This article describes two patient advisory councils (PACs) in Canada in order to contribute to the limited evidence base on how they might facilitate patient engagement in health research. Specifically, members of PACs from Newfoundland and Labrador and Alberta describe their councils’ governance structure, primary functions, creation and composition, and recount specific research-related activities with which they have been involved. Key challenges of these councils and facilitators of their use are also presented. Finally, members from both councils recount lessons learned and offer suggestions for others interested in advisory councils as a mechanism for patient engagement in any health research project. Members believe patient engagement can result in better quality research and encourage decision makers and researchers to utilize patients’ valuable input to inform health system changes and drive priorities at a policy level.

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COVID-19 has accelerated the use of telehealth or virtual care (VC) as an alternative form of health care delivery. Clearly, VC provides unprecedented convenience and timeliness for patients seeking care from their health professionals. As a result, a substantial increase in telehealth providers is occurring, and the Canadian government is investing millions to support digital health care treatments and telehealth services. However, it is vital that the health professional community carefully examine the quality of care being delivered digitally and determine when it is appropriate to use VC as an alternative to face-to-face care. This article highlights some principles for health policymakers, health professionals, and health consumers to consider to ensure that VC is used appropriately and ethically for the right health conditions and in the right contexts.