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Join us for Mini Med School 2025 — Exploring Rare Diseases: Discovery to Treatment, presented by co-deans Dr. Kelly Brown and Dr. Bruce Carleton. Together, we will explore the world of rare diseases, examining the challenges in diagnosis, treatment, research, and patient support. We’ll also look ahead to the future, uncovering how emerging technologies are revolutionizing clinical care and how scientific breakthroughs are shaping global health policies.

Registration for Mini Med School is now closed. The program and waitlist are both full, so we’re not able to take any more names at this time. If you’re still interested in exploring the latest discoveries and innovations in health research, check out our Self-Directed program for other opportunities!

Curriculum

The next Mini Med School is scheduled for October/November 2025. Each night will feature lectures by scientific leaders and world-class clinicians, followed by a question period. 

Session #1: Wednesday, October 22, 2025 | 6:30 – 8:00 pm

Topic: Exploring Rare Diseases and Health (In)Equity

What makes rare diseases so difficult to diagnose and treat — and why do equity issues so often arise in their management? In this session, we will explore the complex challenges of diagnosing and treating rare diseases, including the emotional toll on patients, diagnostic delays, and the evolving role of genetic testing. We will also examine key health equity issues — such as limited access to care, socioeconomic and geographic barriers, bias in clinical research, and the lack of funding that often leaves rare disease communities underserved.

Speakers:

  • Dr. Catherine Biggs, Researcher and Pediatric Immunologist, BC Children's Hospital; Clinical Associate Professor, Division of Allergy & Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, UBC
     
  • Dr. Dzung Vo, Researcher and Adolescent Medicine Specialist, BC Children's Hospital; Clinical Associate Professor, Division of Adolescent Health and Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, UBC
Session #2: Wednesday, October 29, 2025 | 6:30 – 8:00 pm

Topic: Technology in Rare Disease Diagnosis and Care

In this session, we will uncover how current and emerging technologies are reshaping the way we understand, diagnose, and treat rare diseases. We will explore how tools like genetic testing, biomarkers, and precision medicine are improving diagnosis, predicting treatment responses, and personalizing care. We’ll also look ahead to the future, examining how artificial intelligence and machine learning are being used to forecast disease progression and treatment outcomes, and what other new innovations may be on the horizon. 

Speakers:

  • Dr. Bruce Carleton, Researcher and Director, Pharmaceutical Outcomes Programme, BC Children's Hospital; Professor, Department of Pediatrics, UBC
     
  • Dr. Anna Lehman, Researcher, BC Children's Hospital; Medical Director, Adult Metabolic Diseases Clinic, Vancouver General Hospital; Associate Professor, Department of Medical Genetics, UBC
Session #3: Wednesday, November 5, 2025 | 6:30 – 8:00 pm

Topic: Collaboration in Science and Healthcare

Learn about the impact of interdisciplinary teamwork in tackling the complex challenges of rare diseases. You will discover why rare disease research and care demand collaboration across diverse fields and often require international partnerships to advance understanding and treatment. We will also take a closer look at the concept of shared decision-making, highlighting why involving patients, families, and healthcare professionals together in medical decisions is especially important in providing the best care. 

Speakers:

  • Dr. Kelly Brown, Researcher, BC Children's Hospital; Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, UBC
     
  • Dr. Sarah Felton, Clinical Associate Professor, Division of Dermatology, Department of Pediatrics, UBC
Session #4: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 | 6:30 – 8:00 pm

Topic: Navigating the Future of Rare Disease Care

Investigate how cutting-edge research in rare diseases is driving global policy changes, and learn about the importance of preparing for scientific breakthroughs while ensuring fair access for all patients. We will explore the advances in precision medicine as well as the ethical challenges. We’ll also look on a global scale, discussing strategies on how to promote equitable access to rare disease treatments around the world. This session will highlight the crucial role of patient advocacy groups in influencing policy, provide an overview of regulatory processes such as Health Canada’s role in treatment approval, and discuss how governments and the private sector invest in rare disease initiatives.

Speakers:

  • Dr. Durhane Wong-Rieger, President and CEO, Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders
     
  • Dr. Kelly Brown, Researcher, BC Children's Hospital; Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, UBC
     
  • Dr. Bruce Carleton, Researcher and Director, Pharmaceutical Outcomes Programme, BC Children's Hospital; Professor, Department of Pediatrics, UBC

Interested in participating?

High School students across BC and the Yukon will have three ways to participate in Mini Med School 2025: 

  • Mini Med School In-Person: Engage with researchers and clinicians in person at BC Children's Hospital. Participation is restricted to BC & Yukon students in grades 11-12. 
     
  • Mini Med School Virtually Live: Engage with researchers and clinicians at BC Children's Hospital virtually in real time. Participation is restricted to BC & Yukon students in grades 11-12. 
     
  • Mini Med School On-Demand: Participate when it works for you by watching recordings of the sessions. Participation is restricted to BC & Yukon students in grades 11-12. 

Additional Resources:

Registration

Registration for Mini Med School is now closed. The program and waitlist are both full, so we’re not able to take any more names at this time. 

Mini Med School strives to empower youth and promote an equitable and inclusive learning environment. Further space is available for BC students from grades 11-12 who identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis. Students will be asked to self-identify as Indigenous on the registration form.

Questions? Contact researchevents@phsa.ca, review our FAQ or read more about the history of Mini Med School. 

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