Breakfast 0745 – 0800 |
A Fast Trip Around the World Highlighting PA Expansion 0800 – 0850 Ruth Ballwag, MPA, PA-C Emeritus, DFAAPA; David Kuhns, MPH, CCPA, PA-C, Consultant on International Development of the Physician Assistant/Associate (PA) Education and Clinical Roles PAs involved in the International Development of PAs will update attendees on the most recent developments for PAs globally. In addition to reviewing the history and priorities of specific countries as they “Adapt” the flexible PA role and educational training model to their unique needs, the presenters will also discuss new and promising developments in the United Kingdom, India, Israel, the Republic of Ireland and Australia/New Zealand. Learning Objectives At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to: 1. Recognize and describe the complexities of creating a new career in the health workforce by comparing the experience of Canada—with multiple levels in a federated governance structure—to the experience in The Netherlands, a geographically small country with a single governmental structure 2. Recall of the long history of the PA concept in multiple countries including Sub-Saharan Africa beginning in the 1970’s as a side effect of revolutions which drove doctors (both ex-pats and citizens) out of Africa 3. With respect to the creation of innovative workforce models—such as PAs—be able to describe and discuss common barriers, facilitating factors and opportunities as the career moves forward toward full development |
CPAEA Round-Table Discussion: Ongoing Research 0800 – 0850 Facilitator: Ian W Jones, MPAS, PA-C, CCPA, DFAAPA Learning Objectives After participating in this round table discussion, the PA will: 1. Improve their understanding of current issues within PA research. 2. Develop problem-solving and team building strategies supporting PA research. 3. Learn where to develop a range of information and research skills enabling clinical environment quality assurance. |
Quality Improvement initiatives for Physician Assistants 0800 – 0850 Saira Rashid, CCPA Quality Improvement is crucial for all healthcare providers including Physician Assistants to ensure that we continue to escalate standards of patient care. As relatively new healthcare professionals in Canada, PAs can play a vital role in improving patient care, healthcare organizations’ efficiency and in reducing medical errors/wastes. Furthermore no workplace is perfect hence having an approach to solving work-related problems from a QI perspective can be fruitful at many levels. In this session, PAs will be inspired to conduct quality improvement projects in their workplace. Through a small-group based interactive session, PAs will be able to identify QI opportunities in their work environment and will establish an approach at QI projects. Learning Objectives At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to: 1. Define Quality Improvement (QI) 2. Recognize why QI is important for PAs 3. Identify a simple approach to QI projects for PA students and practicing PAs 4. Discuss examples of successful PA-led QI projects |
Housekeeping and Speaker Introduction 0900 – 0905 |
Poster Presentations 0905 – 1030 Authors of the poster presentations will be given five 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 |
Opioid Use Disorder: Diagnosis and Treatment 1040 – 1130 Nino Parunashvili CCPA; Darren J. Holub, MD, Halton RAAM Clinic Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) has often been stigmatized as a bad choice or moral weakness. We intend to demonstrate evidence of addiction as a chronic relapsing and remitting disease. A primary aim of this talk is to familiarize the audience with OUD and current treatment options available in Ontario. Further, we will discuss aspects of Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT), including advantages and disadvantages, along with details regarding the individual medications (methadone and buprenorphine/naloxone). This presentation will also review general objective and subjective approach to OUD patients, as well as the signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal and toxicity. OUD not only greatly affects the individuals who suffer from it, but has devastating effects on families, healthcare systems, and society as a whole. With increasing demand, greater numbers of primary care practitioners are involved in OAT provision. As a result, it is crucial for PAs to be able to recognize, evaluate, refer, and establish treatment plans for patients with Opioid Use Disorder. PAs are comfortable with the management of most chronic conditions, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, thyroid disease etc., however, Substance Use Disorder, despite being a common chronic condition, remains an area that requires greater understanding among health care providers. Learning Objectives At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to: 1. Explain what opioids are; a brief history 2. Recognize signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal and toxicity 3. Demonstrate Opioid Use Disorder as a chronic condition, breaking the stigma 4. Diagnose Opioid Use Disorder (DSM-5) 5. Outline the effects of Opioid Use Disorder on individuals and society 6. Review Opioid Agonist Therapy: basics of methadone and buprenorphine treatment |
