CONFERENCE AGENDA
Monday November 3rd – Opening Night
Location: Lord Nelson Hotel
Time: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Welcome Address
Dr. Krista Jangaard, President & CEO, IWK Health
Fireside Chat: Pediatric Oncology & Precision Medicine
Moderated by Jean Du Plessis, in discussion with two IWK oncologists, Dr. Chelsea Ash and Dr. Bruce Crooks, exploring the evolving role of genomics in pediatric cancer care.
Networking Reception
Light refreshments and hors d’oeuvres served. A chance to connect with clinicians, researchers, and industry leaders.
Tuesday November 4, 2025 – Conference Day
Location: Lord Nelson Hotel Ballroom
Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
8:00 AM – Registration & Breakfast
8:45 AM – Opening Remarks
Welcome from the IWK Maritime Centre for Precision Medicine and Life Sciences Nova Scotia.
9:00 AM – Plenary Address
A New Era on the Horizon: Precision Child Health
Dr. Ronald Cohn, President & CEO, SickKids Hospital
A visionary keynote on how genomic medicine is transforming pediatric care through early diagnosis, personalized treatment, and research innovation.
10:25 AM – Session 1
Emerging Technologies Driving Precision Medicine Research
A panel discussion on the tools accelerating genomic discovery and clinical translation.
Moderator: Victor Martinez, Clinical Genomics Specialist, IWK Health Lead, Data Analytics, IWK Maritime Centre for Precision Medicine.
Panelists Include:
• Dr. Frank Rudzicz, Professor of Computer Science, Dalhousie University & Vector Institute
• Steven Carrigan, Chief Data Officer, Nova Scotia Health
• Maria Dunford, Chief Executive Officer, Lifebit
Topics:
• Artificial Intelligence in Genomics
• Big Data & Bioinformatics
• Translating Discovery into Practice
11:15 AM – Panel Session
Leveraging existing research investments to boost national competitiveness and improve health outcomes
Moderator: Dr. Kristin Tweel, Genome Atlantic
Panelists:
• Dr. Étienne Richer, Genome Canada
• Dr. Terry Lynn Young, Memorial University of Newfoundland
• Dr.Johane Robitaille, IWK Health Centre
Topic: Exploring the regional genomics initiatives, collaboration models, and translational research impact across Atlantic Canada and beyond.
12:00 PM – Networking Lunch
1:00 PM – Session 2
Genes to Drugs: Integrating Pharmacogenomics into Patient Care
Featured Talks:
• Dr. Sam Dubinsky, Precision Dosing in NICU/PICU: Tailoring drug regimens for neonates and critically ill children
• Dr. Iris Cohn, Applying Pharmacogenomics into Clinical Care: Bridging research and practice
• Dr. Joy Eberhardt, Pediatric Applications: Ensuring safe and effective treatment for young patients
• Dr. Luke Chen, Drug repurposing in rare diseases: Clinical reasoning, artificial intelligence and horizontal thinking
Focus: Reducing adverse drug reactions and improving therapeutic efficacy through genomic insights.
3:30 PM – Session 3
Advancing Patient Care: Precision Medicine in Clinical Practice
Case Studies:
• Dr. Lesa Dawson, Breast Cancer: Using genetic markers to guide treatment
• Dr. Kathy Hodgkinson, Cardiogenetics: Identifying inherited heart conditions and managing risk
• Dr. Zhaolin Xu, Liquid Biopsy & HRD Findings: Non-invasive diagnostics and insights into homologous recombination deficiency
• Dr. Doha Itani
Objective: Showcasing real-world applications of genomic medicine from diagnosis to treatment.
5:00 PM – Closing Remarks & Next Steps
Reflections on the day and a look ahead to future collaborations and innovations.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Our suggested accommodation is the Lord Nelson Hotel, where the conference is taking place.
Attendees can contact the Lord Nelson reservations team by phone at either 1-800-565-2020 or 902-423-5130, or by email via [email protected].
THE EXPERIENCE
We will embark on a journey of discovery, exploration, and transformation at the forefront of precision medicine in Atlantic Canada!
Together we will delve into the intricate tapestry of precision medicine’s evolution, examining the transformative impact it has already made and the boundless potential it holds for the future of healthcare in our region. Experience engaging keynotes, thought-provoking panel presentations and discussions, participants will have the opportunity to exchange insights, forge collaborations, and inspire action towards realizing the full potential of precision medicine in Atlantic Canada. From exploring cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to addressing regulatory and ethical considerations, this conference promises to be a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and progress in the field of precision medicine.
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