Whole Life, Whole Care: Addressing Pain and Addiction Across the Lifespan Conference

This conference brings together health professionals to deepen understanding of pain and addiction across the lifespan and the complex factors that shape patient experiences of care. It highlights approaches that support more effective, evidence-informed, compassionate, and integrated practice in addressing pain and addiction in diverse clinical settings.

For details, please contact atlantic.mentorshipnetwork@nshealth.ca

Friday, November 6, 2026

AGENDA

8:00am – 8:30am | Registration & Continental Breakfast

8:30am – 8:45am | Opening Remarks

8:45am – 9:45am | Medical Trauma and Its Impact on Care – Dr. Gillian Potter & Dr. Nicolle Vincent

9:45am – 10:45am | Interdisciplinary Models to Pain Care – Dr. Reza Mehrpooya and team

10:45am – 11:00am | BREAK

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.