Gabriela Ilie, PhD – Connect to Dr. Ilie Via Linkedln and X @GabrielaIDr. Our Newsletters can be accessed at the following Link.
Honoured to Meet With the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) in Ottawa
Yesterday, Rob and I had the profound honour of meeting with leaders from the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) and its Directors in Ottawa. What unfolded was nothing short of wonderful. An open, grounded, deeply relational conversation about health, wellness, community empowerment, and how we might walk together to support Indigenous peoples in ways that are shaped by them and led by their wisdom.
We were grateful to sit with people who spoke from the heart, who shared generously, and who reminded us that healing is not transactional, it is relational. It happens in community. It happens when people feel seen, heard, and respected for who they are.
We left inspired, humbled, and committed to learning how to listen better, ask the right questions, and build programs with Indigenous communities, not for them.
A special thank you to Chief Lorraine, Chief Moore, Jim Devoe, and all Directors who welcomed us so openly. And to Mike and Barb Hull, whose kindness and belief in this work made this meeting possible.
This is a beginning we hold with great respect and gratitude.
A wonderful gathering today with our Soillse Cancer Survivorship and Patient Empowerment Research Lab members and our incredible research citizen mentors, Ross and Pat MacDonald — dedicated champions of the Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) for the past nine years.
It was such a joy to be together in person again, sharing stories, laughter, and purpose. We also captured some great moments on film for our departmental website — a testament to the power of collaboration between patients, researchers, and clinicians.
It’s gatherings like this that remind me why we do what we do — to empower, to connect, and to transform care through compassion, evidence, and community.
Read more here:
Today we had the privilege of attending The Walnut Foundation’s Annual Prostate Cancer Conference in Toronto. It was energizing to be in a room (and on Zoom) with so many patients, partners, healthcare providers, and community leaders working shoulder-to-shoulder to narrow inequities and widen connection, collaboration, and care for the men who need it most.
A few reminders of why this work matters: ~27,900 Canadian men are expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and ~5,000 will die from it in a single year. That’s 76 diagnoses and 14 deaths every day. Risk and outcomes are not evenly shared—Black men of African or Caribbean ancestry face almost double the risk and are more likely to die from prostate cancer, underscoring the urgent need for tailored outreach, earlier conversations, and culturally grounded support.
Through our Prostate Cancer – Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP), Dr Rob Rutledge and I are honoured to partner with communities across Canada. With Movember ’s Health-Equity funding (2025–2028), our team is expanding PC-PEP delivery to Black men and other underserved groups, advancing earlier engagement, self-management skills, and wrap-around supports. We’re seeing this mission come to life—closing gaps and opening doors to high-quality survivorship resources.
Deep thanks to The Walnut Foundation @for leading with purpose and heart. Together, we’re building a future where equity isn’t an ambition—it’s the standard. Dalhousie Department of Community Health & Epidemiology Dalhousie Medical Research & Education Research Nova Scotia QEII Foundation Halifax Infirmary: Summer St Entrance @ QEII Health Sciences Centre Anthony Henry Ken Noel Kris Bennett Atiqa Mohammad, MBA, MPH
Shout-out to Nova Scotia Health affiliate scientist Gabriela Ilie, PhD (featured on Healthing.ca) whose Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program is making a real difference for men with prostate cancer.
This six-month online program offers education, support and tools that improve mental health, physical activity and social connection.
Read more about how her work is transforming survivorship, and making it more equitable, locally and far beyond: https://tr.ee/TZv78B
This past week in Piatra Neamț, we had the joy of partnering with our dear friend and collaborator, Andrei Carabeleafrom Medisprof, to host two special premieres of Empower — one dedicated to patients and one to clinicians.
The energy in the room was extraordinary. Patients shared heartfelt reflections, and clinicians engaged in inspiring discussions on how we can bring hope, resilience, and empowerment into cancer care.
We are deeply grateful to Andrei, Dr. Carolina Udrea and Dr. Adrian Udrea, creators of Medisprof, for their vision, generosity, and commitment to making PEP programs accessible in Romania. Together, we are building bridges between science, community, and human connection — ensuring that those living with cancer are supported not just medically, but also emotionally and spiritually.
With PEP set to launch in Romania in January 2026, fully translated and adapted, these premieres mark a meaningful step forward on our shared journey.
Thank you, Andrei, Medisprof, and everyone who joined us in Piatra Neamț — your presence and voices make this movement possible.
Building partnerships to empower men with prostate cancer in South Africa!
Over the past week in Cape Town, we had the privilege of meeting with leaders at several cancer centres and hospitals to introduce and promote the Prostate Cancer – Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP). The interest, enthusiasm, and commitment to improving prostate cancer care across South Africa has been inspiring.
