Dana El-Mughayyar is a highly accomplished clinical research professional with over eight years of experience in spine, orthopaedics, neurosurgery, chronic pain and cardiovascular research. A recipient of multiple awards, she holds a Bachelor of Science with a double major in Biology and Psychology and a Master of Science in Kinesiology from the University of New Brunswick. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Dalhousie University funded by Research Nova Scotia (Scotia Scholar Doctoral), Dalhousie Research Excellence Scholarship, and Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarship, Dana focuses on exploring cardiac rehabilitation outcomes through patient-oriented research.

Her research journey began at the Canada East Spine Centre, where she contributed to studies on post-operative spine patient outcomes, 3D surgical planning, prehabilitation, and pharmacy trials. Transitioning to cardiovascular research at the NBHC, Dana has led interventional trials and observational studies addressing critical gaps in patient care, such as barriers to cardiac rehabilitation participation and post-surgical recovery outcomes.

As Clinical Research Manager at NBHC, Dana has successfully managed high-impact projects, including exceeding recruitment targets for the LeAAPS trial by sixfold. She also serves as Director of Experiential Learning for Dalhousie University’s IMPART program, enhancing her leadership in strategic planning and stakeholder engagement. Dana is the founder of the Volunteer Research Program at NBHC and Volunteer Mentorship Program at IMPART funded by MyROAD.

Dana is certified as a Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) and has pursued advanced training in patient-oriented research (POR). She applies these principles to amplify patient voices, identifying barriers to CR access through her PhD in Health work at Dalhousie University under the guidance of Dr.Scott Grandy. Her commitment to enhancing healthcare is reflected in her peer-reviewed publications, extensive conference presentations, and collaborations with local and national stakeholders. Dana also serves as a peer-reviewer for esteemed journals such as Global Spine Journal and Medicine ©. Driven by a belief in the power of multidisciplinary collaboration, Dana is dedicated to creating a healthcare system where patients feel seen, heard, and empowered. Her work bridges the gap between research and patient care, pushing the boundaries of evidence-based medicine to improve outcomes for all.

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