Larkin Lamarche, PhD
Larkin Lamarche’s research focuses on body image experience. So far, their research has examined the links between body image, self-presentational concerns and health behaviours across the lifespan. Their introduction to primary care research as a research associate has shaped their current direction. Larkin is involved in research on Health TAPESTRY (a model which integrates community volunteers, the interprofessional health care team, technology, and community engagement aimed to help people stay healthier for longer in the places where they live; check out: healthtapestry.ca) and TAPER (Team Approach to Polypharmacy Evaluation and Reduction: a structured clinical pathway aimed at reducing the number of medications, involving linked pharmacist-family physician appointments, evidence supports for systematic focus on potentially inappropriate medications, and integration of patient priorities and preferences). Exposure to primary care research through these two projects, they have blended two worlds – body image in primary care. Their current work seeks to understand how body image is understood by primary health care providers and manifests in people who use the primary health care system. Larkin is passionate about making body image conversations more stigma-free and less medicalized in primary health care, particularly in vulnerable populations. They are interested in, and comfortable with, using various research methods to ask and answer questions. Larkin is a believer in positive body image experiences, recovery from mental illness, and patient-focused care, which colours their research interests and worldview. In the office, Larkin is willing to talk about pets to anyone who will listen.
MIRA | Collaborative for Health & Aging 