Several trainee-focused activities have been planned in conjunction with the 11th Canadian Conference on Ovarian Cancer Research (CCOCR), a bi-annual conference where ovarian cancer researchers exchange knowledge and further connections.
Trainee programming will:
- Provide trainees from all backgrounds (research, medicine, industry) with an overview of ovarian cancer fundamentals and emerging areas in research/clinical care;
- Provide trainees the opportunity to interact with experts in the field and individuals living with ovarian cancer, to inspire and encourage them to remain in the field;
- Foster relationships between trainees and individuals with lived experience.
Trainee programming includes:
Trainee Half-Day
Friday May 24, 9:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Trainee Breakfast with the Experts
Saturday May 25, 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
Lunch with survivors
Saturday May 25, 12:30 – 1:45 p.m.
(at concurrent Patient Connection & Research Day)
Trainee Half-Day
Location:
Kenneth Rowe Building at Dalhousie University, Room 1020
6100 University Avenue, Halifax, NS
Presentation instructions:
Please account for 5 minutes of Q&A within your allotted session time. Presentation files (PowerPoint or PDF) should be sent to afarrell@ovariancanada.org by Wednesday May 24, or provided via USB key on the day if that is not possible. Speakers are welcome, but not expected, to attend the full trainee day program and are asked to arrive at least 30 mins prior to their scheduled time. There is no need to bring your own laptop.
Agenda
9:00 a.m.
Welcome, Opening Remarks
Alicia Tone, PhD; Ovarian Cancer Canada
Ally Farrell, MSc; Ovarian Cancer Canada
Morgan Pugh-Toole, PhD Student; Dalhousie University
Section 1 | Insights and challenges that come with an ovarian cancer diagnosis.
9:05 a.m.
Bridging the gap
Moderated by: Ally Farrell, MSc; Ovarian Cancer Canada
Lived Experience Panelists: Members from Ovarian Cancer Canada’s Patient Partner in Research Program
Trainee Panelists: Rebekah Kukurudz-Gorowski, MSc Genetic Counselling Student; University of Manitoba & Morgan Pugh-Toole, PhD Student; Dalhousie University
9:30 a.m.
Equity issues in ovarian cancer care
Robin Urquhart, PhD; Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute
Trainees will learn about the intricate challenges surrounding equitable ovarian cancer care including socioeconomic and cultural disparities.
Section 2 | The building blocks of research: the importance of knowing your audience and current research models.
9:55 a.m.
Striking a balance: redefining the importance of scientific accuracy when engaging with mixed audiences.
Moderated by: Ally Farrell, MSc; Ovarian Cancer Canada
Lived Experience Panelists: Members from Ovarian Cancer Canada’s Patient Partner in Research Program
Trainees will be presented with some suggestions on how to present their research to mixed audiences, such as those comprised of researchers, clinicians, and patients.
10:20 a.m.
Ovarian cancer research models.
Jim Petrik, PhD; University of Guelph
Trainees will learn about the advantages and drawbacks of available model systems, such as cell culture, patient-derived xenografts and mouse models.
10:45 a.m.
Health break
Section 3 | Leveraging ovarian cancer biology to develop novel therapeutic strategies.
10:55 a.m.
PARP inhibitors in ovarian cancer.
Speaker: Yvette Drew, MD, PhD; BC Cancer and University of British Columbia
Trainees will delve into the current landscape of PARP inhibitors in ovarian cancer treatment, including their mechanisms and clinical implications.
11:20 a.m.
The biology and promise of immune therapy in ovarian cancer.
Jeanette Boudreau, PhD; Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute
Trainees will learn about the proposed advantages and mechanisms underlying the clinical efficacy of immune therapies in ovarian cancer.
Section 4 | Careers in ovarian cancer research : The journey to becoming a PI.
11:45 a.m.
The journey to becoming a PI.
David Cook, PhD; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
Trainees will hear examples of some of the steps, challenges, and key decisions that are required to becoming a successful PI.
12:10 p.m.
Closing remarks
Ally Farrell, MSc; Ovarian Cancer Canada
Morgan Pugh-Toole, PhD Student; Dalhousie University
