Seminar Series: Pavlina Faltynek and Fatemeh Ahmadi
PhD Thesis Proposal Defense Public Lectures
A multi-method evaluation of geographic barriers and solutions to kidney transplant access in Northern Ontario
Pavlina Faltynek, PhD Candidate 
Program: Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Supervisor(s): Dr. Amit Garg and Dr. Kyla Naylor
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
Western University
Short Biography:
Pavlina Faltynek is currently a PhD candidate in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Western University. She’s a former Policy-Planning Analyst at the Ministry of Health and Long term Care, as well she holds two masters degrees, a Masters in Neuroscience and a Masters of Public Policy from the Munk School at the University of Toronto. Both her academic and professional work center on her passion for evidence-informed decision making in health system transformation.
Abstract:
Over 50 000 Canadians were living with kidney failure by the end of 2024. Unfortunately, not all Canadians have equal access to kidney transplants. Individuals receiving dialysis in Northern Ontario show reduced rates of referral, living kidney donor evaluation, waitlisting, and transplant compared to those receiving dialysis in Ontario's Southern regions. Using Geographic Information System software to accurately estimate the distance, in kilometres, from each patient’s residence to their transplant centre, I will examine the association between geographic location and the rate of step completion for each step in the transplant pathway within two multistate models for eligible kidney transplant patients in Ontario from 2017-2024. My proposed qualitative work will complement the multistate models by engaging relevant interest holders at multiple levels to provide context for areas where geographic barriers may be quantitatively demonstrated and support solution development through established qualitative frameworks.
Area of research:
Kidney transplant, epidemiology, health systems research, multimethod design
Evaluation of the Body Surface Area (BSA)-Normalized eGFR for the Purpose of Safer Drug Dosing
Fatemeh Ahmadi, PhD Candidate 
Program: Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Supervisor(s): Dr. Amit Garg and Dr. Flory Muanda
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
Western University
Short Biography:
Fatemeh Ahmadi is a PhD candidate in Epidemiology at Western University, with dual training in pharmacy (PharmD) and epidemiology (MSc). Her research centers on pharmacoepidemiology and medication safety, with a particular focus on optimizing drug dosing for patients with chronic kidney disease. Fatemeh has led multiple population-based cohort studies using ICES administrative health data, as well as pharmacovigilance analyses using spontaneous adverse drug event reporting systems. Her doctoral work compares BSA-normalized and non-BSA-normalized eGFR equations to generate evidence that informs safer medication use and improves patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Accurate estimation of kidney function is essential for safe and effective drug dosing. However, current practice relies predominantly on BSA-normalized eGFR, which was developed for chronic kidney disease staging rather than for guiding medication dosing. This dissertation leverages population-based administrative health data from ICES to evaluate the clinical implications of using non-BSA-normalized (absolute) eGFR versus BSA-normalized eGFR in drug dosing decisions. The research consists of interconnected studies that compare the predictive performance of absolute and BSA-normalized CKD-EPI equations for adverse drug events across multiple medication classes. The findings are intended to inform clinical guidelines and prescribing practices, ultimately improving medication safety for patients with chronic kidney disease.
Area of research:
Pharmacoepidemiology, Drug safety, Pharmacovigilance
Date: Friday, October 2
Time: 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Location: PHFM 3015 (Western Centre for Public Health and Family Medicine) or via Zoom (Zoom link may be requestet at EpiBio@uwo.ca )
