Addictions Medicine
We are building a collaborative research program focused on improving how emergency departments deliver care for people with substance use disorders (SUDs). Our team has led and supported studies that evaluate real-world interventions, identify system gaps, and generate evidence to support clinical and policy change. At Toronto Western Hospital, we assessed outcomes from a Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinic, demonstrating that timely ED-to-RAAM referrals reduce substance use and improve patient retention in care. Nationally, we surveyed and interviewed emergency physicians to understand current practices and barriers to prescribing buprenorphine, informing strategies to expand access to opioid agonist therapy. We also conducted a population-based study of patients with frequent alcohol-related ED visits in Ontario, finding very high one-year mortality and highlighting opportunities for earlier intervention.
Through these projects, we aim to share practical, scalable models that make emergency departments safer and more effective for people who use substances. We welcome collaborators interested in research that bridges clinical care, health systems, and harm reduction—especially those focused on equity, implementation science, and improving transitions from the ED to community-based addiction care.