CAPA 2020 Program

1900 – 2000

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1045 – 1100

Dr. Ann Collins, CMA President

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1100 – 1200 EST

Moderator: Maitry Patel, CCCPA

Panelists: Laura Mae Lindo, M.Ed, PhD, Critic, Anti-Racism New Democratic Party of Ontario; Ohood Elzibak, CCPA, MPAS, BHSc. (PA); Third panelist TBD

Events in recent months have highlighted the pressing need to acknowledge and correct long-standing racism in Canada.  Excellent and equitable healthcare for all depends on embracing diversity and promoting cultural safety.  We must face up to our systemic social challenges by understanding their origins, gaining cultural literacy, and committing to improving conditions in our communities and healthcare systems.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this session the participant will be able to:

1. Acknowledge racism as a systemic social problem in Canada that leads to health inequities for Black, Indigenous & People of Colour (BIPOC) communities;
2. Recognize ingrained and acquired biases that contribute to racism in our communities and healthcare systems;
3. Identify strategies to oppose racism and improve the quality of and access to healthcare for all;
4. Develop a personal plan to act as an effective and supportive ally to BIPOC individuals and groups.

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1200 – 1300

Moderator: Ohood Elzibak, CCPA, MPAS, BHSc. (PA)

Panelists: Anne Dang, CCPA, BHSc. (PA); Sahand Ensafi, CCPA, BHSc. (PA); Maureen Taylor, CCPA, BHSc. (PA)

The PA profession has seen significant growth and development in Canada over the past decade. PAs have been a key topic in healthcare and have been featured in many stories across various media outlets, including major newspapers, academic and institutional communications, hospital and government correspondence and social media platforms. This panel discussion will explore PA representation in the media by examining video, audio, print and online communication that highlights the struggles and victories of PAs over the past decade. Panelists will share insight into past and emerging trends related to PA practice and integration in Canada. They will reflect on the impact of positive and negative news stories on public acceptance and understanding of the PA profession. They will discuss the importance of

continued media representation of PAs to enhance community relations and ultimately propel the profession forward.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to:

1. Examine the top news stories relating to PAs and reflect on how they represent the status of PA integration in Canada over the past decade.
2. Identify barriers to practice for Canadian PAs and explore avenues for advocacy to optimize the growth of the profession and improve community relations.
3. Evaluate positive and negative portrayals of PAs in the media and their impact on the public’s understanding and acceptance of the PA role.

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1200 – 1300 EST

Dianna Wachtel, DHSc, PA-C, CCPA

Historically there has been much confusion and concern surrounding the administration of replacement hormones for peri-menopausal and post-menopausal women. Research shows that approximate 50% of post-menopausal women are affected by decreased sex drive, pain with intercourse, vulvo-vaginal atrophy, and urinary problems. Other articles point out that many women “suffer in silence” because they are uncomfortable or embarrassed to discuss these problems with their providers. It’s time for primary care providers to educate themselves on how best to approach these topics with their female patients before these life-altering changes occur. The timing and scope of the problem will be outlined: timeline, physical symptoms, and physiologic changes; Best communication techniques will be discussed, latest research on symptomatic and systemic treatment will be considered.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to:

1. Compare and contrast the sexual health concerns of peri and post-menopausal women;
2. Determine the best way to open this topic with patients;
3. Outline available treatment options – oral, topical, etc. and contrast rosks/benefits;
4. Discover sources of current literature on women’s sexual health topics.

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1200 – 1300 EST

Kali Braun, PA MPAS (2020); Jared Bullard, MD

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to:

1. Describe the virology of SARS-CoV-2, including its likely viral origins and and key viral mechanisms to better understand therapeutic and diagnostic strategies;
2. Describe the current epidemiology and clinical presentations of COVID-19;
3. Discuss current public health interventions, approved treatments, and vaccine development.

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1300 – 1400

• The Personal Insurance Company
• AT Still University
• Johnson & Johnson
• Merck
• Novartis
• College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta

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1400 – 1600 EST

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to:

1. Recall the progress that the association has made for the organization and PA profession within the past year;
2. Recognize the issues the association and PA profession is currently facing;
3. Identify next steps for sustainability of the association and advancement of the PA.

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1630 – 1730

Michael Boivin, Clinical Pharmacist Consultant, Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and Certified Tobacco Educator (CTE) 

Description

Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death. It affects nearly every organ in the body. Tobacco use in Canada has decreased significantly from historic highs in the 1960’s but have stabilized over the last few years with 15.8% of Canadians 12 years of age and older being a daily or occasional smoker.

Cardiovascular disease and macrovascular complications are the leading cause of death in people with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes guidelines stress the importance of complication risk reduction in patients with diabetes and to not solely focus on glycemic control.

This presentation will focus on cardiovascular risk reduction in patients with type 2 diabetes. It will stress on the importance on smoking cessation to prevent and reduce complication risk in people with diabetes. Practical tips will be shared in how to manage people with type 2 diabetes who use tobacco. It will also review the current recommendations to reduce cardiovascular risk in this large patient population.

