Accelerate Okanagan, BC Cancer, Interior Health, and The University of British Columbia have joined forces to host an annual Future of Health Forum taking place at the Kelowna Innovation Centre on Friday, October 18. 

The keynote will be delivered by Dr. Connie Eaves, an international leader in stem cell research and winner of the prestigious 2019 Canada Gairdner Wightman Award for her paradigm-shifting discoveries and advocacy for early-career scientists and women in science. 

“Dr. Eaves is an extraordinarily creative and accomplished biomedical scientist at the forefront of cancer research. Her discoveries of stem cells in normal bone marrow, leukemia and breast tissue and their role in human cancer have led to paradigm-shifting insights.” says Phil Barker, Vice-Principal and Associate Vice-President, Research and Innovation at the University of British Columbia. “She is also known for her dedication to training new generations of researchers from around the world to help find cures for cancer and her research is a superb demonstration of the value of collaborating across disciplines.”

She is a Professor of Medical Genetics at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and a Distinguished Scientist in the Terry Fox Laboratory at BC Cancer which she co-founded in 1981 and where her work has helped advance our understanding of how normal and cancer stem cells develop, particularly in the early stages of leukemia and breast cancer.

“Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Eaves has demonstrated outstanding national and international leadership,” says Brea Lake, CEO at Accelerate Okanagan. “The cross-functional nature of her work with the Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer, Canadian Stem Cell Network, UBC, the National Cancer Institute of Canada, and Canadian Breast Cancer Research Alliance is such an inspiring example of what is means to collaborate and spark innovation.”

The Inaugural Future of Health Forum will be focused on cancer care and was designed to foster connection and provide a platform for the exchange of ideas around research and innovation in cancer care. The schedule of events follows the patient journey from preventing and detecting the disease through to diagnosis and treatment to finding ways to support survivors and a patient’s quality of life.

For more information about the event or to learn more about the top talent taking the stage on October 18, visit www.futureofhealth.ca. 

For more information on the event, visit www.futureofhealth.ca

Quick Facts:

• 1 in 2 Canadians will develop cancer in their lifetime
• Cancer is the leading cause of death in BC
• The number of new cancer cases in BC will increase by 57% from 2012 to 2030 as a result of the aging population, growth of the population, and people living longer
• Approximately, 60% of adults diagnosed with cancer are expected to live at least five years after their initial diagnosis

About the Collaborators

Accelerate Okanagan (AO) is a not-for-profit organization that gives entrepreneurs the mentorship, connections, and community they need to build technology driven ventures.  At Accelerate Okanagan we work with everyone from students to well established companies. Aspiring entrepreneurs, start-ups, job seekers, career-changers, companies looking to expand and grow, and companies with proven track records come to Accelerate Okanagan to learn and foster their success. Our programs are designed to meet the ever-changing needs of our community. To find out more, visit: www.accelerateokanagan.com or www.okgntech.com

BC Cancer, part of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing mortality from cancer and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. For more information, visit www.bccancer.bc.ca. 

Interior Health ,one of five provincial health authorities, is committed to promoting healthy lifestyles and providing health services in a timely, caring, and efficient manner, to the highest professional and quality standards to more than 740,000 people living across B.C.’s vast interior. For more information, visit www.interiorhealth.ca.

UBC Okanagan is an innovative hub for research and learning in the heart of British Columbia’s stunning Okanagan Valley. Ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world, UBC is home to bold thinking and discoveries that make a difference. Established in 2005, the Okanagan campus combines a globally recognized UBC education with a tight-knit and entrepreneurial community that welcomes students and faculty from around the world. To find out more, visit: ok.ubc.ca.