Science Policy
M.Sc Interdisciplinary Medical Science 9503
Course Description As Taken From Syllabus:
This course will simulate a policy-focused work environment where students learn the foundational principles of Canadian science policy and government regulation. Students will work in “policy teams” to tackle a major health-related policy issue and gain an awareness of career opportunities in the field. Students will work through the steps a federal policy team would take to solve a national health-related problem including:
-
Identification of the issue and setting a national vision
-
Identification of the challenges/barriers facing the realization of the national vision through data collection, environmental scanning, and conducting both a literature review and consultations
-
Development of potential solutions to address identified barriers using governmental levers
-
The implementation of these solutions/policy initiatives.
​
Learning Objectives:
-
Develop a thorough understanding of science policy in the federal government
-
Learn various principles of risk management, change management, and performance measurement and how to implement them
-
Enhance teamwork skills through group work while playing into individual strengths
Course Artifacts
These are some of the works I have produced in this course. Click on the button to view the entire project!
In this assignment, we identified current gaps in sex and gender-based analysis (SGBA+) within clinical research and developed a comprehensive solution to address these deficiencies. Our analysis focused on how these gaps lead to inequities and the exclusion of diverse populations, ultimately affecting the effectiveness and generalizability of intervention outcomes. We proposed a multi-faceted approach to mitigate these gaps, including enhanced training for researchers, the integration of SGBA+ considerations into study designs, and the development of inclusive recruitment strategies. This solution aimed to increase equity and inclusion in clinical research, ensuring that interventions are more effective and applicable across diverse populations.
​
In this assignment, we examined the application of sex and gender-based analysis (SGBA+) throughout the drug lifecycle and developed strategies to address existing gaps. We analyzed how SGBA+ considerations are currently integrated into different stages of drug development, from preclinical research to clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance. Our work involved identifying areas where SGBA+ was insufficiently addressed, leading to potential disparities in drug efficacy and safety. We proposed comprehensive solutions to enhance SGBA+ integration, such as incorporating gender diversity in study populations, analyzing data through a gender lens, and ensuring equitable access to treatments. Our goal was to improve the inclusivity and effectiveness of drug interventions across diverse populations.
In this assignment, we proposed an engagement strategy for our solution aimed at increasing equity and diversity in clinical research. We focused on ensuring that our solution was not only effective but also practical and implementable. Our strategy included developing clear communication plans to engage partners, including researchers, patients, and community organizations, in the implementation process. We also outlined practical steps for integrating our solution into existing research frameworks, ensuring it could be feasibly adopted and sustained over time. The goal was to promote equitable and inclusive practices while maintaining the practicality and effectiveness of our proposed solution.
For the final presentation, we presented our solution to the Chief Research Officer (CRO) of Health Canada. We covered our proposed solution, detailed the engagement strategy, and discussed its implications and practicality. We also highlighted the expected results and addressed any questions from the CRO, ensuring a thorough understanding of our approach and its benefits. Additionally, we demonstrated how our solution aligns with Health Canada's goals and addressed potential challenges to implementation. This comprehensive presentation aimed to secure support and foster collaboration for advancing equity and diversity in clinical research.
Reflection
This course provided numerous opportunities for in-depth analysis and practical application, particularly in examining and improving current Health Canada policies. The assignments allowed me to thoroughly dissect existing policies, identify areas for enhancement, and propose innovative solutions. Presenting these solutions to a high-ranking officer at Health Canada was an invaluable experience, offering a unique chance to contribute to real-world policy improvements and engage directly with key stakeholders. This experience not only showcased the importance of meticulous policy analysis but also demonstrated the impact that well-crafted solutions can have on advancing equity and diversity in clinical research. It was a rewarding opportunity that enhanced my skills in policy evaluation and strategic thinking, reinforcing the value of translating academic insights into practical, actionable outcomes.