PROF. GIRISH SHAH, the recipient of “Outstanding Achievement in Carcinoid/ Neuroendocrine Tumor Research” in 2006 from the Carcinoid Cancer Foundation, Inc. of USA, is a Professor at the Faculty of Medicine at Laval University in Quebec City. He has been chief of the Laboratory for Skin Cancer Research at the CHU de Quebec (CHUL) Hospital Research Centre of Laval University since 1997. Prof. Shah’s research is focused on carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors and solar ultraviolet radiation-induced skin cancers with specific emphasis on DNA damage, DNA repair and cell death processes, all of which can influence either the development of these cancers or their resistance to therapy. Dr. Shah has authored 55 peer-reviewed articles, which have been cited more than 2,387 times in literature. In addition, he has authored 4 book chapters and 119 presentations at the meetings. Dr. Shah’s team, in collaboration with two carcinoid clinicians in Canada and USA, had earlier reported that nearly ¼ of the carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor patients suffer from subclinical niacin (vitamin B3) deficiency, an incidence that is much higher than pellagra, the clinical niacin deficiency syndrome reported in these patients. His recent work has identified how this biochemical anomaly can be exploited to improve efficiency of chemotherapy of carcinoid NET cancers. He is currently also the President of the Scientific & Medical Advisory Board of CNETS Canada.

Elizabeth, a neuroendocrine cancer caregiver since 2014, brings extensive executive leadership experience to her volunteer role with CNETS.  As EVP of the CMI Financial Group, she was recognized among Canada’s top 50 leaders as a recipient of the Globe and Mail’s Report on Business 2023 Best Executive Awards. She is passionate about transformative corporate leadership with a focus on creating a safe, inclusionary and open workplace. In recognition of her trailblazing industry contributions, Elizabeth was recognized as a Canadian Mortgage Professional Woman of Influence (2019 & 2022) and was the Canadian Mortgage Awards Woman of Distinction in 2021. Elizabeth is a dedicated mental health advocate and co-chair of the Canadian Lender’s Association’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion roundtable where she advocates for advancement and empowerment of marginalized groups in the financial services sector. She has earned an MBA, a Bachelor of Commerce in Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Elizabeth holds several industry-leading certifications, is an instructor and course content developer with the McMaster University CCE Business and Marketing programs and is the Treasurer of the National Board of Directors of CIM Chartered Managers Canada..