Clinical Research
Area of Care

Clinical Research

Shaping the Future of Clinical Research
Meet Dr. Heffernan

Meet Dr. Heffernan

With community support, Halton Healthcare’s Clinical Research Program has made significant strides in patient care and medical science. Our work spans cardiology, infectious disease, nephrology, and oncology, including groundbreaking breast cancer trials as part of the Canadian Cancer Clinical Trials Network.

To sustain this momentum, we aim to establish a dedicated Chair for Medical Research—strengthening collaborations and driving innovation. Together, we can transform healthcare and improve lives.

Dr. Michael Heffernan,

Physician Program Director – Clinical Research at Halton Healthcare

The 4 Phases of Clinical Research

Clinical trials are key to life-saving medical breakthroughs, testing new treatments, devices, and therapies to improve care. In Canada, this process unfolds in four phases, each answering critical questions about safety and effectiveness.

At Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, we focus on Phase 2, 3, and 4 studies, where real-world impact is evaluated. Early Phase 1 trials happen in specialized labs, setting the stage for what comes next.

Infographic
Pillars of Research & Innovation
  • Expanding Our Reach in Intensive Care
    • Participating in a Canada-wide ICU consortium led by the University Health Network.
    • Collaboration with leading centres to advance ICU care through research.
    • Significant costs are borne by our institution, emphasizing the need for continued funding.
  • Triumphs in Oncology
    • Oncology clinical trials now available to our patients at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital.
    • Conducted a groundbreaking study on metastatic breast cancer treatment.
    • Initiated a joint Oncology-Cardiology study to address chemotherapy-induced heart function issues.
    • Partnering with the Canadian Cancer Clinical Trials Network to expand research over the next five years.
    • Overcoming challenges in staffing and operations to ensure compliance with Health Canada standards.
  • New Horizons in Mental Health
    • Launched our first Mental Health study this past year, marking a new milestone.
    • Exploring collaborations with Allied Health and Mental Health teams to enhance internal processes.
    • Focused on improving hospital practices and quality of patient care.
  • Firsts in the Field
    • COVID-19 Study: First and only Canadian site for the DARE-19 trial.
    • Heart Failure Study: First Canadian site in the global DAPA-ACT study.
    • ICU Study: First Canadian site in the LOVIT study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine.
  • Physician-Driven Research
    • Cultivating a culture of in-house research to enhance patient care in the Halton region.
    • Highlights include studies on dialysis, orthopedic surgery, radiology, and heart failure.
  • Collaborating with Academic Research
    • Partnering with institutions like St. Michael’s Hospital and McMaster University.
    • Research spans areas such as oncology, vascular surgery, pharmacy, and exercise in cancer patients.
    • Formalizing a research collaboration agreement with McMaster University.
  • Empowering the Next Generation
    • Engaging college and university students as research volunteers for the first time.
    • Providing hands-on experience while enhancing our research capabilities.
  • Strengthening Our Research Team
    • Addressing staffing challenges to expand and sustain our research efforts.
    • Priorities include:
      • Hiring clinical staff for ethics board and research logistics.
      • Adding a third research coordinator to support growing study demands.
    • Investing in staff will enhance recruitment and study execution.
Heartfelt Thanks

Heartfelt Thanks

Your generosity has laid the foundation for vital research that is changing lives. With your support, we’re advancing groundbreaking treatments for heart attacks, heart failure, breast cancer, and dialysis care—making a global impact on patient outcomes.

Continued contributions will help us overcome funding challenges and further expand our research capabilities, paving the way for a brighter future for patients everywhere.

Get in Touch

Suzanne Hallsworth
Chief Development Officer
Oakville Hospital Foundation
905-338-4642

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