MaRS Mornings - Healthy skepticism: Debunking miracle cures

Medical misinformation is hazardous to our health. According to the Canadian Medical Association, one third of Canadians avoided effective treatments last year because they received faulty intel. This problem comes in many forms — from fabricated data and flawed correlations that fuel vaccine hesitancy to the alternative therapies promoted by wellness influencers and the exaggerated promises that compel desperate patients to view costly experimental options as miracle cures.

Join us for a candid conversation about restoring trust in evidence-based medicine. We’ll hear from leading communicators in science, social media and journalism on why mis- and disinformation are so persuasive, how pseudoscience harms patients, and everyone’s role in preventing the spread of false messaging. At this special edition of MaRS Mornings, CCRM will receive the Royal Canadian Institute for Science’s Logan Award for excellence in science communication. CCRM is a leader in developing and commercializing regenerative medicine-based technologies and cell and gene therapies.

Location: MaRS Centre - LIVE Lounge, 661 University Ave, Toronto, ON

Agenda:

8:30 - 9:10 a.m. — Registration, coffee and networking
9:10 - 9:15 a.m. — Opening remarks
9:15 - 9:50 a.m. — Panel and audience Q&A
9:50 - 10:00 a.m. — Award recognition
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. — Networking

Speakers to be announced shortly.

Moderator:

Molly Thomas, Host, Big [If True], TVO
Molly Thomas is the Host of TVO’s newest show, Big [If True] which exposes disinformation and misinformation in everyday life. She is an award-winning Anchor, Correspondent & Producer who has worked for all three major networks in Canada. In 2023, she received the Michener-Deacon Fellowship from the Governor General for her pitch on the loss of school for Afghan women and girls which resulted in her 3-part podcast series 'Dear Taliban'. As a reporter, her commitment to social justice stories has taken her to 12 countries, mostly fragile contexts. In her spare time, Molly teaches Zumba, MC's various charitable events and is always up for a competitive game of basketball.

Filming and Photography Notice: This event will be captured on film and in photography. By attending, you consent to the use of your image and likeness being used in promotional materials. Please let us know if you do not wish to be photographed or filmed.

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