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The Alberta Pain Education Collaborative (APEC)

A grassroots arm supporting pain professionals with virtual, and in-person events that share locally relevant education and collaborative approaches to patient care.

Bringing together experienced, multidisciplinary speakers to empower you with pain management strategies, treatments and tools in Lethbridge, AB.

Meet Our Panelists

Penny Kowalchuk

Person with Lived Experience of Pain


Maureen Fowler

More information incoming


Suzanne Buchanan

MN, NP with Blood Tribe Health Corp


Dr Carlos Malpica-Vera

Family Physician


Drake McCheyne

RN, Alberta Health Services


Amanda Sowiak

More information incoming

Jignesh Desai

Pharmacist


Trevor Sakatch

Kinesiologist, Alberta Health Services


Nicole Quinlan

Kinesiologist, Alberta Health Services


Shana Wandler

Recreational Therapist, Alberta Health Services


Koji Duncan

CO(c), MSc (RS), Adaptive Technologies


Julie Swanson

Better Choices, Better Health

Diane Roylance

Chair of APEC and Moderator

Diane is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapists and has practiced physiotherapy for 29 years primarily in the areas of orthopedics and complex pain. She is passionate about helping people move whether an elite athlete or a reluctant mover. Diane’s practice areas include private practice and interdisciplinary care. She helps educate other health care providers and students on chronic pain, myofascial pain and fibromyalgia to name a few, through lectures, workshops, curriculum development and in clinic mentorship. Diane loves moving and is happiest when skiing, biking, climbing, swimming, meditating…with her loved ones.

Penny Kowalchuk

Person with Lived Experience of Pain

I love being able to reduce the suffering in people with lived experience. Additionally, I believe in the power of strong communities and Pain AB gathers passionate healthcare professionals in pain management.

Suzanne Buchanan

MN, NP, Blood Tribe Department of Health Inc.

I am involved with The Pain Society of Alberta so I can provide the patient experience. I have dealt with chronic pain for more than three (3) decades.

Dr. Carlos Malpica-Vera

Family Physician

I am involved with The Pain Society of Alberta as part of my evolution in helping improve the lives of those in pain. It is a privilege to be part of such a special group of kind, smart, hard working people.

Amanda Sowiak

Wound Care Specialist & Educator, Blood Tribe Department of Health Inc.

Right out of grad school I worked in an interdisciplinary pain program and saw first hand both the suffering and the success people living with pain can experience. Over my career I have heard how challenging the population is and seen how often they can be written off by professionals. This made me want to work with people living with pain more not less! I got into this work to see people function and thrive, often by helping them reconnect to their purpose. Helping people living with pain find their 'why' IS my 'why'.

Jignesh Desai

Pharmacist

As a nurse for over 30 years my passion is helping people. As the Pain Society of Alberta is pivotal in educating and supporting people living with pain, my involvement with PainAB allows me to fulfill my passion.

Trevor Sakatch

Kinesiologist, Alberta Health Services

As a chronic pain physician in Alberta, while I continue to advocate for my patients at the bedside, it is imperative that I continue to be a part of the education and management of pain for many others who continue to live with pain. The Pain Society of Alberta enables this outreach, and education amongst pain providers and peopl with lived experience.

Shana Wandler

Recreational Therapist, Alberta Health Services

Working with The Pain Society of Alberta gives me opportunities to work with some of the most vulnerable in our society. Additionally it creates excellent educational opportunties to share with allied health proffessionals.

Koji Duncan

Certified Orthotist and Prosthetist, Adaptive Technologies

My 'why' is coming!

Susan Conn Conard

Social Worker, Addictions and Mental Health, Alberta Health Services

My 'why' is coming!

Tracy Kwasny

Dietitian, Alberta Health Services

My 'why' is coming!

Drake Mc Cheyne

RN, Alberta Health Services

My 'why' is coming!

Martha Butler

Occupational Therapist, Meaningful Life OT

My 'why' is coming!

Rory McMullin

Physiotherapist Therapist, Alberta Health Services

My 'why' is coming!

Aingeal O'Mahony-Guyn

Physiotherapist Therapist

My 'why' is coming!

PAST EDUCATION

Know Pain Know Gain: Collaborative Care in Chronic Pain

Registration for AHS and Primary Care Network Physicians and Allied Healthcare Providers was funded through the generosity of the South Zone Primary Care Network Committee.

Who is this for? Any provider treating chronic pain including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, dietitians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists, chiropractors, kinesiologists, and recreational therapists.

