Edmonton is among three Canadian cities selected to host the first Biome Summit 2021, which is being organized by Quebec-based global healthcare company Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada and C2 International. It aims to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease and drive innovation in healthcare across the country.
"(The summit) is significant to our local health innovation sector because it will help showcase the expertise we have and all the incredible and innovative work that happens every day in our healthcare facilities," University Hospital Foundation president and CEO Dr. Jodi Abbott told Taproot.
Abbott, who will be attending the summit series, said that the event is an excellent opportunity to "promote collaboration between stakeholders, and continue to support the vital work being done to transform cardiovascular health care."
The multi-city event will feature expert roundtables and virtual community sessions broadcast Sept. 13-14 from Edmonton and Oct. 6-7 from Toronto. These sessions will build to an in-person and virtual summit in Montreal on Oct. 21 and 28.
"(This) will allow participants to connect from all over Canada, engage on burning questions in cardiovascular care and create a dialogue intended to map out clear actions to help solve the challenges around cardiovascular disease and care," Novartis Canada said in a news release. "Our aim as a company is to reimagine healthcare through innovation, and to do so effectively we believe partnership and collaboration is critical."
Abbott told Taproot that forming the right partnerships and bringing people together will help to improve health outcomes for patients with cardiovascular disease, which is the second leading cause of death in Canada.
"The focus is on the full spectrum of cardiovascular care from prevention, to diagnosis, and ongoing disease management. It is not just about patients, but about improving health for everyone in our community," noted Abbott.
In addition to the University Hospital Foundation, Alberta Innovates will also be participating in the Biome Summit.