Research & Training
Clinical research is a way of providing new and innovative care to patients who can potentially benefit from new directions in medicine. Our hematologists are actively engaged in clinical research and investigate both benign and malignant hematological disorders. The aim of this research is to identify significant improvements in treatment and patient care; it is this inspiration that is the spirit and vision of our research team. You may be interested in participating in a clinical study. If so, please contact your doctor, and we will see if there is a study that is right for you.
Our hematologists are UBC Faculty of Medicine staff, and are involved in the teaching and training of medical students, residents and fellows. Our involvement in clinical research provides opportunities for motivated students to work alongside our medical team in order to investigate avenues in health science. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Pacific Hematology if they are interested in partaking in the Summer Student Research Program (SSRP).
Our Research Team
Rachel Despotovic
Research Manager
Rachel joined St. Paul's Hematology/Oncology Research group as the Research Manager in 2016, and is
responsible for appropriate execution of clinical trials and oversee resource allocation and budgeting.
Outside
of work, Rachel enjoys cooking, outdoor activities (hiking, skiing, swimming, camping) and spending time
with family and friends.
Kelsi Sorensen
Research Coordinator
I am a Clinical Research Coordinator who started with Providence Health Care Hematology/Oncology Research Group in Oct 2022. I am responsible for clinical trials at the site in all aspects, primarily the recruitment of participants and coordinating study visits/tests/procedures. I am also the supervisor of UBC Science Co-op Students that are employed at the site on a yearly basis. I enjoy watching a good show, reading and my cats.
Svetlana Zivadinovic
Research Coordinator
I completed my bachelor's degree in 2023 at the University of British Columbia, where I studied
physiological sciences and discovered my passion for research as a way of bridging my keen
interest in physiological sciences, medicine and working with diverse groups. Currently, I am
one of the hematology clinical research coordinators, where I am primarily responsible for
studies investigating novel treatments for sickle-cell disease and beta-thalassemia. Within my
work, I strive to work closely with my team and patient populations to contribute to the
innovative research in improving the quality of life/health outcomes of individuals affected by a
variety of hematological disorders.
Outside of my work in research, I enjoy baking, the company of my 5-year-old labrador,
Milo and spending quality time with my friends and family—especially summers where I visit home,
in Serbia.
Caitlin Killick
2025/2026 Coop Research Assistant
Hi, I'm Caitlin! I am an undergraduate student at UBC pursuing a BSc in Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience. I am currently working as a Co-op Research Assistant with St. Paul's Hospital's Hematology/Oncology Research Group. My research interests include mental health, neurodevelopmental disorders, and improving patient health outcomes through personalized treatment regimens. In my spare time, I enjoy listening to music, playing with my dog, and curling up with a good book or video game.
Mary Van
2024/2025 Coop Research Assistant
Mary is an undergraduate student from UBC studying Integrated Sciences in Immunology and Neurobiology. She joined St. Paul's Hematology/Oncology Research group as a Clinical Research Assistant on a 12-month Co-Op placement in May 2024. Outside of school and work, Mary enjoys playing the violin, finding new books to read, going on long walks, and building 3D puzzles.
Jennifer Ge
2024/2025 Coop Research Assistant
Jennifer is an undergraduate student from UBC studying Integrated Sciences in Immunology and Neurobiology. She joined St. Paul's Hematology/Oncology Research group as a Clinical Research Assistant on a 12-month Co-Op placement in May 2024. Outside of school and work, Jennifer enjoys playing the violin, finding new books to read, going on long walks, and building 3D puzzles.
Lily Wang
2025/2026 Coop Research Assistant
My name is Lily. I am an undergraduate student in the Honours Cellular, Anatomical, and Physiological Sciences and Minor in Psychology programs at the University of British Columbia, and a donor/volunteer with the Canadian Blood Services. I am excited to explore the field of hematology through my co-op placement with the Hematology/Oncology Research Group at St. Paul's Hospital. Outside of academics, I am passionate about hiking, running, watercolour painting, and woodworking.