WE-SPARK Health Institute's International Health Research Conference Brings Together Experts from Canada and the U.S.

Left to Right: Henry Ford Health - Paige Coyne, Ashley Redding, Sara Santarossa, Maya Zreik

WE-SPARK Health Institute hosted its third annual International Health Research Conference on March 22, 2025 at Caesars Windsor Convention Centre. The event brought together over 350 researchers, clinicians, educators, and students from across Canada and the United States to engage with experts, foster collaboration, and explore the latest advancements in health research.

Representatives from Erie Shores HealthCare, St. Clair College, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, the University of Windsor, and Windsor Regional Hospital attended, alongside other esteemed institutions such as the Great Lakes Institute of Environmental Research (GLIER), Integrated Network for the Surveillance of Pathogens (INSPIRE), McMaster University, University of Calgary, University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, Western University, Henry Ford Health, Michigan State University, and Wayne State University.

Dr. Dora Cavallo Medved, Interim Director of WE-SPARK Health, underscored the significance of partnerships. “This annual conference plays a critical role in fostering partnerships that drive innovation and discovery. Each year, we welcome presenters from across Canada and the U.S., and it is inspiring to see the exchange of ideas that emerge and advance forward from bringing together diverse perspectives.” She also emphasized the importance of international cross-border collaboration, especially in light of recent challenges to health research funding in the U.S.

Dr. Sara Santarossa, Assistant Scientist in the Department of Public Health Sciences and Scientific Director of the Patient-Engaged Research Center (PERC) at Henry Ford Health echoed this sentiment. “Healthcare research transcends borders. The patient voice, experiences, and perspectives are vital for improving healthcare globally. That’s why I continue to bring my team to the WE-SPARK Health Research Conference. Cross-border collaborations and partnerships are essential in the research space—having the best minds working together should not be limited by geography.”

Ashley Redding, an Epidemiologist at Henry Ford Health, spoke about the funding uncertainties in research. “Despite being separated by a border, we share many similar health concerns. Learning from international colleagues helps us develop strategies that we can apply to our own work. However, there is uncertainty in research funding, which makes sustainable impact a challenge. Attending this conference reminds me that meaningful research is still happening, and that is energizing.”

Medical student Ryan Palazzolo, a University of Windsor graduate and MD candidate at Wayne State University, and former Research Associate at WE-SPARK Health Institute, highlighted how the conference allows him to stay engaged with both his local Windsor community and his academic pursuits in the U.S. “As a Windsor resident studying in Detroit, conferences like this allow me to stay connected to my local community while also engaging in international research partnerships. It gives me a unique perspective on healthcare challenges and research opportunities in both Canada and the U.S.”

Ryan Palazzolo

The WE-SPARK Health Research Conference reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to fostering meaningful research partnerships and advancing healthcare innovation. By bringing together experts from diverse fields and institutions, the event continues to serve as a catalyst for ground breaking ideas and impactful research initiatives.