APPNA Canada Meeting 2024

APPNA Canada Meeting

Hosted by APPNA Alberta Chapter
Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel,
1316 33 Street NE, Calgary, Alberta T2A 6B6 Canada

Click here to register now for the event

Ticket sales end at midnight on Wednesday, August 14^th, 2024

Click here to book your room at the hotel

Hotel Reservation Instructions:
Use the link to book for August 16th and 17th. For other dates, call 1.403.248.8888 or 1.800.661.1464, or email [email protected]. Enjoy a subsidized rate of $149 CAD/night for up to 3 days before or after the event. Quote Group Name: Association of Physicians of Pakistan or Block ID: 310708.
Click here for booking instructions.

Conference Program

CME Session

7:30 Breakfast
7:55 Welcome
8:00 – 8:30 Interpreting Abnormal Liver Function Tests
Dr. Carla Coffin
● Understanding Liver Function Tests (LFTs): Indications and Interpretations
● Differential Diagnosis of Abnormal LFTs
● Practical Approach to Management and Further Investigations
● Learning Points: Participants will learn to interpret liver function tests effectively, identify common abnormalities, and outline appropriate steps for further evaluation and management.

8:30 – 9:00 Women’s Health: Menopause and Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding
Dr. Jaelene Mannerfeldt
● Menopause: Physiology, Symptoms, and Management Options
● Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding: Evaluation and Treatment Strategies
● Hormone Replacement Therapy: Benefits, Risks, and Patient Counseling
● Learning Points: Attendees will understand the physiological changes during menopause, recognize symptoms of dysfunctional uterine bleeding, and discuss various treatment options including hormone replacement therapy.

9:00 – 9:30 Rheumatology Update: Inflammatory Arthritis vs Fibromyalgia
Dr. Uzma Erum
● Distinguishing Between Inflammatory Arthritis and Fibromyalgia
● Diagnostic Criteria and Tools for Assessment
● Multimodal Treatment Approaches and Long-term Management
● Learning Points: Participants will differentiate between inflammatory arthritis and fibromyalgia, apply diagnostic criteria effectively, and implement appropriate multimodal treatment strategies.

9:30 – 10:00 Q & A session

10:00 -10:20 Coffee break

10: 20 – 10:40 Hypertension Management: Choosing the Right Antihypertensives: SGLT2 inhibitor & Cardiovascular Outcome
Dr. Umair Sajid
● Current Guidelines for Hypertension Management
● Personalized Approach to Antihypertensive Selection
● Role of SGLT2 Inhibitors in Cardiovascular Risk Reduction
● Learning Points: Attendees will be able to implement updated hypertension management guidelines, evaluate the role of SGLT2 inhibitors in reducing cardiovascular risk, and discuss appropriate pharmacological interventions

10:40 – 11:10 Psychiatry in the Community: Diagnosis and Management of Depression and Bipolar Disorder
Dr. Ahmed Jamal Janjua
● Identifying Depression and Bipolar Disorder in Primary Care Settings
● Pharmacotherapy and Psychotherapy Options
● Collaborative Care Models and Referral Strategies
● Learning Points: Participants will identify symptoms of depression and bipolar disorder in primary care settings, discuss pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy options, and develop collaborative care plans with appropriate referral strategies.

11:10 – 11:40 Chronic Pain Management: Opioid Prescribing and De-prescribing
Dr. Yasmin Majeed
● Risk Assessment and Patient Selection for Opioid Therapy
● Opioid Tapering Strategies and Alternative Pain Management Techniques
● Addressing Patient Concerns and Managing Withdrawal Symptoms
● Learning Points: Attendees will assess risks associated with opioid therapy, develop patient-specific opioid tapering strategies, explore alternative pain management techniques, and address patient concerns related to opioid de-prescribing.

