Patient-oriented research refers to a continuum of research, from initial studies in humans to comparative effectiveness and outcomes research, and the integration of this research into the health-care system and clinical practice. The goal is to better ensure the translation of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to the bedside as well as to help the provinces and territories meet the challenge of delivering high-quality, cost-effective health care. It involves ensuring that the right patient receives the right intervention at the right time. The proposed strategy for patient-oriented research for Canada sets out a vision and plan to improve health outcomes and enhance patient care through the levers of research. Health sciences must transform from a reactive system of late-stage care to a more personalized system of predictive, preventive, and precision care that includes enhanced awareness on lifestyle and preventive lifestyle changes. The field of personalized medicine, which is the tailoring of preventative, diagnostic, or therapeutic interventions to the characteristics of an individual or population, will contribute significantly to earlier and targeted interventions that improve health outcomes.