2025
A Neuroethical Perspective on Early DBS in Parkinson
Laura Y. Cabrera, PhD
2025 Brain Awareness Week – Annual Distinguished Neuroethics Speaker
Dorothy Foehr Huck and J. Lloyd Huck Chair in Neuroethics
Associate Professor of Engineering Science and Mechanics, Philosophy, and Bioethics, Pennsylvania State University
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM PDT
JPPS 1891 Lecture Theatre, Cordula and Gunter Paetzold Health Education Centre, Jim Pattison Pavilion South, Vancouver General Hospital, 899 W 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9
Overview:
As deep brain stimulation (DBS) has shifted to being used earlier than ever before during Parkinson’s disease (PD), data are lacking regarding patient specific attitudes, preferences, and factors that may influence the timing of and decision to proceed with DBS. Dr. Cabrera will present insights from ongoing research in the United States examining decisional needs among clinicians, patients with PD, and caregivers regarding this trend.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify practice shifts in the use of DBS for Parkinson’s Disease
- Recognize relevant ethical, legal, social or policy issues regarding early DBS for Parkinson
- Identify different decisional needs for shared-decision making among patients, clinicians and caregivers
2024
What’s in a name? Ethical considerations surrounding discussion of diagnosis
A. Jon Stoessl, CM, MD
2024 Brain Awareness Week – Annual Distinguished Neuroethics Speaker
Professor of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM PDT
JPPS 1891 Lecture Theatre, Cordula and Gunter Paetzold Health Education Centre, Jim Pattison Pavilion South, Vancouver General Hospital, 899 W 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9
Overview:
The launch point for this is the publication in Lancet Neurology (on January 22, 2024) of two papers (and 3 accompanying editorials) suggesting biological definition/classification +/- staging of Parkinson’s disease. The two papers take somewhat different perspectives and raise questions as to whether it is appropriate to provide someone with a diagnosis of PD based on lab tests. This is a question that is not new to genetic counsellors and in Neurology, perhaps the most prominent example is Huntington disease, but for several reasons, the situation in PD is usually more nuanced. Recent diagnostic ‘advances’ challenge all four cornerstones of modern bioethical principles.
Learning Objectives:
-
- Be familiar with biological criteria for diagnosing Parkinson’s
- Consider nuances of genetic risk
- At what point and with what degree of certainty is it appropriate to diagnose PD
- If there is no treatment available
- If there are major disparities in access to testing and treatment
2023
Sex and Circuits: A systems approach for the identification of neurologic and psychiatric disease states and novel targets
Melissa L. Perreault, PhD
2023 Brain Awareness Week – Annual Distinguished Neuroethics Speaker
Associate Professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph
Citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM PDT
JPPS 1891 Lecture Theatre, Cordula and Gunter Paetzold Health Education Centre, Jim Pattison Pavilion South, Vancouver General Hospital, 899 W 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9
Overview:
Brain waves are highly coupled to behavioural states and are conserved across species. These brain wave patterns are unique to each sex despite often driving the same behavioural features. This suggests that the cellular mechanisms that underlie neurological disorders are sex-dependent. In this lecture, I will discuss preclinical work on sex-specific brain wave patterns in animal models of depression and autism spectrum disorders and explore their potential as biomarkers of disorder states, disorder risk, and drug therapeutic efficacy.
Learning Objectives:
- Develop an appreciation of animal models of neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders
- Have a greater understanding of the importance of sex and gender in research
- Develop insights into the ethical application of brain waves as biomarkers in clinical settings
2022
Why Neuroscience Clinicians Should Care about Neuroethics
Patrick McDonald, MD, MHSc, FRCSC
2022 Brain Awareness Week – Annual Distinguished Neuroethics Speaker
Pediatric Neurosurgeon, Winnipeg Children’s Hospital
Head, Section of Neurosurgery, University of Manitoba
Faculty, Neuroethics Canada, University of British Columbia
Wednesday, March 16, 2022
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM PDT
Via Zoom.
Overview:
In a relatively short period of time, Neuroethics has developed into a distinct discipline of biomedical ethics. This talk will review the history of neuroethics, current hot topics in neuroethics as well as its limitations and call for all in the clinical neuroscience community to play a larger role in priority setting for future neuroethical discourse.
