CBU Conference to Focus on Healthy Rural Communities

Cape Breton University, in partnership with Nova Scotia Health, is hosting a health research conference from October 17 through 19 at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre, with one full day and two half-days of events. The full agenda is available on the CBU website, along with registration details. Registration is through Eventbrite and closes on September 15. The conference theme is Collaborative Approaches to Healthy Rural Communities and will welcome physicians, academics, allied health professionals and students as presenters and delegates. Topics will include two-eyed seeing in health research, collaboration and innovation in rural environments, initiatives for advancing healthcare in rural communities, along with other key focus areas. With more that 30 presentations on the agenda, the conference reflects CBU’s work to build partnerships to support healthy and thriving communities.

CBU President and Vice-Chancellor David C. Dingwall says the conference is aligned with CBU’s strategic priorities to champion the Island’s prosperity by bolstering the overall health of its people.

“We are dedicated to maintaining a leadership role in conversations and actions around rural community health,” says President Dingwall. “We look forward to learning and celebrating progress during the conference, while collaborating to advance research to address the challenges.”

The conference will get underway with a welcome dinner and evening presentation, featuring a three-person panel. The panelists will discuss the need for building regional and community healthcare excellence. Panelists include Karlee Francis, Director of the Eskasoni Health Centre. Francis is a healthcare practitioner and advocate for the health and well-being of the people of Eskasoni First Nation, the largest Mi’kmaq community in the world. She will be joined by Dr. Michael McGillion, registered nurse and Doctor of Nursing, Assistant Dean of Nursing at McMaster University and scientist with the Population Health Research Institute. His research program focuses on remote automated monitoring and virtual support models for those recovering from cardiac and vascular surgery. Dr. McGillion has extensive experience in cardiac care and co-runs a virtual care program across Ontario. Completing the panel, Dr. Amanda Caissie, head of Dalhousie University’s Department of Radiation Oncology, will discuss her roles with Nova Scotia Health as Innovator in Residence and Medical Director of the Cancer Care Program’s Oncology Transformation Project.

“As we work to transform healthcare in Nova Scotia, it’s crucial that we bring innovation and excellence to every corner of our province, including our rural communities,” Says Dr. Caissie. “This conference is an important opportunity to share knowledge, collaborate on new ideas, and ensure that every Nova Scotian has access to the best possible care, no matter where they live. I’m honored to be part of these vital conversations and look forward to discussing how we can continue to lead the way in healthcare innovation, particularly in rural settings.”

Conference highlights will also include a keynote presentation by Dr. Melissa Andrew, Professor of Medicine and Geriatrician at the QEII Health Sciences Centre, discussing research on frailty and dementia.  Reflecting the same theme, the Centre of Rural Aging and Health (CORAH) will discuss healthy aging activities offered at three NSCC campuses. Additional presenters will include physicians Dr. Wissam Saliba, Dr. Kwamena Beecham and Dr. Rajbir Pahil, from the oncology and radiation department at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. CBU’s Martin Mkandawire will share his research around point-of-care technologies for healthcare in rural and underserved communities and Lynn LeVatte will present a project update on a walking to wellness project with Membertou First Nation. Experiential activities during the conference will include an opportunity to tour the site of the Kyle Anne MacDonald Cancer Centre, currently under construction, along with an opportunity to join a Mi’kmaq Medicine Walk.

Please email healthresearch@cbu.ca for more information.