CAPO Innovation Award
2025 CAPO Innovation Award Winners
Dr. Gabriela Ilie & Dr. Rob Rutledge Dr. Gabriela Ilie and Dr. Rob Rutledge are co-creators of the Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) and CancerPEP, groundbreaking initiatives that empower cancer patients to take an active role in their recovery and long-term well-being. These programs are unmatched in their depth, breadth and scientific validation, combining structured online education with interactive engagement to support patients through every stage of their cancer journey. What makes PC-PEP and CancerPEP unique is their six-month intensive curriculum followed by ongoing monthly live video conferences. This structure provides cancer patients with continuous access to expert guidance, peer support, and evidence-based strategies to enhance mental, emotional, and physical health. Research has demonstrated that patients in these programs experience reduced psychological distress, improved resilience, better management of treatment side effects, and an overall higher quality of life (and appear to be cost saving to the medical system). These programs are now actively implemented in healthcare systems across Canada and internationally, with adoption in New Zealand, Belgium, South Africa, Romania, and the Netherlands, Dr. Ilie is the Endowed Soillse Scientist in Prostate Cancer Quality of Life Research and an Associate Professor at Dalhousie University, jointly appointed in the Departments of Urology and Community Health & Epidemiology, with cross-appointments in Radiation Oncology and Psychology & Neuroscience. A dedicated researcher and advocate, her work has transformed patient care by bridging scientific research with real-world application. She was recently honored with the 2024 Public Impact Award by Research Nova Scotia for her contributions to public health and patient empowerment. With over 100 published research papers in top medical journals, including JAMA, European Urology, and BMJ Open, she is recognized for her leadership in advancing patient-centered cancer survivorship care and health system transformation. Dr. Rutledge is a Radiation Oncologist at Nova Scotia Health and an Associate Professor at Dalhousie University, specializing in breast, prostate, and pediatric cancers. A national leader in integrative oncology and psychosocial cancer care, he has dedicated his career to supporting patients through education, clinical practice, and survivorship research. Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Rutledge has dedicated himself to empowering patients and healthcare professionals through hundreds of public talks, workshops, and retreats, reaching thousands of individuals affected by cancer. He has led over 70 weekend retreats across 30 cities worldwide, fostering communities of healing and resilience. His lifelong dedication to patient care, education, and empowerment has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the Excellence in Patient Care Award from Cancer Care Nova Scotia, the Health Promotion Award from Doctors Nova Scotia, and the Excellence in Education Award from Nova Scotia Health, Together, Dr. Ilie and Dr. Rutledge have redefined cancer survivorship support by developing the most comprehensive, interactive, and enduring patient empowerment programs available today. Their work ensures that cancer patients not only survive but thrive, with ongoing access to the tools, education, and support needed to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. |
Submissions are now closed.
The CAPO Innovation Award honours the development of quality improvement and innovative clinical, educational, or organizational initiatives aimed at enhancing the performance of psychosocial cancer care or cancer prevention. Award submissions will be rated based on originality and scope, impact of initiative on processes, impact of initiative on stakeholders, meaningfulness, value for money and sustainability.
The CAPO Innovation Award honours the development of quality improvement and innovative clinical, educational, or organizational initiatives aimed at enhancing the performance of psychosocial cancer care or cancer prevention. Award submissions will be rated based on originality and scope, impact of initiative on processes, impact of initiative on stakeholders, meaningfulness, value for money and sustainability.
Eligibility
- The nominees may be an individual or a team of individuals working within psychosocial cancer care or prevention.
- Eligibility is limited to members in good standing of CAPO (in cases of teams of individuals, at least one team member must be a members in good standing of CAPO).
Application Criteria
- Nominator must be a CAPO Member (Regular, Affiliate, Retired) in good standing.
- Application for the award will consist of:
- A confidential letter of nomination from the nominator.
- One letter of support from other individuals to whom the nominee(s) is known, also specifying why the nominee(s) meet(s) the award description above (supporters need not be CAPO members).
- Complete curriculum vitae, with details of specific termination dates of degrees and post-graduate training. In cases of a team nomination, a complete CV of the team lead(s).
- Statement from the nominee(s), not to exceed 500 words, highlighting significant accomplishments in the area of psychosocial oncology (research, clinical or education).
Application Process
- Complete nomination packages must be submitted ONLINE to the Chair(s) of the Awards Committee (c/o the CAPO office) by no later than Feburary 14, 2025.
- Nominations and supporting documentation can be submitted in either French or English.
- The Awards Committee will invite members of the CAPO Board (barring those with real or perceived conflicts of interest) to review the nominations and vote for a recipient of the award. In the event of a tie vote, the last three CAPO past presidents, excluding the immediate past president (who are clear of any conflict of interest) will review the tied nominations and vote amongst themselves to select a winner.
- There is no monetary value to this award.
- Award will be presented at the annual CAPO Conference. Award recipients must register and attend the annual CAPO conference (in person or virtually) in order to be eligible.
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT FOR CAPO INNOVATION AWARD |
Recent recipients of the Innovation Award:
- 2022 – The Ottawa Hospital Wellness Beyond Cancer Program - Dr. Amirrtha Srikanthan, Vicky Samuel, RN, Kelly-Anne Baines, RN, and Gail Larocque, NP
- 2019 – The Androgen Deprivation Therapy Educational Team (ADT)
- 2016 – Dr. Carole Mayer, RSW, PhD
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