Learning Objectives:
- Define and give a history of neuroethics
- Past and current issues in Neuroethics
- A call for engagement of the clinical neuroscience community
2021
Breaking Barriers with Sound: From Glioblastoma to Alzheimer’s disease
Nir Lipsman, MD, PhD, FRCSC
2021 Brain Awareness Week – Annual Distinguished Neuroethics Speaker
Assistant Professor
Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery
University of Toronto
Wednesday, March 17, 2021
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM PDT
Via Zoom.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the history of focused ultrasound and it’s development over the last 6 decades;
- Describe ablative approaches to common brain circuit conditions using ultrasound;
- Outline how FUS-mediated BBB opening can be used to enhance drug delivery to the brain
2019
Digital Phenotyping: A New Window on Cognition, Mood, and Behavior
Thomas R. Insel, MD
2019 Brain Awareness Week – Annual Distinguished Neuroethics Speaker
Co-founder and President
Mindstrong Health
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Auditorium, Cordula and Gunter Paetzold Health Education Centre
Jim Pattison Pavilion, Vancouver General Hospital, 899 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9
Abstract:
Wearables and smartphones give us unprecedented data about ourselves. With the power of machine learning much of that data can be used to provide a daily quantitative readout of how we are thinking, feeling, and behaving. This new approach, collectively called digital phenotyping, could yield the first objective “biomarkers” for mental disorders. In this talk, Dr. Insel will describe the search for patterns that forecast changes in mood using smartphone signals that are passive, ecological, and content-free. In addition to offering predictive biomarkers, linking these signals to real-time interventions promises to provide a closed loop learning healthcare system. When these signals are linked to direct measures of neural function, this digital approach could usher in a new era in behavioral neuroscience. But scientific and clinical progress here will only be possible if we are thoughtful about ethical, social, and legal implications of digital phenotyping.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the kinds of data collected by smartphones.
- Appreciate the value of machine learning for converting signals into patterns of behavior.
- Define digital phenotyping and recognize its promise in neuroscience and psychiatry.
This presentation will be broadcasted by videoconferencing to the following locations:
- Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre, Matsqui 3 Pharmacy VC Meeting Room
- Burnaby General Hospital, Room 633
- Children’s & Women’s Hospital, SHY E409
- Lions Gate Hospital, LGH 2512
- Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, Room 2053
- Royal Columbian Hospital, RCH 026
- Royal Jubilee Hospital, CA 122
- Surrey Memorial Hospital, JPOSC, Room 4104
- UBC Hospital, Centre for Brain Health, Rudy North Lecture Theatre, 101LT
- UHNBC Prince George, UHNBC 5030
- Victoria General Hospital, Room 1912
This event is an accredited group learning activity as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
All are welcome to attend.
2018
The Legal Legacy of the Lobotomy – Updating the Legal Approach to Psychosurgery in the Age of Psychiatric Deep Brain Stimulation
Jennifer A. Chandler, LLM
Bertram Loeb Research Chair and Professor
Centre for Health Law, Policy and Ethics, Faculty of Law
University of Ottawa
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Auditorium, Cordula and Gunter Paetzold Health Education Centre
Jim Pattison Pavilion, Vancouver General Hospital, 899 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9
Abstract:
Mental health laws across Canada contain specific rules on the use of “psychosurgery” (defined to include a range of interventions such as deep brain stimulation). These limit the use of these techniques in certain populations for certain purposes. The laws were heavily influenced by cultural reactions to the lobotomy in the 20th century, and may now be out of date given changes in the techniques. This presentation offers an overview of the rules, the ethical issues, and potential reforms to the laws.
Learning Objectives:
- Understanding legal restrictions on neurosurgery for psychiatric disorders (NPD) in Canada.
- Understanding the recent international consensus statement on ethics of NPD
- Considering the suitability of proposed safeguards for this field in light of its controversial history
This presentation will be broadcasted by videoconferencing to the following locations:
- Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre, Matsqui 3 Pharmacy VC Meeting Room
- Burnaby General Hospital, Room 633
- Children’s & Women’s Hospital, SHY E409
- Lions Gate Hospital, LGH 2512
- Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, Room 2053
- Royal Columbian Hospital, RCH 026
- Royal Jubilee Hospital, CA 122
- Surrey Memorial Hospital, JPOSC, Room 4104
- UBC Hospital, Centre for Brain Health, Rudy North Lecture Theatre, 101LT
- UHNBC Prince George, UHNBC 5030
- Victoria General Hospital, Room 1912
This event is an accredited group learning activity as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
All are welcome to attend.
2017
Financial Conflicts of Interest in Neurosurgery
Dr. Patrick J. McDonald, MD, MHSc, FRCSC
Head, Division of Neurosurgery, BC Children’s Hospital
Associate Professor, Department of Surgery
Faculty, National Core for Neuroethics
University of British Columbia
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Auditorium, Cordula and Gunter Paetzold Health Education Centre
Main Floor, Jim Pattison Pavilion
Vancouver General Hospital
This presentation will be broadcasted by videoconferencing to the following locations:
- Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre, Matsqui 3 Pharmacy VC Meeting Room
- Burnaby General Hospital, Room 633
- Children’s & Women’s Hospital, SHY E409
- Lions Gate Hospital, LGH 2512
- Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, Room 2053
- Royal Columbian Hospital, RCH 026
- Royal Jubilee Hospital, CA 122
- Surrey Memorial Hospital, JPOSC, Room 4104
- UBC Hospital, Centre for Brain Health, Rudy North Lecture Theatre, 101LT
- UHNBC Prince George, UHNBC 5030
- Victoria General Hospital, Room 1912
This event is an accredited group learning activity as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
All are welcome to attend.
2016
What is the status of Alzheimer therapeutic research?
