colab.conversations

Hosted by the cancer collaborative

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Latest episode

May 2025

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EN-US

About the show

colab.conversations, focused on facilitating meaningful and constructive dialogues between patient advocates and stakeholders in the cancer community. this initiative aims to provide a platform for patient advocates to share their experiences, insights, and the exciting work they are doing.

Listen to episodes

18 recent

May 29, 202548 min

side effects may include...

this episode goes far beyond the clinical disclaimers. I speak with gordan, robby and yuan in the special series of colab.conversations and in this episode they share what 'side effects may include' really means—crippling fatigue, depression, unbearable pain, and isolation. we talk about what it’s like to reach the breaking point, how hard it is to talk about it, and why patient experience must be more than a checkbox in health systems from decision making to care.

May 8, 2025Episode 346 min

fact vs feed. the health misinformation and disinformation problem

in this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Joss Reimer, President of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA), for a real talk about how misinformation and disinformation are messing with our health—literally. from the surge in measles cases to growing vaccine hesitancy, we dig into how false info spreads, why it sticks, and what it means for patients, providers, and the public. we also chat about what it’ll take to rebuild trust in healthcare and get back to facts.

March 20, 2025Episode 251 min

AI won’t cure cancer, but can it actually help patients?

AI is making waves in healthcare, but can it actually do anything for patients beyond generic chatbot responses? in this episode of colabconversations, we sit down with the creator of AskEllyn.ai to unpack the hype, the reality, and the potential of AI-driven support in cancer care. exploring the role of AI in conversational care—how it can bridge information gaps, provide emotional support, and even challenge traditional models of patient advocacy. but where does AI fit within a system that still struggles with human-centered care ? and how do we ensure technology enhances patient experiences rather than replacing the essential human connection ?

February 12, 2025Episode 154 min

life after cancer. what now?

in this episode of colab.conversations, @gordanlevine, @yuanlew and @robbyspring come back to have an open and honest discussion about the realities of life after a cancer diagnosis. from navigating survivorship and being NED to the gaps in care and support, we explore what it truly means to move forward—and what still needs to change.

November 14, 2024Episode 101 hr 3 min

aftershock. reshaping cancer care from the inside out

in this episode meet @robbyspring @yuanlew and @gordonlevine - three people with cancer who turned their experiences into a call for change. with a passion for advocacy and an insider's perspective, we dive into a discussion on their powerful personal stories and how these have fueled their mission to transform canada’s cancer care system.. listen as they share what drives them to keep pushing for a system that works better for everyone. aftershock is a must listen to episode !

October 17, 2024Episode 91 hr 13 min

behind the mciroscope. a conversation with pathologist Dr Carol Cheung

in this episode, Dr Carol Cheung takes us behind the microscope to understand the critical role of pathology in precision medicine. Dr. Cheung walks us through how her work shapes cancer care, from diagnosing specific tumour types to guiding tailored treatment options. It's a closer look at how pathology is driving more informed decisions in cancer treatment and improving patient care. #KNOWYOURGENOME #PMAM24 to register for the CBQA webinar OCtober 31st https://cbqa-cutting-edge.ca/series-schedule/episode-8/ How Genetically Related Are We to Bananas? https://www.pfizer.com/news/articles/how_genetically_related_are_we_to_bananas if you have any questions you would like to ask Dr Cheung please email me at sabrina@cancercolab.ca

June 20, 2024Episode 849 min

is a patient centric approach to HTA realsitic

in this episode, we explore the evolving concept of patient centricity in Health Technology Assessment (HTA) with Kathryn Cowie and Ranita Tarchand from Nested Knowledge. while the integration of patient perspectives into HTA is indeed realistic and increasingly feasible, not all countries are doing this, but is patient input enough to make HTA patient centric. if not, is a patient centric apporach to HTA realistic without guidelines or a framework, given how inconsistent patient input is incorporated, and could a patient centric approach be a solution to ensure patient input is embedded within HTA. Towards patient centred health technology assessment https://about.nested-knowledge.com/2024/03/27/towards-patient-centered-health-technology-assessment/

May 30, 2024Episode 71 hr 5 min

patient centricity. are we there yet?

in this thought-provoking episode, i speak with farah megdji and megan marsiglio from Unum Co. about the nuances of patient centricity versus patient centeredness. we untangle the threads of these concepts, exploring what it truly means to prioritize the patients in healthcare. confronting the misconceptions and ambiguities surrounding these terms, shedding light on the key distinctions and their implications for healthcare. are we truly on the path to patient centricity, or are we inadvertently falling short in our efforts? learn more about Unum Co at https://www.unumco.ca/ the gut gazette https://www.thegutgazette.ca/

May 9, 2024Episode 61 hr 0 min

transforming healthcare. harnessing EDI and AI for change in healthcare

we delve into the critical topic of transforming healthcare through effective change management. Our guest, Alvina Nadeem, a seasoned change management consultant, shares insights into her perspective on what necessary shifts are required within the healthcare industry. we explore the pivotal role of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) alongside the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI). discover how these components are essential drivers in reshaping healthcare for the better. connect with Alvina on linkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/alvinanadeem/ AI in hospitals https://globalnews.ca/news/10293764/ai-tool-heart-failure-prediction-canada/ Dr Alia Crum: Mindsets Matter: A New Framework for Harnessing the Placebo Effect in Modern Medicine - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29681322/ - TED talk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcQnSW1wpGA

April 18, 2024Episode 542 min

digital advocacy

with the rapid evolution of technology, the ways in which advocacy groups and individuals can mobilize for change have transformed significantly. in this episode of colab.conversations we explore the intersection of advocacy and technology and how social media is transforming the landscape and the myeloma canada's role in bringing these online voices together at their health ematters conference. to learn more or for the application form healthematters.ca find them on social @healthematters or @health_ematters