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Speakers
April 17, 2026
THE PROGRAM
Beyond Pain: Embracing Compassion and Trauma-Informed Care
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7:45 am remove 8:30 am
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Registration & Continental Breakfast
Welcome
Fiona Dalton 
PJ Matras 
Dr. Vishal Varshney 8:45 am remove 9:00 am
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Honourable Josie Osborne, Minister of Health, Legislative Assembly of British Columbia 9:00 am remove 9:40 am
keyboard_arrow_downOpening Keynote
Richard Peter Beyond Barriers: A Journey of Resilience, Leadership and Reconciliation
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keyboard_arrow_downConcurrent workshops (Morning - 9:45 AM) choose one
Dr. Michael Jew Ice, Ice, Therapy: Cryoneurolysis in Acute Pain Management
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Susan Reid-Schellinck From Surviving to Thriving: a Clinician's Framework for Trauma Recovery
9:45 am remove 10:25 am
keyboard_arrow_downConcurrent workshops (Morning - 9:45 AM) choose one
Julia Ott 
Melanie McDonald 
Dr. Heather Fulton Panel Discussion: Words, Actions, Impact: Bringing Trauma-Informed Care to Life. Moderated by Tori Etheridge
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Break
Visit sponsor booths and showcase presentations
10:50 pm remove 11:30 pm
keyboard_arrow_downTrauma and pain: An intergenerational problem with structural solutions
Dr. Melanie Noel Community or Hospital: Finding the Best Place for Pain Care (Debate)
Dr. Kshitij Chawla 
Dr. Garry Palak 12:10 pm remove 1:00 pm
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Lunch Break (food and beverages included)
Visit sponsor booths and showcase presentations
12:00 pm remove 1:00 pm
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Lunch Break
Visit sponsor booths and showcase presentations
1:00 pm remove 1:40 pm
keyboard_arrow_downNeurodivergence, chronic pain, and hypermobility: is there a link?
Dr. Amy Pearson 1:45 pm remove 2:25 pm
keyboard_arrow_downA Pain in the Face
Dr. Christopher Honey 2:30 pm remove 3:10 pm
keyboard_arrow_downConcurrent Workshops (Afternoon) – choose one
Dr. Devon Christie From Trauma to Transformation: Rethinking Chronic Pain Through the Lens of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
2:30 pm remove 3:10 pm
keyboard_arrow_downConcurrent Workshops (Afternoon) – choose one
Sarah Hearne 
Sarah Buddingh Smith 2:30 pm remove 3:10 pm
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Dr. Thea Gilks Understanding Trauma Through a Psychodynamic Lens
3:10 pm remove 3:40 pm
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Break
Visit sponsor booths and showcase presentations
3:40 pm remove 4:50 pm
keyboard_arrow_downDr. William McDonald Keynote Presentation:
Dr. Gabor Maté Trauma, Illness & Healing in a Toxic Culture
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keyboard_arrow_downClosing Remarks
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Post Conference Reception
The Conference
The 2026 conference is our biggest meeting yet, with hundreds of dedicated attendees meeting in person. There will be an incredible line up of world renowned and eminent speakers in the field of pain medicine.
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Conference Details
The Pacific Pain Forum is committed to offering an exceptional program and experience that will the expand the field of pain medicine across Western Canada and beyond.
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View Conference Hotel Room Rates
THE PACIFIC PAIN FORUM
17 APRIL 2026
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
REGISTRATION
In Person: Physicians | Health Care Professionals | Researchers & General Public
$ 299
- check Certificates provided
- check This event is an Accredited Group Learning Activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification program of The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and approved by the Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society. You may claim a maximum of 6 hours (credits are automatically calculated).
In Person: Student | Resident Rate & PWLE
Sold Out - Thank-you for your support!
$ Sold Out
- check Certificates provided
ATTENDEE COMMENTS FROM PREVIOUS CONFERENCES
REVIEWS
It gave me a new perspective into chronic pain and people's lived experiences. It has provided me with tools and knowledge I can use in my nursing practice.
very diverse topics, all excellent! when this runs next year, I will be there in person instead of online.
I always enjoy this event and learn a lot. The planning team comes up with a great agenda every year.
Whole thing was great!
An absolutely phenomenal event! It was so refreshing to learn and connect with others in person!
Learning that there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to treating pain, and that most pain management is a combination of treatments and finding what works for the client.
