Big ideas, big discoveries, big names in science and research…Mini Med School at CFRI is anything but mini.
Mini Med School XII - Immunity
October 19 - November 9, 2011
Wednesdays 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
The Child & Family Research Institute is pleased to present
Mini Med School XII, a 4-part series on Immunity. This series takes place on Wednesdays from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. beginning October 19 in the Chan Centre for Family Health Education at the Child & Family Research Institute.
To register email minimed@cfri.ca or call 604 875-2000 x5397.
Please note registration is for all 4 sessions..
Registration opens: Monday, September 12, 2011.
Click here to view a copy of the Mini Med School XII ad.
Immunity 101 – an introduction to the immune system
Wednesday, October 19
Dr. Rusung Tan & Dr. Stuart Turvey
The first session in this year’s Mini Med School is a general introduction to the immune system. It will answer questions like: what is the immune system, what are its components, and why do we need it?
Immunity – when you have too little
Wednesday, October 26
Dr. Anne Junker & Dr. Jacob Rozmus
Because immunity is so important, when you are missing parts of the immune system, you notice it early in childhood. This session reviews how immunology research has provided hope over the years to children born with holes in their immune system.
Immunity – when you have too much
Wednesday, November 2
Dr. Jan Dutz, Dr. Kevan Jacobson, and Dr. Lori Tucker
Our immune systems evolved over hundreds of thousands of years to protect us from infections. But given the rapidly changing habitats for humans, our immunity is now not always matched to our environment, leading to instances where immune cells can cause disease. This session explores how immunity goes awry and how immunology research has produced life changing treatments.
Immunity – when it’s just right
Wednesday, November 9
Dr. Peter van den Elzen & Dr. Simon Dobson
The last session in the series will cover
how we can manipulate our knowledge of immunity to keep people
healthier. These talks will answer questions such as: how do vaccines
work, what new vaccines are available, and can vaccines cause harm?
Previous Mini Med Schools
Mini Med School XI
October 13 - November 24, 2010 | 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Clinical Genomics
>> Watch Mini Med School online on the CFRI Training website
Human Genomics - What you need to know
Wednesday, October 13, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
New genomic technologies such as next generation sequencing (NGS) and high throughput SNP genotyping are now being used extensively in research studies of genetic disease. Furthermore, rapid advances in these technologies are allowing costs to come down at an incredible rate. Soon these technologies will have not only RESEARCH applications but practical CLINICAL applications as well. Learn how they work and what kind of testing you may be offered next time you’re in the doctor’s office!
Genomics and medicine - should you be afraid?
Wednesday, October 20, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
While
the development of new genomic technologies offers the promise of
identifying mutations that underlie many diseases, this same technology
is also likely to uncover many unexpected genetic changes that have
important medical or social implications unrelated to the disease for
which the testing was obtained. What are some non-technological issues
around genomic testing (parental/ethical perspectives), and what should
be done with these unexpected findings?
A genomics revolution - personalized medicine
Wednesday, October 27, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Envision the medical system in a few years, when doctors will use information from a whole genome scan to predict those individuals who will be at increased risk for certain conditions, or to diagnose individuals. They will then be able to determine a course of treatment specific to each person, or choose a drug that will be most effective and have the least adverse effects for that particular person. Discover the reality today and the potential for tomorrow.
Metagenomics - the microbes in you
Wednesday, November 10, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Did you know tiny
organisms you can’t even see, live in us, on us and with us? Some of
these are very useful to us, and perform important roles in our bodies.
But sometimes this delicate balance is disrupted and this can cause
disease or ill health. We have had difficulty in the past studying these
microbes. Metagenomics is a powerful new technique for identifying
microorganisms in biological samples using genomics, and thus has the
potential to revolutionize our understanding of the microbial
environment within us.
Now that I know what should I do? Up, close and personal with Genetic Counsellors
Wednesday, November 17, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
There are many social,
familial and ethical issues related to genetic testing, including who
has access to genetic testing and the results that are generated, how
the information is used and stored, and how we prevent possible
discrimination on the basis of genetics. There are also issues around
testing minors and within families where finding the best solution for
everyone isn't always easy. You will get a chance to delve into your own
family history and if you wish to discuss it with a genetic counsellor.
The great debate - buying genetic tests on the web
Wednesday, November 24, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Traditionally,
genetic tests have been available only through healthcare providers such
as physicians, but now direct-to-consumer genetic testing is becoming
readily available. This form of testing refers to genetic tests such as
those for ancestry, health and paternity testing that are marketed
directly to consumers via television, print advertisements, or the
Internet. Consumers are notified of their results by mail, over the
telephone, or posted online, and may never see a health professional. A
spirited debate on the many benefits and concerns around
direct-to-consumer genetic testing will be followed by an interactive
discussion on the topic.
