Café Scientifique

For the price of a pint of beer or cup of coffee, you can join discussions on the latest ideas in science and health.

• Engage in new scientific ideas that are shaping the future of medicine and community health.
  

• Participate in discussions with leading experts in diabetes, cancer, stem cell research, women’s and infants’ health, arthritis, osteoporosis and more.

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Recent Events:

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Significant research has explored the role of the placebo effect in drug and non-drug therapies for common and complex illnesses and injuries.  What role does the placebo effect play in current therapies and patient outcomes? Your perception of pain may also be mitigated by the placebo effect. What are the issues surrounding the psychology of pain, differences in pain perception, and methods of pain management?

Our experts included:

• Dr. Allan Gordon, Director and neurologist, Wasserman Pain Centre, Mount Sinai Hospital
  
• Dr. Edward Shorter, History of Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto
  

Click here to view a photo gallery from the event.

Resources on Pain and the Placebo effect:

• One in five MDs have prescribed placebos (Globe and Mail)
  
• Reverse placebo effect: The 'nocebo' effect (The Guardian)
• Placebo more than just a sugar pill (The Australian)

• Power of suggestion affects heart arteries (REUTERS)

Stay tuned for more information in the coming months about our 2012 events, which will include a Cafe on community health in March!