Workshops
*Please note: times are approximate and will be confirmed with the final program.
*Please note: Those who register for afternoon workshops ONLY will not receive a lunch. You are to grab your own lunch before boarding the bus. Those who register for morning or both a morning and afternoon workshop will receive a lunch.
Morning Workshops:
Multi-Modality Animal Imaging in Research
Presenter: Deborah Scollard, University Health Network
Timing: 8:00am- 12:30pm EST / 5:00am - 9:30am PST
$125
Welcome to our Small Animal Imaging Workshop. Please join the staff of the STTARR Innovation Centre to learn about the various preclinical imaging modalities and their advantages and disadvantages. Case studies will be presented on Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance, Radionuclide Imaging, Ultrasound, and Optical Imaging. Attendees will also have the opportunity for hands-on work at some imaging systems. Experience is not a requirement.
Mouse Pathology
Presenter: Milan Ganguly
Timing: 8:00am- 12:30pm EST / 5:00am - 9:30am PST
$125
This workshop will include a presentation on mouse necropsy and preparation of samples for pathology as well as a complete pathology lab tour with a necropsy wet lab.
Anesthesia and Blood Collection Techniques in Mice
Presenter: Frank Guiliano, University of Toronto
Timing: 8:00am- 12:30pm EST / 5:00am - 9:30am PST
$150
Participants will observe a demonstration and practice a variety of common laboratory animal techniques including inhalant anesthesia, monitoring, and blood sampling (saphenous & tail vein, cardiac puncture), with mice. This workshop is highly recommended for technicians who are proficient in the handling of mice and are seeking expansion of their technical knowledge.
Swine Intubation and Ventilation
Presenter: Marvin Estrada
Timing: 8:00am- 12:30pm EST / 5:00am - 9:30am PST
$175
Swine intubation and appropriate ventilation can be a challenging task. It requires a fair degree of skill and experience. In this workshop, participants will learn how to choose proper endotracheal tube sizes and how to intubate swine in two different positions. Participants will also gain knowledge about the most common mistakes during intubation and how to avoid them. Demonstrations of swine ventilation, with the goal of keeping end tidal CO2 within normal range will be provided. The advantages and disadvantages of volume ventilation and pressure ventilation will be discussed as well. Proper extubation and recovery techniques will be demonstrated.
VIRTUAL: Vascular Access Sheath Placement in Swine
Presenter: Sandra Lafrance, University Health Network
Timing: 8:00am- 12:30pm EST / 5:00am - 9:30am PST
$50
Vascular Access Sheaths are used for the percutaneous introduction of various devices into vessels in a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. In this workshop, participants will watch demonstrations of the technique for percutaneous insertion of Vascular Access Sheaths under ultrasound guidance into a variety of vessels, including femoral veins & arteries and the external jugular vein. A cutdown technique for access to the subclavian and/or jugular vein will also be demonstrated. Precautions and tips for successful placement of sheaths will be discussed.
Afternoon Workshops:
Rat Cannulation
Presenter: Lauren Sturrock, Unity Health Toronto
Timing: 1:00pm - 4:00pm EST / 10:00am - 1:00pm PST
$85
The cannulation of the carotid arteries and/or the jugular veins in rats is a procedure that is common in many studies. The ability to successfully cannulate vessels quickly and effectively can be a helpful technique for research personnel to acquire. Participants will learn how to cannulate both carotid and jugular vessels, including helpful tips and methods for troubleshooting issues during the procedure. Each participant will have their own rat to practice the techniques learned. Basic surgical skills are a pre-requisite for this workshop.
Behavioural Phenotyping: Putting It all Together
Presenter: Igor Vukobradovic
Timing: 1:00pm - 4:00pm EST / 10:00am - 1:00pm PST
$125
Analysis of the behaviours of mutant mice is one of the most powerful tools in understanding various brain disorders and assessing efficacy of potential treatments. This workshop will provide an overview of the behavioral phenotyping field and will summarize the large number number of well-validated tests as well as the common challenges encountered during the planning and conducting stages. A tour of the Neurobehaviour Core facility will help build a better understanding of the specific behavioural tasks. Video files and data samples will be used at various testing rooms to enhance the workshop experience.
Reigning in Chaos: Leading in Crisis
Presenter: Jarrod Nichol
Timing: 1:00pm - 4:00pm EST / 10:00am - 1:00pm PST
$125
Thousands of lives depend on the work we do and the systems we create every day. Yet our systems are far more complex than they need to be, standards are not followed, things go wrong, people will blame, people do not think and lives can be lost. What if your life depends on the flawed systems that other people create? Using lean tools, in this terrifying workshop, you will experience the actual events leading up to the loss of life during an environmental disaster. You will also help to create a system that will (hopefully) avoid your own death.