Inspired by the lived experience of a patient who will share their story in person at this year’s conference, the program invites participants to explore the complex intersections of mental health, pain, and substance use across the lifespan.
Bringing together health professionals from diverse clinical settings, this conference offers an opportunity to deepen understanding, challenge assumptions, and consider how patients’ experiences of care are shaped by the complex realities of their lives. Through evidence-informed learning, shared perspectives, and compassionate dialogue, participants will explore approaches that support more effective, integrated care for people experiencing pain and substance use concerns.
Join us to learn, reflect, and strengthen the ways we understand and respond to pain and addiction across the lifespan.
Friday, November 6, 2026
AGENDA
7:30am – 8:00am | Registration & Continental Breakfast
8:00am – 8:15am | Opening Remarks
8:15am – 8:45am | One Person’s Story, Shared Learning for All – Danielle George
8:45am – 9:45am | Medical Trauma and Its Impact on Care – Dr. Gillian Potter & Dr. Nicolle Vincent
9:45am – 10:00am | BREAK
10:00am – 11:00am | Interdisciplinary Models to Pain Care – Dr. Reza Mehrpooya and team
11:00am – 12:00pm | Pain in Adolescence – Dr. Allen Finley
12:00pm – 1:00pm | LUNCH
1:00pm – 2:00pm | Substance Use in Adolescence – Dr. Selene Etches & Jeffrey Thoms
2:00pm – 3:00pm | Caring for the Whole Person with Endometriosis: A Multi-disciplinary Approach to Care – Amy Yorke
3:00pm – 3:15pm | BREAK
3:15pm – 4:15pm | Safe Supply and Other Practical Alternatives – Dr. Mike Gniewek & Landon “Morty” Morton
4:15pm – 5:00pm | Reflections: A Panel Discussion on Rethinking Patient Management
5:00pm – 5:15pm | Closing
Saturday, November 7, 2026
AGENDA
8:30am – 9:30am | Leaning into Stress: A Meditation Workshop – Dr. Sam Hickcox
9:30am – 12:00pm | CBTi Workshop – Dr. Josh Rash
Only 40 seats available for this date.
Learning Objectives
After attending the conference, participants will be able to:
- Identify the progressive impact of medical trauma.
- Explore strategies to foster patients’ self-efficacy.
- Demonstrate the ability to integrate pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic approaches early in patient care.
- Explore patients’ identification with illness as it relates to evolving health throughout the lifespan.
Accreditation
This activity has been certified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada and the Nova Scotia Chapter for up to 10.5 Mainpro+ Certified Activity credits.