Learning Objectives

1. Review the impact of tobacco use in people with prediabetes and diabetes
2. Ensure people with type 2 know their ABCDESSS to reduce their cardiovascular risk
3. Determine effective methods of approaching the topic of smoking cessation in individuals who use tobacco
4. Review the different pharmacotherapy options to improve smoking cessation rates in people with diabetes
5. Discuss the strategies to reduce cardiovascular risk in people with type 2 diabetes

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1630  – 1730

Denise Black, MD, FRCSC

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to:

1. Review the risk of HPV across a woman’s lifespan;

2. Discuss the opportunities and techniques to initiate HPV discussions;

3. Describe the importance of HCP advice on vaccine-preventable diseases;

4. Share the experience on setting processes in the office to make appropriate recommendation for immunization.

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1630 – 1730

Diego Delgado, MD. MSc, FCCS, FACC

Learning Objectives

1.  Discuss the burden of heart failure in Canada;
2.  Review relevant clinical trial results and implications for managing Heart Failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF);
3.  Discuss opportunities to optimize patients with HFrEF to GDMT.

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1045 – 1100

OMA

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1100 – 1200 EST

Mairty Patel, CCPA; Jeremy Heinerich, PA-C and Deaana Lautenbach, CCPA

COVID-19 has impacted every aspect of our lives including how we deliver care to patients. Using telemedicine to treat patients has universally become the norm.  Providers are increasingly using live video, audio, and instant messaging to communicate with their patients remotely. This panel discussion will define the PAs role in delivering virtual care and examine how we can continue to effectively deliver quality care moving forward.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to:

1. Describe the PA role in delivering virtual care;
2. Identify platforms to facilitate virtual care;
3. Recall case examples;
4. Discuss best practices to ensure success for both patient and caregiver.

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1200 – 1300 EST

James Kim, MBBCh, PgDip (Diabetes)

Patients with diabetes mellitus are at an increased risk of not only microvascular complications but also macrovascular complications including heart failure, coronary artery disease, and cerebrovascular events. Recent dedicated cardiovascular outcome trials have indicated increased cardiovascular benefit with certain glucagon-like pepid 1 receptor analogs (GLP-1 RAs) and sodium glucose cotransporter receptor inhibitors (SGLT-2i s), with nuances between specific agents in each class. With the plethora of trial data out there, clinicians would appreciate a simplified approach on which patient would benefit from what medication. We will be discussing a case-based approach to discuss a simplified clinical approach for optimal utilization of these medications.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to:

1. Illustrate the increased risk of cardiovascular complications in patients with diabetes;
2. Discuss the cardiovascular benefit of newer diabetes medications and the clinical relevance;
3. Use a case-based management approach for implementing these medications in clinical practice.

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1200 – 1300 EST

Todd Bryden, CCPA

The basis of this lecture will be to provide information on the diagnosis and differentials for Urinary Tract Infections, Overactive Bladder and Intersitital Cystitis, treatments for these conditions and appropriate time to refer to a urologist. The lecture will use multiple references including the Canadian and American Urological Guidelines to provide clinicians the tools to manage these common conditions with the most up to date information.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to:

1. Recognize and treat uncomplicated and complicated UTIs;
2. Recognize and differentiate between Overactive Bladder and Interstitial Cystitis;
3. Know when emergent versus routine referral to urology is required for UTI/OAB/ICS.

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1300 – 1400

• The Personal Insurance Company
• AT Still University
• Johnson & Johnson
• Merck
• Novartis
• College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta

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1400 – 1500

Nino Parunashvili BScPA, CCPA; Darren J. Holub MD, BSc, FRCPC, FASAM, DABAM, CCSAM

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to:

1. Outline the Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Model;
2. Recall the history and facts about alcoholism;
3. Identify the pathophysiology and diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder;
4. Describe case based treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder.

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1400 – 1500

Authors of the poster presentations will be given fifteen minutes to go over the highlights of their research poster, followed up by questions from attendees.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to:

1. Explain the importance of PA led research
2. Recall current research conducted and identify relevance to PA profession
3. Identify gaps in research

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1400 – 1500 EST

Leslie Nickell, MSW, MD, CCFP; Dr. Kristen Burrows

Background: Physician Assistants (PAs) were introduced in Ontario to improve patient access to care, support delivery of care, and to enhance quality of care. Two Ontario civilian training programs are offered by the University of Toronto and McMaster University, both comprised of a 24-month curriculum of medical sciences and clinical rotations.

Methods: A joint survey was conducted to explore where graduates are working, how prepared they felt for their role, and barriers to working as a PA. At the time of survey release (November 2019), 387 students had graduated from the two programs; 82% of graduates responded to the survey (n=318); 90% are currently working as a PA.

Results: Graduates are employed in primary care/family medicine (27%), surgery/ subspecialties (25%), medicine/subspecialties (23%), and emergency medicine(12%); 74% work in an urban setting, 22% work in rural/underserved regions, and 3% have left the Province. Respondents feel well prepared for their role in patient education, moderately prepared for teaching and leadership, and less prepared to conduct research. 97% of PAs consider themselves part of an interprofessional team (working with two or more health professionals). Barriers to working to full potential as a PA included inadequate funding (74%), role misunderstanding (70%), role resistance from other health care providers (67%) and hospital policies (65%).

