By Alicia Tran

Graphic design by Ravneet Jaura

Students, clinicians, and faculty members eagerly gathered at the Li Ka Shing Auditorium at St. Michael’s Hospital on Wednesday, November 19^th, 2025, for the 15^th Annual Ori Rotstein Lecture, one of the Institute of Medical Science’s most anticipated yearly events. The lecture delved into one of the most pressing frontiers in medical science: how sex and gender shape health and disease. 

This year’s keynote speaker was Dr. Karen Reue, a distinguished professor in the Department of Human Genetics at the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Reue delivered a compelling lecture on biological sex and disease mechanisms in obesity, drug reactions, and cardiometabolic disease risk. Her research challenges the long-held assumption that sex chromosomes serve only to direct reproductive development. While these developmental roles are essential, she explained that sex chromosomes are also involved in more intricate processes within every cell of the human body and throughout the lifespan. 

Presenting data from her lab’s genomic and metabolic studies, Dr. Reue illustrated how sex chromosomes drive differences in disease trajectories between males and females. One of her key findings was that fat distribution is strongly influenced by sex chromosomes, with female mouse models having higher fat mass and distinct fat depots under the skin. These findings have important implications for understanding differential obesity risk and cardiometabolic disease patterns between sexes. 

Following the keynote lecture, the morning transitioned to an insightful panel discussion on the role of biological sex in disease mechanisms. Moderated by Dr. Ori Rotstein (Unity Health Toronto), the panel brought together experts whose fields spanned neuroscience and cardiovascular health. Joining Dr. Reue onstage were Dr. Liisa Galea (Centre for Addictions and Mental Health), Dr. Tatyana Mollayeva (KITE Research Institute), Dr. Subodh Verma (St. Michael’s Hospital), and Dr. Jennifer Rabin (Sunnybrook Research Institute). 

The panel unfolded as an interdisciplinary conversation highlighting the perils of overlooking sex and gender in health research. Panelists pointed to persistent disparities in clinical trials and diagnostic practices, noting that women often present with atypical or under-recognized symptoms in several disorders, including cardiovascular and neurological conditions. These gaps, they emphasized, can lead to delayed diagnoses and poorer treatment outcomes. 

A recurring message throughout the discussion was the vast gap in funding and recognition for sex-specific research. Despite growing acknowledgement of the issue, only a small fraction of research funding addresses women’s health issues. The panelists underscored the importance of sustained investment in women’s health research to ensure scientific findings reflect biological diversity. 

The discussion also highlighted the critical role of emerging scientists in driving change. Several speakers encouraged students and trainees to continue pushing for sex-inclusive and gender-responsive study designs, further emphasizing that advancing this field of research requires persistence as well as strong mentorship and institutional support. 

This year’s Ori Rotstein lecture was a timely reminder for a more equitable approach to understanding human health. We extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Rotstein for his dedication to promoting translational research with the IMS community. We also thank Dr. Reue and the panelists for their enlightening contributions. Lastly, we acknowledge the IMS Ori Rotstein Planning Committee for organizing another successful and impactful annual lecture!