Sponsorship provided by the BC Clinical Genomics Network
Mini Med School X
April 7 - May 26, 2010 | 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Conception, birth and beyond:
The challenges of life's beginnings
How small is too small? Do premies become problem teens? What are the risks of cesarean section on demand? Can I blame it on my parents? This six-part series that explores some of life's first questions.
>> Watch Mini Med School online on the CFRI Training website
How small is too small?
Wednesday, April 7, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Advances in the field of neonatology over the past 50 years allow us to treat smaller and more premature babies. When managing these babies, we need to address a number of ethical issues at the threshold of viability. At what threshold are outcomes bad enough to not offer life saving treatments? Who are the best decision makers? How do you ensure that the decision makers have the right information to make those decisions?
Buy one get one free!
Wednesday, April 14, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Consequences of delaying childbirth and assisted reproductive technologies. Multiple births increase the risks of fetal, maternal and neonatal morbidities. The present epidemic of multiple births is partly due to assisted reproductive technologies. With the current delayed age of childbirth we are witnessing a substantial increase in the use of assisted reproductive technologies. Parallel to this phenomenon, there is a higher rate of multiple pregnancies with increased risk of maternal-fetal complications. Can we continue to afford uncontrolled access to assisted reproductive technologies, is it time to regulate? Please, join us in the debate.
Too posh to push?
Wednesday, April 21, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Perinatologists disagree widely about the risks and benefits of cesarean section on demand. The C-section rate is at an all-time high. The prematurity rate also keeps going up, and the main cause is the late-preterm infant. Late preterm infants have higher morbidity and mortality rates than term infants (gestational age ≥ 37 weeks) even though they are often the size and weight of some term infants. Join in on a debate about how the increasing cesarean section rate might be a contributing factor to the increasing number of late preterm deliveries.
Blame it on your parents!
Wednesday, April 28, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
In developmental biology, programming relates to the concept that a stimulus applied at a sensitive period early in life could have long-term consequences. There is an overwhelming body of evidence suggesting that antenatal and neonatal environmental challenges are the origin of chronic adult conditions such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension. Learn the strategies that might help reduce adverse adult health outcomes by intervening during pregnancy and immediately after birth.
Do premies become problem teens?
Wednesday, May 12, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Tiny premature babies are now surviving into school age, adolescence and early adulthood. What kinds of health, behavioral and academic challenges do these children face as they mature? How do they rate their quality of life?
Changing the reproduction line: Public input needed
Wednesday, May 26, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
The Canadian system is experiencing mounting pressure on Neonatal Intensive Services, which is at risk of increasing adverse outcomes for patients and families. There is a mismatch between increasing demand and limited resources in the system. Learn how British Columbia is dealing with these issues and how the input of the public might help promote healthier populations.
Mini Med School 2009
In October and November 2009, CFRI offered two special one-night Mini Med School sessions on Pandemic H1N1 Flu and Childhood Cancer. These sessions are now available online through live streaming video.
Get the Facts: Pandemic H1N1 Flu
October 28, 2009, 7-9 p.m. |
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How do I know if I have pandemic H1N1 influenza? How does the virus spread? How will a pandemic affect me? Leading health researchers separate fact from fiction in this interactive session. Dr. Stuart Turvey is the moderator.
- Dr. Eva Thomas on how viruses spread and how they make you sick, as well as current strategies for testing for pandemic H1N1.
- Dr. Simon Dobson on the history of H1N1, the difference between a pandemic and epidemic, and the early signs of a pandemic.
- Dr. David Scheifele on how the pandemic H1N1 vaccine works, how it was developed and trials to determine the vaccine’s safety.
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Get the Facts: Childhood Cancer
November 18, 2009, 7-9 p.m. |
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What’s the latest in research? How has care improved? What’s next for treatment? This event delves into innovative childhood cancer research and future directions of care. Dr. Kirk Schultz is the moderator.
- Dr. Mason Bond on how treatment for childhood cancer has advanced over time and how these advances have dramatically increased survival rates.
- Dr. Rod Rassekh on serious adverse drug reactions associated with today’s cancer treatments and new research aimed at predicting who is vulnerable to these complications.
- Dr. Sandra Dunn on new research into the cellular causes of cancer and how this research is identifying potential targets for drug development.
- Dr. Kirk Schultz on the research and development of new treatments that take aim at the cellular environment that supports cancer cells.
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For more information on Mini Med School at CFRI please visit Mini Med School on the CFRI Training website.
Last Updated:
09/19/2011 |
