Clinical research is an essential part of the academic practice of medicine in a tertiary care teaching hospital. It is one of the main pillars of academic Health Centers, together with education and clinical practice. In addition to generating evidence and answering questions which can benefit patients in the global medical community, clinical research enhances the quality of care provided in the centre where it is conducted. Consequently, research represents a critical component of activities within the Department of Pediatrics, UBC and BCCH in promoting high quality, evidence based practice.
Each division within the Department of Pediatrics is involved in conducting research, ranging from pure basic science to the novel description of clinical observations. Clinical research in the Department of Pediatrics is strongly support by the Child and Family Research Institute (CFRI).