National Survivorship Working Group moving forward

David Muise and Elisabeth Ross have been named as co-chairs of the newly formed National Survivorship Working Group. The working group is an initiative of the Partnership’s Cancer Journey Action Group.

David Muise

Mr. Muise is currently a practicing lawyer in Sydney, Nova Scotia. He also serves as a board member and panel chair for the Psychiatric Facilities Review Board. Previously he was the executive director of the Family Service of Eastern Nova Scotia. He is a survivor of cancer and has been recognized by the Canadian Cancer Society for his extensive volunteer work. His involvement includes acting for the society as a national board member and president of the Nova Scotia division. He holds a law degree and diploma in management from Dalhousie University in Halifax.

Elisabeth Ross

Ms. Ross is the CEO of Ovarian Cancer Canada. Her previous roles include Regional Director of the Neonatal Follow-up Program for the Hospital for Sick Children, Mount Sinai and North York General Hospital and founder and Executive Director of AboutFace International. Born in Montreal, Ms. Ross has a background in the areas of program development, public awareness, and fundraising. She holds an honours degree in psychology and a master of science degree in health administration.

The working group’s mandate is to:

• review the priorities identified at the 2008 national survivorship workshop
• develop action plans to accelerate the development and implementation of care maps and models of care

Working group membership will consist of representatives from cancer agencies, patient and professional organizations and the community.

Membership recruitment is underway and the first meeting of the working group will be held in early 2009.