The Future of Health Care, Climate and Community Through Science

At the heart of Mission Possible lies a powerful idea: science is not just about discovery, it is about action. The future of healthcare, climate, and community depends on how effectively we transform knowledge into solutions that improve lives. Across various fields, four thought leaders from the Regina community are demonstrating that when science is combined with purpose, the results can transform our world.

Trevor Tessier explored how artificial intelligence can ease the burdens of healthcare workers and improve patient care. His work highlights how readily available AI tools can be integrated into healthcare systems to streamline workflows and help physicians spend less time on administrative tasks and more time with their patients. As Trevor says, "if we want different results, we have to fix the tools not the people," a vision he expands on in his talk on AI and the human side of health care.

Dr. Thomas Hadjistavropoulos reminds us that science cannot make an impact if it remains locked away in research papers. His work highlights how readily available AI tools can be integrated into healthcare systems to streamline workflows and help physicians spend less time on administrative tasks and more time with their patients. By finding new ways to share research, he ensures science reaches those who need it most. As he says, "the 17-year gap between practice and research that we as a society can no longer afford to ignore,” which he explains in his talk on using social media to improve dementia care.

The urgency of science is also clear in the work of Dr. David Sauchyn, whose work highlights how human activities have already impacted the climate. His question is both simple and profound: we have changed the planet, can we change ourselves? By tracing climate variability across centuries and leading international adaptation projects, he shows that while solutions to climate change may be simple, they require courage, lifestyle shifts, and collective commitment. As he puts it, “there is a complete disconnect between the places we’d like to live and the cities we have built,” a theme he shares in his talk on changing ourselves to face climate change.

Science is not only about humans, and Billie Groom brings a unique perspective by applying cognitive behavioral therapy principles to animal behavior. Her approach challenges traditional models of obedience training. Throughout her talk, she emphasizes, “people don’t give up their dog because of behavior or because they’re impatient, but because what they’re doing isn’t working.” Discover her vision by listening to her talk on the movement towards sentience.

Together, these voices show that science is most powerful when it reaches beyond the lab and creates an impact on everyday life. Whether it is harnessing AI to transform healthcare, using social platforms to improve dementia care, adapting to the realities of climate change, or rethinking our connection with dogs, their work proves that progress is not only possible but it is  already underway. The mission is clear: the future of health care, climate, and community through science depends on us turning ideas into impact today.