CONFERENCE AGENDA
Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel
Sable Ballroom
Thursday, November 7th
6:30PM
Conference Opening – Cocktail Reception
Register and then join us for our cocktail reception and networking event.
Friday, November 8th
8:00am
Registration/Breakfast/Networking
Register and then join us for a continental breakfast and networking morning
8:45am
Welcome & Opening Remarks
9:00am
Opportunities and Insights: The State of Precision Oncology for Atlantic Canada
Speaker: Dr. Mark Embrett
This study explores the current state of precision oncology in Atlantic Canada, identifying opportunities around infrastructure, treatment access, and governance. It also highlights opportunities to enhance collaboration and streamline processes to improve patient care. Insights were gathered from experts across the region, focusing on barriers and potential enablers for advancing personalized cancer care.
9:25am
Point of Care – Precision Medicine in Patients with Solid Tumors
Speaker: Dr. Brandon Sheffield
10:20am
Break/Networking
10:45am
Advocacy, Readiness and Government Role in Precision Medicine
Speakers: Don Husereau (University of Ottawa), Laura Weeks (CDA-AMC), Dr. Madeline Fitzpatrick (Eastern Health), Cassandra Macaulay (CCRAN)
This session will explore the process for funding genomically-guided cancer treatments and implementing the requisite biomarker testing. Opportunities and barriers to providing equitable access to precision oncology will be covered. A panel Q & A discussion will cap off the session, allowing further exploration of these topics.
12:00pm
Lunch/Networking
1:00pm
Emerging Technologies and Research
Speakers: Dr. Rodney Ouellette (Georges Dumont Hospital), Dr. Amy Trottier (Nova Scotia Health), Dr. Doha Itani (Saint John Regional Hospital), Dr. Anthony Reiman (Saint John Regional Hospital)
Learn about promising recent developments in molecular testing and the potential that these hold for cancer patients. New testing modalities, including liquid biopsy and comprehensive genomic profiling of solid tumors will be discussed, and we will learn about new findings in inherited cancer syndromes, with a focus on hereditary leukemia. Lastly, attendees will hear about the groundbreaking Canada-wide study of cancer genomics being performed by the Terry Fox Research Institute.
2:40pm
Break/Networking
3:15pm
Patient Impact of Precision Medicine
Speakers: Dr. JoAnn Brock (IWK), Dr. Tanya Gillian (Nova Scotia Health), Dr. Ravi Ramjeesingh (Nova Scotia Health)
In our last session of the day, we will hear examples of how cancer patients can benefit from precision medicine, beginning with a young woman who will describe her remarkable journey through the healthcare system. This will be followed by experts in clinical and laboratory medicine highlighting patients whose tumor biomarker testing led to highly effective individualized treatment plans.