Our understanding of how different animal species regenerate body parts — limbs, spinal nerves and inner-ear cells — increases daily. Advances in biomedical research are often hailed for their potential in treating a variety of human conditions, but exciting discoveries in cell regeneration are still far from delivering much-anticipated medical therapies. Today, interventions using stem cells — a key component in many regenerative processes — have only proven to be effective in a very limited set of cases.
Still, stem cells have been widely marketed to the public for their regenerative properties and their promise for revolutionizing medicine, often with claims that far exceed the interventions’ known benefits. Such procedures are largely ineffective, at best; in the worst cases, patients exposed to interventions employing dubious methodology and lacking oversight have faced severe health complications.
At this event, a panel of experts from various disciplines will discuss the clinical and promotional landscape of stem cell-based interventions. The panelists will share studies on misinformation perpetuated by less reputable providers, ways of correcting misinformation, and resources and multi-sectoral policy approaches to help lead patients to more informed decision-making.
This event is part of an annual policy lecture series co-sponsored by the Baker Institute Center for Health and Biosciences and the Texas Heart Institute, with support from the George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation. Follow @BakerCHB on Twitter, and join the conversation with #BakerHealth.
AGENDA
7:30 a.m. — Breakfast
8:00 a.m. — Welcome Remarks & Introduction
8:05 a.m. — Presentations
8:40 a.m. — Moderated Q&A
REGISTRATION
This event is free, but registration is required. Registration will open closer to the day of the event. There will be an option to attend in person or through Zoom.
Register to Attend in Person
Register to Attend Virtually
WELCOME REMARKS
Kirstin R.W. Matthews, Ph.D.
Fellow in Science and Technology Policy, Baker Institute
INTRODUCTION & MODERATOR
Emerson Perin, M.D., Ph.D.
Director, Center for Clinical Research; Director, Stem Cell Center; and Medical Director, Texas Heart Institute
PANELISTS
Zubin Master, Ph.D.
Nonresident Scholar, Baker Institute; Associate Professor of Biomedical Ethics, Biomedical Ethics Research Program and Center for Regenerative Medicine, Mayo Clinic
Emily Vraga, Ph.D.
Don and Carole Larson Professor in Health Communication, Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Minnesota