Together We Are Stronger: Building Capacity for PA Leadership 1040 – 1130 Facilitator: Leslie St. Jacques, CCPA, University Health Network – Krembil Brain Institute; Panelists: Anne Dang, BHSc (PA), BHSc. (Hons), CCPA; Dee Naidu, CCPA, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Anna D’Angela, MBA, PA student class of 2021; Sahand Ensafi, CCPA, University of Toronto; Kirsten Luomala, CCPA, University of Alberta Hospital; Deniece O’Leary, MPAS, PA-C, University of Toronto. Physician Assistants in Canada have built a strong foundation for the profession, and point the way forward to future work to be done. PAs demonstrate our clinical skills on a daily basis in our workplaces and frequently take on leadership roles in that context. Within our clinical areas and in offices of governance, we have created new paths for PAs, and built the structures for PA governance and education in Canada. Building leadership skills amongst our members will ensure that PAs will have the ability to speak for our profession and to chart its course into the future. This panel discussion will explore: • Building capacity for leadership among PAs • Qualities of leadership • How to get started in leadership roles • Mentors and supports and how to find them • Preparing for leadership roles in health care organizations, research, education, government and advocacy Learning Objectives At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to: 1. Recognize qualities required for leadership 2. Identify pathways to develop leadership skills – clinical, administrative, education, research and other (entrepreneurship, industry, consulting, volunteering) 3. Recognize oneself as a potential leader 4. Recognize the role of mentors and learn strategies to develop supportive relationships |
Workshop: How to Initiate Insulin 1040 – 1250 Priya Narula, CCPA, LMC Diabetes & Endocrinology Learning Objectives At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to: 1. Effectively introduce the start of basal insulin to patients 2. Review the steps on how to initiate basal insulin to patients 3. Discuss hypoglycemia, basal insulin dosing and how to empower patients to titrate |
Networking Lunch 1130 – 1200 |
Rashes to Recognize in Primary Care 1200 – 1250 Nino Parunashvili, CCPA; Dr. Peter Tzakas Rashes that are drastically different in the eyes of dermatologists look all too similar to other medical professionals. This is because the majority of dermatological conditions look similar and may have varying overlapping stages. To avoid unnecessary biopsies, excisions, and other costly and invasive procedures it is essential to recognize common and dangerous dermatological conditions. Some of the key differentiators for these conditions will be reviewed in a clinical contest with considerations of age, presenting symptom, and visual illustrations. Brief pathophysiology, diagnostic, and treatment options for each condition will be covered. Intro to dermatology: skin anatomy, skin function, basic dermatological terminology, medical history intake principles in dermatology. Common skin lesions: Cellulitis, Impetigo, Keloid, Folliculitis, Herpes Zoster, Pytireasis rosea, HSP, Roseola, Scarlet Fever, Candideal Intertrigo, HFMD, Kawasaki disease, Erythema infectiosum, Folliculitis, Molluscum contagiosum. Rashes that may be dangerous: meningococcemia, necrotizing fasciitis, toxic epidermal necrolysis, Steven- Johnson syndrome, Toxic shock syndrome, pemphigus vulgaris, anaphylaxis, Kawasaki’s Disease, Erysipelas, Rocky Mountain Spotted fever, endocarditis, burns, skin malignancy (SCC/ BCC). Learning Objectives At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to: 1. Review skin anatomy, function, and basic dermatological terminology 2. Recognize common dermatological conditions 3. Recognize dermatological conditions that are dangerous 4. Identify diagnostic and treatment options for those conditions |
Eye Pain What not to miss? 1200 – 1250 Sahand Ensafi, CCPA, Assistant Clinical Professor, University of Toronto It’s a busy shift and the next patient waiting to be seen is screaming in agony as a result of eye pain. You haven’t brushed up on your ophthalmology skills in a long time and think twice about picking up the chart. This talk will provide you with some helpful tips and tricks to guide you in your assessment of painful eye conditions. Learning Objectives At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to: 1. Identify painful eye conditions that can cause significant morbidity if not diagnosed/managed appropriately 2. Assess painful eye conditions 3. Increase familiarity with the management of painful eye conditions |
