Mark Embrett

Dr. Mark Embrett is a distinguished Health Research Scientist with a proven track record of transforming health systems through innovative, evidence-based interventions. With a PhD in Health Policy from McMaster University and a Master of Applied Health Services Research from Dalhousie University, Mark possesses exceptional academic credentials and extensive experience in leading and coordinating complex research projects.

Currently serving as the Lead Implementation Scientist at Nova Scotia Health, Mark is at the forefront of analyzing and implementing strategies across primary and chronic care networks, cancer care, and virtual care. His role involves engaging healthcare providers, health system managers, and decision-makers to design, implement, and spread evidence-based interventions.

Mark has successfully led several proof-of-concept projects, including innovations in precision medicine and cancer care at home, and has conducted rapid evidence synthesis to inform health innovations, policies, and strategies.

In addition to their current role, Mark provides consulting services, synthesizing evidence on critical health issues for national organizations and international leaders, including the World Health Organization, the United Nations, and the Royal Society of Canada. Their expertise in knowledge mobilization and research synthesis has significantly contributed to informed decision-making in health initiatives, particularly in mental health and interprofessional care.

Mark is also a dedicated educator, serving as a sessional instructor at Dalhousie University and Ryerson University, where they teach graduate courses in health program planning, evaluation, and health care system policy. Their academic involvement underscores their commitment to developing future leaders in health research and policy.

With a passion for translating research into actionable policies and practices, Mark is dedicated to improving health outcomes and ensuring that healthcare practices are accessible, equitable, and sustainable. Their leadership, strategic engagement, and rigorous analysis make them a valuable asset to any organization committed to advancing health research and innovation.

• Member, Canadian Association for Health Services and Policy Research (CAHSPR) Member
• Canadian Health Human Resource Network Member
• Center for Health Economics and Policy Analysis (CHEPA)
• Director of Marketing and Grants, Rural Communities Foundation, Nova Scotia
• 2019-Present Peer Review Committee, Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation Grants

SELECT JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS

Embrett, M., Packer, T. et al. (2023) The impact of COVID-19 on primary care physicians and nurses in Nova Scotia: A qualitative exploratory study. CMAJ Open

Embrett, M., Sim, S.M., Caldwell, H.A.T. et al. Barriers to and strategies to address COVID-19 testing hesitancy: a rapid scoping review. BMC Public Health 22, 750 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-13127-7

Caldwell, H.A.T.; Yusuf, J.; Carrea, C.; Conrad, P.; Embrett, M.; Fierlbeck, K.; Hajizadeh, M.; Kirk, S.F.L.; Rothfus, M.; Sampalli, T.; Sim, S.M.; Tomblin Murphy, G.; Williams, L. (2024). Strategies and indicators to integrate health equity in health service and delivery systems in high-income countries: a scoping review. JBI Evidence Synthesis, April 18, 2024. DOI: 10.11124/JBIES-23-00051

Reid-Musson, E., Aubrecht, K., Kelly, C., Embrett, M. G., Hallstrom, L. K., Hamilton-Hinch, B., ... & Sim, M. (2023). Participatory Evaluation of a Direct Payment Program for Equity in Dementia Care in Nova Scotia, Canada: A Study Protocol. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 22, 16094069231197962.

Murphy, G. T., Sampalli, T., Embrett, M., Sim, M., Murdoch, J., McIsaac, K., ... & Urban, R. (2022). The network of scholars strategy: a case study of embedded research activities in nova Scotia to advance health system impact and outcomes. HealthcarePapers, 20(3), 33-43.

Brushett, S., Caldwell, H. A., Cameron, E. S., Carrea, C., Embrett, M., Fierlbeck, K., ... & Sim, M. (2022). Strategies and indicators to address health equity in health service and delivery systems: a scoping review protocol. JBI Evidence Synthesis, 20(1), 249-259.

Embrett, M., & Randall, G. E. (2021). Understanding government decisions to de-fund medical services analyzing the impact of problem frames on resource allocation policies. Health Care Analysis, 29, 78-98.

Embrett, M., Randall, G. E., Lavis, J. N., & Dion, M. L. (2020). Conceptualising characteristics of resources withdrawal from medical services: a systematic qualitative synthesis. Health research policy and systems, 18(1), 1-13.

Embrett, M. & Randall, G. (2020). Understanding Government Decisions to De-fund Medical Services Analyzing the Impact of Problem Frames on Resource Allocation Policies. Health Care. Analysis (Accepted in Press)

Embrett, Mark, et al. Thinking Together, Working Apart: Leveraging a Community of Practice to Facilitate Productive and Meaningful Remote Collaboration. International Journal of Health Policy and Management (2020).

Embrett, M., Sim, S. M., & Aubrecht, K. (2020). Destination impact! The many roads to influencing health system change: a response to recent commentaries. Int J Health Policy Manag.

Bielska IA, Embrett M, Jewett L, Buote R, Manis DR, Parikh M, Speicher DJ, Agarwal G, Nartowski R, Finnegan H, Bandara T, Hamilton CB, Moore E, Liu RH, Roher SIG, Lopatina E, Nguyen DTK, Lawrence L, Lukewich J (2020: Submitted). Canada’s Multi-Jurisdictional COVID-19 Public Health Response – January to May 2020. Submitted to: Public Health Management/Zdrowie Publiczne i Zarzadzanie.

Embrett, M., & Randall, G. E. (2018). Physician perspectives on Choosing Wisely Canada as an approach to reduce unnecessary medical care: a qualitative study. Health research policy and systems, 16(1), 95.

Blanchette MA, Saari M, Aubrecht K, Embrett, M. et al. (2019) Making Contributions and Defining Success: An eDelphi Study of the Inaugural Cohort of CIHR Health System Impact Fellows, Host Supervisors and Academic Supervisors. Healthcare policy = Politiques de sante 15(SP): 49–60.

Meaghan Sim S, Lai J, Aubrecht K, Embrett, M. et al. (2019) CIHR health system impact fellows: Reflections on “driving change” within the health system. International Journal of Health Policy and Management 8(6): 325–328.

Barr, N. G., Longo, C. J., Embrett, M., Mulvale, G. M., Nguyen, T., & Randall, G. E. (2017, October 23). The transition from youth to adult mental health services and the economic impact on youth and their families. Healthcare Management Forum.

Embrett, M., Randall, G.E., Longo, C.J., Nguyen, T., Mulvale, G. (2016) Effectiveness of Health System Services and Programs for Youth to Adult Transitions in Mental Health Care: A Systematic Review of Academic Literature. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 42 (1),

Embrett, M., & Randall, G.E. (2014) Social Determinants of Health and Health Equity Policy Research: Exploring the Use, Misuse, and Nonuse of Policy Analysis Theory. Social Science and Medicine, 108, 147-155.

Embrett, M. (2014) Examining Why the Canadian Federal Government Placed an Orphan Drug Strategy on Their Decision Agenda Now. Health Reform Observer. v. 2: n. 1

McMaster Arts Research Fund ($12,688)

McMaster Health Sciences Graduate Student Publication Award

The Mutual Group Graduate Scholarship ($15,000)

David Basford Scholarship ($15,000)

Excellence in Communication Award, McMaster University ($500)

Dr. John Hastings CPHA Conference Student Award ($1,500)

Genome Atlantic Graduate Student Award. Funded through the Atlantic Research Training Committee

Dean’s List, St. Francis Xavier University

Most Professional Presentation, APICS conference