LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
I
Letter from the Editor
am always fascinated to learn about new scientific research. Having the privilege to study at the IMS has undoubtedly shown me the many ways in which science can be used to improve patient care - one of my own inspirations for starting the IMS Magazine. In the past three issues, we have explored a variety of research areas, from the genetics of childhood aggression, to multiple sclerosis and binge eating disorders. I have found them all very intriguing topics and rewarding to learn about. In this issue of the IMS Magazine, I would like to turn your attention to the topic of my area of research, prostate cancer. With the help of our very own world-class experts, Dr. Laurence Klotz, Dr. Neil Fleshner, Dr. Masoom Haider, and Dr. Vasundara Venkateswaran, we hope to provide you with a better understanding of prostate cancer prevention measures, management options, and future research strategies. Further, we give you a look into the Active Surveillance program, a management strategy initiated at Sunnybrook Hospital by Dr. Laurence Klotz, which is increasingly used worldwide for low-risk prostate cancer patients. In light of November, prostate cancer awareness month, I hope that this issue of the IMS Magazine will not only enhance your understanding of the disease, but also emphasize the importance of early detection. I encourage all those participating in the moustache-growing Movember charity event to submit your photos to the IMS Magazine Movember Contest (see page 43 for more information).
Natalie Venier
Editor-In-Chief Natalie Venier is a third year PhD Candidate at the Institute of Medical Science. She is currently studying prostate cancer chemoprevention at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.
I am also proud to announce the success of the Summer Student Writing Competition, which was met with great enthusiasm by this year’s SURP students. We received a number of excellent submissions, including one by Roman Shapiro, the winner of the competition. I encourage you to read through his interesting article on biases in Randomized Controlled Trials. We hope to continue to publish some of the other excellent submissions in future issues of the IMS Magazine. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the IMS Community for their insightful feedback in response to the last issue, which I encourage you to read about in our new Commentary section. In closing, I would like to thank Dr. Allan Kaplan and the IMS department for their on-going support with the IMS Magazine. Additionally, I must acknowledge the phenomenal IMS Magazine Team, whose contributions are invaluable to its production. I’m looking forward to your feedback.
Photo by Paulina Rzeczkowska
Enjoy!
Natalie Venier Editor-In-Chief, IMS Magazine IMS MAGAZINE FALL 2011 PROSTATE CANCER | 04