Panel Discussion: The Role and Benefits of Real World Evidence in Cannabinoid Based Medicine

Panel Discussion: The Role and Benefits of Real-world Evidence Studies in Understanding the Potential Therapeutic Benefits of Cannabinoids Moderator Dr. Karolina Urban Avicanna Inc., Executive Vice President of Medical Affairs Dr. Karolina Urban is the Vice President of Scientific and Medical Affairs at Avicanna where she leads the development and execution of Avicanna’s preclinical and clinical research programs including collaborations with leading neurologists, clinicians, and scientists. Dr. Urban also leads the company’s medical affairs efforts and has successfully developed and implemented global training programs for healthcare providers interested in authorizing medical cannabis. Dr. Urban has a MSc in Neurosciences and PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences from the University of Toronto, with expertise in neuroimaging and brain injury. She is a former professional hockey player winning the Clarkson Cup in the C.W.H.L. and an academic all-Canadian. Currently, she is on the board of Scientific Advisors for MYndspan, a brain analytics company, and member of Board of Directors for Kinark Child and Family Services Foundation. Speakers Dr. Hance Clark, MD Canadian Pain Society, President University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto Anesthesiologist, Director of Pain Services, Associate Professor Dr. Hance Clarke is the Director of Pain Services and the Pain Research Unit at the Toronto General Hospital (TGH). He is the Knowledge Translation Chair for the University of Toronto Centre for the Study of Pain and an Associate Professor in the Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management, and the President of Canadian Pain Society. Dr. Clarke has played a leading role in educating the public about pain control, alternatives to opioids as a pioneering strategy at TGH, and the need for further studies on the beneficial and adverse effects of cannabis. He is a champion of evidence-based solutions for the opioid crisis and national pain and addictions strategy. Dr. Clarke has been recognized for the development of the Transitional Pain Program and has authored over 100 peer reviewed publications. Erin Prosk Santé Cannabis, President and Co-Founder Erin Prosk is the President and Co-founder of Santé Cannabis since 2014, Erin has been instrumental in enhancing access to medical cannabis through the clinic's pioneering work in Quebec, encompassing medical care, research, and training. Noting the need for better and more formal training for healthcare professionals, she has spearheaded training programs in medical cannabis and championed the rigorous data collection required to develop evidence-based treatments. Recently, co-founding a new virtual clinic, Sora Care, to drive access to complementary treatments across Canada, Erin is a relentless advocate for patient empowerment and equity. Ms. Prosk earned her BSc in applied mathematics from McGill University in 2007 and her MSc in bioinformatics from the University of British Columbia in 2009. She has co-authored a number of publications on medical cannabis and is a frequent guest speaker at conferences and events.