When people first arrive at The Ottawa Hospital, research is often the last thing on their minds. Yet research gives every patient the power to improve health around the world. A new campaign called “Ask me about our research” aims to make research more visible and accessible for patients.

Marina Moraitis was inspired to give back to The Ottawa Hospital and future patients by taking part in two world-first clinical trials – studying ‘chemo fog’ and exercise – while undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer.

Chemotherapy wasn’t working for Cathy Chapman. However, a genetic test identified a specific gene mutation that meant she could take part in a new international cancer drug trial – the first patient in Canada.

Sharon MacDonald lives at a different pace because of her heart failure. The discovery that a protein can trick the heart into growing in a healthy way could one day provide new treatments for patients like her.

Dr. Xiaohui Zha was listening to one of her students present at a conference when she suddenly lost hearing in one ear, and then the other. The award-winning scientist quietly walked out of the room before collapsing on the floor.

Growing up as an only child with a peanut allergy and a concerned mother, Marc-Olivier Deguise spent a fair amount of time in doctors’ offices. “I knew that when I grew up I wanted to do something that would help children,” said the award-winning trainee.