Dr. Balneaves is a Full Professor and Associate Dean, Research in the College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba. She has held academic positions at the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia. Her research program focuses on the use of complementary and integrative therapies in the context of cancer and the development and evaluation of knowledge translation and decision support interventions for individuals living with cancer and oncology health professionals. She also engages in health policy and person-centred research related to medical and non-medical cannabis. She is a past president of the Society for Integrative Oncology and the former deputy director of the Canadian Consortium for the Investigation of Cannabinoids.

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Lynda's Role with CAN-PACT

 

Dr. Balneaves is a co-investigator on CAN-PACT and will co-chair the Policy Sub-Committee, focused on advancing Canadian health policy on psilocybin and psychedelics. She will also help lead recruitment efforts at CancerCare Manitoba for the clinical trial. She is excited by the opportunity provided by CAN-PACT to add vital knowledge about the potential role of psilocybin, psychedelic-assisted therapy, and mindfulness in managing the distress experienced by individuals with cancer, especially with advanced cancer. CAN-PACT will also play a crucial role in informing future health policy related to psychedelics in Canada and advocating for an evidence-informed approach to how psychedelics like psilocybin are incorporated into care, accessed by Canadians, and are addressed by healthcare professionals.