Start your day by signing in or completing your registration for the symposium, then indulge in a buffet-style continental breakfast that offers something for everyone. Delight in a spread of assorted croissants and breakfast pastries, complemented by a variety of bagels served with creamy, rich cream cheese. For a lighter option, help yourself to an assortment of cold cereals with 2% milk. Refresh your palate with an array of chilled fruit juices, and complete your meal with freshly brewed coffee or an international blend of herbal teas.

Dr. Amanda Baskwill & Dr. Donelda Leverick

Dr. Andra Smith | Exploring Mindfulness Through Neuroscience We all have stress and that isn’t going to change. How we manage that stress is under our control. Mindfulness can help. Skeptical? What if mindfulness could help enhance your memory, so that you don't forget where you park your car at the mall? What if mindfulness could improve your concentration, so you aren't thinking about what's for supper while reading a book, forcing you to read that page again? What if physiologically, you could go to sleep at night without the rat race of thoughts going on in your head? This talk will provide the neuroscience evidence to demonstrate how mindfulness can do all of this. Through a combination of empirical and experiential examples, this talk will demonstrate the power of our brains to control our thoughts, emotions and behaviour: one mindful breath at a time.

Session A

Session B

Recharge with a refreshing morning break. Enjoy tasty fruit skewers paired with a creamy yogurt dip for a light and healthy snack. Sip on freshly brewed coffee or indulge in an international blend of herbal teas to keep you energized and focused. During the break, take the opportunity to browse the latest research posters, highlighting studies in integrative health research.

Dr. Linda Carlson | Integrative Oncology Clinical Practice Guidelines: Summary of recommendations and a view from the inside Dr. Carlson will review the recently released joint SIO-ASCO clinical practice guideline recommendations for treating pain, anxiety and depression, and fatigue in people with cancer. She will then share an example from her own research program showing how an integrative therapy (mindfulness-based interventions) developed from single studies at her centre to a robust global body of evidence over the course of 25 years.

Oh, Canada! Celebrating the flavors of the Great White North. Begin with the Chef’s daily soup from the kettle, a comforting vegetarian and dairy-free option, accompanied by freshly baked rolls and butter. Savor a crisp heritage green salad with shoestring carrots, cucumber, and tomatoes, dressed in a delightful poppy seed dressing. For the main course, enjoy pan-seared salmon topped with a luscious dill butter sauce, paired with herb-roasted potatoes and a steamed medley of vegetables. End your meal on a sweet note with indulgent truffle chocolate squares, perfectly complemented by freshly brewed coffee and an international blend of herbal teas.

Dr. Jeremy Y Ng | The Value of Open Science and Meta-Research in the Context of Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine Research In this keynote lecture, Dr. Jeremy Y. Ng, will examine the role of open science and meta-research in improving the quality of research in traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM). Meta-research, the study of scientific practices, can help improve transparency and credibility in TCIM research. Open science practices, including data sharing, preprinting, and adherence to established reporting guidelines, are presented as tools to enhance the accessibility and reliability of research outcomes. In this context, Dr. Ng will describe how open science and meta-research practices may be able to address the challenges associated with conducting research in TCIM.

Indulge in a delightful afternoon break with an array of assorted fruit mousse squares, offering a light and flavorful treat. Refresh yourself with a selection of assorted fruit juices and soft drinks, and keep the energy going with freshly brewed coffee or an international blend of herbal teas.

Dr. Andra Smith | Ideas to Action: Bridging the Gap between Academia and Community How does empirical evidence get from an MRI scanner into a university classroom and then to the pages of a book on the neuroscience of mindfulness that is accessible to all and is being read at retirement homes, elementary schools, in drug rehabilitation centres and YMCAs? This workshop will follow the path of one neuroscientist through this exact route. It will include lessons learned and tips for effective transformation of academic knowledge into accessible, real-world practise. It will also get you to think of how you might be able to turn a passion for knowledge at work, into a work of art, appreciated by communities near and far. Join Dr. Smith as she provides a space to workshop how to bridge the gap between academia and the world around the ivory tower.

Trish MacAulay | Music Therapist will provide a brief overview of how music therapists use the elements of music toward clinical goals. She will focus her presentation on Guided Imagery and Music, a specialized form of psychotherapy using music. Trish will then guide participants on a journey to experience a brief adaptation of the method. She will draw a landscape of our imagination by taking us on a guided imagery relaxation exercise.

Don’t miss this chance to enrich your symposium experience in a relaxed, social setting. Enjoy a selection of appetizers and beverages while connecting with fellow attendees. This is also the perfect opportunity to unwind and engage with the latest research through our poster displays. Take the chance to ask poster presenters questions and learn more about their work. Additionally, immerse yourself in a unique live music session with Trish MacAulay, Music Therapist, to explore the therapeutic aspects of music and its role in integrative health. It's an evening designed for networking, learning, and creativity. Hot Hors D'oeuvres - Korean Beef Skewers | Mini Beef Wellingtons | Lorraine/Florentine/Mushroom Quiches | Oriental Spring Rolls | Spinach & Cheese Spanakopita Cold Canapes - Smoked Salmon on Blini with Caviar | Tropical Shrimp Salad on Cucumber | Prosciutto & Melon | Goat Cheese & Fig Truffle in Tulip | Grilled Vegetable Skewer with Feta Beverages (Cash Bar) - Deluxe Liquor $10 | Liqueurs $13 | Wine (red/white) $13 | Cognac VS $17 | Cognac VSOP $22 | Domestic Beer $10 | Imported Beer $13 | Mineral Water $6 | Soft Drinks $5 | Juices $5