Conference Brings a National Lens to Health and Wellbeing of Those with Developmental Disabilities

This coming February, a newly revised Canadian Health and Wellbeing in Developmental Disabilities Conference marks the launch of a new nationally focused conference, building on the work of two prior programs held separately in B.C. and Ontario.

Kicking off online on February 9-10, 2022, the digital conference is focused on improving health and wellbeing across the lifespan for persons with a developmental disability.

The Conference Program Committee is now accepting abstract submissions for 60-minute interactive workshops and for poster presentations. We encourage submissions from clinicians, direct support professionals, health care providers and organizations, and from students doing new and innovative work. The submission deadline is Friday, Oct. 29, 2021, by 11:59 p.m. EST.

The complex needs of people with developmental disabilities have been associated with increased health risks. For instance, a 2020 article published in the Journal of Mental Health Research in Intellectual Disabilities found that adults with with intellectual and developmental disabilities often present to the specialized psychiatric settings in emergency departments. The authors found that, “many of these patients are inadequately supported and need stronger connections to community-based resources.”

The importance of improving outcomes for people with developmental disabilities is at the heart of February’s interprofessional conference, where health care providers and community partners can connect to share educational and informative updates and practical, innovative, promising and effective practices.

Participants will come away better able to discuss innovative and effective practices that contribute to positive physical and mental health outcomes, identify solutions for core issues and challenges faced by people being supported and their families and community partners. Other program goals include discussing the role of community healthcare in quality of life and how to develop, maintain and grow interprofessional partnerships to provide effective supports.

To learn more about abstract submission, registration and other details, please see the conference website: https://www.healthandwellbeingindd.ca/

New Conference Exploring Pediatric Health Inequity in Canada Seeks Abstracts

The inaugural Canadian Children, Youth and Communities (CCYC) Health In | Equity Conference will be held online, November 27, 2021, with the aim of bringing together professionals in pediatrics and allied health care to address inequities from birth to adolescence.

The digital conference explores health equity topics particular to marginalized communities in Canada’s health care system, and takes a family-centred approach to addressing barriers to accessing health care for under-serviced high-risk and economically disadvantaged children and youth.

To learn more  and register, visit the program website: https://www.cpd.utoronto.ca/ccyc/

The CCYC conference organizers are now seeking abstract submissions in five categories:

  1. Race-Based Equity and Children’s Health
  2. The Role of Schools and the Community in Child and Youth Health
  3. Family Mental Health and Well-Being
  4. Optimizing Health from Pregnancy to Preschool
  5. Access and Inequity: Rethinking Health Systems for Women and Children

Learn more about requirements and submit your abstract here: https://www.cpd.utoronto.ca/ccyc/abstracts/

Canadian Breast Cancer Symposium Returns In Online Form June 18

The Canadian Breast Cancer Symposium returns as a one-day digital event on June 18 with a variety of engaging sessions that aim to foster a multidisciplinary, personalized approach to breast cancer management.

The symposium provides a comprehensive review of the many facets of breast cancer, while facilitating communication and collaboration among those treating breast cancer in Canada. State-of-the-art information will help optimize care for patients with breast cancer, including etiology, prevention, diagnosis, experimental biology and therapy of breast cancer and pre-malignant breast disease.

Some of this year’s topics include:

  • Can we cure oligometastatic disease – Are we there yet?
  • Multi-gene signatures and oncogenomics
  • Neoadjuvant systemic therapy: Who should be offered this? Indications and controversies for neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) 
  • Breast Cancer in the younger and older populations

Participants can engage with speakers through online Q&A and submit further questions and comments through the digital platform’s tools. High-quality clinically relevant research from across Canada will also be presented as part of the Breast Cancer Research Forum.

Surgeons, oncologists, nurses, pathologists, residents, fellows and others involved in breast cancer treatment are encouraged to attend.For more information and to register, visit breastsymposium.ca

DR. ANTONIO M. LACY: TEACHER OF GLOBAL PROPORTIONS

Antonio M. Lacy, MD, PhD, isn’t the kind to stick to a regular nine-to-five schedule and save teaching for the classroom. In fact, the chief of the Gastrointestinal Surgery Department at the Hospital Clinic in Barcelona is anything but ordinary.

Dr. Lacy has more on his plate than most, as he is also Professor of the Surgery Department at the School of Medicine at the University of Barcelona, Director of the Surgical Institute of the Hospital Quiron, member of the executive board of the EAES, and President of the Barcelona International Medical Academy, but he still makes time for new projects and ground-breaking research.

His more than 180 manuscripts published in specialized journals, as well as over twenty book chapters, reflect the same passion for constant learning and sharing that his Advances in Surgery (AIS) channel sprang from.

