About Virginie
Blanchette

Virginie Blanchette is an Associate Professor at the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières and a Junior 1 Scholar funded by the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé. A podiatrist by training, she focuses on sustainable foot health. She is also the founder of the Blanchette Lab, a research laboratory dedicated to foot health.

Affiliations of Professor Virginie Blanchette

The Aims of Prof. Virginie Blanchette’s Work

  • To prevent diabetic foot complications and promote foot health through an interprofessional and integrated primary care approach with the community;
  • To strengthen knowledge mobilization and implementation science in order to improve the quality, equity, and sustainability of clinical and community practices;
  • To support the development of knowledge mobilization tools, competencies, and the active participation of patient and citizen partners in research, with a view to sustainable health.

Academic Background and Research Interests

Academic Training

11/2021–06/2022 – Postdoctoral Researcher in the SALSA Group – Keck School of Medicine – University of Southern California, in the team of David G Armstrong
05/2021- 04/2022 – Transdisciplinary Understanding and Training on Research – Primary Health Care (Tutor-PHC), University of Western Ontario
08/2020–11/2021 and 06/2022–09/2023 – Postdoctoral Associate Researcher at the Canada Research Chair in Shared Decision-Making and Knowledge Translation, VITAM – Centre de recherche en santé durable at Université Laval, in the team of France Légaré





05/2014 – 06/2020 – PhD – Doctorate in Biomedical Sciences from Université de Montréal
09/2011-05/2014 MSc. – Master’s in Physical Activity Sciences from the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
09/2009- 04/2013 -DPM. – First Cycle Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine from the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
09/2006-05/2009 – BSc – Bachelor’s in Medical Biology from the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières

Research Interests

  • Team-Based Approach / Interprofessionalism, Interdisciplinarity, and Collaboration
  • Chronic diseases (diabetes and its lower limb complications, obesity)
  • Podiatric medicine
  • Knowledge mobilization
  • Healthcare organization
  • Shared decision-making
  • Sustainable health
  • Foot health
  • Implementation and scaling science
  • Primary care
  • Person-centred research strategy
  • Diabetic foot ulcers and amputations

Virginie’s Story

From a very young age, I was exposed to the healthcare field, and more particularly to foot health. My family will remember that even then, I would take care of my grandfather’s feet. For several summers, I also worked as a recreational companion for children with physical disabilities, thanks to my uncle’s involvement and a municipal program. These experiences made me aware, from an early age, of the value of mobility, the privilege of having healthy feet, and the importance of being able to walk.

Hailing from Lac-Saint-Jean, I grew up in an environment where hard work, perseverance, and determination held a central place The daily lives and example of those close to me instilled in me a sense of sustainability and gratitude, as well as the importance of appreciating what life offers, including one of its most precious gifts: good health. It is within this context that my convictions regarding sustainable health were shaped.

I practiced podiatry in a rural setting, in Shawinigan, while simultaneously pursuing a research doctorate. Rooted in both clinical practice and an academic journey, I gradually became interested in knowledge mobilization, implementation science, and the role of engagement in improving practices.

Today, as a professor and early-career Junior 1 researcher, a scholar of the Unité de soutien – Système de santé apprenant du Québec and of the Chaire des jeunes leaders en santé durable, I work to build bridges between research, clinical practice, and the community. My goal is to foster the transfer and uptake of knowledge and tools developed, both in professional practices and in living environments. I develop collaborations and partnerships in Québec, across Canada, and internationally, in connection with networks, organizations, and the general public. I am also deeply committed to mentoring and supporting the next generation of researchers.

Passionate and committed, I value kindness, rigour, creativity, and the joy of working together. These principles shape my research projects and guide the dynamic of my team.

Virginie Blanchette
virginie.blanchette@uqtr.ca
819-376-5011 extension 3756

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