Rachel Dadouch conducts research in obesity in pregnancy, among other maternal fetal medicine topics. One of the main projects she currently works on is the development of a core outcomes set for studies on obesity in pregnancy (COSSOPP). She recently defended her PhD at the University of Toronto’s Institute of Medical Science, which focused on a narrative study exploring clinical encounters between plus-size patients and their healthcare professionals (HCPs) and the communication challenges that arise. Rachel’s next steps involve advancing the knowledge translation of this work.

Rachel Dadouch conducts research in obesity in pregnancy, among other maternal fetal medicine topics. One of the main projects she currently works on is the development of a core outcomes set for studies on obesity in pregnancy (COSSOPP). She recently defended her PhD at the University of Toronto’s Institute of Medical Science, which focused on a narrative study exploring clinical encounters between plus-size patients and their healthcare professionals (HCPs) and the communication challenges that arise. Rachel’s next steps involve advancing the knowledge translation of this work.

Shakil, a medical graduate and a master of public health from Bangladesh, joined Dr. D’Souza’s lab as an MSc candidate of Health Research Methodology Program at McMaster University in Fall 2023. His research interests include maternal and child health, reproductive health and health systems of developing and underdeveloped countries. He will complete his master’s thesis on adverse pregnancy outcomes under the supervision of Dr. Rohan D’Souza.

Shakil, a medical graduate and a master of public health from Bangladesh, joined Dr. D’Souza’s lab as an MSc candidate of Health Research Methodology Program at McMaster University in Fall 2023. His research interests include maternal and child health, reproductive health and health systems of developing and underdeveloped countries. He will complete his master’s thesis on adverse pregnancy outcomes under the supervision of Dr. Rohan D’Souza.

Rizwana joined our team as a research associate in 2019. She is an international medical graduate and a Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada. She also completed the Clinical Research Certification Program from Michener Institute in 2020. Rizwana is passionate about working with the research team and providing meaningful contribution in improving women’s health and reducing maternal morbidity. She is currently also a graduate student in the Health Research Methodology program at McMaster University.

Rizwana joined our team as a research associate in 2019. She is an international medical graduate and a Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada. She also completed the Clinical Research Certification Program from Michener Institute in 2020. Rizwana is passionate about working with the research team and providing meaningful contribution in improving women’s health and reducing maternal morbidity. She is currently also a graduate student in the Health Research Methodology program at McMaster University.

Medha is a neonatologist and a graduate student in the Health Research Methodology program. Her research interests lies in looking at infant neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Medha is a neonatologist and a graduate student in the Health Research Methodology program. Her research interests lies in looking at infant neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Vedha Viyas is an electronics and biomedical engineer, who completed his Masters in Global Health. He has been a part of FLOURISH Lab since 2023 and has joined as MSc student in the Health Research Methodology program since Fall’ 2024.

Vedha Viyas is an electronics and biomedical engineer, who completed his Masters in Global Health. He has been a part of FLOURISH Lab since 2023 and has joined as MSc student in the Health Research Methodology program since Fall’ 2024.

Emma is a first year graduate student in the public health program. She is currently working on the Canadian (CanOSS) and International (INOSS) Obstetric Survey Systems projects, in gathering data on maternal morbidity and mortality case review around the world. She is also assisting a qualitative study titled, “Maternal Morbidity in Marginalized Communities,” which seeks to understand the unique pregnancy challenges faced by people identifying as LGBTQ2IA+ or living with disabilities.

Emma is a first year graduate student in the public health program. She is currently working on the Canadian (CanOSS) and International (INOSS) Obstetric Survey Systems projects, in gathering data on maternal morbidity and mortality case review around the world. She is also assisting a qualitative study titled, “Maternal Morbidity in Marginalized Communities,” which seeks to understand the unique pregnancy challenges faced by people identifying as LGBTQ2IA+ or living with disabilities.

Rashid Ahmed, MSc, is a Research Coordinator in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, with research interests in clinical epidemiology, health economics, population and public health, community-based mixed methods, and health systems research. He completed a MSc with the Health Research Methodology program at McMaster, a graduate diploma in community-based research methodology, and is also the Research Manager for the McMaster Midwifery Research Centre (MMRC).

Rashid Ahmed, MSc, is a Research Coordinator in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, with research interests in clinical epidemiology, health economics, population and public health, community-based mixed methods, and health systems research. He completed a MSc with the Health Research Methodology program at McMaster, a graduate diploma in community-based research methodology, and is also the Research Manager for the McMaster Midwifery Research Centre (MMRC).

Rizwana joined our team as a research associate in 2019. She is an international medical graduate and a Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada. She also completed the Clinical Research Certification Program from Michener Institute in 2020. Rizwana is passionate about working with the research team and providing meaningful contribution in improving women’s health and reducing maternal morbidity. She is currently also a graduate student in the Health Research Methodology program at McMaster University.