Our discussions focused on how PC-PEP can:
Support men’s mental and physical health during and after treatment
Complement existing oncology care in both academic and community settings
Expand equitable access to survivorship programs for men across the country
A heartfelt thank you to all the clinicians, administrators, and community leaders who welcomed us and shared in the vision of bringing this free, home-based program to South African men diagnosed with prostate cancer.
📍 Learn more and register: pcpep.org/za
Together, we are planting seeds of change to ensure that every man has access to the support and tools needed to thrive.
Grateful for the incredible opportunity to connect with inspiring entrepreneurs and experts driving innovation in life sciences.
Here are Ross Macdonald, PCPEP graduate and Dr Rob Rutledge interviewed by Global News this week following President Joe Biden’s recent diagnosis of prostate cancer. Early detection saves lives, and men deserve to be empowered with knowledge, support, and holistic care from the moment of diagnosis. As this news brings global attention to prostate cancer, we hope it sparks vital conversations—about screening, mental health, survivorship, and the power of community.
Personal Empowerment Program Wraps Up with Positive Results in Pictou County
MEDIA RELEASE: New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Thursday, May 08, 2025.
The Personal Empowerment Program (PEP) recently concluded in Pictou County, showing encouraging results for participants living with chronic conditions. The six-month pilot supported individuals in building healthier habits through lifestyle changes, mental health support, and community connection.
Developed by Nova Scotia researchers and Dalhousie University professors Dr. Gabriela Ilie and Dr. Rob Rutledge, the program was supported locally by the Aberdeen Health Foundation. A total of 172 participants enrolled, most of them women with an average age of 58, managing concerns like weight, hypertension, and anxiety. Throughout the program, participants received daily videos focused on creating new healthy habits and monthly sessions with the PEP team.
“I saw the notice on Facebook and it piqued my interest,” said Mary Ali, a participant in the program. “It aligned with my own efforts to take a more holistic and centered approach to healing. I was already doing Google searches and reading books on how to improve my health. I felt fortunate to come across the PEP program because it is structured, dynamic, and brought together all the elements I had been looking for.” Mary Ali, PEP Participant
PEP focused on flexibility and inclusion, offering multiple entry points for people at different stages in their health journey. “You just need to be open, be willing to try, and you will have success,” said Mary. “For example, I was already doing a whole foods plant-based diet, so that was an easy entry point for me. But the way the program is setup, even if you just increased your fruits and vegetables and reduced ultra-processed foods, that could be your starting point. The same went for exercise. For example, you could do chair yoga or yoga on the floor, depending on your physical ability or flexibility. Or maybe you enjoy walking, strength training or Qigong. There is always a way to make it work for you, no matter where you are starting from.”
Program outcomes included an average weight loss of seven pounds, improved physical function, better sleep, healthier diets, and a significant reduction in psychological distress. Participants also reported greater life satisfaction, stronger emotional connections, and less time spent sedentary.
“I really love Dr. Ilie and Dr. Rutledge’s approach,” Mary added. “They really understand the ways in which chronic health issues take a toll on the body – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I also valued the heart-centered and community-focused aspect of the program. Instead of trying to manage everything on my own, I was surrounded by others in similar situations. It felt like we were all working toward better health together.”
“I’m really grateful that Pictou County has taken this on. It’s phenomenal, because I believe health should be a consideration in everything we do. To see a program like this come to fruition and be so well supported with a knowledgeable team of experts is fantastic.”
The Aberdeen Health Foundation’s investment in PEP reflects its broader commitment to improving chronic disease outcomes in Pictou County. Nearly half the local population lives with at least one chronic condition, and socio-economic factors such as poverty, mental illness, and other systemic barriers contribute to poorer outcomes when compared provincially. Additional barriers such as transportation, food insecurity, and generational trauma further affect health outcomes. In response, the Foundation is prioritizing collaborative, community-based programs like PEP as a first step toward building a broader population health approach – one that reduces health disparities, promotes prevention, and helps support long-term wellbeing.
To learn more about the PEP program, visit pictoucountyPEP.org
The Aberdeen Health Foundation is the leading charity for enhancing health care in Pictou County. In 2024, the Foundation invested over $2.7 million to fund medical equipment and enhance health programs at the Aberdeen Hospital and in the community. Your contribution can be the catalyst for even greater change — find out how you can make an impact here.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Megan Manuel Murphy
Administrative Coordinator
Aberdeen Health Foundation
902-752-7600 ext. 4600
Megan.ManuelMurphy@nshealth.ca
Empower Film documentary – draft trailer – Premiere May 4, 2025, Joseph Strug Concert Hall, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
CAPO Innovation Award
Dr. Gabriela Ilie & Dr. Rob RutledgeDr. Gabriela Ilie and Dr. Rob Rutledge are co-creators of the Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) and CancerPEP, groundbreaking initiatives that empower cancer patients to take an active role in their recovery and long-term well-being. These programs are unmatched in their depth, breadth and scientific validation, combining structured online education with interactive engagement to support patients through every stage of their cancer journey.What makes PC-PEP and CancerPEP unique is their six-month intensive curriculum followed by ongoing monthly live video conferences. This structure provides cancer patients with continuous access to expert guidance, peer support, and evidence-based strategies to enhance mental, emotional, and physical health. Research has demonstrated that patients in these programs experience reduced psychological distress, improved resilience, better management of treatment side effects, and an overall higher quality of life (and appear to be cost saving to the medical system). These programs are now actively implemented in healthcare systems across Canada and internationally, with adoption in New Zealand, Belgium, South Africa, Romania, and the Netherlands.
