The IWK Maritime Centre for Precision Medicine is proud to host the Second Annual Atlantic Precision Medicine Conference on November 4, 2025, taking place in the vibrant and historic city of Halifax, Nova Scotia, at the iconic Lord Nelson Hotel. An evening reception on November 3 will welcome guests and set the stage for a day of transformative dialogue. Organized by LifeSciences, this year’s theme—Decoding Inheritance: Transforming Care Through Genomic Medicine—reflects the growing momentum behind genomic innovation and its potential to reshape healthcare across the lifespan.
Precision Medicine is an evolving approach to healthcare that tailors treatment and prevention strategies to individual variability in genes, environment and lifestyle. By integrating genomic data into clinical decision-making, Precision Medicine offers the promise of more accurate diagnoses, targeted therapies and improved patient outcomes.
This year’s conference will feature a plenary address by Dr. Ronald Cohn, President and CEO of SickKids Hospital, titled A New Era on the Horizon: Precision Child Health. Dr. Cohn is a global leader in pediatric genomic medicine, and his keynote will explore how Precision Medicine is revolutionizing care for children through early diagnosis, personalized treatment and innovative research.
The conference will spotlight three hot topics driving the future of Precision Medicine:
- Emerging Technologies Driving Precision Medicine Research
This dynamic panel discussion will explore how cutting-edge technologies are accelerating genomic discovery and clinical translation. Panelists include a Clinical Genomics Specialist and Lead, Data Analytics at the IWK Maritime Centre for Precision Medicine, a Professor of Computer Science at Dalhousie University and Faculty Member at the Vector Institute, the Chief Data Officer at Nova Scotia Health as well as an industry partner that brings real-world applications to the forefront.
Together, they will examine the role of artificial intelligence, big data and bioinformatics in decoding complex genetic information and enabling precision diagnostics and therapeutics.
- Genes to Drugs: Integrating Pharmacogenomics into Patient Care
Pharmacogenomics—the study of how genes affect a person’s response to drugs—is a cornerstone of Precision Medicine. This session will delve into how genomic insights are being used to optimize medication choices and dosing, especially in vulnerable populations. Topics include Precision Dosing in NICU/PICU: Tailoring drug regimens for neonates and critically ill children, Applying Pharmacogenomics into Clinical Care: Bridging research and practice, and Pediatric Applications: Ensuring safe and effective treatment for young patients.
These talks will highlight the integration of pharmacogenomic testing into routine care, reducing adverse drug reactions and improving therapeutic efficacy.
- Advancing Patient Care: Precision Medicine in Clinical Practice
From bench to bedside, this session will showcase how genomic medicine is being applied in real-world clinical settings. Presentations will focus on Breast Cancer: Using genetic markers to guide treatment decisions, Cardiogenetics: Identifying inherited heart conditions and managing risk, and Liquid Biopsy and HRD Findings: Non-invasive diagnostics and homologous recombination deficiency insights.
These case studies will demonstrate how Precision Medicine is enhancing early detection, risk stratification and personalized treatment plans.
A dedicated panel led by Kristen Tweel of Genome Atlantic will highlight regional research initiatives that are advancing Precision Medicine. From population genomics to translational research, this session will emphasize the importance of collaboration between academia, healthcare and industry in driving innovation.
The evening reception on November 3 will have Krista Jangaard, President & CEO of IWK Health, officially open the Second Annual Atlantic Precision Medicine Conference. The evening will feature a moderated Fireside Chat with two IWK oncologists, offering an insightful exploration into pediatric oncology and its evolving connection to Precision Medicine.
This reception provides a unique opportunity to network with thought leaders, researchers, clinicians, and industry partners in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Designed to spark interdisciplinary collaboration, the evening aims to inspire fresh ideas and partnerships that will help advance Precision Medicine across Atlantic Canada and beyond.
As the field of Precision Medicine continues to evolve, conferences like this play a vital role in shaping its future. By bringing together experts across disciplines, the Second Annual Atlantic Precision Medicine Conference will serve as a catalyst for innovation, education, and patient-centered care.
Join us in Halifax this November to be part of the conversation that’s transforming healthcare—one genome at a time.
To register please go to Atlantic Precision Medicine Conference – Life Sciences Nova Scotia
To sponsor please contact: Kerri Manette, kerri@lifesciencesns.ca
For more information, pleases contact Laurie Ann Coring, laurieann@lifesciencesns.ca or Heather Foulkes, heather.foulkes@iwk.nshealth.ca
