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 jointly appointed in the Departments of Community Health and Epidemiology and Urology, with cross appointments in the Departments of Radiation Oncology and Psychology, and Neuroscience at Dalhousie University. She is the Director of the Soillse Research Lab for Cancer Survivorship & Patient Empowerment. Dr Ilie is Affiliated Scientist with Nova Scotia Health Authority, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Center and Scientist with the Beatrice Cancer Research Institute. Gabriela initiated and leads the PC-PEP, CancerPEP and now Pictou County PEP Programs and the scientific and clinical teams behind these programs. Dr. Ilie has an established track record of publications with 99 papers (H index 27, i10 index 52; 5600+ lifetime citations). Her work appeared in highly ranked journals such as the European Urology, Digital Health, JAMA, American Journal of Men’s Health, CMAJ, Psychological Science, New York Academy of Sciences, BMJ Open, Psycho-oncology, and others. Dr. Ilie presents her work regularly at national and world congresses and has given over 300 public talks.
Gabriela Ilie, PhD, @GabrielaIDr via Twitter, Linked
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. He is the Clinical Lead for the PC-PEP program. Over the past 27 years, Rob has dedicated himself to delivering numerous free public talks, webinars, and charity-led initiatives. He has organized and led 60 weekend retreats across 30 cities worldwide, as well as conducted dozens of day-long healing seminars for patients and medical professionals. Dr. Rutledge has an established track record of publications with 59 papers (H index 13, i10 index 16; 500+ lifetime citations). His work appeared in highly ranked journals such as the European Urology, Lancet, American Journal of Men’s Health, Psycho-oncology, Cancers, Current Oncology, and others.
NEW ZEALAND LEAD: Peter Dickens, CEO PCFNZ
PC-PEP Principal Coordinator New Zealand, and CEO of 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 officially launched in 2025.
Laura Coekelbergs is a PhD student in the Department of Human Structure and Repair, research group Radiation Oncology, at Ghent University. As part of her PhD, she will be working on the PC-PEP program in Belgium. Laura holds a Master’s degree in Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Psychology. She completed her internship at the Ghent University Hospital Cancer Center, where she worked with breast cancer patients. Her research is driven by a strong interest in improving the quality of life of people living with cancer through evidence-based supportive care. Laura will be working with Dr. Renée Bultijnck on opening PCPEP in Belgium.
ROMANIAN SITE LEAD: Dr. Adrian A. Udrea, MD, PhD
Oncologist, Medical Director of Medisprof Cancer Center, Romania Site PI/Lead
Dr. Adrian A. Udrea is an internationally recognized primary care oncologist and the Medical Director of the Medisprof Cancer Center in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. He is also the founder of the National Association of Private Oncologists in Romania (AOPR) and serves as President of the Medisprof Association. Dr. Udrea and his team officially joined the global Phase 4 trial as a study site in December 2024.
SOUTH AFRICAN SITE LEADS:
Dr. Duvern Ramiah, MBBCh, MBA, FCRadOnc(SA)
Head of Radiation Oncology Division, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa Site PI/Lead
Dr. Duvern Ramiah is a radiation oncologist committed to advancing oncology care, particularly for underserved populations. As Head of Radiation Oncology at the University of the Witwatersrand and Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, where he spearheaded the introduction of the prostate brachytherapy program, he leads with a vision of equitable access to world-class cancer treatment. The Phase 4 trial in South Africa is anticipated to open in 2025.
Prof. Shingai Mutambirwa, MB ChB, M Med, FCS
Prof Shingai Mutambirwa is Head of Urology at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University and a founding member of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa. A passionate advocate for men’s health, he has led pioneering work in circumcision techniques and prostate cancer awareness. His contributions to urology and public health continue to shape care across Southern Africa. His site is expected to join the PC-PEP Phase 4 trial in 2025.
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.
