster University

Carly Whitmore is a Registered Nurse and Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing at McMaster University. Through an applied program of research, Carly is leading projects that aim to optimize and integrate care for those living with co-occurring chronic conditions and mental health challenges. With experience as a psychiatric and mental health nurse, Carly draws upon stories and experiences to guide her co-designed research.

Linxi Mytkolli – Lead of Patient Engagement and Knowledge Mobilization

Linxi Mytkolli started with Diabetes Action Canada as a Patient Partner for over a year, she is now excited to join the team in her new capacity as the Lead of Patient Engagement and Knowledge Mobilization. Prior to joining DAC, she was a Senior Program Manager supporting a national suicide prevention and life promotion program with the Mental Health Commission of Canada. In this work, she focused on centering the wisdom of those with lived and living experience, while also translating findings from academic partners into tangible tools for the participating communities. In addition to her leadership in the mental health space, Linxi has more than six years of experience leading national programs in urban research, youth wellbeing, and sustainability in healthcare. Linxi holds a Bachelor of Science in Biopharmaceutical Sciences (uOttawa) and a Master of Science in Sustainability Management from the University of Toronto

Krista Lamb – Author and Science Communicator

Krista Lamb is a science communicator who specializes in helping translate complex topics into interesting and understandable stories for diverse audiences. Her first book, Beyond Banting, was released in 2021 and went on to win the Science Writers and Communicators of Canada Book Award in the general public category. In addition, Krista is the producer and host of multiple podcasts, including the award-winning Diabetes Canada Podcast.. Throughout her career, she has written extensively about health and research topics and she currently provides communications support for a number of organizations.