Described as “a new approach to the communication of advances in cutting edge surgical expertise, imparted by prominent surgeons,” the website takes a step forward in ensuring medical professionals have direct and easy access to new information, allowing them to stay updated for the sake of improved care. To check out AIS, click here: www.aischannel.com.

In keeping with his demonstrated dedication to teaching in every form, Dr. Lacy is the keynote speaker for the CPD’s first ever Canadian Congress on Transanal TME, and will be one of four specialists who will lead presentations on anastomotic techniques. To find out more, visit www.cpd.utoronto.ca/tatme.

You can also follow Dr. Lacy @AntoniondeLacy.

Sources:

http://www.apan.net/meetings/Colombo2012/Session/MedicalWG/Bio_Lacy.pdf

http://aischannel.com/about-ais-channel-2/

http://www.eaes.eu/getmedia/1927c6e7-b045-4f31-a169-dfebb2c2bf43/lacya_cv.pdf

Dr. Wayne A. Lee: Knocking out Orthopaedic Issues for 30 Years

When you’re locked into a tough match and throwing punches with abandon, you want Wayne A. Lee, MD, by your side in the ring.

An orthopaedic surgeon based in San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Lee has been ringside for decades as a member of several advisory boards and commissions, including the American Association of Ringside Professional Physicians (AAPRP), USA Boxing, and the Texas Boxing Commission.

Outside the world of professional sports, Dr. Lee has been a practicing doctor for thirty years, currently affiliated with the Baptist Medical Center and serving as a clinical instructor at the Methodist Hospital for UT Health Science Center.

As demonstrated by his significant publications in specialized publications, Dr. Lee has a deep interest in modern research as it relates to serious issues: he has conducted extensive research on gunshot wounds in children and adolescents, as well as the ways in which neurons can be protected in spinal cord injuries. There is no limit to the diversity of Dr. Lee’s interests within his field.

This range includes surgical advancements using negative pressure therapy, a topic Dr. Lee will be speaking on at the CPD’s 12th Biennial Canadian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Symposium, taking place April 14-16, 2016. For more information, visit www.cpd.utoronto.ca/footankle.

 

Sources:

US News & World Report – Health

Combative Sports Advisory Board

New Acute and Chronic Pulmonary Embolism Symposium

Pulmonary embolism (PE) can be a life-threatening condition. Far too many gaps exist in the diagnosis and management of pulmonary embolism including: lack of awareness, incomplete diagnostic assessment, and inconsistent use of surgical and medical therapies, as noted by The Canadian Respiratory Guidelines.

Immediate adequate treatment and ongoing medical professional education can greatly reduce the risk of death. Awareness of the chronic PE is crucial in early identification of patients with chronic thromboembolic disease and timely referral to a specialized Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension Center.

The inaugural Acute and Chronic Pulmonary Embolism Symposium aims to focus on this important area and to close the gap in knowledge. It will be held at the Toronto Marriott Downtown Eaton Centre on Saturday, April 2nd, 2016. The conference will provide a comprehensive overview of imaging, diagnosis and management of pulmonary emboli from theacute, acute on chronic and chronic disease (acute to chronic and chronic disease) continuum through practical, case-based sessions.

Invited speaker, Dr. Carole Dennie MD, FRCPC, will discuss the Radiology of Acute PE. Dr. Dennie is the Head of Cardiac and Thoracic Imaging at The Ottawa Hospital and the co-director of Cardiac Radiology and MRI at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute and Professor at the University of Ottawa in the Department of Diagnostic Radiology.

Experts in Acute PE, Massive, Submassive, Acute on Chronic PE, and Chronic PE will also present on topics including the Epidemiology of Acute and chronic PE, Treatment of Massive, Submassive PE and CTEPH and the patient journey in CTEPH. Register now!

First International Cardiac Tumour Conference set for Next Month

When he reflects on the first time he witnessed and had to treat a cardiac tumour, Dr. Robert James (RJ) Cusimano rifles through his memory bank.

“It was a long time ago,” he says, estimating that time frame to be well over 20 years. “It has been an evolution in cardiac surgery.”

Considered a “rare” medical occurrence, these abnormal growths either develop in the heart or heart valves (primary tumour), or spread to the heart from another part of the body (secondary tumour), already afflicted with cancer…

Read the Original Blog Post

Visit Course Website

Dr. Anju Anand: “@thelungdr”

Dr. Anju Anand (known by her Twitter followers as @thelungdr) is a graduate of the UofT Faculty of Medicine and a leader in medical communications.

A recent Canadian Medical Association survey identified those in the field of respirology as least likely to use social media. Dr. Anand, a respirologist and sleep medicine doctor, is breaking the mould one tweet at a time.

On top of working with patients directly, Dr. Anand moderates the torontoadultcf.com website she developed herself. She has also built the U of T Division of Respirology Twitter journal club @respandsleepjc from the ground up to ensure all lines of communication are open.

