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The Canadian Open Parkinson Network is Seeking New Members for the Parkinson Community Advisory Committee

  • On February 26, 2024

About the Canadian Open Parkinson Network

The goal of the Canadian Open Parkinson Network (C-OPN) (https://copn-rpco.ca/) is to unite and mainstream research efforts to more efficiently find ways to treat Parkinson’s disease — a mission that simply isn’t possible in any single laboratory or clinic anywhere in the world. Parkinson Canada has partnered with Brain Canada and clinicians and researchers across the country to create a large-scale, national research network that aims to enhance our capacity to uncover the answers and deliver personalized treatments and services that improve lives of those living with Parkinson’s disease.

Eleven of Canada’s top universities and movement disorders research centres from British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia have committed to building C-OPN. The Network collects de-identified patient clinical data with comprehensive information about each participant’s family history, lifestyle, and environment, along with details of their Parkinson’s symptoms and medications; test results, including cognitive and motor information; and a biobank with biomaterials extracted from blood samples, including DNA. This national shared database for Parkinson’s disease will foster more collaborations and information-sharing between scientists, clinicians, and the Parkinson’s community.

Parkinson Commnunity Advisory Committee (PCAC) Member – Position Description

  • C-OPN is seeking to recruit volunteers with lived experience (either having Parkinson’s disease or other forms of Parkinsonism themselves or being a caregiver to someone impacted) to have them join the group of 9 committee members
  • Representatives would serve as advisors and resources to help build a bridge between the Parkinson’s and research communities
  • Specific responsibilities would include:
    • Contribute lived experience perspective during decision making process of the Network (including, but not limited to, priorities of the Network or new initiatives led by the Network)
    • Advise C-OPN on how to grow its engagement with the Parkinson’s community
    • Attending and participating in meetings and help ensure the goal and mission of the Network are being met
    • Help with development of social media content
  • Attend monthly PCAC meetings via Zoom, typically held in English
  • Be currently residing in Canada

Attributes for Success in the Role

  • Eager to learn
  • Efficient communicator
  • Team-oriented
  • Motivated
  • Well-connected to or involved with the Parkinson’s community
  • General knowledge and keen interest in scientific research, particularly as it relates to Parkinson’s disease and related disorders

How to Apply

If you would like to submit an application for this position, please complete the following application form by the deadline, Friday, March 29th, 2024: https://forms.gle/hEiWNmcpb3zmfKVH7

If you have any questions, please feel free to email Iris Kathol at ikathol@ucalgary.ca