After a few years of tirelessly working towards their research program and knowledge translation (KT) activities, our PSI KT Fellows reach the finish line of their fellowship. As they cross the end point towards their award, we asked our fellows for reflections on their journey to share their highlights from the fellowship and advice for other aspiring or current KT Fellows.

What are the key accomplishments and outcomes from your award?

During the tenure of this award, I have achieved several meaningful accomplishment including:

• Supporting Trainees: I have had the privilege of supervising and supporting a diverse group of trainees, including Master’s students, PhD candidates, medical residents, and postdoctoral fellows. Watching their growth and success has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this period.
• Mentorship: Beyond direct supervision, I have provided mentorship to several new investigators across Canada, helping them establish their research programs and navigate early-career challenges.
• Research Excellence: My work has led to a series of high-impact publications in leading journals, including the European Respiratory Journal, CMAJ, Chest, and Thorax. These publications have contributed to advancing the field and enhancing the visibility of our research program.
• Knowledge Translation and Policy Impact: I have had opportunities to translate research into practice through collaborations with the Government of Ontario, the Canadian Thoracic Society, and the Lung Foundation. These partnerships have enabled our findings to inform policy and respiratory programs across the country.

What are some lessons learned during the PSI KT Fellowship?

One of the most valuable lessons I learned during the KT Fellowship is the importance of relationships with knowledge users. These relationships make research more relevant, meaningful, and impactful, and they truly energize a project. Engaging with our Respiratory Long COVID patient group was particularly inspiring — their insights, lived experiences, and enthusiasm shaped the direction of our work and reminded me of the real-world importance of translating research into action.

What were the most memorable moments of this PSI KT Fellowship?

Some of the most memorable moments of my KT Fellowship were watching my students achieve their goals. Seeing them publish their first papers, receive their first grants, or deliver their first conference presentations was incredibly rewarding — I felt proud to see their hard work and confidence grow.

Another highlight was working closely with patients, particularly those in our Respiratory Long COVID group. Their openness, resilience, and commitment to improving care brought a powerful sense of purpose to our work.

Finally, being recognized through awards during this period was both an honor and a reminder of the impact that collaborative, patient-centered research can have.

What are some general tips and advice you would give to those who are currently completing their KT Fellowship?

My main advice is to balance your projects — pursue some high-risk, high-reward ideas alongside more safe and steady ones. The ambitious projects push your boundaries and keep your work exciting, while the safer ones help build your track record and ensure steady progress. Early in my Fellowship, I took a risk by leading my first national prospective multicentre study, and it turned out to be an incredible learning experience that shaped my career.

I would also encourage fellows not to hesitate to take leadership positions. Leadership comes in many forms and personalities — you don’t have to fit a single mold to make an impact.