Dr. Mark Corkum, MD, FRCPC
Radiation Oncologist, University of Ottawa, Canada, PC-PEP Site PI/Lead
Dr. Mark Corkum is a Radiation Oncologist, and Assistant Professor at University of Ottawa who completed his medical school at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia and his residency training at Western University in London, Ontario. Following this, he completed a fellowship in prostate brachytherapy at Sunnybrook Hospital and the University of Toronto, including obtaining an area of focused competence diploma in brachytherapy issued by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. He also has a Master’s degree in Epidemiology from Dalhousie University. He has been a part of The Ottawa Hospital since 2021.
The main focus of Dr. Corkum’s research is to improve outcomes for men with prostate cancer, as well as evaluate the impact of new treatment technologies on the healthcare system. His work seeks to evaluate appropriate utilization of prostate brachytherapy, as well as to optimizing prostate brachytherapy in the salvage setting. He has an interest in the development of clinical trials and conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses. His clinical work also focuses on the use of stereotactic radiotherapy in the oligometastatic setting.
Dr. Ernest Chan, MD, FRCPC
Urologist, Lakeridge Health, Oshawa, Ajax and Pickering Sites, Canada, PC-PEP Site PI/Lead
Dr. Ernest Chan is a Urological Surgeon at Lakeridge Health Oshawa. He obtained his Doctor of Medicine from Western University. He completed his clinical residency in Urology at Western University and his minimally invasive surgery fellowship at the Credit Valley Hospital through the University of Toronto. His clinical areas of expertise are focused in robotic and advanced laparoscopic surgery, particularly for prostate and kidney cancer.
Jay Nayak, MD FRCSC FACS
Urologist, University of Manitoba, Canada, PC-PEP Site PI/Lead
Dr. Nayak is an Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Manitoba. He is the former Research Director and current Program Director for the Section of Urology Residency Program. After completing his urologic surgical residency at the University of Manitoba, Dr. Nayak completed a 2 year fellowship in Urologic Oncology at the University of Washington in Seattle, WA. Dr. Nayak is a member of various national committees and has numerous peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Nayak is an expert in male urologic cancers, and men’s health issues. He is Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and Board Certified by the American Board of Urology.
Dr. Alexis Rompré-Brodeur, MD, MHS, FRCSC
Dr. Alexis Rompré-Brodeur is a urologic oncologist specializing in the treatment of kidney, prostate, bladder, penile, and testicular cancers. He completed a Society of Urologic Oncology fellowship at the U.S. National Cancer Institute and holds a master’s in health sciences from Duke University, focused on clinical trial design and evidence synthesis. His clinical and research work is dedicated to advancing care and improving outcomes in urologic cancers. His site is expected to launch in 2025 as part of the PC-PEP Phase 4 trial.
Dr. Maroie Barkati, MD, FRCPC
Dr. Maroie Barkati is a radiation oncologist at CHUM and Associate Clinical Professor at the Université de Montréal. She specializes in the treatment of prostate and gynaecological cancers using advanced techniques such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy and brachytherapy. In 2010, she completed a fellowship in prostate and gynaecologic brachytherapy at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, Australia. She also co-founded CHUM’s ultrasound-guided high-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy program and has trained colleagues in this technique. Actively involved in international clinical research, she has served as the local principal investigator for several prostate cancer studies. Her PC-PEP Phase 4 trial site is expected to launch in 2025.
Dr. François Bachand, MD, FRCPC
Dr. François Bachand Dr. Bachand is a radiation oncologist at the CHU de Québec – Université Laval, and a leading expert in brachytherapy, a targeted treatment offering improved outcomes for prostate cancer patients. He brings both clinical expertise and research experience in gene regulation and cancer biology, aiming to translate scientific discoveries into better care. His site is expected to join the PC-PEP Phase 4 trial in 2025.
CANADIAN RESEARCH LAB COORDINATING STAFF:
Research Assistants
Elizabeth Langley
Elizabeth is a part-time Research Assistant with the Soillse Research Lab for Cancer Survivorship & Patient Empowerment. She began volunteering with the lab in January 2024, initially contributing to promotional content, and has remained an engaged and valued member of the team since.
Elizabeth recently completed her Bachelor of Health Sciences at Queen’s University in June 2025. She has since been admitted to Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Medicine, where she will begin her medical training. Originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia, she is passionate about pursuing a career in medicine and contributing to patient-centered care within her home community.
