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Meet our Affiliate Scientist, Dr. Gabriela Ilie

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A headshot of Dr. Gabriela Ilie

By: Allison Currie

Dr. Gabriela Ilie is an Associate Professor jointly appointed in the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology and the Department of Urology at the Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, and the Endowed Soillse Scientist in Cancer Quality of Life Research. She has cross appointments in the Departments of Radiation Oncology and Psychology and Neuroscience at Nova Scotia Health.

Can you tell us a little bit about your field of research?

My field of research is focused on cancer survivorship, which addresses the complex and multifaceted needs of individuals diagnosed with cancer, starting from the moment they hear the life-altering words, "You have cancer." This research is driven by a deep understanding of the profound physical, emotional and psychological challenges that patients face after diagnosis.

When someone is diagnosed with cancer, their world often turns upside down. They are thrust into a period of uncertainty, waiting, and worrying, trying to make sense of what is happening to their bodies, and navigating the overwhelming task of their treatment journey. This experience is often accompanied by feelings of helplessness and isolation.

My research aims to change this narrative by empowering patients from day one of their diagnosis. I believe that by providing the right tools, education and support, we can help patients manage not only the physical aspects of their illness but also the psychological and emotional burdens that come with it.

Central to my work is the development of targeted programs such as the Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program, Cancer Patient Empowerment Program, and the Pictou County Personal Empowerment Program for chronic disease management. These initiatives are designed to actively engage patients in managing their health through sustainable lifestyle changes, including healthier eating habits, increased physical activity, enhanced sleep hygiene and robust social support systems. With over 1,000 participants across Canada, my research is now scaling globally through a Phase 4 Pan-Canadian and international trial.

My research also leverages technology to innovate and sustain patient education and empowerment models, driving transformative changes within the healthcare system. This approach not only enhances patient outcomes but also bridges gaps in care delivery. I am committed to translating scientific findings into actionable insights for cancer support groups and mentoring the next generation of researchers and healthcare professionals.

Our ultimate goal is to form communities of empowerment that extend beyond the individual to their families and communities.

What led you to this field/inspired you to do this work?

My journey in healthcare began over 20 years ago as a psychology professor, and a pivotal moment that has stayed with me occurred during a lecture to 3,000 students. As I looked out at the sea of faces, it struck me deeply that each person sitting before me was someone’s child, not just a number or a case. This realization profoundly shaped my approach to research and care, where every patient is seen as a cherished family member deserving of compassion, understanding, and support.

Eight years ago, my path led me to work with prostate cancer patients, and it was during this time that I uncovered a silent epidemic—a hidden world of depression, anxiety, loneliness, and disconnection among men facing this diagnosis. I’ll never forget the words of one patient who said, "When I received my prostate cancer diagnosis, I felt like I went from 57 to 75 overnight." Hearing these challenges and knowing the deep impact that psychological and emotional distress can have on a person’s life, I felt a profound sense of responsibility to help.

It felt natural to dedicate my work to serving these communities. I am thrilled to be working alongside Dr. Rob Rutledge, a radiation oncologist in Nova Scotia who treats breast, prostate, and pediatric cancers, and who is also my husband and life partner. We have dedicated our lives to our patients and are deeply committed to continuing this important work well beyond retirement, driven by our shared passion to make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.

Dr. Gabriela Ilie and husband Dr. Rob Rutledge

The success of the program has had a profound impact on participants’ mental and physical health. It's incredibly rewarding to witness how this program has transformed lives, helping men regain a sense of control, hope, and connection.

The inspiration behind my work also comes from the generosity and vision of Frank and Debbi Sobey, who established the Soillse Research Fund in 2006. Their desire to address the gap in care for cancer patients—supporting not just the disease but also the psychological well-being of patients and their families—continues to inspire and guide me every day. My father also instilled in me the importance of hard work and dedication to a purpose once found.

As Mahatma Gandhi said, "Whatever you do in life might end up being insignificant, but it is important that you do it." This sentiment drives me to give my all to this work, knowing that even the smallest acts of care and support can make a world of difference in someone’s life.

How does your research translate into healthcare solutions for the patient/public?

My research translates into healthcare solutions through the development of patient and personal empowerment programs that actively engage patients in managing their health.

These programs have been adopted as part of the care program at Nova Scotia Health and have resulted in significant improvements in mental health, physical fitness and overall quality of life for participants. Building on this success, we are working closely with the Cancer Care Program to expand the Cancer Patient Empowerment Program throughout Nova Scotia, aiming to offer it as part of the standard care for all cancer patients.

Additionally, we are developing the Pictou County Personal Empowerment Program specifically designed for individuals with chronic diseases. Our goal is to integrate this program into standard care, ensuring that patients across Nova Scotia and beyond benefit from personalized, evidence-based interventions that promote sustainable healthy living habits.

Beyond directly impacting patient care, my research informs cancer support groups, contributes to the training of future healthcare professionals and is disseminated through leading medical journals and international conferences. This comprehensive approach ensures that my work translates into tangible healthcare solutions that improve patients' quality of life worldwide, with the ultimate goal of forming empowered communities that can lead to sustainable Blue Zones of well-being.

