Oct. 27: Brain diseases focus of WSU Translational Medicine Symposium

By Judith Van Dongen, WSU Spokane

translational_medicine_symposium_bannerSPOKANE, Wash. – Washington State University Health Sciences Spokane will be hosting its first annual Translational Medicine Symposium, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, at the Providence Auditorium, 20 W 9th Ave in Spokane, Wash.

Those interested in attending all or part of this free, public event are asked to RSVP by Oct. 19 at www.spokane.wsu.edu/research/tms.

The symposium will bring 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.

Joseph Harding, speaker
Harding

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
  • Networking opportunities

translational_medicine_symposium_banner_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 health care 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.

 

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