Jalisa Karim

To me, being a Public Scholar means keeping in mind that our research is not simply an academic exercise, but a way to contribute to increased public knowledge about a topic and, in the case of healthcare, changes in real-world practices. It means engaging with the broader community to both improve our work and widen the positive impact of our work.

Public Scholars Initiative
Faculty
Faculty of Medicine
Program
Doctor of Philosophy in Women+ and Children's Health Sciences (PhD)
Research supervisor(s)
Gillian Hanley
Home Town
Vancouver
Country
Canada
Selected Award(s)
UBC Public Scholars Award
Vanier Scholarship
Canada Graduate Scholarships Master’s (CGS M) Program
Affiliated Fellowships Master's Program

Research description

Affecting approximately 1 million people in Canada, endometriosis is a chronic, often painful gynaecologic condition associated with higher risks of infertility and adverse pregnancy outcomes. My research project aims to investigate endometriosis patients’ experiences of deciding between different treatments in the context of future pregnancy planning by conducting in-depth individual interviews. We aim to share results from this project with endometriosis patients and community members who are navigating these challenging treatment decisions, as well as healthcare providers who treat endometriosis patients. Using an integrated knowledge translation framework, a group of four patient partners with lived experience of endometriosis and pregnancy planning are engaged as members of the research team and have been instrumental since the conception of the project. With the help of PSI funding, we plan to create an animated video showcasing the treatment decision-making process of endometriosis patients. Co-creating these materials with patient partners and healthcare professionals will be invaluable in ensuring clearly communicated, effective outputs to reach endometriosis patients who are struggling with these decisions and clinicians who support them.

What does being a Public Scholar mean?

To me, being a Public Scholar means keeping in mind that our research is not simply an academic exercise, but a way to contribute to increased public knowledge about a topic and, in the case of healthcare, changes in real-world practices. It means engaging with the broader community to both improve our work and widen the positive impact of our work.

In what ways do you think the PhD experience can be re-imagined with this Initiative?

The Public Scholars Initiative allows PhD students to go beyond simply publishing results in academic journals. It allows students to integrate knowledge dissemination directly into their PhD and to demonstrate the value of making knowledge more publicly accessible, rather than limiting knowledge to those within academic or medical fields. The Public Scholars Initiative also connects students with people, skills and resources to help them achieve these goals.

How do you envision connecting your PhD work with broader career possibilities?

My PhD work involves patient partner engagement, which is increasingly recognized as a crucial component of rigorous, high-quality health research and aids in reducing the time lag between research and practice. Engaging with patient partners allows me to extend my work into the public domain and focus on ways of disseminating knowledge outside of traditional academic routes, which is a skill and practice I hope to continue implementing throughout my career.

How does your research engage with the larger community and social partners?

My research engages with patient partners, the Endometriosis Patient Research Advisory Board, the BC Women’s Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, and other allied health professionals such as pelvic floor physiotherapists. By engaging with those in the community who have endometriosis or care for people with endometriosis, we can more effectively share information with those who could make a difference in patient care.

Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?

I have always been an avid learner, especially on the topics that interest me most. By conducting research, we get an opportunity to contribute to knowledge production rather than simply taking in the knowledge that already exists. As a researcher, you get to be the one to find the answers to the questions that interest you. Pursuing a graduate degree was the best way for me to dive deeper into research and develop new skills under the guidance of accomplished mentors. I was also interested in teaching and have been a TA throughout my graduate studies.

Why did you choose to come to British Columbia and study at UBC?

The Women+ and Children’s Health Sciences program at UBC is the only interdisciplinary program in Canada specifically on women+ and children’s health sciences research, which made it a clear choice. Vancouver is also my hometown and close to family!