The Alberta Pain Education Collaborative (APEC)
A grassroots arm supporting pain professionals with virtual, and in-person events that share locally relevant education and collaborative approaches to patient care.
Bringing together experienced, multidisciplinary speakers to empower you with pain management strategies, treatments and tools in Lethbridge, AB.
Meet Our Panelists
Penny Kowalchuk
Person with Lived Experience of Pain
Maureen Fowler
More information incoming
Suzanne Buchanan
MN, NP with Blood Tribe Health Corp
Dr Carlos Malpica-Vera
Family Physician
Drake McCheyne
RN, Alberta Health Services
Amanda Sowiak
More information incoming
Jignesh Desai
Pharmacist
Trevor Sakatch
Kinesiologist, Alberta Health Services
Nicole Quinlan
Kinesiologist, Alberta Health Services
Shana Wandler
Recreational Therapist, Alberta Health Services
Koji Duncan
CO(c), MSc (RS), Adaptive Technologies
Julie Swanson
Better Choices, Better Health
Diane Roylance
Chair of APEC and Moderator
Diane is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapists and has practiced physiotherapy for 29 years primarily in the areas of orthopedics and complex pain. She is passionate about helping people move whether an elite athlete or a reluctant mover. Diane’s practice areas include private practice and interdisciplinary care. She helps educate other health care providers and students on chronic pain, myofascial pain and fibromyalgia to name a few, through lectures, workshops, curriculum development and in clinic mentorship. Diane loves moving and is happiest when skiing, biking, climbing, swimming, meditating…with her loved ones.
Penny Kowalchuk
Person with Lived Experience of Pain
I love being able to reduce the suffering in people with lived experience. Additionally, I believe in the power of strong communities and Pain AB gathers passionate healthcare professionals in pain management.
Suzanne Buchanan
MN, NP, Blood Tribe Department of Health Inc.
I am involved with The Pain Society of Alberta so I can provide the patient experience. I have dealt with chronic pain for more than three (3) decades.
Dr. Carlos Malpica-Vera
Family Physician
I am involved with The Pain Society of Alberta as part of my evolution in helping improve the lives of those in pain. It is a privilege to be part of such a special group of kind, smart, hard working people.
Amanda Sowiak
Wound Care Specialist & Educator, Blood Tribe Department of Health Inc.
Right out of grad school I worked in an interdisciplinary pain program and saw first hand both the suffering and the success people living with pain can experience. Over my career I have heard how challenging the population is and seen how often they can be written off by professionals. This made me want to work with people living with pain more not less! I got into this work to see people function and thrive, often by helping them reconnect to their purpose. Helping people living with pain find their 'why' IS my 'why'.
Jignesh Desai
Pharmacist
As a nurse for over 30 years my passion is helping people. As the Pain Society of Alberta is pivotal in educating and supporting people living with pain, my involvement with PainAB allows me to fulfill my passion.
Trevor Sakatch
Kinesiologist, Alberta Health Services
As a chronic pain physician in Alberta, while I continue to advocate for my patients at the bedside, it is imperative that I continue to be a part of the education and management of pain for many others who continue to live with pain. The Pain Society of Alberta enables this outreach, and education amongst pain providers and peopl with lived experience.
Shana Wandler
Recreational Therapist, Alberta Health Services
Working with The Pain Society of Alberta gives me opportunities to work with some of the most vulnerable in our society. Additionally it creates excellent educational opportunties to share with allied health proffessionals.
Koji Duncan
Certified Orthotist and Prosthetist, Adaptive Technologies
My 'why' is coming!
Susan Conn Conard
Social Worker, Addictions and Mental Health, Alberta Health Services
My 'why' is coming!
Tracy Kwasny
Dietitian, Alberta Health Services
My 'why' is coming!
Drake Mc Cheyne
RN, Alberta Health Services
My 'why' is coming!
Martha Butler
Occupational Therapist, Meaningful Life OT
My 'why' is coming!