Dr. Ilie is the Endowed Soillse Scientist in Prostate Cancer Quality of Life Research and an Associate Professor at Dalhousie University, jointly appointed in the Departments of Urology and Community Health & Epidemiology, with cross-appointments in Radiation Oncology and Psychology & Neuroscience. A dedicated researcher and advocate, her work has transformed patient care by bridging scientific research with real-world application. She was recently honored with the 2024 Public Impact Award by Research Nova Scotia for her contributions to public health and patient empowerment. With over 100 published research papers in top medical journals, including JAMA, European Urology, and BMJ Open, she is recognized for her leadership in advancing patient-centered cancer survivorship care and health system transformation.
Dr. Rutledge is a Radiation Oncologist at Nova Scotia Health and an Associate Professor at Dalhousie University, specializing in breast, prostate, and pediatric cancers. A national leader in integrative oncology and psychosocial cancer care, he has dedicated his career to supporting patients through education, clinical practice, and survivorship research. Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Rutledge has dedicated himself to empowering patients and healthcare professionals through hundreds of public talks, workshops, and retreats, reaching thousands of individuals affected by cancer. He has led over 70 weekend retreats across 30 cities worldwide, fostering communities of healing and resilience. His lifelong dedication to patient care, education, and empowerment has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the Excellence in Patient Care Award from Cancer Care Nova Scotia, the Health Promotion Award from Doctors Nova Scotia, and the Excellence in Education Award from Nova Scotia Health, Together, Dr. Ilie and Dr. Rutledge have redefined cancer survivorship support by developing the most comprehensive, interactive, and enduring patient empowerment programs available today. Their work ensures that cancer patients not only survive but thrive, with ongoing access to the tools, education, and support needed to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Dalhousie Medical Research & EducationDalhousie Medical Research & Education
🎬 YOU’RE INVITED! 🎬
The film screening premiere of “Empower,” a documentary of the Patient Empowerment Programs (PEP) developed by Dalhousie’s Faculty of Medicine Endowed Soillse Scientist in Cancer Quality of Life Research, Dr. Gabriela Ilie, PhD and Oncologist, Dr Rob Rutledge.
Following the documentary, there will be a panel discussion with remarkable cancer survivors and program participants.
📅 Sunday, May 4
⏲️ 7 p.m. ADT (6 p.m. ET ) in person or via live streaming
📍 Joseph Strug Concert Hall
1385 Seymour St, Halifax, NS B3H 1W8
📽️ RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-film-screening-premiere-of-empower-tickets-1317701824629?aff=oddtdtcreator
While this event is free, we encourage you to RSVP early to save your seat. For those wishing to join the livestream, please select livestream only when registering and a link will be shared before the event.
Empower Film documentary – OFFICIAL TRAILER (click here) – Premiere May 4, 2025, Joseph Strug Concert Hall, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
September 22, 2023: Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada: A few weeks ago, young adults from our brain tumour community attended a wellness retreat at the Five Oaks Center in Paris, ON. We would like to thank Dr. Rutledge & Dr. Ilie from @CancerPEPcom for facilitating the event. Thank you to all the amazing #YoungAdults who attended!
September 15, 2023: We are deeply grateful for John Underhill, one of our program graduates and program mentor, for being so kind in joining us to our interview at Global today: https://globalnews.ca/video/9963193/cancer-patient-empowerment-program/#CancerJourney#CancerPEP
Our Annual Newsletter is out! Please see the PDF file below with attached links to find out all the news regarding our team’s hard work over the past year.
March 2023: A huge thanks to Frank and Debbi Sobey for endowing the Soillse Scientist position at Dalhousie University, through the Dalhousie Research Medical Foundation, who made this research possible, and to Research Nova Scotia for the establishment grant which funded this world class randomized clinical trial.:
February 2023: In Press, platinum journal, European Urology, results of a Phase 3 RCT comparing PC-PEP against standard of care. Take home message: Prostate Cancer – Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP), a multi-dimensional online home-based six-month empowerment program, improves the mental health in men scheduled for prostate cancer surgery or radiotherapy. PCPEP.org is cost-effective, convenient for clinicians, addresses side effects and the high rates of depression and anxiety among prostate cancer patients. The program has been expanded throughout Canada and in New Zealand, it is being translated in French and is being tested for other forms of cancer.
