The Pacific Pain Forum is a full-day hybrid pain conference presented by Providence Health Care. The Pacific Pain Forum is where interdisciplinary health care providers, researchers and people with lived experience will learn about the latest advances in clinical care, research and innovations in pain medicine. 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.
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.
Program highlights:
- Opening Keynote Presentation by Richard Peter
- 4th annual Dr. William McDonald Keynote Presentation by Dr. Gabor Maté “Trauma, Illness & Healing in a Toxic Culture”
- Person-Centered Care: Emphasis on patient perspectives. A panel of people with lived experience and pain advocates will provide insights into the lived experience of pain and strategies to enhance communication between patients, health care systems, and providers.
- Expert Interdisciplinary Speakers: come learn from physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, interventionalists, psychotherapists and pharmacists.
- Networking Opportunities: connect with leaders, foster collaborations, and exchange ideas to improve pain management. Join us at a reception following the conference to build on the momentum of the day and discuss how the day’s learnings will revitalize pain practices across BC
The Pacific Pain Forum is committed to and strives to create a respectful and inclusive environment. The event venue is wheelchair accessible and accessible parking is available.
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).
Fiona Dalton 
PJ Matras 
Dr. Vishal Varshney 
Honourable Josie Osborne, Minister of Health, Legislative Assembly of British Columbia 
Richard Peter 
Dr. Michael Jew 
Susan Reid-Schellinck 
Julia Ott 
Melanie McDonald 
Dr. Heather Fulton 
Dr. Melanie Noel 
Dr. Kshitij Chawla 
Dr. Garry Palak 
Dr. Amy Pearson 
Dr. Christopher Honey 
Dr. Devon Christie 
Sarah Hearne 
Sarah Buddingh Smith 
Dr. Thea Gilks 
Dr. Gabor Maté 
