Dr. Sharon Hou Receives 2025 Michael Smith Health Research BC Scholar Award to Advance Child Health Equity
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Sharon Hou has received the , one of British Columbia鈥檚 highest recognitions for early-career health researchers. The Michael Smith Health Research BC Scholar Program supports outstanding scholars in establishing independent research programs, building research teams, and training the next generation of researchers.
Dr. Hou, assistant professor in the Faculty of Education at SFU and registered psychologist and investigator at BC Children鈥檚 Hospital Research Institute, leads a research program that explores how cultural and structural factors shape the healthcare experiences and outcomes of under-represented youth and families with serious and life-threatening conditions. Her work seeks to capture the perspectives and experiences of racialized, immigrant, and neurodivergent populations as they navigate complex systems of care, including in healthcare, education, and communities. Guided by a social justice framework, Dr. Hou centres culture as a critical lens through which people understand and cope with their conditions, engage with care, and attain wellness.
Dr. Hou is also the recipient of the (Empowering Next-generation Researchers in Perinatal and Child Health), which fosters cross-sectoral mentorship and national collaborations in child health research. Together, these awards recognize Dr. Hou鈥檚 growing leadership in advancing culturally responsive, equity-driven child health research, and her commitment to ensuring that healthcare and related social systems reflect the diverse needs and perspectives of the youth and families they serve.
鈥淢y vision is to create a culturally responsive model of child health care 鈥� one that is shaped by the voices and lived experiences of diverse youth, families, and their communities,鈥� said Dr. Hou. 鈥淏y bringing to light the richness and strength of the cultural context in shaping children鈥檚 health and well-being, my hope is that my research will help ensure that all children and youth have the opportunity to be heard, supported in receiving inclusive care, and empowered to live well.鈥