Get Involved

Health research needs you to make a difference!

Find out how you can get involved.

Become a Study Participant

Are you interested in participating in a research study? Sign up as a volunteer or patient partner through REACH BC!

This provincial platform connects you with researchers and study opportunities based on your interests and location. You can also subscribe to Island Health’s quarterly research newsletter to receive information and updates about current studies in the region, or check out currently enrolling studies on clinicaltrials.gov.

Become a Patient Partner

There are lots of ways to get involved in research beyond participating as a study subject. Patient partners include anyone directly affected by a health condition, illness, or health system issue: family members, loved ones, and care givers as well as patients. Whether you're interested in joining a research team, helping to set priorities for future research, or contributing to events and education, your experience provides a unique and valuable perspective.

Other opportunities

  • Our Patient Advisory Council provides patient perspectives and advice to health care leaders.
  • The Patient Voices Network allows you to use your experience to influence change in the health care system.

Volunteer

Interested in becoming an official research volunteer?

Staff in the RCB office oversee these opportunities, which include roles such as supporting data entry and record-keeping, conducting guided literature reviews, or assisting in the preparation of reports, publications and presentations.

Available volunteer placements depend largely on the studies that are currently active.

If you are interested we encourage you to complete the application available here and send to researchvolunteer@viha.ca.

Collaborate

We'll be your research matchmaker! We connect researchers with students, clinicians with researchers, and students with clinicians to help answer research questions and provide access to data. We also work with academic partners, community organizations, and industry to improve health through research.

COVID-19 Clinical Research

Island Health’s Clinical Trials Unit is working closely with physician investigators, clinical teams, pharmacy and lab to bring new treatments to COVID-19 patients on Vancouver Island. These treatments are only available through clinical trials. Learn more about trials currently enrolling in BC.
 

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For Researchers, Staff, Students, and Affiliates

  • Subscribe to receive email updates, event invitations, and funding opportunities

For Patients, Participants, and the Public

  • Subscribe to receive our quarterly e-newsletter, including upcoming events and opportunities to participate in research