January 2023 announcement: Engaging and Empowering our Community – please join our Community Engagement conference on April 1, 2023. details below or click here to register.
December 2022: CancerPEP trial is now opened. Please go to CancerPEP.org to find out more.
December 2o22: We are actively working on the translation of PC-PEP into French. Stay tuned!
GUROC 2022 – On the road: Reviewing Phase 3 trial results and presenting Phase 4 trial.
October 2022: On the road in Athens at PROSCA2022:
October 2022: On the road here in New Zealand with our colleague and New Zealand Site Lead Mr. Peter Dickens, CEO PCFNZ , at piloting PC-PEP thought NZ and establishing urology, radiation oncology, and support group collaborations with partners throughout New Zealand.
October 2022: On the road in Australia at the Urologic Asian Association 202 conference. Presenting the results of our trial and raising awareness of PCPEP and its opportunities for collaboration.
October 2022: On the road meeting with ProstateAid Calgary leaders and making our program known to their community of cancer patients and survivors.
September 2022: Giving back. Raising money for cancer research.
August 2022: On the road in Toronto, Canada. Symposium (95 minutes) presentation at the International Psychosocial Oncology Society Conference IPOS 2022 in Toronto with Research Citizen Outreach National representative Bernie Petolas, Dr. Rob Rutledge, Clinical Lead PC-PEP and Cody MacDonald, PC-PEP Research Project Coordinator.
June 24-27 2022. CUA – Canadian Urologic Association. Presenting primary outcome results of RCT Phase 3 – Podium Presentation by Dr. Gabriela Ilie. Dalhousie’s DMRF Soillse Prostate Cancer Quality of Life Lab program PC-PEP, Prostate Cancer-Patient Empowering Program opening trial sites throughout the country: NS, NB, NL, Toronto, Ottawa, Edmonton, Kelowna, and Saskatoon! In Kelowna, at SABR forming new collaborations. Congrats to Drs. Raza Abidi, Jong Sung Kim, Ellen Sweeney, Gabriela Ilie, & Trevor Dummer on a successful NFRF grant! The team will expand their work on Arsenic-Related Cancer w/ Toenail Biosamples & Machine Learning January 11, 2022. PC-PEP (Prostate Cancer – Patient Empowerment Program) – has now opened a new site in New Brunswick. January 10, 2022. NEW PC-PEP (Prostate Cancer – Patient Empowerment Program) – opens PC-PEP TV Channel! 2022 Newsletter PCPEP Interview Global News, December 10, 2021, Atlantic Canada December 10, 2021 – Atlantic Canada News: N.S. prostate cancer patient empowerment program becomes standard of care HALIFAX — Five men with prostate cancer sit in a tight circle, speaking of the sadness that overcame them when treatments led to impotency, a lack of bladder control and bouts of anxiety. They’re sharing their experiences at the end of an innovative 28-day program that has dealt with some very sensitive issues. Now, a joint study by researchers at Dalhousie University and the University of New Brunswick published this week in the journal PLOS One — and described in an article Thursday by the Herald’s Tim Arsenault — has found that the risk of prostate and pancreatic cancers is elevated among workers in professions with a lot of sedentary behaviour. Following treatment for prostate cancer 15 years ago, Hal Richman has returned to doing the things he loves, like kayaking. Drawing on his cancer experience, he’s eagerly helping Dr. Gabriela Ilie, QEII research scientist, Dr. Rob Rutledge, QEII radiation oncologist, and Dr. David Bell, QEII urologist, in their quest to understand and improve the quality of life for men following prostate cancer. (QEII FOUNDATION) We find out more about a unique approach to prostate cancer research happening in Atlantic Canada. http://www.nscancer.ca A new survey of prostate cancer patients and survivors will look at the factors that contribute to quality of life. Gabriela Ilie, research chair and assistant professor at Dalhousie University, is on P.E.I. to talk to the prostate cancer support group, as well as urologists and radiation oncologists. Soillse Lab won the Dragon’s Den 3 minute Health Innovation Competition (TMHI) at the Healthy Living, Life Conference, held at the Halifax Convention Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia from September 19-21, 2018.
Locally Developed Cancer Program PC-PEP to Become Standard of Care Throughout Atlantic Canada
2021 Media Release:
PC-PEP News Blog, November 2021
Men’s Health Awareness Month
Unmet need: New program for men with prostate cancer shows promising results
EDITORIAL: Sit-uation critical over sedentary lifestyles
Treating more than cancer | QEII research study aims to improve quality of life for prostate cancer patients
Prostate Cancer Survey
New prostate cancer survey examines range of factors affecting quality of life
The Dragon’s Den Health Innovation Competition
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