Leadership Statement

Precision health opens a breadth of possibilities to improve personal and population health by incorporating data, molecular and digital technology in ways that increase our understanding of specific human conditions and needs. We need interdisciplinary research, as well as the data, tools and artificial intelligence that will inform better decisions and accessibility of timely care for everyone. Precision health is here, and will be a key part of the future of global health care as we are faced with new and complex challenges.

At the University of Alberta, we have a unique opportunity to lead precision health initiatives in research and education across faculties. There are promising projects with the potential to develop groundbreaking solutions from the labs to our integrated provincial health system, with which we work in close partnership to serve our communities and rapidly translate innovations into patient care.

This is an exciting time to shape together the essence of precision health at the U of A.

The Precision Health Signature Area (PHSA) aims to capture the strengths and leadership of educators, researchers, clinicians and learners from diverse backgrounds and professional areas, and join our efforts to reach a cutting-edge holistic and precise approach to human health. It is only through collaboration that we can create more opportunities for success and pave the way toward better health outcomes.

I invite you to reach out and get involved. Let’s begin an enriching university-wide dialogue that opens the doors to new projects and new contributions to global health.

Lawrence Richer, MD, MSc
Chair & Academic Lead
PHSA