Father Sean O'Sullivan Research Centre (FSORC)

Father Sean O’Sullivan Research Centre

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The Father Sean O’Sullivan Research Centre (often abbreviated as "FSORC") encapsulates the wide-range of clinical, translational, evaluative, and fundamental research that takes place within St. Joe’s.

Basic researchers typically begin their work in laboratories – working with the building blocks of life in order to construct solutions for current ailments. For some researchers, the analysis of various cells, proteins, and genes at a microscopic level make up the core of their practice. Basic science research can lead to new knowledge and scientific capital, which can then be used in the development and creation of new drugs, therapies, and treatments.

Clinical research at St. Joe’s begins and ends with the patient in mind. Thanks to a long-standing partnership with McMaster University, dedicated clinicians have launched research studies that have aimed to directly improve the care that our patients receive on a daily basis. Our clinical researchers often work closely with physicians, nurses, and other clinical staff in order to carry out their research studies and integrate successful discoveries into current healthcare practice. Whether investigator-initiated or pharma-sponsored, clinical research at St. Joe’s reflects the compassionate care that our clinicians provide.

Finally, evaluative research is a critical component of healthcare-related research that analyzes the effectiveness and efficacy of medical treatments and programs. The Programs for Assessment of Technology in Health (PATH) evolved from the previously established Centre for Evaluation of Medicines. Over the years, both groups had contributed heavily in guiding the healthcare expenditures of our federal and provincial governments.