What is the biggest challenge/opportunity in your field of research?

One of the biggest challenges in my field is addressing the complex and multifaceted aspects of quality of life that cancer patients face, which include physical, emotional, social, and psychological dimensions. The variability in patient experiences makes it challenging to develop interventions that universally address all these areas effectively.

However, there is a significant opportunity in integrating personalized medicine approaches with digital health tools. Tailoring interventions to the specific needs and preferences of patients can lead to more effective management of symptoms and side effects, ultimately improving their quality of life. Digital health platforms offer new opportunities to reach patients in rural areas and provide supports that are easily integrated into daily life.

Integrating these interventions into standard care presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Rigorous scientific research, alongside cost-effectiveness analyses and mixed-method studies, can help build credibility and facilitate this integration. Networking, engaging with key stakeholders and sustained efforts are crucial to overcoming these challenges and leveraging these opportunities.

In addition to the challenges of addressing the complex, multidimensional aspects of quality of life for cancer patients, another significant challenge in our field is the resistance to change, particularly the fear that new programs like ours could compete with existing resources. However, our research consistently shows that when patients are empowered to take an active role in their own care, they are more likely to seek out and utilize these available resources, rather than overlook them.

Lastly, one other challenge worth mentioning is turning programs like these into commercially sustainable ventures so that they can reach more people who could benefit from them. This is where government support, local opportunities such as the Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub, and other initiatives become crucial. These platforms help small businesses take a product like ours and move it into the commercial zone.

Why is research and participation in research important?

Research and participation in research are fundamental to advancing knowledge, improving patient care and developing new treatments, especially in the field of cancer quality of life. We’re gain critical insights into how diseases and treatments impact patients' lives, which allows us to develop strategies to mitigate these effects and improve overall quality of life.

Patient participation in research is crucial because it provides the real-world data needed to inform and refine these interventions, making them more effective and tailored to individual needs. This involvement not only enhances the relevance of the research but also empowers patients by giving them an active role in improving care for themselves and future patients.

In our work, patient engagement has been absolutely essential, enabling a comprehensive bottom-up and top-down research approach. By bringing the voice of the patient back into the medical system, we ensure that our research is grounded in the actual experiences and needs of those it aims to help. Many of the patients who participated in our research from the beginning have now become mentors and leaders in our programs, both nationally and internationally. This extensive patient engagement also plays a critical role in training the next generation of healthcare professionals. It emphasizes the importance of holistic patient care and patient activation, which are key to the future of medicine.

In addition, my work is highly collaborative, involving partnerships with urologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, surgeons, nurses, medical student and epidemiology graduate students, as well as medical and non-profit organizations across Canada, New Zealand, Australia, the USA, the UK, and several European countries. Our programs are pioneering survivorship interventions, setting a new standard in Canada and internationally.

I am profoundly grateful for the support from Research Nova Scotia through the Establishment grant in 2019, which was pivotal in launching our Phase 3 RCT testing the Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program intervention against standard care. The outcomes from this work have been instrumental in developing and expanding other patient empowerment programs.

We are also thrilled about the recent grant we received from Movember, which will help us further our health equity agenda and extend the reach of our programs to vulnerable communities. Men from all communities who have received a prostate cancer diagnosis are encouraged to check out the Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program. Enrolment in the program takes only a few seconds, and one of our Coordinators will reach out within less than 24 hours to get them started.

What does the ideal future in your field of research look like to you?

In an ideal future, prostate cancer patients wouldn’t just live longer—they would live better, with a sense of purpose and fulfillment that transcends the challenges of their diagnosis. In this future, every aspect of a patient's life would be nurtured, allowing them to maintain their well-being and continue pursuing their dreams, no matter the obstacles.

This future would embody a holistic approach to care, where the full spectrum of a patient's humanity is embraced, tending not only to their physical needs but also to the emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of their journey.

Patient empowerment and activation would be at the heart of their care, with individuals actively engaged in decision-making and equipped with the knowledge and resources they need to take control of their health. Clear, compassionate communication with healthcare providers would be the norm, and patients would have easy access to the information and support they need, wherever they are.

Global collaboration would dissolve the barriers between borders as researchers, clinicians, and patient advocates from around the world come together to share knowledge and breakthroughs.

Integration of technology would be seamlessly woven into the fabric of healthcare, enhancing the delivery of care and ensuring that every patient’s needs are met with precision and efficiency.

Finally, we would create vibrant Communities of Empowerment that inspire healthy living and foster a sense of belonging. Our programs would become the gold standard in care, accessible to all, and sustainably integrated into everyday life. As these communities grow, they would form the foundation of new "Blue Zones," where people live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.

 

Research is care, and clinical studies help translate research into potentially life-changing therapies that can help you, your friends and your loved ones. Want to know more about how to get involved? Visit Nova Studies Connect today: novastudiesconnect.ca