Innovations in Healthcare: Translating Clinical Research into Practical Implementation

Join us for an engaging conversation featuring three leaders working at the intersection of clinical research, innovation, and real-world healthcare impact. Taking place just days before International Day of Women and Girls in Science, this event is a collaboration between Massey Grand Rounds, Massey Venture Society, and the Women in Leadership group. It aims to recognize the important role that diverse voices from all backgrounds play in shaping the future of healthcare.

Through a dynamic, discussion-based format, our speakers will share their experiences bringing clinical ideas from concept to implementation — highlighting the challenges, lessons learned, and opportunities that arise when science meets practice. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how research and innovation can be responsibly and effectively translated into healthcare settings.

By spotlighting leadership journeys at all stages alongside technical and clinical innovation, this session aims to both inspire and inform. Attendees will gain insight about the pipeline from research to industry from 3 different perspectives, highlighting the importance of how inclusive leadership and mentorship can strengthen research, development, and implementation outcomes.

This event is open to all, researchers, clinicians, students, entrepreneurs, and anyone curious about the future of healthcare, offering valuable perspectives on bridging the gap between discovery and impact. After the panel, guests will be invited to the Upper Library for a networking experience with our panelists and guests along with light snacks and refreshments before Formal Dinner at Ondaatje Hall. Registration for formal dinner available here: Formal Dinner (Feb 9) – Massey College

Bios:

Dr. Sheila Wang is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto, Staff Dermatologist and Clinician-Investigator at Women’s College Hospital, and co-founder of Swift Medical, where she leads innovation in AI-powered imaging and digital dermatology. Her contributions to technology-driven care have earned her the Governor General’s Innovation Award, the CMA Young Leader Award, the Joule Innovation Award, and the AAD Quality Improvement Award.  

Ariel Siller is a strategic leader and Stanford-trained lawyer whose work bridges sectors to drive systemic change in Canada and beyond. She is currently the Managing Director of Women’s Equity Lab, a network of early-stage investment funds comprised of women angel investors who primarily back women-led startups. Previously, Ariel served as CEO of the Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation, where she raised over $25 million, launched health care-based early literacy programs now reaching tens of thousands of children, and led national coalitions recognized globally for advancing literacy. Earlier in her career, she practiced corporate and renewable-energy law at Torys LLP in Toronto and O’Melveny & Myers LLP in San Francisco. Ariel is proud to serve on the Board of Directors of Women’s College Hospital Foundation and The Pine Project.

Zoe Crookshank is a Masters of Engineering student at the University of Toronto who is focused on understanding how robotics and technology can improve human well-being and environmental outcomes. Prior to coming to Massey College, she co-founded Revyn Medical Technologies, a medical device company dedicated to improving gynecological care. There, she led the design of a new vaginal speculum, informed by qualitative research with patients and practitioners. The device is patent-pending in both Canada and the US.