Carley McPherson

Director of Research, Lakeridge Health

Carley McPherson is Director of Research at Lakeridge Health in the Durham Region, part of the Greater Toronto Area. Comprising five hospitals, four emergency rooms, three ICUs, a long-term care home and more than 20 additional healthcare locations, Lakeridge Health offers some of the broadest and most comprehensive acute, ambulatory and long-term medical services in Ontario. With over 15 years in healthcare research, Carley brings extensive experience from her tenure at the University Health Network, Canada’s largest teaching and research hospital. At Lakeridge Health, Carley leads the research program, overseeing clinical trials, operations and the Research Ethics Board. She collaborates closely with stakeholders to foster growth and diversification in research initiatives.

Beyond her operational role, Carley is committed to bringing science out of the lab and into the community. She initiated an International Day of Women and Girls in Science Series and organized “Science and the 6ix,” a TED-talk style event. She co-edited national magazine series on arthritis, vision, and neurological disorders. Additionally, Carley produced the first two seasons of the podcast “Your Complex Brain,” which garnered over 30,000 downloads. These projects have earned various accolades including People’s Choice Podcast and Healthcare Advertising Awards.

Passionate about community impact, Carley relocated in 2023 to expand Lakeridge Health’s infrastructure and research operations, enhancing local research capabilities to improve patient outcomes and access to innovative treatments. Dedicated to advancing hospital-based research and comprehensive community care, Carley strives to enrich services for residents and loved ones alike.