The ODPRN Research Analytics Team was created with the goal of rapidly conducting policy-relevant research in Ontario, and communicates regularly with key policy-makers in the Ontario government to determine areas of high priority for drug research.
The Research Analytics Team rapidly responds to research requests from the Ontario Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Ministry of Long-Term Care (MLTC) using the administrative claims databases housed at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES). These linked databases include information on physician claims, hospitalizations, emergency department visits, geographic location, vital statistics on the entire population of Ontario, and drug utilization data on the elderly population and those receiving social assistance. This research:
- Explores novel methodologies in observational research,
- Conducts clinically relevant comparative effectiveness and drug safety research driven by members of the Stakeholder Advisory Panel, and
- Refines the study design and data extraction processes to allow for increasingly rapid turnaround of research requests.
Comprised of a team of experienced clinicians, epidemiologists, biostatisticians, analysts, project managers and research administrators, the Research Analytics Team collaboratively and quickly responds to the needs of drug policy-makers in Ontario. Additionally, cross-provincial differences in policy decisions are facilitated through collaborations with members of the Stakeholder Advisory Panel, the Canadian Institute for Health Information’s National Prescription Drug Utilization Information System (NPDUIS), and IQVIA.
The Team
Tara Gomes – Program Director
Tara Gomes is an epidemiologist, lead Principal Investigator of the ODPRN and a Scientist at St. Michael’s Hospital and ICES. She is also an assistant professor at the University of Toronto and holds a Canada Research Chair in Drug Policy Research and Evaluation. Her research program focuses on pharmacoepidemiology, drug safety and drug policy research, with a specific interest in developing evidence to inform policies related to the safety of opioid use across Canada.
Mina Tadrous – Director, Pharmacy Practice and Pharmaceutical Policy
Dr. Mina Tadrous is an assistant professor at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy and a scientist at Women’s College Hospital Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care. He is also an ICES adjunct scientist. Mina’s research interests lie in drug policy research and the post-marketing surveillance of safety and effectiveness of medications.
Tony Antoniou – Senior Investigator
Tony Antoniou is a scientist at St. Michael’s Hospital and ICES, as well as an associate professor at the University of Toronto. His areas of research include drug safety, drug interactions at the population level, and drug policy evaluation
Samantha Singh – Project Manager
Samantha is a Senior Research Project Manager with the ODPRN based at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute at St. Michael’s Hospital. She received her Bachelor of Science through York University. She is responsible for managing the ODPRN research portfolio.
Dana Shearer – Lead, Knowledge Translation and Engagement
Dana is the Lead of Knowledge Translation and Engagement at the ODPRN. She holds a Master of Arts in Social Gerontology & Health Studies from McMaster University as well as an undergraduate Honours Bachelor of Arts in Comprehensive Psychology from Wilfred Laurier University. Dana implements various dissemination strategies to increase awareness of ODPRN research; develops knowledge translation material and communication tools that summarize research findings; and builds stakeholder and patient engagement including managing the ODPRN Citizens’ Panel and the Ontario Opioid Drug Observatory (OODO) Lived Experience Advisory Group.
Alice Holton – Senior Research Associate
Alice Holton is a Senior Research Associate at the ODPRN. She completed a PhD in Pharmacoepidemiology, MPharm, BSc (Pharm) and PgDip in Health Professions Education at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), and a Professional Diploma in Health Economics at the IPA Dublin. Her research interests include medication use, alcohol consumption, healthcare utilization, adverse outcomes, and older adults.
Bisola Hamzat – Epidemiologist
Bisola is an epidemiologist with the ODPRN based at St. Michael’s Hospital. She received a Master of Science in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from Western University and has completed a Bachelor of Medical Sciences with an Honours Specialization in Epidemiology and Biostatistics.
Anita Iacono – Epidemiologist (Parental Leave 2023-2024)
Anita is an epidemiologist with the ODPRN based at St. Michael’s Hospital. She holds a Master of Science in Public Health and Health Systems (Epidemiology and Biostatistics) and a Bachelor of Science in Health Studies (Gerontology minor).
Daniel McCormack – Research Analyst
Daniel is a research analyst with the ODPRN and is based out of the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES). He received his Master of Science in Epidemiology from the University of Ottawa and previously completed a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry at McGill University.
Tianru Wang – Research Analyst
Tianru is a Research Analyst with the ODPRN based at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES). She received her Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from Dalla Lana School of Public Health and completed her Bachelor of Science in Physiology and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Toronto.
Emily Schneider – Research Coordinator
Emily is the research coordinator with the ODPRN. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Health Studies (biology and chemistry minors). Emily is responsible for managing social media platforms and assists with knowledge translation materials and administrative tasks.