By Judith Van Dongen, WSU Spokane
Washington State University Health Sciences Spokane will be hosting its first Translational Medicine Symposium, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, at the Providence Auditorium, 20 W 9th Ave in Spokane. Those interested in attending all or part of the program of this free, public event are asked to RSVP by Oct. 24 at www.spokane.wsu.edu/research/tms.
The symposium brings together scientists, entrepreneurs, physicians, patients and families to work toward novel solutions for clinical problems. The focus for this year’s symposium will be on neurodegenerative diseases — such as ALS and Alzheimer’s disease — as well as oncology with a focus on recurrent glioblastoma brain tumors.
The program will include:
- A keynote address, research presentations, guest lectures and a research poster session.
- The 21st Annual Robert F. E. Stier Memorial Lecture in Medicine, “Translating University Research into a Commercial Venture: the Story of M3 Biotechnology,” presented by Joseph W. Harding, Ph.D. Harding is a professor in the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine and the co-founder and chief scientific officer of M3 Biotechnology, a Seattle-based company developing new therapies for Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological disorders.
- A reverse-pitch session during which patients and families will share their day-to-day challenges, with the goal of asking for the creation of tools, devices, technologies and other solutions.
In addition to Harding, featured speakers include Rhonda Rhyne, president and CEO of medical technology firm Prevencio and author of “Keys to the Corner Office: Success Strategies for Women by Women,” and Nativis executives Chris Rivera, president and CEO, and Ken Ferguson, chief scientific officer. Nativis is a Seattle-based biotechnology company focused on developing targeted, non-invasive treatment of cancer and other diseases.
Symposium participants also are encouraged to attend the 11th Annual ALS Forum on 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, in the Spokane Academic Center Auditorium (Room 20) at WSU Spokane. The forum will feature a panel of ALS patients and their caregivers who will address the realities of life with ALS and discuss how healthcare delivery can be improved from a patient-centered viewpoint. The topic for the forum is “Bridging Gaps in Quality Care.”
The Translational Medicine Symposium is sponsored by WSU Health Sciences Spokane and the WSU Office of Commercialization.
For more information, contact Heidi Medford, WSU Office of Commercialization, 509-358-7874, heidi.medford@wsu.edu.