SCIENTIFIC LEAD AND DIRECTOR: Gabriela Ilie, PhD, Canada
Principal Investigator and PC-PEP Program Scientific Lead, International.
Director of Dalhousie Faculty of Medicine Soillse Prostate Cancer Quality of Life Research Lab, Canada
Dr. Gabriela Ilie is a Dalhousie Faculty of Medicine Endowed Scientist in Prostate Cancer Quality of Life and an Associate Professor in the Departments of Community Health and Epidemiology, Urology, Radiation Oncology and Psychology, and Neuroscience at Dalhousie University. She is Affiliated Scientist with Nova Scotia Health Authority, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Center and Scientist with the Beatrice Cancer Research Institute. She is an Associate Scientist with the Center for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, Ontario, and an Adjunct Associate Professor at University of Toronto with the Music and Health Research Collaboratory. Gabriela initiated and leads the PC-PEP Program and the scientific and clinical teams behind the program.
Gabriela Ilie, PhD, @GabrielaIDr via Twitter.
CLINICAL LEAD: Rob Rutledge, MD, FRCPC, Canada
PC-PEP Co-Investigator and Program Clinical Lead, International
Dr. Rob Rutledge is a Radiation Oncologist with Nova Scotia Health Authority, and Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Center, in Halifax, Nova Scotia who treats Prostate, Breast, and Peadiatric cancers. His education includes an Undergraduate Math and Computer Science degree, a Certificate in Community Health, Clinical Epidemiology, and a Doctor of Medicine degree, all from University of Toronto. He has completed a Comprehensive Internship in Medicine at Queen’s University, in Kingston, and the Radiation Oncology Residency Program at University of Ottawa. He became involved in Dr. Ilie’s research work and began collaborating with her and her team’s work in 2017.
NEW ZEALAND LEAD: Peter Dickens, CEO PCFNZ
PC-PEP Principal Coordinator New Zealand, and CEOof the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand
Peter Dickens is the PC-PEP Principal Coordinator in New Zealand and CEO of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of NZ (PCFNZ). The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCFNZ) is New Zealand’s leading men’s cancer charity, providing support and education to the thousands of New Zealanders affected by the disease every year. Prostate cancer is the number one cancer in Kiwi men, more than 3500 are diagnosed with it every year and more than 650 die from it. With early detection leading to better outcomes it is important that men are aware of the signs of potential disease and also of the screening tests that are available from their doctor. PCFNZ plays a significant role in raising public awareness, advocating for patients, spearheading research and providing comprehensive support services including an online forum, 40+ support groups & networks across the country, welfare grants and an 0800 Helpline [0800 477 678]. PCPEP@PROSTATE.ORG.NZ @PCFNZ via Twitter
BELGIUM SITE LEAD: Dr. Renée Bultijnck, PhD
Scientific Researcher, Department of Radiotherapy and Experimental Cancer Research, Ghent University, Belgium PC-PEP Site PI/Lead
Dr. Renée Bultijnck is a Scientific Researcher in the Department of Radiotherapy and Experimental Cancer Research at Ghent University. Her research focuses on the role of rehabilitation intervention in men with prostate cancer and the influence of cancer therapies in patients’ quality of life and methods to positively influence it. The Phase 4 trial in Belgium is anticipated to open by the end of 2023.
CANADIAN SITE LEADS:
Rob Thompson, MD, FRCPC
New Brunswick, Canada PC-PEP Site PI/Lead
Dr. Rob Thompson is a Radiation Oncologist with Horizon Health Network, New Brunswick, practicing in Saint John and Fredericton. He specializes in the treatment of patients with Prostate, Lung, and Gastrointestinal cancers. He completed his medical training at Dalhousie University, followed by a residency at the University of Toronto, and fellowship at the Odette Cancer Center, Toronto. He is actively involved in collaborating with multiple national and international clinical trial cooperative groups, including the Canadian Cancer Trials Group, and is the site leader for NRG Oncology clinical trials. He began collaborating with Dr. Ilie and and her team’s work in 2020.
