Clinician scientist Dr. Lisa Barrett is being recognized with the Doctors Nova Scotia Physician Health Promotion Award for her research on chronic viral infection and immune function, and how infection can be treated and cured.

Dr. Barrett conducts her research in part as the principal investigator with the Senescence Aging Infection and Immunity laboratory at Dalhousie University, which she also established. Innovative in her practices and approaches, she engages patients and the public to ensure outcomes are patient-centred.

That dedication to meeting patient needs is also reflected in her efforts to eradicate hepatitis C, which include her involvement with the Hepatitis Outreach Society of Nova Scotia, the International Network for Hepatitis in Substance Users Canadian steering committee and the Canadian Network on Hepatitis C.

“Her research in immunology and aging, and her focus on HIV and hepatitis C virus are leading to clinical care that is having major impacts in our community,” said colleague Dr. Christine Short.

Dr. Barrett joined the Division of Infectious Diseases at the Nova Scotia Health Authority in 2013. She is an assistant professor in the departments of Medicine (Division of Infectious Diseases), Microbiology and Immunology, and Pathology at Dalhousie Medical School, and a clinician scientist with the Nova Scotia Health Authority, in addition to being an infectious disease physician and attending staff.

A tireless advocate for marginalized people at risk and her patients, Dr. Barrett is an inspiring role model for her colleagues, residents, medical students, research trainees and other health professionals.