Rory McMullin
Physiotherapist Therapist, Alberta Health Services
My 'why' is coming!
Aingeal O'Mahony-Guyn
Physiotherapist Therapist
My 'why' is coming!
May 24, 2024 | 1300 - 1615h
Know Pain Know Gain: Collaborative Care in Chronic Pain
Registration for AHS and Primary Care Network Physicians and Allied Healthcare Providers is funded through the generosity of the South Zone Primary Care Network Committee. Register for free prior to May 21, 2024.
We welcome physicians and healthcare providers from private clinics. Please purchase a ticket from our registration portal.
Who should attend? Any provider treating chronic pain including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, dietitians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists, chiropractors, kinesiologists, and recreational therapists.
Interdisciplinary round table problem solving on complex chronic low back pain
Meet Our Panelists
Penny Kowalchuk
Person with Lived Experience of Pain
Maureen Fowler
More information incoming
Suzanne Buchanan
MN, NP with Blood Tribe Health Corp
Dr Carlos Malpica-Vera
Family Physician
Drake McCheyne
RN, Alberta Health Services
Amanda Sowiak
More information incoming
Jignesh Desai
Pharmacist
Trevor Sakatch
Kinesiologist, Alberta Health Services
Nicole Quinlan
Kinesiologist, Alberta Health Services
Shana Wandler
Recreational Therapist, Alberta Health Services
Koji Duncan
CO(c), MSc (RS), Adaptive Technologies
Julie Swanson
Better Choices, Better Health
May 24, 2024 | 1900 - 2100h
Chronic Pain Connections
Registration is by donation!*
* Thank you for your support to enable us to continue to provide educational opportunities for healthcare providers and people with lived experience. The Pain Society of Alberta is a not-for-profit organization and not a registered charity as specified by the Canada Revenue Agency. As such, no tax receipt will be issued.
If you live with chronic pain, join us for a great opportunity to learn more about the science behind the pain, discuss the many complexities of pain, and resources in your community.
Diane Roylance
PT BSc (Zool), BScPT, FCAMPT, Certified GunnIMS
Diane is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapists and has practiced physiotherapy for 29 years primarily in the areas of orthopedics and complex pain. She is passionate about helping people move whether an elite athlete or a reluctant mover. Diane’s practice areas include private practice and interdisciplinary care. She helps educate other health care providers and students on chronic pain, myofascial pain and fibromyalgia to name a few, through lectures, workshops, curriculum development and in clinic mentorship. Diane loves moving and is happiest when skiing, biking, climbing, swimming, meditating…with her loved ones.
Suzanne Buchanan
MN, NP
Suzanne Buchanan works at the Blood Tribe Department of Health Inc., as the Director of the Lethbridge Wellness Shelter and Stabilization Unit and Manager of Nurse Practitioner Services. She graduated from the University of Alberta, with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and worked as a registered nurse in the emergency room, medical surgical and day surgery areas before going to practice remote outpost nursing in the high Arctic settlement of Arctic Bay Nunavut. She fell in love with northern nursing and had the privilege to travel to many communities in Nunavut before heading closer to home and working in the Northwest Territories. Suzanne completed her Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner in 2023 and decided to focus her nursing practice in southern Alberta with the Blood Tribe Department of Health Inc. When she isn;t working, Suzanne enjoys travelling, writing, film, sports, crafts, cooking, and music. Suzanne feels very fortunate to work with Indigenous populations and she loves to try and learn the language and culture of all peoples through her work and when she travels. With her passion for learning and sharing knowledge, Suzanne aspires to shed light on Indigenous focused health care concepts and seeks to bridge the gap in health inequity and promote well-being for those accessing medical services. Thank-you to all who desire to learn, teach others and carry knowledge.
Penny Kowalchuk
Person with Lived Experience
After working as an executive assistant and in marketing and communications for over a decade, Penny had to stop due to symptoms of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Since then, she has cared for family members with similar conditions and has volunteered as a patient advocate and as South Zone Representative for Help Alberta’s Pain, providing advocacy, support, and education for better treatment of chronic pain.