Christopher J.D. Wallis, MD, PhD FRCSC
Mount Sinai Hospital Toronto, Canada PC-PEP Site PI/Lead
Dr. Christopher J.D. Wallis is a Urologic Oncologist at the University of Toronto and Mount Sinai Hospital/University Health Network. He obtained his Doctor of Medicine from the University of British Columbia and his Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Epidemiology & Health Care Research from the Institute of Health Policy, Management & Evaluation at the University of Toronto and completed his clinical residency in Urology at the University of Toronto affiliated hospitals and his Society of Urologic Oncology accredited fellowship training at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. His research focuses on leveraging a variety of epidemiologic techniques to understand the interaction between processes of care and patient outcomes, with a particular focus on patients with cancer and those undergoing surgery.
Dr. John Thoms, MD, MSc, FRCPC
Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre PC-PEP Site PI/Lead
Dr. John Thoms is a Radiation Oncologist and Physician Director Clinical Trials at the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Center and Associate Professor within the Discipline of Oncology at Memorial University in St. John’s, N. He completed a Bachelor Science degree in Physics at St. Francis Xavier University, Master of Science degree in Physics at the University of Waterloo, his MD at Memorial University and resident training in Radiation Oncology at the University of Alberta. He completed a Research Fellowship at the University of Toronto, Princess Margaret Hospital. Dr. Thoms was awarded the Campbell Family Prostate Cancer Research Clinical Fellowship. His primary research interests pertain to novel biomarkers of radiotherapy response, proteomic technologies and novel clinical trials.
Dr. Howard Evans, MD, FRCPC
Northern Alberta Urology Center in Edmonton, Canada, PC-PEP Site PI/Lead
Dr. Howard Evans is a Urological Surgeon with Northern Alberta Urology Center in Edmonton, Board of Directors with The American Urology Institute, and Professor at University of Alberta, Division of Urology in Edmonton. His skills and expertise include but are not limited to advance laparoscopic surgery, prostate cancer, surgical oncology, robotic surgery, urolithiasis, and minimal invasive surgery.
Dr. Kunal Jana, MD, FRCPC
Division Head & Assistant Professor of Urology University of Saskatchewan, Canada, PC-PEP Site PI/Lead
Dr. Kunal Jana is Urology Division Head and an Assistant Professor of Urology with the University of Saskatchewan. He joined Saskatoon Urology Associates in 2006. He graduated from the College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan and completed his urological fellowship training at the University of Ottawa. Kunal is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Saskatchewan. His clinical areas of expertise are minimally invasive surgery and surgical oncology.
In addition to his clinical work, Kunal has an interest in quality improvement in health care. He has been involved with various provincial and regional quality improvement initiatives such as the Prostate Assessment Pathway. His research interests are around continuous quality improvement and is a Research Associate in the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region.
Dr. Susan Ellard, MD, FRCPC
Medical Oncologist, UBC – Kelowna, Canada PC-PEP Site PI/Lead
Dr. Susan Ellard is Department Head in Medical Oncology with the BC Cancer Agency in Kelowna. Her top areas of expertise are Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer, and Thrombocytopenia.
Dr. Larry Pan, MD, FRCPC
Radiation Oncologist, Head Provincial Radiation Oncology Services, Prince Edward Island, Canada PC-PEP Site PI/Lead
Dr. Larry Pan is a radiation oncologist and head of Prince Edward Island’s provincial radiation oncology service. He obtained his MD from the University of Toronto in 2004 and FRCPC in radiation oncology in 2009. With a strong interest in medical professionalism and health system innovation, Dr. Pan is motivated to support system transformational changes for sustainable high-quality health care. In addition to his role as a radiation oncologist, Dr. Pan currently serves as a director on the Canadian Medical Association board. He also served as president of the Medical Society of Prince Edward Island in 2017–18 and as chair of its board of directors in 2018–19.
He recently earned a master’s certificate in physician leadership from York University’s Schulich School of Business and a certificate in legal aspects of health care administration from Dalhousie University. Dr. Pan is an assistant professor with the Department of Radiation Oncology, Dalhousie University, and is the recipient of the Canadian Cancer Society’s 2017 Excellence in Medicine and Health Award for Prince Edward Island.
