Annual General Meeting and Conference

	Current Research in Systemic Sclerosis: A Canadian Perspective Presenter: Dr. Maggie Larché, MRCP(UK), PhD   Professor of Medicine, Division Head, Rheumatology, Department of Medicine University of Calgary Section Head, Rheumatology, Alberta Health Services Director, Canadian Scleroderma Research Group
This session will discuss current research opportunities for patients in Canada, outline diverse avenues of systemic sclerosis research, and encourage patient participation in advancing research.

Currently Dr Maggie Larché holds the position of Professor, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine at University of Calgary. She is Director of the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group, Chair of the Hamilton Scleroderma Group and Past-President of the Canadian Rheumatology Ultrasound Society.

She received her BSc and Medical degree from the University of Bristol, UK, followed by a PhD and Rheumatology training at Imperial College, London, UK, before immigrating to Canada in 2006. With 18 years of clinical and research work at McMaster University, she developed major clinical interests in scleroderma and early inflammatory arthritis. Her research interests include personalized biomarkers in a variety of autoimmune diseases and ultrasonographic and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in inflammatory arthritis.

Nourishing Diets & Scleroderma  Session One: Foundations of Nutrition & Integrative Care Session Two: Gut Health & Practical Strategies Presenter: Vanessa Cook, Naturopathic Medical Intern

Session one covers why chronic diseases like scleroderma benefit from holistic care, the role of diet in managing symptoms and overall health, and recognizing food sensitivities and their impact. Session two will discuss practical tools for everyday symptom management, understanding the gut microbiome and its link to immunity and cognition, and reviewing treatment options and the latest evidence on nutrition in scleroderma.

Vanessa Cook is a Naturopathic Medical Intern based in Toronto. Her personal journey with scleroderma is the driving force behind her passion for holistic healthcare. Alongside her role as the Chair of Patient Support on the board of directors for Scleroderma Canada, Vanessa also works in research with SPIN (Scleroderma, patient-centered, Intervention Network), focusing on projects aimed at enhancing the lives of scleroderma patients.

She is dedicated to continuing patient-centered work, particularly in autoimmunity and women’s health. Vanessa’s holistic approach to healthcare,  reflects her commitment to making a lasting impact on individuals dealing with scleroderma by integrating personal experience, academic knowledge, sports-medicine, and research expertise.

Research & Community

The SABC Research Program Booth

Learn about the latest research directly from Dr. Dunne, Dr. Keen, and Dr. Hyein Kim.

The Pulmonary Hypertension Association of Canada Booth
Visit representatives from PHA 

Scleroderma.Ai
Participate in this innovative research by visiting the booth and having your photos taken.
Learn more here: https://www.scleroderma.ai/

Lihong Yang Memorial Scholarship Awards

Celebrating and supporting the next generation of leaders in scleroderma research.

Our 40th AGM and Conference took place on Saturday October 26th 2024 at the Alan Emmott Centre in Burnaby.

Thank you to all those who volunteered, presented, sponsored, attended & supported this event.

Click Here to see the presentation videos.

Copies of our 2024 Presentations & Conference Material:

UPHEAVAL, CONNECTION and MEANING-MAKING – Reflections on Coping with Scleroderma – Dr Joseph Pellizzari

Pulmonary Hypertension in Scleroderma – Dr. Nathan Brunner

Pulmonary Hypertension in Scleroderma – Lisa Kolkman

Scleroderma & The Gut – Dr Sarvee Moosavi

AGM REPORT – SABC 2024 40th AGM & Conference

Dr. Brunner – Change of Speaker Insert

2024 SABC AGM Program