Three years ago, 17 year-old Rowan Stringer’s life was cut short after suffering multiple hits to the head during high school rugby matches. Next week, world-class clinicians and researchers will take part in Western University’s See the Line concussion symposium in an effort to prevent her story from ever happening again.
See the Line is a collaborative initiative that seeks to reduce the incidence of concussion, improve care through research, and educate athletes, coaches and parents about the serious impact of concussions.
On August 10, 2016, Western’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry will host See the Line for the fourth year. The day includes a concussion education workshop for medical professionals, and a free Community Information Symposium featuring a moderated panel discussion. Rowan Stringer’s parents, Gord and Kathleen Stringer, will join the panel to share their heartbreaking story and to explain their hopes for the future through the Ontario Government’s newly-passed Rowan’s Law. Lisa MacLeod, MPP Nepean-Carleton will also speak at See the Line to shed light on why the passing of this law is so important for Ontario.
“We know that the devastating effects of concussion are preventable, and that’s why education and research is so vitally important,” said Dr. Michael J. Strong, dean, Western’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. “Inviting the Stringers and MPP Lisa MacLeod to join us at See the Line this year will help the public to better understand the grave seriousness of concussion injuries with the hopes of shifting the culture around concussion in sport.”
Watch the See the Line promo video here.
Media is invited to attend the community information symposium portion of the event. Speakers and athletes will be available to speak to media immediately prior to and following the event. Please contact Crystal Mackay (contact information below) to confirm your attendance and to set up interviews.
EVENT DETAILS
1:00 p.m. – 5 p.m.
COMMUNITY INFORMATION SYMPOSIUM – Natural Sciences Centre, Rm. 145, Western University
Speaker line-up:
Keynote: Dr. Douglas Smith, Director of the Center for Brain Injury and Repair and Professor of Neurosurgery at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania.
Dr. David Mulder, staff surgeon, Montreal General Hospital, Long time member of Montreal Canadiens medical team and medical staff of the Montreal Alouettes, 50 year history of treating athletes with head injury.
Lisa MacLeod, MPP Nepean-Carleton, private members bill for Rowan’s Law
Moderated athlete panel discussion:
Eric Lindros, retired NHL hockey player, 2016 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee and See the Line Honorary Chair; Gordon and Kathleen Stringer, parents to Rowan Stringer, advocates of Rowan’s Law; John Chick, CFL defensive end, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, two-time CFL All-Star, 2009 CFL’s most outstanding defensive player, Norm Fieldgate Trophy winner; Greg Wojt, Retired CFL offensive lineman, Edmonton Eskimos, Grey Cup Champion, two-time CFL All-Star; Allie Fischer, local basketball player, athletic career sidelined due to multiple concussions, Robin Bone, Canadian pole vaulter, three-time CIS Champion, four-time OUA Champion, 2016 FWP Jones Trophy winner, Western University.
MEDIA CONTACT: Crystal Mackay, Media Relations Officer, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, t. 519.661.2111 ext. 80387, c. 519.933.5944, crystal.mackay@schulich.uwo.ca @CrystalMackay
ABOUT WESTERN
Western University delivers an academic experience second to none. Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social and cultural growth in order to better serve our communities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western attracts individuals with a broad worldview, seeking to study, influence and lead in the international community.
ABOUT THE SCHULICH SCHOOL OF MEDICINE & DENTISTRY
The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University is one of Canada’s preeminent medical and dental schools. Established in 1881, it was one of the founding schools of Western University and is known for being the birthplace of family medicine in Canada. For more than 130 years, the School has demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence and a passion for scientific discovery.
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