Dr. Magali Robert
More details incoming
Dr. Robert is a Professor in the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary. She is the Medical Director of the Calgary Chronic Pain Program and the Medical Lead of the Alberta Virtual Pain Program. Magali is the Chair of the Urogynecology and Pelvic Floor Disorders Committee of FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics).
Dr. Flo Slomp
More details incoming
Flo earned her PhD in Medicine from the University of Alberta. She is the Clinical Director of FJS Rehabilitation Consulting, Inc. offering diverse services for people suffering from pain. In 2023 she was a Chronic Pain Mentor for the Alberta College of Family Physicians where she mentored Physicians struggling to find treatment options for their patients with chronic pain. Flo is an Expert Witness in the Provincial Court of the King’s Bench and executes medical-legal opinions as well as provides Injury Lawyer firms with Independent Rehabilitation Consulting on the files of claimants who have sustained injuries in a motor vehicle accident. As a Pain Educator, Flo spearheaded the AHS Provincial Pain Program with a few other colleagues. She is currently the content expert and instructor for MacEwan’s Micro-credential “Experiential Pain Assessment: decoding the pain score”. Flo has extensive rehabilitation experience with various populations integrating the Biopsychosocial-spiritual model of pain within physical rehabilitation. She has also been involved in clinical research projects. She has been a Director with the Pain Society of Alberta for over 6 years. Dipping into her deep well of compassion, empathy and education, Flo works with each person with deep respect for their unique and contextual situation. She simplifies complex neurophysiology in ways each person can understand. Nothing makes her feel more joy than when the people she works with get their life back. Flo loves nature, music and the arts, history and learning. When possible, she loves to travel and immerse herself in the local culture of the people who live there.
Visit Our Resource Booths:
Help Pain AB
Alberta Health Services
Blood Tribe Health Inc.
Thriftway Pharmacy
Adaptive Technologies
Rehab Advice Line
FJS Rehabilitation Consulting, Inc
Alberta Virtual Pain Program
Breakfast and Registration
0730h
Start your day off on the right foot.
Foyer and Main Ballroom
Opening Remarks
0800h
Dr. Kwadwo "Kwajo" Kyeremanteng (Joining Virtually)
How We Innovate and Create Change: Lessons From Solving Healthcare
0815h
+ Diversity as a Catalyst for Change:
+ Understand the pivotal role of diversity in driving innovation and change.
+ Recognize the benefits of varied perspectives in problem-solving.
+ Promoting Outside-the-Box and Integrative Thinking
+ Develop a holistic approach to challenges by integrating diverse ideas.
+ Learn techniques to think beyond traditional boundaries for creative solutions.
+ Embracing Failure as a Learning Opportunity
+ Appreciate the importance of mistakes in the innovation journey.
+ Acquire strategies to analyze and pivot from failures, fostering resilience
Ryan Straschnitzki
The Power of Mindset
0915h
In 2018, Ryan, a member of the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team, was involved in a tragic accident that changed his life forever and left him paralyzed from the chest down.
During his presentation, Ryan will speak about his story of triumph over adversity and his courageous rehabilitation journey, including his management of acute and chronic pain. He will also share his experience about the day-to-day challenges he faces living with a disability and his motivation and strength to overcome them.
Refreshment Break
1015h
Network with our exhibitors and other attendees!
Join us for a Presentation by Grover Law: 'A Personal Injury Lawyer Living with Chronic Pain'
Dr. Michael Knash
Prophylactic Treatment of Migraine
1100h
+ Update current understanding of migraine pathophysiology.
+ Discuss conventional migraine therapeutics.
+ Discuss novel migraine therapeutic options.
Dr. Al-Noor Mawani
Mindfulness and Acceptance Based Interventions for the Management of Chronic Pain
1145h
+ Identify key 5 aspects of mindfulness and acceptance-based practices that can be discussed with individuals experiencing chronic pain.
+ Describe 1 or more key practices that they can use with their patients to enable them to begin or continue their pai management journey.
