Vitalité is strengthening its university mission to improve health care and train the next generation of health care professionals

Vitalité Health Network, friday, September 4, 2026– In 2025–2026, Vitalité Health Network continued to advance its university mission through its two main pillars: research and training. Research and clinical trials contribute to the continuous improvement of health care and the advancement of health knowledge, while the enrollment of 2,219 students helps train the next generation of health care professionals and prepare the professionals of tomorrow.

To view the report, click here:Bilan_2025-2026_AN.pdf

Research for the benefit of patients

Over the past year, the Research and Health Evaluation sector carried out 362 activities, including 91 research and evaluation projects, 63 literature and best-practice reviews, and 51 knowledge transfer activities. In addition, 30 research projects led by university researchers were carried out in collaboration with the Network and 14 Canadian universities.

The Clinical Trials Support Unit assisted 25 clinicians in conducting 18 therapeutic clinical trials. Three new sponsored clinical trials began over the past year: one in Cardiology and two in Neurology. These trials make it possible to offer patients innovative treatment options while contributing to the advancement of knowledge and practices in health care.

The establishment of the New Brunswick Health Research Institute (NBHRI), in partnership with the Université de Moncton, is also a major achievement. The Institute is dedicated to advancing research and innovation in key priority areas, including cancer, aging, mental health, neuroscience, chronic disease prevention, and improvement of the health care system.

"Research is an integral part of the Network’s mission and values. It allows us to provide our patients with access to innovative therapies, while generating the knowledge needed to continuously improve our care and services. By expanding our research capacity and working closely with our partners, we are helping to build an environment where the next generation can learn, innovate, and contribute to improving the health care system," stated Erika Dugas, Director of Health Research and Evaluation.

Training the next generation of health care professionals

The university mission also plays a vital role in training tomorrow’s health care professionals by enabling them to complete internships within the Network. In 2025–2026, the Network had 71 partnership agreements with educational institutions and hosted students from 54 academic programs, for a total of 2,219 students.

Internships allow students to develop their skills in clinical and non-clinical settings, gain insight into the realities of working in the health care system and build relationships with the Network’s teams. They also provide an opportunity to promote the Network as a workplace and can serve as a first step toward a career within the organization. Testimonials collected as part of the assessment also indicate that a positive internship experience can encourage students to choose the Network as an employer.

"Every internship is an opportunity to help train the next generation of health care professionals and introduce them to our practice settings. Through their dedication, internship supervisors and supportive teams help students develop their skills in a welcoming and enriching environment while exploring the career opportunities available within our Network," said Martine Poirier, Director of Training and Educational Partnerships.

To support internships, the Network also continued to enhance their management through the rollout of the Clinical Placements+ portal, a one-stop platform that centralizes internship requests and facilitates coordination and communication among the various stakeholders involved.

Shaping the future of health

The achievements of 2025–2026 illustrate the university mission’s contribution to improving patient care, advancing knowledge, and training the next generation of professionals.

By sustaining its research activities, its partnerships with educational institutions, and its efforts to provide stimulating internship environments, Vitalité Health Network is improving care today while preparing the health care professionals of tomorrow.

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