CGEn hosted its first Café Scientifique event on Monday, September 18, 2023, in Toronto and online. The event, supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), aimed to foster an open dialogue between the general public and health research experts on health-related issues of public interest. The expert panel discussed the topic 'Breaking down barriers: Exploring the role of equity in the future of precision medicine'.
Panelists included Dr. Claude Bherer, Assistant Professor, Department of Human Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Dr. Yvonne Bombard, Scientist, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto; Associate Professor, Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto; Canada Research Chair in Genomics Health Services and Policy, Dr. Seema Mital, Head, Cardiovascular Research; Staff Cardiologist; Senior Scientist, Genetics & Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Dr. Ma'n Zawati, Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine; Research Director, Centre of Genomics and Policy, Department of Human Genetics, McGill University. The panel was moderated by Dr. Ian Stedman, Assistant Professor, Canadian Public Law and Governance, School of Public Policy and Administration, York University; and a rare disease patient and advocate.
The panellists described examples of their current and emerging research in precision/personalized medicine, their views on equity gaps and challenges, and ways to detect, monitor, and measure inequities in research and clinical care. They highlighted specific initiatives and what work is still required to move toward a more equitable future. Finally, they engaged in an open discussion with the audience, including healthcare providers, government members, patients and members of the public, on ways to overcome the barriers and equity challenges in precision medicine.