+ Explain key principles of mindfulness and acceptance-based approaches as applied to the management of chronic pain.
Dr. Elisabeth Saxton
ACT and Mindfulness
1145h
+ Exploring broader theoretical framework and offering suggestions clinicians can use in session to help move clients forward in a way where clients are becoming empowered and independent.
+ Recognize how to challenge clients who are struggling with engagement or follow through using purpose and meaning.
+ Encourage clinicians to be more mindful in their actions and approaches with clients, increasing a client's sense of control and confidence, which ultimately strengthens the relationship between clinician and client as well.
Lunch
1250h
Take a break and nourish yourself! This is a great time to network with our exhibitors and other attendees.
Join us for a presentation by Teva Canada
Dr. Ameya Bopardikar
Interventional Pain Management – Practical Applications and Decision Making for your patients.
1400h
+ Develop an approach to clinically diagnosing chronic back pain.
+ Utilize appropriate guideline-based management to organize interventional pain procedures for patients.
+ Decipher and understand the interventional tools available to manage patients in the community.Breakout Session One: British Columbia Room
Dr. Ivonne Hernandez
Trigeminal Neuropathic Pain
1400h
+ Differentiate trigeminal neuropathy from trigeminal neuralgia.
+ Learn what pharmacology approaches may work best for these conditions.
+ Articulate why a multidisciplinary approach is advised in the management of these conditions.Breakout Session One: Alberta Room
Jennifer King and Bree Rutten
Chronic Pain and Intimacy
1400h
+ Identify client concerns with sexual intimacy in medication, movement, and mind challenges.
+ Provide support to clients who require further education and assistance in sexual intimacy and
chronic pain.
+ Explain the importance of addressing sexual intimacy and chronic pain with clients.Breakout Session One: Turner Valley Room
Kathryn Jamieson-Lega
Pacing for Chronic Pain Management - Trials and Tribulations of Clinical Application
1400h
+ Understand the basic framework and process for applying pacing in the clinical context.
+ Identify individual barriers that can create challenges for effective application of pacing.
+ Explore solutions to overcome barriers.Breakout Session One: Yukon Room
Refreshment Break
1500h
Network with our exhibitors and other attendees!
Dr. Susan Tupper
Practical Tips for Using the 4 P's of Pain Management
1530h
+ Apply resources to engage people living with chronic pain in physical, psychological, and preventive approaches to pain management.
+ Review a patient worksheet to support pain self-management.
+ Discuss a pathway for chronic pain management in primary care settings.Breakout Session Two: British Columbia Room
Dr. Janette Hurley
Case presentation & clinical pearls: An integrative team-based approach to pain management in marginalized communities utilizing a bio-psycho-social-spiritual model
1530h
+ Recognize and integrate the importance of individuals' cultural and ethnic stories in their healing journey.
+ Appreciate the value and importance of a collaborative team-based approach to chronic pain and increasing patient participation in their healing journey.Breakout Session Two: Alberta Room
Dr. Serena Orr
Migraine in Children and Adolescents: Developing an Evidence-based Treatment Plan
1530h
+ Describe the epidemiology and burden of migraine disease among children and adolescents.
+ Formulate a treatment plan for treating attacks of migraine acutely in children and adolescents.
+ Develop a preventive treatment plan for children and adolescents with migraine.Breakout Session Two: Turner Valley Room
Dr. Scott Jarvis
Pericranial Nerve Blocks with Hands-on Instruction
1530h
+ Identify the underlying anatomy of the pericranial nerves.
+ Formulate and refine injection techniques to minimize pain and bleeding.
+ Comprehend the rationale, and learn approaches, for combining nerve blocks and sphenopalatine ganglion blocks with Botox injections.Breakout Session Two: Yukon Room
Conclusion of Conference
1630h
1830h — Cocktails
1900h — Gala Commences
1915h — Dinner
2130h — DancePresident’s Gala
1830h
Please join us at this formal celebratory event for adults only. A cash bar will be available.