Rizwana joined our team as a research associate in 2019. She is an international medical graduate and a Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada. She also completed the Clinical Research Certification Program from Michener Institute in 2020. Rizwana is passionate about working with the research team and providing meaningful contribution in improving women’s health and reducing maternal morbidity. She is currently also a graduate student in the Health Research Methodology program at McMaster University.

Paige Gehrke is a research coordinator and registered nurse, with a variety of clinical and research experience. Through her work, Paige endeavors to optimize health system processes to foster safe and positive experiences for clinicians, patients, and families. Paige holds a BScN from Western University, a Critical Care Nursing certificate from Niagara College, and a MSc from McMaster. Her thesis work explored intensive care unit nurses’ experiences of moral distress during the COVID-19 pandemic, which included learning about their recommendations for organization-based mitigative interventions. Paige has collaborated on and led several projects focused on building community hospital research capacity, as well as critical care, moral distress, and qualitative research methods. She has over nine years of clinical experience practicing in a diverse range of settings, mostly situated within intensive care.

Paige Gehrke is a research coordinator and registered nurse, with a variety of clinical and research experience. Through her work, Paige endeavors to optimize health system processes to foster safe and positive experiences for clinicians, patients, and families. Paige holds a BScN from Western University, a Critical Care Nursing certificate from Niagara College, and a MSc from McMaster. Her thesis work explored intensive care unit nurses’ experiences of moral distress during the COVID-19 pandemic, which included learning about their recommendations for organization-based mitigative interventions. Paige has collaborated on and led several projects focused on building community hospital research capacity, as well as critical care, moral distress, and qualitative research methods. She has over nine years of clinical experience practicing in a diverse range of settings, mostly situated within intensive care.

Logan is a third-year medical student at Queen’s University who is very excited to be working with the D’Souza Lab.

He completed a Ph.D. in 2021 under Dr. Graeme Smith studying postpartum cardiovascular outcomes of preeclampsia.

Logan is interested in improving maternal health surveillance during the peripartum and postpartum periods, and developing tools for clinicians to initiate early intervention after pregnancy complications.

Logan is a third-year medical student at Queen’s University who is very excited to be working with the D’Souza Lab.

He completed a Ph.D. in 2021 under Dr. Graeme Smith studying postpartum cardiovascular outcomes of preeclampsia.

Logan is interested in improving maternal health surveillance during the peripartum and postpartum periods, and developing tools for clinicians to initiate early intervention after pregnancy complications.

Bronte is a Research Assistant in the D’Souza Lab who is working to understanding the impacts of enhanced obstetrical surveillance systems on maternal morbidity and mortality globally. In addition to her work in the D’Souza Lab, she is a Part-Time Instructor in the Bachelor of Health Sciences Program at McMaster University. Bronte completed her BHSc and MSc here at McMaster and is currently a PhD student in the School of Population and Public Health at the University of British Columbia where her doctoral work focuses on identifying and addressing contraception barriers for Vancouver Island Youth.

Affiliations: MMRC Research Fellow, MERIT Member, CGSHE & WHRI Trainee (UBC)

Bronte is a Research Assistant in the D’Souza Lab who is working to understanding the impacts of enhanced obstetrical surveillance systems on maternal morbidity and mortality globally. In addition to her work in the D’Souza Lab, she is a Part-Time Instructor in the Bachelor of Health Sciences Program at McMaster University. Bronte completed her BHSc and MSc here at McMaster and is currently a PhD student in the School of Population and Public Health at the University of British Columbia where her doctoral work focuses on identifying and addressing contraception barriers for Vancouver Island Youth.

Affiliations: MMRC Research Fellow, MERIT Member, CGSHE & WHRI Trainee (UBC)

Kiran Nabil is an international medical doctor from Pakistan and a former research assistant for the D’Souza lab. Kiran worked on the Covid-19 and Pregnancy outcomes: An Umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analysis project. Kiran is currently enrolled in the PaCER research program at the University of Calgary, working for the maternal health team sponsored by Dr. D’Souza, on the Understanding pregnancy-related morbidity from a multicultural, family-centred, Canadian perspective project. She also completed Clinical Research Associate (CCRA) certification from McMaster University, in 202, and works as a research assistant at the Federation of Black Canadians in a Covid-19 qualitative research project Resiliency during Covid-19. 

Kiran Nabil is an international medical doctor from Pakistan and a former research assistant for the D’Souza lab. Kiran worked on the Covid-19 and Pregnancy outcomes: An Umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analysis project. Kiran is currently enrolled in the PaCER research program at the University of Calgary, working for the maternal health team sponsored by Dr. D’Souza, on the Understanding pregnancy-related morbidity from a multicultural, family-centred, Canadian perspective project. She also completed Clinical Research Associate (CCRA) certification from McMaster University, in 202, and works as a research assistant at the Federation of Black Canadians in a Covid-19 qualitative research project Resiliency during Covid-19. 