CANADIAN RESEARCH LAB COORDINATING STAFF:
Cody MacDonald
PC-PEP International Project Coordinator
Cody MacDonald is PC-PEP’s Project Lead Coordinator of the Cancer and PC-PEP Programs. He has been involved in the Soillse Lab since the summer of 2018. He completed a Bachelor of Science in Medical Sciences degree at Dalhousie University and is currently completing a MSc in Epidemiology at Dalhousie University. Originally from Pictou County, Nova Scotia, Cody has and continues to be instrumental in the role out of the program throughout Canada and abroad, the management and administration of the Dalhousie Soillse lab. In his free time, he loves spending as much time outdoors as possible, cycling around the city, hiking by the ocean, or travelling.
Lia Massoeurs
PC-PEP Research Coordinator
Lia Massoeurs is the process of completing a MSC in Epidemiology at Dalhousie University and is the Research Coordinator for Cancer and PC-PEP. She has completed a BSc with Honours in Biology at Mount Allison University and graduated in May of 2021. Lia is new to Nova Scotia as she is originally from Moncton, New Brunswick. In her free time, she enjoys going to the gym, experimenting with cooking, and doing jigsaw puzzles. Lia is attending the Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute Cancer Research Training program and is thankful to have been awarded the BHCRI CIBC/QEII Foundation CRTP Award to support her thesis research this academic year. Lia’s contribution to the PC-PEP program of research since 2021, enrolling patients in the program and supporting the PC-PEP team has and continues to be invaluable.
Markos Tsirigotis
PC-PEP Program Coordinator
Markos Tsirigotis is a Program Coordinator for Cancer and PC-PEP. He began his journey with Cancer and PC-PEP as in the fall of 2022, and was the lead organizer of the Dalhousie’s PC-PEP Lab’s 2023 International Conference (Halifax, NS). Markos provided invaluable administrative and media editing support to the Cancer and PC-PEP programs and was the Health Promotion Intern for the lab during the Spring of 2023. Markos is set to graduate from Dalhousie University with a BSc in Health Promotion in June of 2023, and is eager to apply key concepts from his education regarding healthy habit formation and health literacy to his work with PC and CancerPEP programs. Markos is a former player from the Dalhousie Tigers Football team and former member of the Dalhousie Tigers Football Executive Committee. In his free time, Markos enjoys exercising, playing music, and snowboarding.
Alexandra Nuyens
PC-PEP Research Assistant
Alexandra Nuyens is a MSc student in Epidemiology at Dalhousie University and a Research Assistant. She completed a BSc with Honours in Biology at Mount Allison in 2022. Her MSc research focuses on a cost analysis of the PC-PEP program. In her free time, she enjoys playing soccer, spending time with her dog, and reading. Alex is applying for medical school in 2023.
Laura Burge
PC-PEP Canada, Research in Medicine Student
Laura Burge is a first-year medical student at Dalhousie University. She recently joined the Soillse Prostate Cancer Quality of Life Research Laboratory as a Research in Medicine Student. She was born and raised in Prince Edward Island and completed a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Kinesiology from the University of Prince Edward Island in May of 2021. In the past couple of years, she gained valuable experience implementing several exercise intervention programs, which aimed to improve the quality of life of individuals with intellectual disabilities, end-stage renal disease, and long-term care residents. She is passionate about improving the health and well-being of her community, and is feeling excited and fortunate to join the incredible members of the PC-PEP team. In her free time, she loves to stay active, enjoy nature, and spend quality time with friends and family.
Cory Burgher
PC-PEP Canada, Research in Medicine Student
Cory Burgher is a first year medical student and has recently joined the PC-PEP team as a Research in Medicine (RIM) student. She will be investigating some outcomes of the PC-PEP phase 3 RCT, related to relationship satisfaction. Cory is excited to support the health of her community as a medical student and member of the PC-PEP team. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors running, hiking, and camping.
CANADIAN RESEARCH CITIZENS LEADS:
Ross Macdonald
PC-PEP Research Citizen Mentors Lead, and PC-PEP Program Outreach International
Ross Macdonald is a Lead Pastor at Grace Chapel in Halifax. He has joined the PC-PEP Research team as a volunteer Research Citizen. He is helping delivering the monthly video conferences for PC-PEP with Drs. Ilie and Rutledge and Cody MacDonald. He has been and continues to be a PC-PEP mentor for many man coming or exiting the program and is helping establish a national and international Mentors infrastructure for the program. He participated in Phases 2 and 3 of the PC-PEP program after being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018 and has first-hand experience on the benefits of the program.
