Research in focus: Pat Camp
Learn more about the work of our researchers at UBC
February 2, 2026
Name:
Pat Camp
My pronouns:
she/her
Title:
Associate Professor
Faculty/Department/Unit:
Medicine/Physical Therapy
Location:
Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver
Year I started working at UBC:
2000
Provide an overview of your research in 75 words or less:
Our research program is dedicated to advancing respiratory health equity through a diverse portfolio of projects, with a primary focus on Indigenous lung health and in collaboration with clinicians, Indigenous partners, and policymakers. Drawing on methods from epidemiology, implementation science, knowledge translation, and health services research, we aim to improve care delivery, support community-led solutions, and strengthen culturally safe respiratory care across BC.
What first motivated you (or motivates you) to conduct your research?
A general sense that my research was having little *impact*. I was publishing papers but I couldn't look around me and be able to say "I did that" or "I changed that." Now, I work with First Nations partners and I can see the immediate impact of the work we do together. I work with health authorities that are keen to implement change. This is very motivating to me and my team.
What do you hope will change as a result of this research?
We want to improve how respiratory care services are provided in this province, throughout the natural history of lung disease. Our primary disease focus is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a condition of very high prevalence but whose care and research is underfunded.
Are there any research collaborators you'd like to acknowledge and why?
We would like to acknowledge the research partnerships with Carrier Sekani Family Services, the Northern Health Authority, and the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority. Their engagement and support of lung health initiatives have been the foundation of our work.
Describe any interesting research milestones you are approaching
We are almost finished our COPD prevalence in First Nations communities study.
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