Dive into the world of health data access with our webinar, showcasing two programs that provide streamlined solutions for analysts and researchers. Understand how the Health Data Platform BC (HDPBC) and PHSA's PANDA provide secure, privacy-protected access to integrated, longitudinal health data.  Together, these platforms enable cutting-edge research, foster collaboration, and drive improvements in health outcomes across BC. 

What you'll learn in this session: 

  • Overview of Health Data Platform BC & PANDA: Learn about the 2 programs’ core functions & technical infrastructure including secure, privacy-protected access to integrated, longitudinal health data. 
  • Datasets Available for Analytics & Research: Explore the types of datasets accessible and understand their relevance to various research projects. 
  • Application Process for Data Access: Discover the steps involved in applying for access to both programs including eligibility criteria, governance and approval procedures. 
  • Benefits of Health Data Access Programs: Discover the advantages of these programs, enabling provincial research capabilities in a secured setting for better healthcare outcomes 

SLIDES
Learn more about HDPBC

About Our SpeakerS

Dinki Thakkar
Program Director for the Health Data Platform BC at the Ministry of Health

Dinki holds a master's degree in electrical engineering from New York University and brings over 12 years of experience in product and service development across various industries in the US and Canada. Dinki has demonstrated expertise in leveraging data and artificial intelligence within sectors such as insurance, marketing, and healthcare, leading and strategizing product builds supported by multiple data contributors. Since joining the Ministry, she has been committed to advancing user experience, data services, and platform improvements through the Health Data Platform BC, supporting sector-wide research and evaluation in British Columbia.
Dinki Thakkar

Shirley Wong
Executive Project Manager, Strategic Data Initiatives at the British Columbia Ministry of Health

Shirley has been with the Ministry for over 20 years, taking progressively more senior roles starting as a data analyst to managing the operations of a data warehouse to leading strategic data projects that will pivot data and information management and governance, and supporting analytics infrastructure in the province. The Health Data Platform BC (HDPBC) is the latest initiative Shirley is leading and represents two strategic shifts for the province. One, the move away from a model of sharing data to one that is based on access and analysis, and two, move from organization to collective governance that facilitates collaboration and transparency to manage and use our shared asset more effectively and safely.
Shirley Wong

Penelope Nica
Director, Data Platform Architecture, Operations and Special Projects at the Provincial Health Services Authority

Penelope Nica is the Director of Data Platform Architecture, Operations, and Special Projects at the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA). She currently leads the implementation of the PHSA PANDA Platform, an initiative designed to enhance access to analytics and support research across the organization.

With more than 25 years of experience in healthcare, Penelope has played a central role in advancing digital health solutions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she worked with PHSA’s IMITS eHealth team to deliver critical digital tools. Prior to that, she led efforts to integrate data from Health Authority and Ministry of Education systems into the Provincial Immunization Registry and oversaw the development of the Immunization Data Mart to support province-wide analytics.
Penelope Nica