Research in Focus shines a light on the innovative studies and discoveries taking shape across the UBC Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics. Through each feature, we celebrate the minds driving meaningful change in research, education, and clinical practice across anesthesiology, pharmacology, and therapeutics.
Dr. Anshula Ambasta’s research applies the principles of quality improvement, patient safety, and implementation science to understand and modify current healthcare processes with the goal of improving patient outcomes. Her program uniquely combines patient engagement, large-scale quality improvement, and implementation science within healthcare operations, enabling real-time changes that enhance the delivery of care.
“It is my ultimate hope that, through robust research defining evidence-based practice and effective implementation that ensures this evidence is integrated into clinical care, healthcare systems will become more seamless for providers, more patient-centered, and more efficient and sustainable for the future..”
– Anshula Ambasta, Assistant Professor, UBC
Meet Anshula Ambasta!
Site: UBC
Rank: Assistant Professor
Dr. Ambasta is a clinician-scientist, working as a general internal medicine physician and a research faculty member in the Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Her clinical training as a general internal medicine specialist provided her with insight into healthcare system processes and opportunities to make care safer, more effective, and patient-centered. She further strengthened her expertise with a Master of Public Health from Harvard University, equipping her with the epidemiological and research skills needed to critically analyze health system challenges and co-develop solutions with stakeholders that are both effective and patient-focused.
Responses have been edited for flow, clarity, and style.
What drew you to this particular research question or problem?
As a front-line clinician, I am passionate about ensuring that people receive timely, appropriate, and evidence-based care that aligns with their values and priorities. In my research role, I am fortunate to work with teams of researchers, clinicians, and individuals with lived experience navigating healthcare systems to identify opportunities for improvement and to develop and test interventions.
What’s been the most rewarding moment in your research journey so far?
One of the research projects I am currently working on focuses on the appropriate use of laboratory testing in hospitalized patients. As part of this project, I have been integrating information about testing appropriateness into the residency education system and empowering patients to engage in their care. One of the most rewarding moments came when a resident physician, unaware of my role in the project, spoke about the program and its importance in ensuring tests are ordered appropriately. Similarly, I felt grateful when patients referenced the educational resources developed as part of the program and asked questions about their hospital testing.
Outside of work, what do you enjoy the most?
Outside of work I enjoy the outdoors (hiking and biking with my partner and two kids), reading books, and dancing.
What impact do you hope this work will have on clinical practice, education, or society in general?
It is my ultimate hope that, through robust research defining evidence-based practice and effective implementation that ensures this evidence is integrated into clinical care, healthcare systems will become more seamless for providers—supported with the knowledge and confidence needed for decision-making—more patient-centered, where patients are empowered to ask questions and express their values and preferences—and more efficient and sustainable for the future.