11:40 – 12:10 Q & A

12: 10 – 12:40 Lunch

12: 40 – 1:10 Obesity Management: Pharmacotherapy with GLP1 Agonists and Stimulant Medication
Dr. Norman Wong
● Understanding the Complexities of Obesity: Etiology and Health Implications
● Behavioral Interventions and Lifestyle Modifications
● Pharmacotherapy use of GLP1 and stimulant medications.
● Learning Points: Participants will comprehend the multifactorial nature of obesity, discuss behavioral interventions and lifestyle modifications, and evaluate the role of pharmacotherapy including GLP1 agonists and stimulant medication in obesity management.

1:10 – 1:40 Pediatric Asthma, Common Rashes, and Eczema Management
Dr. Syeda Abbas
● Pediatric Asthma: Assessment, Treatment, and Monitoring
● Common Rashes in Pediatric Patients: Identification and Management
● Eczema in Children: Diagnosis and Management Strategies
● Learning Points: Attendees will assess and manage pediatric asthma effectively, recognize common rashes in pediatric patients, and implement appropriate diagnosis and management strategies for childhood eczema.

1: 40- 2:00 Coffee Break

2:00 – 2:30 Physician Well-being: Nurturing Resilience and Preventing Burnout
Dr. Yvonne Kangong
● Recognizing Signs of Burnout and Compassion Fatigue
● Self-care Strategies for Physicians: Mindfulness, Work-Life Balance, and Peer Support
● Organizational Approaches to Promote Physician Well-being
● Learning Points: Participants will identify signs of burnout and compassion fatigue, implement self-care strategies to enhance well-being, and explore organizational approaches to promote physician resilience and prevent burnout.

2:30 – 3:00 Q & A Conclusion

Registration

Vision & Mission

Vision

The vision of the Society shall be to become the premier organization of physicians of Pakistani descent in Alberta, Canada; one which best promotes and serves healthcare, educational, social, and charitable initiatives

Mission

The mission of the Society shall be to maintain a professional, non-political, equal-opportunity, organization, promoting excellence in healthcare, research, education, social justice, and humanitarian activities. The Society shall facilitate the transfer of healthcare expertise and resources to deserving communities. The Society shall also provide advocacy, cater to cultural and social needs, and act as a vehicle for charitable projects, all the while nurturing young physicians.

Conference Presenters

Meet Our Conference Presenters

Dr. Carla Coffin MD, MSC, FRCPC Consultant Hepatlogist
Dr. Carla Coffin is a Professor of Medicine at the Snyder Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, and serves as the Medical Director of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatologist Viral Hepatitis Clinic. Her clinical and translational research program focuses on hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, including clinical trials and pre-clinical research utilizing the woodchuck hepatitis virus model. Dr. Coffin earned her MSc, studying HBV using the woodchuck model under Professor Thomas I. Michalak, and her MD from Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador. She completed her training in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology at the University of Calgary and pursued an American Association for the Study of Liver Disease Hepatology Fellowship with Professor Norah A. Terrault at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Coffin is currently the President of the Canadian Association for the Study of the Liver (2024-2026) and has led the formation of the Canadian Hepatitis B research network. She has also contributed to several international expert panels and advisory boards on hepatitis B antiviral drug development.

Dr. Uzma Erum MD, FRCPC Consultant Rheumatologist
Dr. Uzma Erum is a Clinical Assistant Professor in Rheumatology at the University of Calgary. She holds dual certifications in Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, obtained through rigorous training at the University of Calgary and the Aga Khan University in Karachi, Pakistan. Dr. Erum is not only a distinguished clinician but also a dedicated medical educator, actively participating in student teaching activities and contributing to the Canadian Rheumatology Association by leading summer student teaching programs and clinical rotations.

Dr. Umair Sajid MD Consultant Internal Medicine and Endocrinology
Dr. Umair Sajid is an Endocrinologist and General Internist based in downtown Calgary. After completing his undergraduate degree at the University of Calgary, he pursued his medical degree at the University of Alberta and an Internal Medicine residency at the University of Manitoba. He returned to Calgary for an Endocrinology fellowship and now serves as a general endocrinologist and diabetes in pregnancy specialist. Dr. Sajid’s practice focuses on adrenal, pituitary, and thyroid disorders, alongside diabetes and other hormonal imbalances. He is also involved in medical education at the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine.

