LONDON, ON – In 2019, a spate of vaping-related lung injuries occurred across North America, dominating headlines. While one in four high school students have tried vaping in the past 30 days, the full extent of the health effects are still being studied by clinicians and researchers.
On March 10, 2020, Lawson Health Research Institute and Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry are inviting the community to hear the latest about vaping research and policy from a panel of experts and to join the conversation about the health effects of vaping.
Lawson and Schulich Medicine & Dentistry experts are at the forefront of research into the effects of vaping and are actively contributing to the scientific and clinical knowledge around vaping-related lung injury.
This community event includes a series of small presentations followed by a panel discussion.
Panelists include:
- Dr. Karen Bosma was part of the team that published the first reported case of vaping-related lung injury in Canada. She is a Critical Care Specialist at London Health Sciences Centre, an Associate Scientist at Lawson Health Research Institute and an Associate Professor at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry.
- Dr. Constance Mackenzie was part of the team that published the first reported case of vaping-related lung injury in Canada. She is an Assistant Professor at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, a Respirologist and Toxicologist at St. Joseph’s Health Care London and the Assistant Medical Director at Ontario/Manitoba/Nunavut Poison Centre.
- Dr. Grace Parraga is a Professor at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Lung Imaging, and a Scientist at Robarts Research Institute.
- Suraj Paul, Aliana Manji, and Morgan Seabrook are high school students who are part of the Human Environments Analysis Laboratory Youth Advisory Council (HEALYAC) at Western. This group of young people used existing research and their own personal experience to inform a position paper on vaping that called for strict marketing rules and new safeguards on the online purchase of vaping products for anyone under the age of 19.
- Carly Weeks is a Health Reporter for The Globe and Mail who has extensively reported on the cases of vaping-related injury across North America. She’ll bring background and will moderate the panel discussion.
Event Details:
- Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2020, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.)
- Location: Lecture Theatre, Museum London, London, Ontario
The event is completely full to capacity. Members of the media are welcome to attend the panel discussion, but must contact Crystal Mackay to confirm attendance and to request interviews.
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Western delivers an academic experience second to none. Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social and cultural growth in order to better serve our communities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western attracts individuals with a broad worldview, seeking to study, influence and lead in the international community.
The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University is one of Canada’s preeminent medical and dental schools. Established in 1881, it was one of the founding schools of Western University and is known for being the birthplace of family medicine in Canada. For more than 130 years, the School has demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence and a passion for scientific discovery.
Lawson Health Research Institute is one of Canada’s top hospital-based research institutes, tackling the most pressing challenges in health care. As the research institute of London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Health Care London, our innovation happens where care is delivered. Lawson research teams are at the leading-edge of science with the goal of improving health and the delivery of care for patients. Working in partnership with Western University, our researchers are encouraged to pursue their curiosity, collaborate often and share their discoveries widely. Research conducted through Lawson makes a difference in the lives of patients, families and communities around the world. To learn more, visit www.lawsonresearch.ca.
Senior Media Relations Consultant
Communications & Public Engagement
T: 519-685-8500 ext. 73502
Celine.zadorsky@lhsc.on.ca