Outside of her academic and research work, Elizabeth enjoys hiking with her dog, Winston, baking, and spending time with family and friends.
Lola Riley
Lola is a Bachelor of Science student at Dalhousie University, majoring in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and History. Originally from Toronto, Ontario, she joined the PC-PEP team in January of 2025. Lola has a strong interest in clinical research and medicine and enjoys working collaboratively with the incredible individuals on the PC-PEP lab team. She is excited to continue contributing to PC-PEP while developing her research skills. In her free time, she enjoys theatre, being a part of DalChorus and playing tennis.
William Carruthers
William Carruthers is a Biomedical Science student at the University of Ottawa with a strong interest in health research and patient-centered care. He is passionate about advancing scientific knowledge to improve health outcomes and is developing a solid foundation in biomedical sciences through his academic training.
Jordan Taylor Cole
Jordan will be working as a Research Assistant with the Soillse Research Lab for Cancer Survivorship & Patient Empowerment, contributing to PCPEP and other ongoing projects. She recently graduated from the University of New Brunswick with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biology and Mathematics/Statistics and will begin a Master of Science in Epidemiology and Applied Health Research in September 2026. Jordan is passionate about public health and hopes to contribute to making health care more accessible. Outside of her academic work, she enjoys reading, crafting, and spending time with her friends and family, especially her cat, Dora.
Sage Fry
Sage graduated from Dalhousie University in Spring 2025 with a major in International Business and is originally from Collingwood Ontario.
Olamide Okedara, Research in Medicine (RIM) Medical Student, Dalhousie University,
Olamide Okedara is a medical student in the Class of 2029 at the Dalhousie Medical School in Nova Scotia. He is passionate about advancing patient-centered care and improving health outcomes through clinical practice and research.
Olamide is particularly interested in contributing to initiatives that enhance patient experiences and support holistic approaches to care. As he progresses through his medical training, he is eager to engage in research and collaborative work that bridges clinical practice and meaningful health impact.
Nathan Smith
Post Doctoral Fellow
Dr. Nathan Smith is a Postdoctoral Fellow in Cancer Survivorship and Health Equity with the Soillse Research Lab. He previously served as a Research Fellow at the NIH Department of Bioethics, specializing in equity-focused research in aging populations. As an alumnus of the BHCRI Cancer Research Training Program (CRTP), Dr. Smith built an early foundation in cancer research that continues to inform his work today. He now contributes his expertise to PC‑PEP, advancing efforts to better serve vulnerable communities. Outside of work he enjoys live music, exploring new places, and spending time with family and friends.
NEW ZEALAND RESEARCH CITIZENS LEADS:
Nick Aiken
PC-PEP Research Citizen Lead and International Program Outreach (New Zealand) for Younger Men with Prostate Cancer
Nick Aiken is a self-employed Urban Planner-Designer and Environmental Hearings Commissioner working in private practise in Aotearoa New Zealand. He typically works on large Masterplanning, urban development and infrastructure projects and has won a number of national industry awards. Until 2021 he was also a national market director for a large multi-national engineering consultancy based in Canada.
Nick was diagnosed with aggressive locally advanced prostate cancer in 2022 aged 52, after being told he ‘was too young’ and not to worry about being checked at ages 47 and 50. He had radiotherapy and began ADT and AAP in mid-2022. Nick joined the Board of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand (PCFNZ) in mid-2023.
From his own and learning about other’s experiences as a ‘younger’ man diagnosed with prostate cancer, Nick sees a need for better access to information, resources and support for younger men and their partners and families. This includes the differing impacts of treatment types for those with younger families, still in work and and in relation to mental, physical, and sexual health. Nick is looking forward to helping roll out focussed sessions for younger men undertaking the PC-PEP Program.
Nick Aiken completed the PC-PEP program in 2024 and has first-hand experience of the benefits of the program. He values and enjoys the holistic approach to physical and mental challenges for prostate cancer men and their families (whanau). Nick loves spending time with his wife and teenage daughters, travelling to far flung places (which sometimes includes escaping dangerous wildlife), all things football (soccer), trail cycling, history, and culture.
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.
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.
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