Dr. Ahmed Janjua MD Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr. Ahmed Janjua graduated from Rawalpindi Medical College in Pakistan and completed his Psychiatry residency at the University of Toledo, USA. He is the current president of the NW Ohio Psychiatric Association and an active member of the American Medical Association and the Ohio Medical Association. Dr. Janjua has served as an adjunct teaching faculty member at the University of Toledo Medical Center and is involved in Psychiatry training for medical students and residents. He works primarily in high-acuity psychiatry hospitals and an outpatient community clinic, and has held administrative roles in large medical organizations such as Promedica.

Dr. Yasmin Majeed MD Consultant Pain Medicine
Dr. Yasmin Majeed, the Chair and founder of CGC, graduated from Dow Medical College in Pakistan. She completed her Family Medicine training at the University of Calgary and later gained competency in Elderly Care and Chronic Pain. She is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Calgary and works at the Calgary Pain Clinic. Dr. Majeed has led CGC from its inception to its current status as an established NGO in healthcare outreach.

Dr. Yvonne Kangong MD Family Medicine
Dr. Yvonne Kangong is a Family Doctor renowned for her contributions to medicine, community service, and personal wellness coaching. She received her medical education from Spartan Health Sciences University School of Medicine and completed her residency at the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine. Dr. Kangong holds diplomate status with the American Board of Obesity Medicine and a Master’s degree in Public Health. She is a clinical lecturer at the Cumming School of Medicine, a board member for various organizations, and the founder of Breakers Health. Dr. Kangong also co-owns KFS Rx Meals and is an accomplished author.

Dr. Jaelene Mannerfeldt MD Consultant Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dr. Jaelene Mannerfeldt completed her medical school and residency in Family Medicine at the University of Calgary, with an additional year in Women’s Health. She became an Obstetrician/Gynecologist (OBGYN) and further specialized in Paediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. Dr. Mannerfeldt practices at Rockyview General Hospital, Alberta Children’s Hospital, and provides support to High River Hospital. She has extensive experience working in various countries and has significantly contributed to the development of Family Medicine in Laos. Dr. Mannerfeldt is the Director of Resident Affairs and Physician Wellness for Post Graduate Medical Education at the Cumming School of Medicine.

Dr. Syeda Abbas MD, FRCPC Consultant Pediatrician
Dr. Syeda Abbas completed her pediatric residency at the Alberta Children’s Hospital in 2019 and is a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. She is a Clinical Lecturer at the University of Calgary and a Hospital Pediatrician at Peter Lougheed Centre, dealing with inpatients and newborn care. Dr. Abbas also works with children with complex medical needs.

Dr. Norman Wong MD Professor of Medicine & Consultant Endocrinology
Dr. Norman Wong is an endocrinologist and Professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, at the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary. He completed his MD at the University of Calgary and an Endocrinology fellowship at the University of Minnesota. His research focuses on the role of proteins that modify cellular epigenetics through their interaction with histones. Dr. Wong’s clinical interests include familial hypercholesterolemia, thyroid disease, and diabetes mellitus treatment.

Exhibitors

2024 Appna Exhibitors
PLATINUM TIER

BRONZE TIER

Become an Exhibitor

Click here for Exhibitor Package

As one of our exhibitors, you will have the opportunity to engage and network with our participants, provide new research updates, and information about your products and services. Most importantly, your commitment and support will allow us to achieve better patient outcomes by empowering healthcare providers with:

Resources to grow, enhance their clinical practice and reduce barriers to change.
New knowledge to make informed decisions based on evidence-informed treatments to achieve better patient outcomes and well being.

Your organization will benefit from this engagement among the most interested and committed group of practitioners on the frontlines in Canada.