Epi on the Island Summer Courses 2023

The courses will be offered in a hybrid format. Participation will be possible both on-site and virtually.  Early bird registration deadline is May 26. There is 10% discount to register for two or more courses. Note: Module 3 has been cancelled.

Module 1: Econ on the Island – An Introduction to Health Economics
June 19 – 23 (schedule)

Instructor: Dr. Mike Paulden, Associate Professor
School of Public Health, University of Alberta
Instructor: Dr. David Hall, Professor, Animal Health Economics and Policy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary

This 5-day course provides an introduction to health economics applicable from the perspectives of both human and animal health professionals. A blend of examples, methodologies, and hands-on activities will be presented covering topics in both human health (e.g., program effectiveness, cost of illness to society) and animal health (e.g., impact of a zoonotic disease) that will be of interest and value to both groups of attendees. There will also be an opportunity to divide the class into two groups for more focused study with selected presentation to the entire class at the end of the week.

The course will emphasize understanding concepts and awareness of methodologies ranging from introductory (e.g., basic benefit-cost ratios, allocation of costs, valuation of loss of productivity) to intermediate (e.g., choice variable analysis, cost to society of disease outbreaks, designing mitigation strategies). Most examples will be presented in a format consistent with spreadsheet modeling; limited use of regression techniques or more advanced methods will be provided depending on interest.

The course will be directed to graduate students, health professionals, and researchers. Participants are encouraged to bring their own problems to work with during the course.


Module 2: Quantitative Bayesian Risk Assessment in Animal Health and Food Safety
June 26 – 28
(schedule)

Instructor: Professor Javier Sanchez
CVER, AVC, University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI)

This course will introduce the concepts of probabilistic risk analysis (PRA) using Monte Carlo and Bayesian frameworks. PRA is an analysis of the frequency and consequences of unwanted events in a system. This type of analysis relies on probabilistic (i.e., predictive) models and associated data. Participants will compare Monte Carlo with Bayesian based methods applied to risk assessment. Bayesian inference techniques are useful in situations where different types of information (e.g., empirical data, expert opinion) are available because the Bayesian paradigm allows integration of such types of information. Furthermore, from a practical perspective, Bayesian techniques, which represent uncertainty with probability distributions, provide a ready framework for the propagation of uncertainties through the risk models.

Participants should have a basic background in probability and statistics (suggested reading to prepare for the course will be provided) and some familiarity with the R programming platform and interface (RStudio).


Module 3: Survival Analysis
July 4 – 8
(schedule)Cancelled

Instructors: Professors Ian Dohoo, Henrik Stryhn, Javier Sanchez
CVER, AVC, University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI)

A 5-day intermediate to advanced course (schedule) on the analysis of time-to-event (survival) data. The course is organized in a series of lectures that will cover the basic of survival analysis and the introduction of more advanced topics such as frailty models and analysis of discrete survival data. The lectures will be alternated with computer labs to apply the concepts to practical examples. In addition, the participants will have the opportunity to discuss their own data and present a small project at the end of the course. General statistical concepts and methods covered in this course include survival and hazard functions, Kaplan-Meier plots, log-rank and related tests, the Cox proportional hazards model, extended Cox models for time-varying covariates, parametric models, and frailty models. The software used for instruction will be Stata and R.


REGISTRATION

For each module, the following registration fees apply (amounts are in $Cdn and include taxes and administration fees).

Module 1: Econ on the Island – An Introduction to Health Economics (June 19 – 23)

Participant               Up to May 26th             After May 27th
Student*                        750                        850
Academia/Public Sector         1200                       1300
Private Sector                 1500                       1600 

Module 2: Quantitative Bayesian Risk Assessment in Animal Health and Food Safety (June 26 – 28)

Participant              Up to May 26th             After May 27th
Student*                       450                        550
Academia/Public Sector         725                        825
Private Sector                 900                       1000

Module3: Survival Analysis (July 4 – 8)

Participant              Up to May 26th             After May 27th
Student*                       750                        850
Academia/Public Sector        1200                       1300
Private Sector                1500                       1600

*Proof of registration in any degree program at a recognized university.

Participants who wish to register for 2 or more courses can enter the promo code: Epi2023 to receive a 10% discount. Note: You will need to click Apply in the field where the code is entered for it to take effect.

Click on the following Eventbrite logo for registering to Epi on the Island 2023 Summer Courses.


ACCOMMODATION

Participants will have to book their own accommodations. Below you will find information on places to stay by visiting links to our Tourism PEI website and on campus residences.  Please contact the hotel or residence directly to book your accommodation.

The Tourism PEI (http://www.tourismpei.com/index.php3) website will provide you with links to a variety of accommodations across the Island as well as information on places to eat, festivals and events and things to do during your stay.

The UPEI Campus offers residence rooms to conference participants. Choose from one of three UPEI residences, each with its own unique style and amenities. Residence accommodations include free parking, local telephone access, a bed linen and towel exchange service, and 24 hour security.
(http://www.upei.ca/conference/accommodations)


For further inquiries, please contact professor Henrik Stryhn at hstryhn@upei.ca.