Leadership update from Gavin Stuart and Wyeth Wasserman
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Stirling Bryan as Interim Executive Director, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) and Associate Dean Research, Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia (UBC), effective February 1, 2026.
Dr. Bryan is a renowned health economist whose work has shaped health system policy in British Columbia and internationally. He is widely recognized for his contributions to economic evaluation, health technology assessment and evidence-informed policy. His leadership experience spans academic, health system and provincial research organizations, with a strong track record in advancing patient-oriented research and integrating evidence into health system practice.
His current research portfolio includes two genomics-focused projects: one examining the use of pharmacogenomics in the clinical context of major depression and another assessing the cost-effectiveness of epitope compatibility to guide organ allocation in kidney transplantation. Across his work, Dr. Bryan demonstrates a consistent commitment to patient-oriented research.
To assume this joint role, Dr. Bryan will step down from his position as Chief Scientific Officer at Michael Smith Health Research BC. He will continue his academic and research appointments as professor in the UBC School of Population and Public Health and senior scientist with the Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation.
A formal search process will be initiated this year to identify a permanent incumbent for this role. In the interim, we look forward to benefiting from Dr. Bryan’s strategic perspective and collaborative leadership as he supports the VCHRI research communities and UBC Faculty of Medicine during this transition.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Bryan to this role.
Gavin C.E. Stuart, MD, FRCSC, FACOG, FCAHS
Vice President, Research
Vancouver Coastal Health
Wyeth W. Wasserman, Ph.D.
Vice Dean, Research
Faculty of Medicine
The University of British Columbia