Pat Macdonald
PC-PEP Research Citizen Partners Lead, and PC-PEP Program Outreach International
Pat Macdonald is a Patient Partner. She has joined the PC-PEP Research team as a volunteer Research Citizen in 2019. She is helping connect partners of patients in the program during the monthly video conferences for PC-PEP with Drs. Ilie and Rutledge and Cody MacDonald. She has been and continues to be a PC-PEP mentor for many parters of patients coming or exiting the program and is helping establish the national and international partners infrastructure for the program. She has participated in Phases 2 and 3 of the PC-PEP program after her husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018 and has first-hand experience on the benefits of the program to her husband, herself, her family and the community of patients.
Bernie Petolas
PC-PEP Research Citizen Lead Outreach, National, Canada
Bernie Petolas has joined the PC-PEP Research team as a volunteer Research Citizen. He is helping roll out the PC-PEP program to the rest of Canada and beyond. He participated in Phases 1 and 3 of the program after being diagnosed with prostate cancer in early 2018 and has first-hand experience on the benefits of the program. Bernie worked as a professional engineer for over 37 years in Halifax. He has been involved in product design, project management, corporate management, and business development. He worked for a local company involved in design, development and manufacturing for data acquisition and satellite telemetry products in the fields of Meteorology, Oceanography, Polar Research, security, and Defense. In addition, he worked for a software development firm in the field of C4ISR, Maritime Domain Awareness, Military Situational Awareness, and homeland security. In his spare time, he enjoys playing hockey, taking the family dog on hikes and beach walks, and travelling.
KEVIN BARNETT
PC-PEP Research Citizen Lead Exercise, National, Canada
Kevin Barnett, former Certified Exercise Practitioner, has joined the PC-PEP Research team as a volunteer Research Citizen having been a PC-PEP participant in the Phase 3 RCT phase of the program and has first-hand experience on the benefits of the program. He is helping PC-PEP men coming into the program adjust the exercise program to their needs and abilities.
JEROME AND COLETTE NOSEWORTHY
PC-PEP Research Citizen Leads/Mentors Patients and Partners, Atlantic Canada
Jerome & Colette Noseworthy reside in Westphal, Nova Scotia, originally from Corner Brook, Newfoundland, they have resided in Nova Scotia for the last 24 years. They have been married for 42 years and have two daughters (2 son-in laws) and 5 grandchildren. Jerome & Colette joined the PC-PEP program in December 2020 and have participated in Phase 3 and 4 of the PC-PEP program after Jerome’s diagnosis with prostate cancer in November 2020. Their involvement and participation in the program offers valuable insights and experiences that they have incurred along their journey and can share with others the benefits of the PC-PEP program. Both, now retired, they have joined the PC-PEP Research team as volunteer Research Citizens and enjoy participating in the monthly PC-PEP zoom calls and assists as mentors for men with prostate cancer and their respective families and the community of patients. They are looking forward to helping roll out the PC-PEP program to the rest of Canada. Jerome and Colette are pleased to be able to share their experience & insights with others and truly believe involvement in the PC-PEP program pre and post surgery was key to re-establishing a good quality of life.In their spare time they enjoy daily walks and exercise, travelling, hanging out around their tiki bar & pool and spending time with their 5 precious grandchildren.
JOHN DEMMINGS
PC-PEP Research Citizen Lead/Mentor and Program Outreach International for 2+GBTQ and MSM communities
After graduation from Dalhousie University, John Demmings spent the majority of his career working in the public sector. He especially enjoyed appearing before appeal tribunals advocating and supporting the rights of injured workers.
As PC-PEP Research Citizen Lead and and Program Outreach International for 2+GBTQ and MSM communities in an effort to expand the PC-PEP program awareness, John connects with community leaders and like minded organizations to let them know about the support available through PC-PEP to men who need it. John also leads the monthly PC-PEP online video-conference for the 2+GBTQ and MSM communities and works to incorporate the needs of these communities within the PC-PEP program.
In his leisure time John enjoys beach walks with his Golden Retreiver Amica as well as kayaking, sailing and travelling with husband Mike.
