Anya Smith

Overview: Anya F. Smith, PhD, is a Researcher and Scientific Lead, CP and DDH Research, Evaluation, and Surveillance at Child Health BC (CHBC), Provincial Health Services Authority. Dr. Smith has a background in epidemiology and population and public health. Her history spans research in infectious disease, chronic conditions and disorders, and population health initiatives with BC First Nations. Currently, Dr. Smith's work at CHBC is focused on leading population and clinical-level research, evaluation, and surveillance initiatives that inform pediatric clinical service innovation - with a particular focus on certain chronic hip disorders and conditions.
Publications: Risk factors for Echinococcus multilocularis intestinal infections in owned domestic dogs in a North American metropolis (Calgary, Alberta)
Scientific Reports
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55515-6
2024
Molecular characterization of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. from dogs and coyotes in an urban landscape suggests infrequent occurrence of zoonotic genotypes
Veterinary Parasitology
Smith, A.F. and Neumann, N. and Banting, G. and Klein, C. and Liccioli, S. and Massolo, A.
DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109115
2020
Multiple sources of the outbreak of legionnaires’ disease in Genesee County, Michigan, in 2014 and 2015
Environmental Health Perspectives
Smith, A.F. and Huss, A. and Dorevitch, S. and Heijnen, L. and Arntzen, V.H. and Davies, M. and van Beest Holle, M.R.-D.R. and Fujita, Y. and Verschoor, A.M. and Raterman, B. and Oesterholt, F. and Heederik, D. and Medema, G.
DOI: 10.1289/EHP5663
2019
Reported off-leash frequency and perception of risk for gastrointestinal parasitism are not associated in owners of urban park-attending dogs: A multifactorial investigation
Preventive Veterinary Medicine
Smith, A.F. and Semeniuk, C.A.D. and Rock, M.J. and Massolo, A.
DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2015.03.017
2015
Urban park-related risks for Giardia spp. infection in dogs
Epidemiology and Infection
Smith, A.F. and Rock, M. and Neumann, N. and Massolo, A.
DOI: 10.1017/S0950268815000400
2015
Dog-walking behaviours affect gastrointestinal parasitism in park-attending dogs
Parasites and Vectors
Smith, A.F. and Semeniuk, C.A.D. and Kutz, S.J. and Massolo, A.
DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-429
2014
Research: Estimating prevalence and incidence of Cerebral Palsy (CP)
Estimating prevalence and incidence of Cerebral Palsy (CP) in children and youth in BC using multiple, linked, health administrative databases and predictive modelling. These estimates will inform recruitment into the Hip Surveillance Clinical Program, and select indicators will be collected for on-going population-level surveillance.
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) is a largely preventable chronic disability in children. There is currently no standardized care pathway in BC for DDH screening. Dr. Smith is leading the development and evaluation of this pathway using clinical and population-level data, in an effort to reduce the incidence of severe DDH requiring invasive surgical intervention. Population-level surveillance of DDH will be established.

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Torin Halvorson and Hebah Hussaina awarded Vanier scholarships for immunotherapy and mental health research

BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute (BCCHR) is proud to announce that two of its outstanding research trainees, Torin Halvorson, an MD/PhD student working with the Levings research team, and Hebah Hussaina, a graduate research assistant in the Brussoni Lab, have been awarded the prestigious 2024 Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship.

Continue reading Torin Halvorson and Hebah Hussaina awarded Vanier scholarships for immunotherapy and mental health research

Studies highlight the impact of the pandemic on children and youth’s mental health

The Pediatric Outcome ImProvement through COordination of Research Networks — which involves BCCHR — has published their latest research findings on mental health hospitalizations of children and youth throughout the pandemic. These findings led the team to a second study where they evaluated the relationship between hospital admissions for eating disorders and public health restrictions.

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Recognizing a brain injury quickly can save lives

Knowing how to recognize brain injury as early as possible and what to do is crucial to reduce potential long-term complications. Mild traumatic brain injuries are more prevalent in children and youth than adults, often as a result of sport- and recreation-related events.

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A decade of work advances care for children with cancer

Researchers at the Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program at BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute have been working for over a decade on the BC Pediatric Personalized OncoGenomics (PedsPOG) study, using genomics to identify treatments specific to an individual child’s cancer.

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BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute brings Mini Science Night to Salmon Arm

Scheduled for May 2, in Salmon Arm, BC, Mini Science Night is a public lecture that explores the newest discoveries and innovations in health research. Admission is free and everyone in the community is welcome to attend, including students, teachers, parents, seniors, and local health-care professionals. There are 50 seats available to the public when registration opens on April 2.

Continue reading BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute brings Mini Science Night to Salmon Arm

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