Biomedical Sciences Visiting Speaker

Laura Arbour, M MD MSc MSc FRCPC FCCMG
Professor, Department of Medical Genetics
University of British Columbia

Title: Building the path to equitable genetic/genomic care for Indigenous patients in Canada: Lessons learned on a thirty year journey.

Abstract:  There are broad concerns that those with the greatest needs will benefit the least from advances in genetics and genomics. Furthermore, Indigenous patients and communities may hesitate to become involved in research and genetic healthcare that involves genetic/genomic sequencing because of concerns that resulting data will be misused. However, Indigenous involvement and on-going Indigenous governance of data has the potential to change the trajectory, improving access to diagnosis for Indigenous patients with genetic conditions. Dr. Arbour, a pediatrician and clinical geneticist, has worked for more than three decades with First Nations and Inuit partners addressing genetic conditions affecting them. She will speak to the concepts of the ‘Continuous Conversation’, DNA on Loan, and the Global Indigenous Data Alliance CARE Principles, utilizing examples from her thirty-year journey of carrying out genetic/genomic research including that of her most recent project The Silent Genomes Project.

Date: Tuesday, February 18^th, 2025
Room: H2815 (Auditorium)
Time:  10:30am

Pizza Lunch: 12pm