Discussion & Conclusion: Ontario University PA graduates provide a wide range of patient care and contribute to medical teaching, mentorship and quality improvement initiatives. PA training programs produce skilled and flexible healthcare professionals that can improve access to care and extend physician services.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to:

1. Learn about where Ontario civilian PA program graduates are working, what they are doing, and their perceptions about how well their PA program prepared them for their current role;
2. Understand how alumni and graduate data are used to inform curriculum design, to support and identify priority issues for PA advocacy within the health care system, and to ensure ongoing quality improvement of PA education programs;
3. Appreciate how PA education programs help shape the expansion of the physician assistant profession across Canada.

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1500 – 1600 EST

Dr. Adrian S. Banning; Stephen Wolfe

Sleep is critically important to physical and mental health as well as job performance, making it a topic all PAs and PA students should be familiar with. An unspoken ideological assumption is that practicing medicine sometimes requires large sacrifices to personal well-being and sleep, especially in shift work. This interactive presentation will lead the audience through several important sleep-related topics, with adult learning principles in mind, including i.) the neurophysiology of sleep and common myth versus facts related to sleep, ii.) a summary of research supporting the relationship between sleep and performance and finally, iii.) suggestions for improved sleep hygiene. While hard work and commitment to our patients and roles are necessary, research demonstrates that lack of sleep harms individuals, clinical, and academic performance making this presentation relevant to all conference attendees.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to:

1. Describe the basic neurology of sleep and sleep patterns;
2. Correlate sleep quality, health, performance, and clinical decision-making;
3. Assess sleep hygiene strategies.

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1500 – 1600 EST

Andrew Herber, PA-C, Mayo Clinic

The following presentation is a fast paced, cased based, high energy presentation on the multiple etiologies of anemia.  Lecture reviews acute, chronic, micro, macro, and hemolytic anemias.  Audience will work through cases and interpret findings to determine likely etiology of anemia and best treatment.   Lecture will also discuss evidence based guidelines regarding transfusion practices as well as impact of hospital acquired anemia on patient outcomes.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to:

1. Recognize common laboratory findings associated with different types of anemia;
2. Recall workup of anemia;
3. Review evidence based guidelines on transfusions;
4. Describe impact of hospital acquired anemia on patient outcomes.

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1500 – 1600 EST

Kate Straughton; Ciara Melia

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to:

1. Identify countries in Europe where the PA model has been introduced and give an oversight of the development across Europe;
2. Provide an update on the Physician Associate profession in the UK and Republic of Ireland;
3. Discuss challenges faced by these countries in progressing the development of the PA profession.

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1600 – 1700 EST

Ruth Ballweg, MPA, PA-C Emeritus; David Kuhns MPH, PA-C

Continuing on from prior presentations on this topic, David Kuhns and Ruth Ballweg will provide the most currently available information on PA developments globally. As compared to prior reports, this session will provide new and unique information on leadership characteristics, strategic decisions and relationships with physician/surgeon groups that have led to success.  The presentation will also identify barriers to PA development created by individuals, organizations and professional groups and recommend strategies for management of resistance.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to:

1. Identify and consider the countries who have most recently entered PA development activities. Describe their motives, models of care and long-term plans for PAs;
2. Describe the proposed strategies in each of these countries to increase access to care, remediate predicted physician shortages and deliver cost-effective care;
3. Apply these learnings to the Canadian setting—and consider what is needed to “activate” interest in PA development in the Canadian provinces where PAs are not currently recognized.

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1600 – 1700 EST

Carmen Konzelman & Aurthi Muthukumaran

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to:

1. Discuss didactic year at each civilian PA program;
2. Identify survival tips & useful resources for 1st year;
3. Develop strategies on how to prepare for clinical year;
4. Participate in a Q&A discussion for additional topics.

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1100 – 1300 EST

Dr. Eugene Yu

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to:

1. Describe the basics of Brain anatomy;
2. Identify techniques used in neuroimaging;
3. Develop an approach using CT of the brain;
4. Recall case based important scenarios including basic principles and concepts;
5. Interactive and didactic.

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1100 – 1300 EST

John Bielinski, CME4Life

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1100 – 1300 and 1400 – 1600 EST

Maitry Patel, CCPA; Anne Dang, CCPA

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to:

1. Learn about the purpose, structure and content of creating PA-specific resumes and cover letters;

2. Recognize and use skills that will have a high impact on potential employers;

3. Hands on resume and cover letter practice.

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1300 – 1400

• The Personal Insurance Company
• AT Still University
• Johnson & Johnson
• Merck
• Novartis
• College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta

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1400 – 1600 EST

Stephen Kapuvari CCPA: Alayna Weigel, CCPA

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to:

1. Describe physics and technology of CXR;
2. Provide a quick overview of PACS tips and tricks;
3. Identify anatomy visible in a CXR;
4. Outline CXR quality critique;
5. Explain approach to CXR;
6. Assess common pathology seen via CXR;
7. Identify and assess catheter and lines;
8. Recall cases.

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1400 – 1600 EST

John Bielinski, CME4Life

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