Media Advisory: Western University hosts See the Line concussion symposium August 15

“It’s important that we work toward identifying strategies that stop damage from concussion, improve long-term outcomes and get people back to work and back to school feeling better. There should be a sense of urgency around keeping the next generation safe in sport and playing sports,” says See the Line Honorary Chair, Eric Lindros.

When Ken Dryden stood at the podium at See the Line last year, he asked the community to take action on the prevention of concussions. To answer that call, Western University’s See the Line concussion education symposium this year features experts who are working towards making real change in the concussion realm, including policy implementation, introducing changes to how sports are played, and how athletes train and prepare in order to prevent the devastating effects of sports-related concussion.

“This year, we continue to push on the accountability of moving research into action,” said See the Line Honorary Chair, Eric Lindros. “It’s important that we work toward identifying strategies that stop damage from concussion, improve long-term outcomes and get people back to work and back to school feeling better. There should be a sense of urgency around keeping the next generation safe in sport and playing sports.”

The afternoon symposium will include presentations from world-renowned concussion researchers and experts including Dr. Dan Cass, Executive Vice President & Chief Medical Executive, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Chair, Rowan’s Law Advisory Committee.

“The Rowan’s Law story is a great example of the power of collaborating across sectors to drive positive system change. The work of a diverse group of stakeholders – from politicians (of all stripes) to experts in health care, public health, injury prevention, sports, education, as well as affected families – has led to the implementation of legislation, regulations and policy which are changing the game in terms of concussion prevention, awareness and management,” said Dr. Cass.

Also presenting at the afternoon session is Carolyn Emery, PhD, Co-Chair or Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre and Professor at the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary who says prevention must be the number one focus, “The best treatment for concussion is prevention. Concussions are predictable and preventable and a multifaceted approach to primary prevention in youth sport includes prevention targets such as rule changes, safety equipment recommendations and training strategies.”

Hosted by Western’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, See the Line is a collaborative, 10-year initiative that seeks to educate athletes, coaches, parents and the broader community about the serious impact of concussions. It aims to shift the culture around concussion in sport, reduce the incidence of concussion and improve care through research.

Since 2013, more than 4,000 medical and health professionals, athletes, coaches and community members have attended See the Line events, which include a continuing medical education session and a Community Symposium featuring an athlete panel discussion, moderated this year by TSN and CTV National News Senior Correspondent Rick Westhead who has been on the forefront of covering stories of concussion in sport.

Media are invited to attend the community information symposium. Time for interviews is limited so please RSVP to Crystal Mackay (contact information below) to confirm your attendance and to arrange for interviews.

EVENT DETAILS

1:15 p.m.   Concussions in the female brain – Katherine Price Snedaker, LCSW
Executive Director and Founder, PINK Concussions

1:35 p.m.   Influencing Policy Change: the Rowan’s Law Story – Dan Cass, BSc, MD, FRCPC
                 Executive Vice President & Chief Medical Executive, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

1:55 p.m.   The role media plays in telling stories of concussion – Rick Westhead
                  Senior Correspondent, TSN and CTV National News

2:30 p.m.   Nutrition break & opportunity for one-to-one interviews

3:05 p.m.   Moving Upstream Towards Concussion Prevention in Youth Sport: SHRed Concussions – Carolyn Emery, PhD
                 Co-Chair, Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, Faculty of Kinesiology, and Professor, Departments of Paediatrics and Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine,                         University of Calgary

3:35 p.m.   Panel Discussion – Moderator: Rick Westhead

  • Eric Lindros
  • Carolyn Emery, PhD
  • Esther Lovett – Concussion advocate, Concussion Legacy Foundation; Amateur athlete, athletic career sidelined due to multiple concussions
  • Tyrre Burks – Former CFL wide receiver; Owner, Player’s Health

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.