The winners of the conference passport will be announced. Winners must be in attendance.
Breakfast and Registration
0730h
Start your day off on the right foot.
All Friday Sessions and Breaks are held in the Foyer and Main Ballroom on the 2nd Floor.
Welcome and Introductions
0815h
Underused, Overused and Misunderstood Chronic Pain Medications or Treatments
Dr. Sam Parmiter, Eric Landry and Dr. Nathan Beahm
0830h
+ Discuss drug therapy treatments for chronic pain that may not be used enough, used too much, or are perhaps not well understood using evidence and anecdote.
+ Identify practical considerations around the usage of select drug therapies used for chronic pain.
+ Defend your decision to use (or not use) drug therapies in the treatment of chronic pain using best available evidence and when evidence is lacking.
Advances in the Assessment of Pain of the Older Adult Living with Dementia
Dr. Thomas Hadjistavropolous (joining virtually)
0945h
+ Familiarize participants with some of the latest advances in the pain assessment of the older adult living with dementia.
+ Formulate a practical approach to the pain assessment of the older adult with dementia.
+ Discuss future directions in the pain assessment of the older adult with dementia (including applications of computer vision technologies).
Refreshment Break
1045h
Network with our exhibitors and other attendees!
Join us for the AbbVie and Migraine Canada Video Presentation.
New Pain Approaches
Dr. John Pereira
1115h
+ To compare and contrast approaches such as grief, acceptance, and palliation with
biopsychosocial rehabilitation for chronic pain.
+ To reconsider the biopsychosocial model as not necessarily leading to a multidisciplinary
approach.
+ To question whether treating patients one at a time makes sense given the prevalence of chronic pain and recent technological advances.
Lunch
1200h
Take a break and nourish yourself! This is a great time to network with our exhibitors and other attendees.
Grover Law, Sponsored Presentation.
The Process of a Personal Injury Lawsuit: How the lawyer and medical practitioner can work together for the benefit of the client/patient.
Steve Grover, Dr. Marc Klasa and Jim Powers
Welcome Back
1315h
Disentangling Chronic Pelvic Pain
Dr. Magali Robert (joining virtually)
1315h
+ Understand that ALL chronic pain is intertwined with pelvic pain.
+ Untangle the complexity of pelvic pain.
+ Develop a simplified assessment to disentangle pelvic pain presentation.
It's Such a Pain That I Can't Sleep
Dr. Atul Khullar
1400h
+ Recognize the interactions of pain and sleep are how they are inconsistent neurological states
+ Review effects of major pain medications on sleep and sleep disorders.
+ Gain an approach to optimizing sleep in patients with chronic pain with a view to not causing oversedation.
+ Integrate that optimal pain control is a foundation for improving sleep concerns in chronic pain patients.
Refreshment Break
1445h
Network with our exhibitors and other attendees!
Join us for the Canada Diagnostic Centres Video Presentation.
Welcome Back
1515h
The Intersection Between Addiction Medicine and Chronic Pain: An Approach to Managing Two Complex Co-Occurring Disorders
Dr. S. Monty Ghosh
1515h
+ Describe how to differentiate between chronic non-cancer pain concerns and opioid addiction.
+ Describe the need for a multidisciplinary approach to both OUD and chronic non-cancer pain.
+ Develop an appreciation for the value of healthy debate in practice.
Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) and Its Effectiveness for People Living with Chronic Low Back Pain
Dr. Peter O’ Sullivan (joining virtually)
1615h
+ Outline the key predictors for the development of chronic low back pain.
+ Identify the three elements of Cognitive Functional Therapy.
+ Recognize the latest evidence for the efficacy of Cognitive Functional Therapy for people with
chronic low back pain.
Conclusion of Day One
1715h
Welcome Reception
1930 - 2130h
In the Foyer, hors-d'oeuvres and cash bar available.
