WINDSOR, ON, November 25, 2020 -This past weekend was the culmination of months of planning for the 5th Biennial International Cancer Research Conference, hosted virtually from Windsor, Ontario.
Organized by the Windsor Cancer Research Group (WCRG), WE-SPARK Health Institute’s flagship program, the 3-day conference was held November 19-21, 2020.
“This conference had everything” said Dr. Dora Cavallo-Medved, Translational Research Director WCRG. “From renowned researchers and surgeons, to a visionary devoted to helping women with breast cancer. Inspiring patient stories, to dynamic student presenters. An intimate EDI conversation where panelists shared their personal experiences to highlight how we can make healthcare and research more equitable, inclusive and diverse, to a virtual networking social for participants to make global connections. This was a conference that brought together all the ingredients that make cancer research and innovation flourish.”
Keynote addresses were delivered by Dr. Sheila Singh, Chief Pediatric Neurosurgeon from McMaster University and Dr. Lucy Godley, Professor of Medicine from the University of Chicago. Dr. Liana Roodt a surgeon from Cape Town South Africa shared her journey of launching Project Flamingo – a non-profit that raises funds and provides free breast cancer surgery.
“It has been amazing to see the collaborative nature of researchers, health care professionals, students and community partners as they share their latest research findings” said Dr. Caroline Hamm, Clinical Research Director, WCRG. “Their continued dedication to moving cancer research forward, even during a pandemic, that will lead to better health outcomes for our patients locally and around the world is remarkable."
Attendees joined from countries around the world including Canada, the United States, the Philippines, Iran, Switzerland and South Africa.
"Hosting an international cancer research conference allows us to showcase the research excellence happening in our region” adds Dr. Lisa Porter, Executive Director WE-SPARK Health Institute. “This puts us on the international stage and brings great recognition for what we are doing here in Windsor-Essex."
#
