Watch Mini Med School 2025 Sessions
Click on a screenshot below to play the corresponding video. You will be redirected to a Zoom registration page to access the recording.
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. Watch here.
Presented by:
- Dr. Anna Lehman, Researcher, BC Children's Hospital; Medical Director, Adult Metabolic Diseases Clinic, Vancouver General Hospital; Associate Professor, Department of Medical Genetics, UBC
- Dr. Bruce Carleton, Researcher and Director, Pharmaceutical Outcomes Programme, BC Children's Hospital; Professor, Department of Pediatrics, UBC
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. Watch here.
Presented by:
- 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
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. Watch here.
Presented by:
- 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
