Prof is Canada’s top nurse researcher

Dr. Elaine Gallagher, a professor at the University of Victoria’s school of nursing and centre on aging, has been named the top nurse researcher in Canada by the Canadian Association of Nurse Researchers.

By receiving the CANR Nurse Researcher of the Year Award, Gallagher — one of the world’s experts on falls and the elderly — is being recognized for her research contributions related to seniors and population aging.

“Dr. Gallagher’s commitment to researching the myriad of issues that affect the health and safety of older people has profoundly advanced Canada’s knowledge on how best to support the independence and quality of life of Canadian seniors,” says CANR President Lesley Young-Lewis.

“Her research in the area of injury and falls prevention has raised awareness of and interest in the reduction of morbidity and mortality. We’re pleased to award her this recognition as she exemplifies not only the conduct of research, nationally and internationally, but the dissemination of the results worldwide.”

The award comes on the heels of Gallagher’s trip to Washington, D.C., where she was invited to speak to the U.S. government on seniors’ falls. Gallagher, the only nurse and the sole Canadian expert at the meeting, advised officials with Medicare, Medicaid, the National Safety Council and the Centers for Disease Control about the prevention of falls of the elderly and the introduction of a new Medicare benefit.

Most of Gallagher’s research is focused on health promotion with older people. Research areas specifically involve mobilizing communities to develop injury prevention initiatives, developing caregiver support programs and assessing their impact, and a national study of elder abuse.

Gallagher will receive the nurse researcher award during the association’s annual general meeting in Quebec City from June 12–15.