Medical Education and Physician Assistants: A Global Collaboration 1300 – 1350 Marie Meckel, BA, BS, MS(PA), MPH, PA-C, Assistant Professor, Bay Path University; Kristen Burrows, BSc, BHSc(PA), MSc, CCPA), Assistant Clinical Professor (Adjunct), McMaster University This presentation will highlight a project initiated in 2018 to bolster the profession globally and to establish a global database on PA education. Data collection, analysis, and evaluation of worldwide educational methodologies was collated from Canada, India, Israel, South Africa, Botswana, Australia, the Republic of Southern Sudan, UK, and the USA. Real-time data is being collected using an online survey template developed by the initial working group, and allows for additional recruitment of other countries as they are identified. It is anticipated that the findings from this project will help establish a database to understand where PAs have been integrated to support the delivery of healthcare worldwide, and to examine the various approaches to PA education. In addition, the findings from this project will support policy change and incentivize financial support for worldwide PA educator and practitioner exchange programs. Collaborating, collecting data and sharing best practices will allow us to bolster our profession and enhance our contributions to solving healthcare issues that exist globally. Learning Objectives At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to: 1. Summarize the global impact of physician assistants in delivering healthcare 2. Identify various approaches to PA education and training pathways in other countries 3. Recognize the importance of global collaboration with PA educators and clinicians |
Practicing Medicine Across Canada and Abroad: PA’s in the Canadian Armed Forces 1300 – 1350 Major Stuart Russelle MMM, CD, MPAS, CCPA The Canadian Armed Forces exists within a federal jurisdiction as such the laws that regulate health care in the Provinces do not apply. This provides a unique opportunity for Physician Assistants to work broadly across the Canadian countryside even when provincial regulation is not well established. The CAF understands the importance on effective regulation of PAs to ensure the care they provide to military members is effective and safe, as military PAs practice in a myriad of environments. As Physician Assistants have rapidly evolved in Canada, so too has the profession evolved in the CAF. These promising next steps offer a new career landscape to practicing medicine as a Physician Assistant. Learning Objectives At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to: 1. Describe practicing medicine in the Federal jurisdiction 2. Compare and contrast Professional Regulation of PAs in the CAF 3. Diversity, Diversity, Diversity! Describe the diversity the CAF has to offer 4. Articulate PA Evolution in the CAF and describe The Next Steps |
Workshop: Ultrasound Guided Central Line and Arterial/Venous Line Placement 1300 – 1450 David A. Smith, MPAS, PA-C, Assistant Professor, Salus University; Adam Moore, PA-C, AT-C Central venous access devices (CVADs) and arterial line placement are commonly used in the inpatient and outpatient settings. Physician assistants must understand CVADs and arterial line indications, intended uses, functional lifespans, complications, and indications for removal. This workshop will instruct the participant on how to place a central and arterial line using ultrasound guidance. The workshop will also allow each participant to conduct each procedure on state of the art simulation manikins specifically designed for ultrasound insertion. Learning Objectives At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to: 1. Recognize the indications and contraindications for central and arterial line placement 2. Apply basic concepts of ultrasound training to locate arterial and venous vasculature 3. Via ultrasound with the use of manikins properly demonstrate arterial and venous line placement |
HPB Surgery: What is it and how does it affect my practice? 1400 – 1450 Julie Krista Slavinski, CCPA HPB (hepato-pancreatic biliary) surgery is a subspecialty of General Surgery involving the surgical management of cancers of the pancreas, liver, and bile ducts, bile duct injuries, and other pathologies of the HPB region. The surgeries performed are complex and often necessitate prolonged hospital admissions to manage the immediate postoperative period and any complications that can develop. Most Physician Assistant’s experience with HPB surgery will be confined to the initial presentation of patients at time of diagnosis or in the management of any postoperative complications once the patient has been discharged from hospital. This presentation will provide several case studies to illustrate pathologies managed by an HPB service. It will briefly explain the surgeries involved in their management. The postoperative complications and how they are managed as an outpatient will then be discussed in greater detail. After the presentation, the PA should be able to understand the diagnosis and referral of HPB pathologies. They will be able to have informed discussions with their patients about HPB surgeries, the repercussions of HP surgeries, and be comfortable with managing some of the complications. Learning Objectives At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to: 1. Identify the pathologies managed by an HPB surgical practice and how they present 2. Identify common complications of HPB surgery and how to manage them in an outpatient setting 3. Communicate to their patient population management details of HPB pathologies |
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