Schedule

Session #1: Wednesday, October 22 | 6:30 – 8:00 pm | BCCHR

Student Networking (Optional): 5:45 – 6:30 pm | BCCHR Lobby

Weekly Newsletter (Coming Soon!)

Topic: Exploring Rare Diseases and Health (In)Equity

What makes rare diseases so difficult to diagnose and treat — and why do equity issues so often arise in their management? In this session, we will explore the complex challenges of diagnosing and treating rare diseases, including the emotional toll on patients, diagnostic delays, and the evolving role of genetic testing. We will also examine key health equity issues — such as limited access to care, socioeconomic and geographic barriers, bias in clinical research, and the lack of funding that often leaves rare disease communities underserved.
 
Speakers:

  • Dr. Catherine Biggs, Researcher and Pediatric Immunologist, BC Children's Hospital; Clinical Associate Professor, Division of Allergy & Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, UBC
     
  • Dr. Dzung Vo, Researcher and Adolescent Medicine Specialist, BC Children's Hospital; Clinical Associate Professor, Division of Adolescent Health and Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, UBC
Session #2: Wednesday, October 29 | 6:30 – 8:00 pm | BCCHR

Student Networking (Optional): 6:00 – 6:30 pm | BCCHR Lobby

Weekly Newsletter (Coming Soon!)

Topic: Technology in Rare Disease Diagnosis and Care

In this session, we will uncover how current and emerging technologies are reshaping the way we understand, diagnose, and treat rare diseases. We will explore how tools like genetic testing, biomarkers, and precision medicine are improving diagnosis, predicting treatment responses, and personalizing care. We’ll also look ahead to the future, examining how artificial intelligence and machine learning are being used to forecast disease progression and treatment outcomes, and what other new innovations may be on the horizon. 

Speakers:

  • Dr. Bruce Carleton, Researcher and Director, Pharmaceutical Outcomes Programme, BC Children's Hospital; Professor, Department of Pediatrics, UBC
     
  • Dr. Anna Lehman, Researcher, BC Children's Hospital; Medical Director, Adult Metabolic Diseases Clinic, Vancouver General Hospital; Associate Professor, Department of Medical Genetics, UBC
Session #3: Wednesday, November 5 | 6:30 – 8:00 pm | BCCHR

Student Networking (Optional): 6:00 – 6:30 pm | BCCHR Lobby

Weekly Newsletter (Coming Soon!)

Topic: Collaboration in Science and Healthcare

Learn about the impact of interdisciplinary teamwork in tackling the complex challenges of rare diseases. You will discover why rare disease research and care demand collaboration across diverse fields and often require international partnerships to advance understanding and treatment. We will also take a closer look at the concept of shared decision-making, highlighting why involving patients, families, and healthcare professionals together in medical decisions is especially important in providing the best care. 

Speakers:

  • Dr. Kelly Brown, Researcher, BC Children's Hospital; Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, UBC
     
  • Dr. Sarah Felton, Clinical Associate Professor, Division of Dermatology, Department of Pediatrics, UBC
Session #4: Wednesday, November 12 | 6:30 – 8:00 pm | BCCHR

Student Networking (Optional): 6:00 – 6:30 pm | BCCHR Lobby

Weekly Newsletter (Coming Soon!)

Topic: Navigating the Future of Rare Disease Care

Investigate how cutting-edge research in rare diseases is driving global policy changes, and learn about the importance of preparing for scientific breakthroughs while ensuring fair access for all patients. We will explore the advances in precision medicine as well as the ethical challenges. We’ll also look on a global scale, discussing strategies on how to promote equitable access to rare disease treatments around the world. This session will highlight the crucial role of patient advocacy groups in influencing policy, provide an overview of regulatory processes such as Health Canada’s role in treatment approval, and discuss how governments and the private sector invest in rare disease initiatives.

