Dr. Diane Sawchuck is a researcher with a PhD (Nursing, UBC) with a focus on population health, mixed methods research and KT implementation. She spent three years (2010-2013) as operations director for five international projects (co-PI, one project) related to global maternal health (Gates Foundation funded), with 50 percent of her time spent in South Asia and Africa. She learned approaches and skills to facilitate research and inquiry across cultures, as well as complex project management skills.

For the past six years with Island Health, she has been co-leading Indigenous-specific research and quality improvement projects. These include “Far Too Many Preterm Births in Cowichan Tribes: Generating Knowledge to Inform Service Delivery and Strengthen Motherhood Journeys” (Vancouver Foundation 2018-2021; $320,000, Scientific Advisor) and “Trauma Informed Emergency Care for Aboriginal Seniors at West Coast General Hospital” (MSFHR 2016-2017; $20,000, Collaborator).

Within Island Health, Sawchuck is a member of the Indigenous-Specific Anti-Racism Strategic Planning Committee and leads an evidence review to inform cultural safety training and anti-racism policies, guidelines and practices.