Dr. Serge Gauthier, Director, AD & Related Disorders Research Unit, McGill Center for Studies in Aging, Douglas Mental Health Research Institute
Professor, Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology & Neurosurgery, Medicine, McGill University
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Paetzold Auditorium , Jim Pattison Building, Vancouver General Hospital
Objectives:
-
Review the diagnostic research criteria for AD from asymptomatic to dementia stages
-
Update on current stage-specific therapeutic strategies
-
Anticipate needs for neurologists and related health professionnals when disease-mofifying drugs will be available
2015
Theory to Practice: The Evolving Role for Imaging in Optimizing Treatment for Depression
by Dr. Helen S. Mayberg, Professor of Psychiatry, Neurology and Radiology, Dorothy Fuqua Chair in Psychiatry Imaging and Therapeutics
Emory University
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Auditorium, Cordula and Gunter Paetzold Health Education Centre
Main Floor, Jim Pattison Pavilion
Vancouver General Hospital
At the conclusion of this lecture, participants will be able to
- Describe ongoing studies evaluating baseline imaging patterns as predictive biomarkers for treatment selection for major depression
- Assess the emerging data on imaging biomarkers that might best guide surgical planning and patient selection for subcallosal cingulate DBS.
- Appreciate strategies for future biomarker studies to define acute and chronic antidepressant effects of subcallosal cingulate DBS.
The presentation will be broadcast by videoconferencing to the following locations:
- Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre, Matsqui 3 Conference Room C5.006 (in the Pharmacy Area)
- UBC Hospital, Centre for Brain Health, Rudy North lecture Theatre
- Surrey Memorial Hospital, JPOSC Room 4104
- UNBC Prince George, PGRH 5031
- Children’s and Women’s Hospital, CSB V2-221
- Royal Jubilee Hospital, RJH CA 123
- Victoria General Hospital, Room 1916
- Royal Inland Hospital, Room 9West
- Lions Gate Hospital, Seminar B
- Royal Columbia Hospital, RCH 026-A
- Burnaby General Hospital, Room 633
Important Videoconferencing Etiquette Reminders:
- Please be reminded that these rounds are recorded.
- Please keep in mind that participants at videoconferencing sites are visible onscreen to the lecture theatre audience at the host site. Please refrain from engaging in any activities that may distract the audience during the presentation.
- Please ensure that your microphone is turned off during the presentation (unless during the “Q&A” session).
This event is an accredited group learning activity as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
All are welcome to attend.
Quality and Ethics of Online Brain Health Information
by Dr. Julie Robillard, Assistant Professor
National Core for Neuroethics; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health
University of British Columbia
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Auditorium, Cordula and Gunter Paetzold Health Education Centre
Main Floor, Jim Pattison Pavilion
Vancouver General Hospital
The presentation will be broadcast by videoconferencing to the following locations:
- Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre, Matsqui 3 Conference Room C5.006 (in the Pharmacy Area)
- UBC Hospital, Centre for Brain Health, Rudy North lecture Theatre
- Surrey Memorial Hospital, JPOSC Room 4104
- UNBC Prince George, PGRH 5031
- Children’s and Women’s Hospital, CSB V2-221
- Royal Jubilee Hospital, RJH CA 123
- Victoria General Hospital, Room 1916
- Royal Inland Hospital, Room 9West
- Lions Gate Hospital, Seminar B
- Royal Columbia Hospital, RCH 026-A
- Burnaby General Hospital, Room 633
This event is an accredited group learning activity as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
All are welcome to attend.
2014
Preserving and Promoting Health: Ethics, Society,and Unexpected Findings in Biomedicine
Dr. Judy Illes, Professor, Division of Neurology, Canada Research Chair Tier 1 in Neuroethics
Thursday, July 3, 2014
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Paetzold Auditorium , Jim Pattison Building, Vancouver General Hospital
Objectives:
- Familiarization with theoretical and empirical frameworks for research at the crossroads of ethics, neuroscience, and society.
- Exposure to new discussions and debate about the management of unexpected findings in genetics and imaging.
- Critical engagement about priorities for future directions.
The presentation will be broadcast by videoconferencing to the following booked sites:
Children’s & Women’s Health Centre, B421
Chilliwack General Hospital, Meeting Room A *updated*
Kelowna General Hospital, CAC 228
Penticton Regional Hospital, Boardroom
Royal Jubilee Hospital (Victoria), PCC Teaching Room C201
UBC Hospital, Detwiller Pavilion Room 1C13 *added*
West Coast General Hospital (Port Alberni), Room 2335
This event is an accredited group learning activity as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
2013
Ethics of Placebo Surgery in Parkinson’s Disease Clinical Trials
Dr. Scott Kim, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Co-Director of the Center for Bioethics and Social Sciences in Medicine
University of Michigan
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Paetzold Auditorium , Jim Pattison Building, Vancouver General Hospital
Objectives:
- Understand the ethical framework for risk-benefit analysis of invasive placebos in clinical research.
- Understand current evidence on quality of informed consent for sham surgery controlled trials in Parkinson’s Disease.