Our
Founders

Our journey together has been profoundly joyful and deeply meaningful. Connecting with hundreds of individuals through monthly video conferences and receiving weekly emails from those whose lives have been transformed by the program has been an extraordinary privilege. My wife and I are sincerely grateful for the opportunity to share this life-changing experience with those affected by cancer.” – Dr. Rob Rutledge

Meet Rob Rutledge

Rob Rutledge, MD FRCPC Rob Rutledge, MD FRCPC has been a <strong>Radiation Oncologist</strong> specializing in <strong>breast, prostate and pediatric cancer since 1996</strong> and is an <strong>Associate Professor</strong> at <strong>Dalhousie University</strong>. Rob grew up in northern Canada, completed his undergraduate degree and medical school in Toronto and his residency in Ottawa. In 1993, inspired by Dr. Bernie Siegel’s book, Love, Medicine, and Miracles, Rob joined forces with a social worker in Ottawa to establish a men’s cancer support group. “That first support group was pivotal – propelling me to take a deep dive into the science of the mind-body connection and how attitude and healthy habits can profoundly affect the health and happiness of people affected by cancer.” Since then, Rob has dedicated himself to working with cancer patients and survivors, and the organizations that support them, delivering hundreds of free public talks, webinars, and charity-led initiatives. He has organized and led 70 weekend retreats in 30 cities around the world, and conducted dozens of day-long healing seminars for patients and staff. Though he loves his daily

“The experience of meeting, marrying, and collaborating with Gabriela has brought immense professional fulfillment. Through our partnership, Gabriela has imparted valuable insights on the profound impact of relationships on our health. There is a scientific methodology to teaching individuals how to forge deeper connections with their loved ones, and Gabriela’s extensive psychology background has proven to be the perfect complement to my role as an oncologist.”

Rob Rutledge

Meet Gabriele Ilie

Gabriela Ilie, PhD Gabriela Ilie, PhD, is an <strong>Associate Professor</strong> at <strong>Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine</strong>, Endowed Soillse <strong>Scientist in Prostate Cancer Quality of Life Research</strong>, and <strong>Affiliate Scientist at Nova Scotia Health</strong>. She is jointly appointed between the Departments of Urology and Epidemiology, and cross appointed in the Departments of Radiation Oncology and Psychology and Neuroscience. Gabriela was recently honored with the <strong>2024 Public Impact Award</strong> by Research Nova Scotia for her contributions to improving public health. Born and raised in Romania, Gabriela emigrated to Canada at age 21 and completed her undergraduate degree and PhD (on the effect of music and speech on emotion and cognitive function) in Toronto. Her university teaching career began before she had her doctorate. Over the next 16 years, Gabriela taught more than 90 statistics and diverse psychology and epidemiology courses at the University of Toronto to over 25,000 students. At the same time, her research career flourished as she worked with neurosurgeons and other scientists while supervising many graduate students. She published seminal papers

“I am honored to co-create CancerPEP with Rob, and offer a program that makes a real difference on people’s lives. When I look back on my life, it’s as if everything I did has put me on a trajectory to be in a position where I can do this incredibly meaningful work. Every life experience I had has perfectly prepared me to complement Rob's expertise, enabling us to produce impactful scientific work. I am so excited to also be working with my husband, share this meaningful journey with him, and be able to apply our diverse expertise to this program.”

Gabriela Ilie