Discussion: The University Health Network & The Walrus
Topic
Regenerative Medicine: Can it diminish the economic demands on our health care system? What possible advantages does it hold for Canadians?
Welcome
Café Scientifique is a free community event sponsored by the Canadian Institute for Health Research that takes science into the pub. Leading experts in science research will provoke lively discussion about issues that impact the every day lives of Canadians.
With an aging population and an exponential increase in chronic disease, the Canadian health care system faces major economic and logistical challenges. Can the emerging biotech industry and advancements in stem cell research help ease the burden on our system? By healing themselves, can Canadians heal the health care system?
Uncertain economic times loom for North Americans -- "recession" is making all the headlines. How will this affect Canada's health care system? Recent research suggests that regenerative medicine may have the ability to change the health care landscape and ease the economic burden. Specifically, stem cell research may provide the hope to eliminate certain types of surgeries, reduce the chances of adverse reactions to drugs and change how we care for the ill.
Hosted by University Health Network, Café Scientifique will present a panel on stem cell research, that explores the possibilities of regenerative medicine and what kind of economic impact it can have on our health care system. A lively discussion and Q&A session will follow the presentation.
Join the conversation between researchers, an economist, and a bioethicist as we discuss the issues.
Discussion One
Regenerative medicine, or stem cells, tend to attract press. Christopher Reeve, Michael J. Fox, George Bush, and even the Pope have weighed in. But how much do you actually know? Is all the hype and controversy obscuring the real possibilities of regenerative medicine, which includes not just stem cell biology, but also cellular therapy, and tissue engineering? And as far as stem cells, they can come from embryonic tissue, but also from adult tissues such as skin and blood vessels, and from adult bone marrow (hematopoietic stem cells). What does regenerative medicine even mean? Will we one day re-grow a severed head in a sci-fi future? Click here for discussion.Discussion Two
With the words "$700 billion bailout" being thrown about on a daily basis, it is no wonder the economy is top of mind. Rising gas prices, a reduction in job creation and thoughts of what seems like an immanent recession are making headlines across North America. So what does this have to do with scientific research, and more specifically, regenerative medicine? With an aging population, the demands on our health care system are only going to increase. According to the Sustainability Report, 15 per cent of our population will be over the age of 65 by 2016. This introduces the dilemma of not only how we will care for the ill but also who will care for them? We spoke to Dr. Walter Wodchis, Research Scientist at Toronto Rehab and Assistant Professor at UofT, about rehabilitation and long-term care (LTC) and its effects on our economy. Click here to read more and join the discussion! And stay tuned next week for more thoughts and questions from the experts at www.walrusmagazine.com/cafesci.Event
Café Scientifique
Tuesday, October 7 at 6:00pm
O`Grady`s Tap and Grill
171 College Street, Toronto