Her upcoming session at the 10th Annual Day in Respirology, “Social Media in Respirology,” will help fellow medical professionals learn the do’s and don’ts of online communications as well as how social media platforms can be used to assist in the management of respiratory diseases.

Visit www.cpd.utoronto.ca/respirology to learn more about this important event and follow Dr. Anju Anand on Twitter @thelungdr

10th Annual Day in Respirology

The 10th Annual Day in Respirology is just around the corner! On Friday, November 27, 2015, experts in the field of respirology will be gathering at the Westin Prince Hotel to discuss everything from asthma to COPD to bronchiectasis. Participants will develop their knowledge and skills as they learn from the very best.

The conference promises to continue the tradition of excellence begun in previous years with an exciting line-up of speakers, including Dr. Parameswaran Nair from McMaster University, whose lab work characterizes types of bronchitis in airway diseases and explores new and innovative therapies to treat asthma. At ADIR, Dr. Nair will be speaking about biologic therapies for asthma.

The day will be divided into four interactive sessions each with three twenty-minute presentations from leaders in the field, followed by panels and discussions. Three different interactive cases will give attendees the chance to apply their learning. The event will be concluded with a word from Dr. Matthew Binnie and Dr. Anna Day, innovative respirologists and co-chairs of the event.

The Day of Respirology is represents the chance to become familiar with modern medical advances and to connect with fellow colleagues in the field.

Visit http://www.cpd.utoronto.ca/respirology/ for more information and stay updated with #ADIR15 on Twitter.

CPD launches Canada’s First Indigenous Health Conference

This inaugural conference, created and chaired by Dr. Anna Banerji, Director of Global and Indigenous Health at CPD, is unique as it brings together the voices and direction of Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) with the conference committee, a majority of whom are Indigenous healthcare providers. As well, all our plenary speakers and most of our workshops will be facilitated by Indigenous leaders. You can find out more details, register, submit abstracts and keep up to date with current conference developments at: www.cpd.utoronto.ca/indigenoushealth/

“We all know the problems and challenges of health inequities – now is the time to find new and sustainable solutions.”

This interdisciplinary conference is being held at the University of Toronto’s Conference Centre on November 20th and 21st 2014, and primarily targets healthcare providers (physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, midwives, social workers, community health representatives, rehabilitation specialists and other allied health professionals) to facilitate the translation and dissemination of knowledge about Indigenous health issues in Canada. The IHC will include keynote speakers, interactive workshops, poster presentations, exhibitors and a job fair to help match healthcare providers with hospitals and health boards.

The objectives of this inaugural conference are to share knowledge and build capacity in healthcare providers who serve Indigenous peoples in Canada, with an emphasis on cultural competency for working with Indigenous peoples, understanding the impact of history on the health of Indigenous peoples, focusing on major health care issues and strategizing on solutions.

Impactful Speakers and Insightful Workshops

The IHC is pleased to announce the following speakers for the conference:

  • Dr. Evan Adams (Sliammon First Nation) Deputy Provincial Health Officer, British Columbia
  • Dr. Janet Smylie (Métis), Research Scientist at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute and specialist in Inner City Health at St. Michael’s Hospital
  • Dr. Taiaiake Alfred, (Mohawk), Professor, Department of Political Science, University of Victoria
  • Dr. Lindsay Crowshoe (Peigan Nation), Director of the Aboriginal Health Program, University of Calgary.

Workshop themes will include Women’s Health (including Reproductive and Violence), Children’s Health, Mental Health (including Substance Abuse), Infectious Disease, Chronic Disease, Nutrition, Dental health, Determinants of Health (Housing, Poverty, etc.), Environmental Health, Health Care Systems, Cultural Competency and Safety, Traditional Ways and Self-Determination, Indigenous Research and Population Health Data.

“We believe that through examining the evidence on Indigenous health and creating dialogue about challenges and solutions, we can help create better educated, more culturally competent health care providers for Indigenous Peoples.”

A First Step Forward

CPD, Canada’s largest provider of continuing professional development, is proud to support the Indigenous Health Conference as another innovative program and a first for our office of Global and Indigenous Health under Dr. Banerji’s directorship.

Dr. Banerji is also the chair and course director for CPD’s North American Refugee Health Conference which will be held again in June 2015. Find out more about this conference.

Dr. Banerji is a noted advocate for social justice and healthcare equity and recently was named to the Order of Ontario in recognition of her outstanding work and achievement in the fields of refugee health and respiratory diseases in Inuit children. The first Indigenous Health Conference is the culmination of years of work and dedication advocating the causes of Indigenous Peoples. We hope you will join us.

“This conference will be a first step forward in celebrating the resilience of the Indigenous Peoples in Canada, contributing to social justice and debating, discussing and implementing real long term healthcare solutions.”