SPEAKERS' PRESENTATIONS / PRÉSENTATIONS DES CONFÉRENCIERS
"Managing Diabetes: Are we doing enough? Theatre A 0900
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by: Dr. Martin Ekiti MD MPHc
Session Description:
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Did you know, many patients with Diabetic Ketoacidosis get passed over in the Emergency Department
during triage because they present with normal glycemia values? This phenomenon, potentiated by novel
drugs such as SGLT2 inhibitors, is called Euglycemic Diabetic Ketoacidosis and it is growing in incidence.
In this session, we would review the burden of diabetes in Canada, and specifically in New Brunswick. We
would also address the risks associated with inaccurate glucose monitoring. We would discuss some
highlights from the new guidelines for management of hyperglycemic crises and investigate some factors
such as low/high ionized magnesium levels, which could be responsible for refractory hyperglycemia, even
though a patient is adhering to their treatment. We would then conclude by discussing how the laboratory
can improve outcomes for patients with diabetes.
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Meet the Speaker:
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Martin’s background is in Clinical Medicine, having trained and practiced as a Family Physician for almost a decade. For over 15 years, he was heavily involved with community-based health outreaches leveraging the power of point-of-care diagnostic devices to improve access to healthcare for underserved populations in hard-to-reach areas in Africa.
Since joining the company, he has been involved with medical education, focusing on the disease-states relevant to Nova Biomedical’s expertise. He has presented at various seminars as well as given educational talks to healthcare professionals across North America and Africa. He has also attended various scientific conferences, building relationships with peers and engaging with key opinion leaders.
As a Medical Director, he applies his public health and epidemiological knowledge, leveraging his clinical background to design and implement real world evidence studies which seek to optimize the use of point-of-care diagnostic devices to improve patient care around the world.
"Avian Influenza: Is the Lab Ready?" Theatre A 1030
By Dr. Farhan Khan, MD, MSc
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Session Description:
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Avian influenza, often called “bird flu”, is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in
poultry and dairy cows with some recent human cases. While the current public health risk is low, the
spread of avian influenza continues to be monitored closely. This session will provide an overview of the
current epidemiology, Canadian response, laboratory testing and diagnosis, and prevention of avian
influenza.
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Meet the Speaker:
Farhan is originally from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. He completed his BSc and MSc in Microbiology and Immunology at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, followed by medical school and residency in Medical Microbiology also at Dalhousie University. Farhan has been practicing as a Medical Microbiologist at The Moncton Hospital since 2023
"Prostate Biopsy Chip Implementation" Theatre A 1130
by: James Dixon
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Session Description:
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The implementation of the Lumea™ prostate biopsy chip in the Moncton Hospital pathology lab and
final outcome.
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Meet the Speaker:
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James has worked at the department of Pathology at the Montreal Neurological Hospital (14 years), Montreal
Children’s Hospital (6 years), McGill University Health Center (5 years) in electron Microscopy, management , digital
pathology. Started working at Horizon 2018 as Pathology Lab Manager.
"Introduction to the Alzheimer Society of NB" Theatre A 1330
by: Marie-Paule LeBlanc
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Session Description:
This is my opportunity to tell people about the incredible work being done by ASNB. Our aim is to
provide you with a firsthand look at our efforts and to inspire you with the stories and initiatives that
are making a difference in the lives of those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in our
province. Alzheimer’s disease is not just an issue of one random person, but rather a societal issue
that involves us all.
Meet the Speaker:
Marie-Paule has been the Philanthropy & Engagement Coordinator for the Alzheimer Society of NB since 2018. Energetic and passionate, she thrives on connecting with people and is deeply committed to community building and raising awareness for charities and social causes. She joined the Alzheimer Society because the cause has always been close to her heart but in May 2023 it became deeply personal when her father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and overnight, she went from being an employee to client. With a strong background in event planning, project development, and partnership building, Marie-Paule excels at bringing people together and creating meaningful collaborations. She loves meeting new people, exploring new places, and fostering connections. Fun fact: A lifelong bibliophile, she is always on the hunt for more bookshelves to house her ever-growing collection of books.
"LAB Pecha Kucha" Theatre A 1430
by: MLTs from Moncton and Sackville lab
What is a Pecha Kucha? Get ready for a rapid influx of information! We have a panel of experts ready to share personal presentations about their work. In six minutes you will expand your knowledge base on topics such as:
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Pathology​: Cassie Buick: "Heart Attack 101: The Tantrum Your Heart Throws"
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In this PechaKucha presentation, we’ll geek out over the nerdy details of heart attacks. We'll explore how your arteries get clogged with cholesterol like your inbox gets flooded with spam, leading to the dreaded myocardial infarction. From atherosclerosis to blood clots, we’ll break down the molecular chaos that causes a heart attack, with just enough humor to keep your heart from skipping a beat. By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of what goes wrong when your heart decides to throw a tantrum—and how to avoid it in the first place
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Core Lab: Kathy Andrews: "Community Strength in a Small Town"
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What do you get when you combine a small hospital with a small town? Big community spirit!
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Transfusion Medicine
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Hematology: Toni Lykow: "The Importance of Flowcytometry"
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An overview of flowcytometry principles and how flow is used for diagnosis.
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Chemistry: Danie Lebel-Teed: "Hemoglobin Electrophoresis - A Basic Understanding"
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In this session, we will explore hemoglobin electrophoresis, a key diagnostic tool for identifying hemoglobin variants and disorders such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia. We will discuss the principles behind electrophoresis, interpretation of results, and its clinical significance in diagnosing hemoglobinopathies. Through case studies and real-world examples, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how this technique aids in patient management and genetic counseling. This session is ideal for laboratory scientists, and students interested in hematology and diagnostic testing.​
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Artificial intelligent lab decisions
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Microbiology​