Shahab earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, which provided a strong foundation in research methodologies. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Health Research Methodology, with a focus on evidence-based medicine. His primary interests lie in systematic reviews and the development of Clinical Practice Guidelines. Shahab contributes as a systematic reviewer to projects focused on falling insulin requirements in pregnant women and anticoagulation management for pregnant women with mechanical heart valves.

Shahab earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, which provided a strong foundation in research methodologies. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Health Research Methodology, with a focus on evidence-based medicine. His primary interests lie in systematic reviews and the development of Clinical Practice Guidelines. Shahab contributes as a systematic reviewer to projects focused on falling insulin requirements in pregnant women and anticoagulation management for pregnant women with mechanical heart valves.

Daniella is a web assistant for the D’Souza Lab. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies at McMaster University in 2021. Daniella is also a research communications coordinator at the Office of the Vice-President, Research. She is passionate about collaborating with members of McMaster’s research community to share stories about their important and impactful work.

Daniella is a web assistant for the D’Souza Lab. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies at McMaster University in 2021. Daniella is also a research communications coordinator at the Office of the Vice-President, Research. She is passionate about collaborating with members of McMaster’s research community to share stories about their important and impactful work.

Bringing over a decade of experience in providing support to medical divisions at Mount Sinai Hospital, Laurie spearheads administrative operations for both FLOURISH and the PERL lab.

Bringing over a decade of experience in providing support to medical divisions at Mount Sinai Hospital, Laurie spearheads administrative operations for both FLOURISH and the PERL lab.

Sahar is a Ph.D. student in the Health Research Methodology Program within the Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact. With a background in Midwifery and over five years of clinical practice experience, she is dedicated to advancing maternal and child health and reducing maternal morbidity.

Sahar is a Ph.D. student in the Health Research Methodology Program within the Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact. With a background in Midwifery and over five years of clinical practice experience, she is dedicated to advancing maternal and child health and reducing maternal morbidity.

Allie is a 4^th year medical student at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She graduated with an MSc from the University of Toronto’s IMS program in June 2020, supervised by Dr. Rohan D’Souza. While with Dr. D’Souza, she received the CIHR Canadian Graduate Scholarship, UofT’s IMS Whiteside award, and published two peer-reviewed papers. Her medical and research interests include women’s health, sports medicine, and patient-centered care. Outside of medicine, Allie enjoys fitness, theatre, travel and spending time with friends and family (preferably over a great meal).

Allie is a 4^th year medical student at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She graduated with an MSc from the University of Toronto’s IMS program in June 2020, supervised by Dr. Rohan D’Souza. While with Dr. D’Souza, she received the CIHR Canadian Graduate Scholarship, UofT’s IMS Whiteside award, and published two peer-reviewed papers. Her medical and research interests include women’s health, sports medicine, and patient-centered care. Outside of medicine, Allie enjoys fitness, theatre, travel and spending time with friends and family (preferably over a great meal).

Eden Manly received her BSc from Dalhousie University in 2021 and is currently an MD Candidate at McMaster University. As a member of the D’Souza Lab, her research focuses on maternal morbidity, with an emphasis on understanding the perspectives of those with lived pregnancy experience, their families and healthcare providers. Eden is passionate about women’s health and is eager to make a difference in the lives of women, and those who care for them, through participation in this important work.

Eden Manly received her BSc from Dalhousie University in 2021 and is currently an MD Candidate at McMaster University. As a member of the D’Souza Lab, her research focuses on maternal morbidity, with an emphasis on understanding the perspectives of those with lived pregnancy experience, their families and healthcare providers. Eden is passionate about women’s health and is eager to make a difference in the lives of women, and those who care for them, through participation in this important work.

Tegwende joined Dr. D’Souza’s team in January 2022, as a research assistant, during her practicum with the Canadian Obstetric Survey System (CanOSS) feasibility project. She is a master’s of public health candidate at McMaster University and graduated with a bachelor of science from the University of Toronto (UofT) in 2020. Her research interests include maternal and pediatric health, health equity and global health. Continuing under Dr. D’Souza’s supervision, she is pursuing a thesis on the topic of maternal morbidity. 

Tegwende joined Dr. D’Souza’s team in January 2022, as a research assistant, during her practicum with the Canadian Obstetric Survey System (CanOSS) feasibility project. She is a master’s of public health candidate at McMaster University and graduated with a bachelor of science from the University of Toronto (UofT) in 2020. Her research interests include maternal and pediatric health, health equity and global health. Continuing under Dr. D’Souza’s supervision, she is pursuing a thesis on the topic of maternal morbidity.