AMR Event (2160 x 1080 px)

Advancing Prevention: A Discussion on Public Health Measures and Antimicrobial Resistance

Date: Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 AM
Location: The Matrix Hotel, Edmonton
Cost: Free

About the Event

Join us for a thought-provoking breakfast panel discussion addressing one of the most pressing global health challenges of our time: antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Recent reports reveal that AMR is responsible for millions of deaths worldwide each year, with the toll projected to rise sharply without effective treatments. This session will bring together the latest insights, strategies, and innovations in AMR prevention and management, highlighting how public health measures can reduce antibiotic reliance, prevent infections, and address the societal and economic impacts of AMR. These discussions will lay the groundwork for deeper exploration of critical health and innovation policies at BioAlberta’s Annual Policy Forum on February 27, 2025.

This event is presented in partnership with Merck, Korte Consulting, Health Cities, BioAlberta, and the Institute of Health Economics, with acknowledgment of support from the Alberta Medical Association. 

Speakers

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Dr. Sameeh M. Salama

Chair | Canadian Antimicrobial Innovation Coalition

In addition to Chair of the Canadian Antimicrobial Innovation Coalition, Dr. Salama is Chief Scientific Officer at Fedora Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Advisor, Antimicrobial Resistance Steering Committee, Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC); Executive Board Member, Canadian Pandemic Preparedness Hub; Member of the Oversight Committee, Li Ka Shin Alberta Virology Institute (LKSAVI); Chair, Canadian Antimicrobial Resistance Coalition (CAIC); Director, BioAlberta Board of Directors; Consultant, Brass Dome Ventures Ltd., Chair, Al Rashid Education Foundation (AREF), and advises for or serves on several committees for a number of not-for-profit organizations.

Dr. Salama has over 25 years drug discovery experience across several disciplines including the discovery and development of new antibacterial and antifungal agents. He also held several C-level positions in both the drug discovery and contract research sectors.

Dr. Salama received his Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Salford, UK, and published over 50 original research articles and presentations at international congresses. He is also an inventor on several original patents in the anti-infective and anti-inflammatory disease areas.

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Dr. Kate Harback

CEO and Executive Director | Institute of Health Economics

Prior to appointment as CEO, Dr Harback served as the Director of Economics at the Institute of Health Economics. Kate has 20 years of experience leading research for diverse stakeholders in Canada and the United States. Prior to working in health, she worked in the fields of aviation, space traffic, freight rail, among other major infrastructure fields at the MITRE Corporation. Kate did her PhD in economics at the University of Delaware.

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Dr. George Zhanel

Professor and Associate Head, Max Rady College of Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases |  University of Manitoba

Dr. George Zhanel is a microbiologist and pharmacologist who received his Ph.D. in the Department of Medical Microbiology/Infectious Diseases at the Faculty of Medicine,University of Manitoba and a Doctor of Clinical Pharmacy at the University of Minnesota (magna cum laude).

He is presently Professor and Associate Head, Department of Medical Microbiology/Infectious Diseases, Max Rady College of Medicine and Research Director of the Canadian Antimicrobial Resistance Alliance (CARA). Dr Zhanel is the founding/ Chief Editor of the CARA website (www.can-r.com).

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Robb Stoddard (Moderator)

President and CEO | BioAlberta

Robb Stoddard has focused his career on working with organizations to transform their business using technology as a strategic enabler. As co-founder of a successful consultancy, Robb has worked with health and technology companies of all sizes to build and execute business development plans and engagement strategies and advocate for policy and regulatory changes at the municipal, provincial and federal levels.

Robb joined BioAlberta in 2018 and was appointed CEO on January 1, 2020. During this time Robb focused on increasing member engagement, regional collaboration and generating advocacy initiatives at both the provincial and federal levels.

Prior to joining BioAlberta, Robb has been a consultant to emerging companies in the technology and health sectors and an executive with numerous technology related companies.  Robb also has extensive executive management experience from more than 15 years public service with the Alberta Government.

Agenda

  • 7:00 – 7:40 AM: Networking Breakfast and Welcome
  • 7:40 – 8:20 AM: Presentation and Panel Discussion
  • 8:20 – 8:50 AM: Question and Answer Period
  • 8:50 – 9:00 AM: Closing Remarks