BRIC NS Primary Care Research Day 2026
Schedule
Mon May 04 2026 at 08:00 am to 05:00 pm
UTC-03:00Location
Dalhousie Student Union | Halifax, NS
About this Event
BRIC NS—a Canadian Institutes for Health Research funded network—together with Dalhousie University’s Department of Family Medicine, is pleased to host the 8th annual Primary Care Research Day on May 4, 2026, at the Dalhousie Student Union Building. This in-person conference will feature a full day of insightful discussions, research presentations, and meaningful opportunities to connect with colleagues across the primary care community.
This year’s theme, “From Clicks to Care: Strengthening the Digital Foundations of Primary Care,” will explore innovative approaches, challenges, and future directions for e-health systems in primary care.
Primary Care Research Day brings together primary care researchers, healthcare professionals, decision‑makers, students, and community partners from across the province and beyond. It’s a valuable opportunity to engage with leaders in the field, explore emerging research, and contribute to conversations shaping the future of primary care.
Mark your calendars and be part of this enriching experience!
Agenda
🕑: 08:00 AM - 08:30 AM
Registration, Breakfast, & Brewing Ideas
Info: Brewing Ideas is an informal networking opportunity. Attendees will be encouraged to join a table and share questions and ideas with their peers on pressing topics in primary care!
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Opening Ceremony
Info: Opening ceremony provided by Catherine Martin (Director of Indigenous Community Engagement, Dalhousie University); welcome and introduction to the theme of the day provided by Dr. Emily Gard Marshall ( Professor, Department of Family Medicine, Dalhousie University) ; and opening remarks provided by Dr. David Anderson (Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University).
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:45 AM
Keynote Address
Info: 'Opportunities for Practice-Based Research and Learning and Clinician Involvement in Research Using EMRs'
Speaker: Dr. Donna Manca (Professor & Director of Quality Improvement, Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta)
🕑: 09:45 AM - 11:00 AM
Poster Session
🕑: 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Panel #1
Info: 'Health System Optimization of EMRs and Opportunities to Address Administrative Burden and Support Clinicians'
Panelists: Dr. Donna Manca (Professor & Director of Quality Improvement, Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta), Ryan McNeil (Director of Digital Health, DHW), Dr. Ashley Miller (Chief Medical Information Officer NSH & IWK Health), Dr. Jonathan Fitzsimon (Family Physician, Medical Lead Renfrew County Integrated Virtual Care, Assistant Professor, University of Ottawa, Clinical Researcher)
Moderator: Dr. Mathew Grandy (Co-Director, BRIC NS)
🕑: 12:15 PM - 01:00 PM
Lunch Break
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:15 PM
Concurrent Oral Presentations
🕑: 02:15 PM - 02:30 PM
Break and Refreshments
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:45 PM
Panel #2
Info: 'Patient and Community Access to Data and Indigenous Data Sovereignty'
Panelists: Dr. Barb Hamilton-Hinch (Assistant Vice Provost EDI, Dalhousie University & Lead Researcher, On These Shoulders Research Collaborative), Camryn Sock (Outreach Coordinator, Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq), Dr. Amy Grant (Director of Research, MSSU), Jenna Kedy (Patient Partner, BRIC NS Patient Advisory Council)
Moderator: Dr. Ruth Lavergne (Co-Director, BRIC NS)
🕑: 03:45 PM - 03:50 PM
Presentation of of BRIC NS Student Research Awards & 2026 Student Poster Award
🕑: 03:50 PM - 04:00 PM
Closing Remarks and Key Learning Points
🕑: 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Reception
Info: Informal networking reception
🕑: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Primary Care Research Day 2026
Info: Please note this agenda is tentative and subject to change.
Where is it happening?
Dalhousie Student Union, 6136 University Avenue, Halifax, CanadaEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 57.00 to CAD 142.50














