The Department of Medicine (DOM) Innovation Platform has announced its Round 6 selections, and the results showcase the spirit of innovation thriving within Providence Health Care. This year’s intake focused on initiatives that support system-wide efficiencies, cost savings, and quality improvement—reflecting the organization’s current priorities and the need to make the most of available resources.
The DOM Innovation team was truly impressed by the proposals, with each project reflecting our physicians’ passion for pushing boundaries and improving patient outcomes. From AI-powered heart rhythm analysis to pioneering exercise programs for vascular disease patients, these six projects represent the future of health care delivery in our community.
The selection process considered alignment with the Department of Medicine Innovation mandate, organizational readiness, and current budget realities. In addition to the six main projects, a seventh proposal will launch as a Quality Improvement pilot to support the new hospital-wide Morbidity and Mortality (M and M) framework currently in development. This initiative will also enable several Medical Divisions to test and refine the framework within their own settings.
The six projects
MSJ Outpatient Iron Infusion QI Initiative – Phase 2
Leaders: Dr. Alexander Wong, Dr. Fred Rydz and Dr. Astrid Williams
Building on the success of Phase 1, this project will enhance iron infusion services by validating improvements and expanding the use of monoferric iron based on updated guidelines. The team is also developing a business case for long-term sustainability.
The regional impact is significant: streamlined pathways and expanded options—including single-infusion monoferric iron—will reduce patient wait times and could improve cost-effectiveness across outpatient infusion services.
ai:HEART-NORM
Leader: Dr. Marc Deyell
This nationally significant project tackles a critical gap in clinical guidelines by using artificial intelligence to analyze more than 20 years of ECG data. The goal is to establish normal heart rhythm values by age and gender for Ambulatory Heart Rhythm recordings, providing more accurate test results for adults.
This work has the potential to reduce unnecessary testing and consultations while providing much more precise diagnostic tools. The project will train and validate an AI model, with findings published and shared with cardiology teams across the country.
GIM-Heme Triage Pathway
Leaders: Dr. Tony Wan and Dr. Wendy Davis
This innovative triage system will redirect appropriate referrals—such as high ferritin and myeloproliferative neoplasms—from Hematology to General Internal Medicine, reducing wait times and ensuring patients see the right specialist at the right time.
The regional impact focuses on improved patient access and more efficient use of specialized resources, ensuring every referral reaches the most appropriate care team.
The DOM Innovation team (left to right) Faisal Aziz, Maryana TondoFim, Mehak Sampla, Dr. Anita Palepu, Dr. Kristine Chapman, and Dr. Andrew Ignaszewski.
Early Intervention Memory Clinic (EIMC) Patient Awareness
Leaders: Dr. Heather Gilley and Dr. Philip Lee
This first-in-BC initiative is transforming how we approach cognitive health by reaching patients in the earliest stages of cognitive impairment. Recognizing the stigma often associated with accessing care for early symptoms, the team is using their funding to develop a targeted awareness campaign to broaden exposure and connect with this patient population who could benefit most from early intervention.
Earlier engagement with people experiencing very mild cognitive impairment could be a game-changer for patient outcomes. By catching these changes early through our outpatient brain health program, the team aims to offer more effective interventions and significantly improve long-term outcomes.
Vascular Disease Exercise Program
Leader: Dr. Darryl Wan
Another first-in-BC initiative, this structured exercise therapy program for patients with vascular claudication will leverage existing cardiac rehabilitation infrastructure. The program could reduce the need for surgeries while dramatically improving quality of life for vascular disease patients.
The team is working with stakeholders to design referral pathways, program logistics, and financial sustainability plans that could serve as a model for other health authorities.
WAIT-ai: AI-Driven Waitlist Optimization
Leader: Dr. Zachary Laksman
This ambitious regional project aims to develop an AI system that dynamically manages surgical and procedural waitlists. The multi-disciplinary team will explore internal and external options before potentially building a custom solution with PHC Ventures support.
Long waits often result in frequent bumping of patients’ procedures, which impacts both patient safety and system efficiency. This AI system could transform how we manage access to care by enhancing timely access, improving efficiency, and strengthening patient safety in waitlist management.
Looking Forward
Each project will receive comprehensive support, including financial backing, logistical assistance, improved access to internal resources, and help developing external partnerships from the Department of Medicine (DOM). The DOM Innovation team will work closely with each project leader to ensure successful implementation and sustainable impact.
These initiatives represent more than individual projects—they’re building blocks for the future of health care in Vancouver, BC, and beyond. From forging BC-first programs to developing tools with national implications, these innovations demonstrate how PHC continues to lead the way in improving the system through creativity, collaboration, and cutting-edge science.
The Department of Medicine Innovation Platform is the avenue for Department members to address a gap in care at PHC. Initiatives can span divisions, departments and beyond. The DOM Innovation Platform is one of the elements of Innovarium, PHC’s innovation engine. If you are from the Department of Medicine and want to learn how to move your great idea forward, visit the DOM Innovation Platform website.