Speakers:

  • Dr. Durhane Wong-Rieger, President and CEO, Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders
     
  • Dr. Kelly Brown, Researcher, BC Children's Hospital; Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, UBC
     
  • Dr. Bruce Carleton, Researcher and Director, Pharmaceutical Outcomes Programme, BC Children's Hospital; Professor, Department of Pediatrics, UBC

Finding BC Children's Hospital Research Institute

BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute is located at 938 West 28th Avenue (entrance 18). A map and driving directions can be found here. 

MainEntrance

Once you enter through the main doors, a registration table with our staff will help you sign-in and find the auditorium. For security reasons, doors to the institute will be locked at 7:00 pm. You will not be able to enter after this time. 

Driving to Mini Med School? Paid parking is in effect 24 hours a day – $3.50/hour or $14.25/day. Parking meters accept change and credit cards only. Parking meters DO NOT accept debit cards, bills or pay by phone/app.  

Student Networking Sessions 

Each evening, we’ll begin with 30 minutes of student networking in the lobby before the lecture begins. This is a great chance to connect, explore, and learn outside the classroom setting.

Participation in the 30-minute networking session is optional. If you’d prefer not to take part, you’re welcome to arrive in time for the lecture, which begins promptly at 6:30 pm each evening.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Let’s Talk About Med School: Stop by our table to chat with two current medical students or clinical residents. Each night will feature different individuals who have taken unique paths to medical school — come with your questions! A short bio and photo of each guest will be sent in the weekly newsletter before the session.
  • Meet BCCHR Researchers: Researchers from the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute will host booths to share their work — and maybe even recruit you for upcoming research studies! Don’t miss this chance to learn about real-world science happening right here in BC.
  • Connect with Fellow Mini Med School Students: You’ll be joining students from across the Lower Mainland. To help break the ice, we’ll have a new networking game each week — with prizes up for grabs!

What Should I Bring?

Nothing is required for Mini Med School. If you're interested in taking notes, a notebook and pen or laptop is recommended. We encourage everyone to bring a water bottle. Food and drinks other than water are not permitted inside the auditorium, but are allowed in the lobby. 

Asking Questions

Each evening, we will have a 30-minute Q&A period where the speakers will take questions directly from the audience (virtual and in-person). Due to limited time, we may not be able to get through all the questions from the audience.

As in in-person participant, you can raise your hand during the Q&A period, and our Co-Deans will randomly select individuals in the audience to ask a question.

FAQ

Do you have additional questions about Mini Med School? Check out the FAQ page or contact researchevents@phsa.ca. 

How many sessions do I have to attend to receive a certificate of participation? 
You will need to participate in all 4 sessions to be eligible for the certificate. During each evening, you will be asked to sign-in at the registration desk and attendance will be tracked.

How do I request a certificate of participation? 
At the end of the series, participants will be asked to complete an evaluation form in the weekly newsletter. On the evaluation form you will have the opportunity to request an electronic certificate of participation that will be emailed to you in mid-December.

What happens if I’m sick one evening and cannot attend?
Registered students are expected to attend all 4 sessions, but we understand things can happen. If you can’t attend a session, please contact researchevents@phsa.ca ASAP so we can send you the link to watch the recorded content. 

If I'm catching up virtually, how will you track my attendance? 
If you missed an in-person session and need to catch up virtually, you must watch the entire recording (full 90 minutes) in order to have it count towards attendance. 

The deadlines to watch the recordings by are listed below. Your attendance will not be reflected properly if you only watch part of the recording, or if you complete it after the respective deadline.

  • Session #1: Watch the recording by Sunday, November 2
  • Session #2: Watch the recording by Sunday, November 9
  • Session #3: Watch the recording by Sunday, November 16
  • Session #4: Watch the recording by Sunday, November 23

How do I get my work experience form signed?
The Mini Med School team cannot sign any Work Education Agreements, Work Experience Placement Forms or any similar forms/contracts on the day-of. Forms can be sent to researchevents@phsa.ca for electronic signature before or after the event. 

How do I apply for the Mini Med School Scholarship?
Details for applying for the Mini Med School Scholarship can be found here.