OCTOBER 13TH - 14TH
Our Full Conference Agenda
A WEEKEND FULL OF PAIN EDUCATION
1145h — Dr. Al-Noor Mawani
Mindfulness and Acceptance Based Interventions for the Management of Chronic Pain
1145h — Dr. Elisabeth Saxton
ACT and Mindfulness
1250h — Take a break and nourish yourself! This is a great time to network with our exhibitors and other attendees.
Join us for a presentation by Teva Pharmaceuticals.
Lunch
1400h — Dr. Ameya Bopardikar
British Columbia Room
Interventional Pain Management – Practical Applications and Decision Making for your patients.
1400h — Dr. Ivonne Hernandez
Alberta Room
Trigeminal Neuropathic Pain
1400h — Jennifer King and Bree Rutten
Turner Valley Room
Chronic Pain and Intimacy
What's Happening Next?
Penny Kowalchuk,
Person with Lived Experience of Pain
I love being able to reduce the suffering in people with lived experience. Additionally, I believe in the power of strong communities and Pain AB gathers passionate healthcare professionals in pain management.
Maureen Fowler
More details incoming
My 'why' is coming!
Suzanne Buchanan,
MN, NP with Blood Tribe Health Corp
I am involved with The Pain Society of Alberta so I can provide the patient experience. I have dealt with chronic pain for more than three (3) decades.
Dr Carlos Malpica-Vera
Family Physician
I am involved with The Pain Society of Alberta as part of my evolution in helping improve the lives of those in pain. It is a privilege to be part of such a special group of kind, smart, hard working people.
Amanda Sowiak,
More details incoming
Right out of grad school I worked in an interdisciplinary pain program and saw first hand both the suffering and the success people living with pain can experience. Over my career I have heard how challenging the population is and seen how often they can be written off by professionals. This made me want to work with people living with pain more not less! I got into this work to see people function and thrive, often by helping them reconnect to their purpose. Helping people living with pain find their 'why' IS my 'why'.
Jignesh Desai,
Pharmacist
As a nurse for over 30 years my passion is helping people. As the Pain Society of Alberta is pivotal in educating and supporting people living with pain, my involvement with PainAB allows me to fulfill my passion.
Trevor Sakatch
Kinesiologist, Alberta Health Services
As a chronic pain physician in Alberta, while I continue to advocate for my patients at the bedside, it is imperative that I continue to be a part of the education and management of pain for many others who continue to live with pain. The Pain Society of Alberta enables this outreach, and education amongst pain providers and peopl with lived experience.
Nicole Quinlan
Kinesiologist, Alberta Health Services
I am involved with the Pain Society of Alberta because chronic pain affects so many Canadians. Headache disorders, which are a special interest of mine, affect millions in Canada and are quite disabling for many. Migraine alone affects over 12% of the Canadian population.
Shana Wandler
Recreational Therapist, Alberta Health Services
Working with The Pain Society of Alberta gives me opportunities to work with some of the most vulnerable in our society. Additionally it creates excellent educational opportunties to share with allied health proffessionals.
Koji Duncan
CO(c), MSc (RS), Adaptive Technologies
My 'why' is coming!
Julie Swanson
Better Choices, Better Health
My 'why' is coming!
* Registration for AHS and Primary Care Network Physicians and Allied Healthcare Providers is funded through the generosity of The South Zone Primary Care Network Committee.
Know Pain Know Gain: Collaborative Care
in Chronic Pain
May 24, 2024 | 1300 - 1615h
Who Should Attend
Any health care provider treating chronic pain including Physicians,
Nurses, Pharmacists, Social Workers, Dieticians, Occupational
Therapists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists, Chiropractors,
Kinesiologists, Recreational Therapists.
Tw
Learn, grow, thrive.
Stay informed and up to date on our many educational events.
Bringing together experienced, multidisciplinary speakers to empower you with pain management strategies, treatments and tools in Lethbridge , AB
* Thank you for your support to enable us to continue to provide educational opportunities. The Pain Society of Alberta is a not-for-profit organization and not a registered charity as specified by the Canada Revenue Agency. As such, no tax receipt will be issued.