Carla Woitas. Research Associate. What do you wish participants knew about the behind-the-scenes of a cohort study? “A research project like HEAL doesn’t happen overnight based on an idea. It’s very detailed with many moving pieces that need to be managed in an attentive, meticulous, and ethical way. I always think of research as being a “detective.” Always verifying information, putting together the pieces, troubleshooting to achieve the outcome.”
Bud Skiffington. Research Associate, Participant Engagement Lead. What do you wish participants knew about the behind-the-scenes of a cohort study? “With tens of thousands of people taking part in our study, every experience can be a little different. Our small call centre team does its best to help with every question that comes our way. Sometimes responses may take a bit of time, and some surveys can be tricky, but we are always learning. We appreciate participants’ patience—working together, we almost always find a solution.”
Allison Kolly. Research Assistant. What do you wish participants knew about the behind-the-scenes of a cohort study? “MTP staff personally respond to all of your emails and voicemails and do our best to provide personalized troubleshooting advice.”
Rachel Chepesiuk. Research Operations & Access Officer. What do you wish participants knew about the behind-the-scenes of a cohort study? “Though it may seem like we’re asking a lot of questions, these questions result in data that can make or break a proposed analysis or enhance an analysis plan. ... We strive to collect only what’s needed ... so the questions that have been included have been selected for a purpose. But having gone through the questionnaire multiple times for testing (not to mention the recall questionnaires), I get it, it can be tiresome to answer them all. We appreciate whatever you can do.”
Meet the team supporting HEAL and CHARM study participants across Canada 🍁
From surveys to support, staff across cohorts help make this research possible.
Read more 👉 canpath.ca/2026/04/heal...