Welcome to the Centre for Rural Health Studies!

The CRHS is dedicated to improving rural healthcare through research, education, and community-driven solutions. The CRHS conducts research involving rural health care, services and policy in Canada with a particular emphasis on disparities between rural and urban geographic locations. We also provide research support and perform other research related activities for the Discipline of Family Medicine. Under the direction of Dr. Shabnam Asghari, epidemiologist and professor, the CRHS directs or participates in local, provincial, and national research teams that aim to improve the accessibility and quality of primary healthcare for rural residents.

Mission & Vision

The CRHS envisions a healthcare system that is equitable, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of rural communities. Its mission is to foster innovation, research, and education that address the unique challenges of rural healthcare, ensuring that solutions are rooted in social accountability and informed by the voices of those directly impacted.

Through its programs and initiatives, the CRHS aims to:

• Build capacity among rural healthcare professionals and researchers.
• Address healthcare disparities through evidence-based solutions.
• Create lasting, community-led improvements in healthcare delivery.
• Leverage the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies to improve healthcare delivery, research, and outcomes in rural communities.

CRHS Programs

The CRHS has two major ongoing research programs – the 6for6 and Rural360 programs, and the SurgeCon project. Co-led by Drs. Asghari, Bethune, and Graham, 6for6 is a faculty development program in research and writing for rural and remote family physicians. Rural360 builds upon 6for6 by providing additional support and resources to help 6for6 alumni further develop their research projects and proposals. SurgeCon is a project led by Drs. Asghari and Patey (a 6for6 alumni), and Paul Norman with the aim of assessing the impact of an emergency department patient-management protocol in rural community hospitals. 

For more information, please contact:

Anna Walsh, CRHS Coordinator
M-5M108, Faculty of Medicine Building
300 Prince Philip Dr
St. John's NL A1B 3V6
E anna.walsh@mun.ca