Interdisciplinary round table problem solving on complex chronic low back pain

Meet Our Panelists

Penny Kowalchuk

Person with Lived Experience of Pain


Maureen Fowler

More information incoming


Suzanne Buchanan

MN, NP with Blood Tribe Health Corp


Dr Carlos Malpica-Vera

Family Physician


Drake McCheyne

RN, Alberta Health Services


Amanda Sowiak

More information incoming

Jignesh Desai

Pharmacist


Trevor Sakatch

Kinesiologist, Alberta Health Services


Nicole Quinlan

Kinesiologist, Alberta Health Services


Shana Wandler

Recreational Therapist, Alberta Health Services


Koji Duncan

CO(c), MSc (RS), Adaptive Technologies


Julie Swanson

Better Choices, Better Health

Chronic Pain Connections

* Thank you for your support to enable us to continue to provide educational opportunities for healthcare providers and people with lived experience. The Pain Society of Alberta is a not-for-profit organization and not a registered charity as specified by the Canada Revenue Agency.  As such, no tax receipt will be issued.

If you live with chronic pain, join us for a great opportunity to learn more about the science behind the pain, discuss the many complexities of pain, and resources in your community.

Diane Roylance

PT BSc (Zool), BScPT, FCAMPT, Certified GunnIMS

Diane is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapists and has practiced physiotherapy for 29 years primarily in the areas of orthopedics and complex pain. She is passionate about helping people move whether an elite athlete or a reluctant mover. Diane’s practice areas include private practice and interdisciplinary care. She helps educate other health care providers and students on chronic pain, myofascial pain and fibromyalgia to name a few, through lectures, workshops, curriculum development and in clinic mentorship. Diane loves moving and is happiest when skiing, biking, climbing, swimming, meditating…with her loved ones.

Suzanne Buchanan

MN, NP

Suzanne Buchanan works at the Blood Tribe Department of Health Inc., as the Director of the Lethbridge Wellness Shelter and Stabilization Unit and Manager of Nurse Practitioner Services. She graduated from the University of Alberta, with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and worked as a registered nurse in the emergency room, medical surgical and day surgery areas before going to practice remote outpost nursing in the high Arctic settlement of Arctic Bay Nunavut. She fell in love with northern nursing and had the privilege to travel to many communities in Nunavut before heading closer to home and working in the Northwest Territories. Suzanne completed her Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner in 2023 and decided to focus her nursing practice in southern Alberta with the Blood Tribe Department of Health Inc. When she isn;t working, Suzanne enjoys travelling, writing, film, sports, crafts, cooking, and music.  Suzanne feels very fortunate to work with Indigenous populations and she loves to try and learn the language and culture of all peoples through her work and when she travels. With her passion for learning and sharing knowledge, Suzanne aspires to shed light on Indigenous focused health care concepts and seeks to bridge the gap in health inequity and promote well-being for those accessing medical services.  Thank-you to all who desire to learn, teach others and carry knowledge.

Penny Kowalchuk

Person with Lived Experience

After working as an executive assistant and in marketing and communications for over a decade, Penny had to stop due to symptoms of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Since then, she has cared for family members with similar conditions and has volunteered as a patient advocate and as South Zone Representative for Help Alberta’s Pain, providing advocacy, support, and education for better treatment of chronic pain.

Dr. Magali Robert

More details incoming

Dr. Robert is a Professor in the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary. She is the Medical Director of the Calgary Chronic Pain Program and the Medical Lead of the Alberta Virtual Pain Program. Magali is the Chair of the Urogynecology and Pelvic Floor Disorders Committee of FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics).

Dr. Flo Slomp

More details incoming

Flo earned her PhD in Medicine from the University of Alberta. She is the Clinical Director of FJS Rehabilitation Consulting, Inc. offering diverse services for people suffering from pain. In 2023 she was a Chronic Pain Mentor for the Alberta College of Family Physicians where she mentored Physicians struggling to find treatment options for their patients with chronic pain. Flo is an Expert Witness in the Provincial Court of the King’s Bench and executes medical-legal opinions as well as provides Injury Lawyer firms with Independent Rehabilitation Consulting on the files of claimants who have sustained injuries in a motor vehicle accident. As a Pain Educator, Flo spearheaded the AHS Provincial Pain Program with a few other colleagues. She is currently the content expert and instructor for MacEwan’s Micro-credential “Experiential Pain Assessment: decoding the pain score”. Flo has extensive rehabilitation experience with various populations integrating the Biopsychosocial-spiritual model of pain within physical rehabilitation. She has also been involved in clinical research projects. She has been a Director with the Pain Society of Alberta for over 6 years. Dipping into her deep well of compassion, empathy and education, Flo works with each person with deep respect for their unique and contextual situation. She simplifies complex neurophysiology in ways each person can understand. Nothing makes her feel more joy than when the people she works with get their life back. Flo loves nature, music and the arts, history and learning. When possible, she loves to travel and immerse herself in the local culture of the people who live there.

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    1210h — Take a break and nourish yourself! This is a great time to network with our exhibitors and other attendees.

    Workshop

    Lunch

    1530h — Marlene Graham and Carolyn Barber
    Moderator: Penny Barnes
    Room: Hawthorne A/B

    Saturday

    Approaching Challenges to Nutrition in Chronic Pain

    Discuss the mechanisms underlying CGRP involvement in migraine and
    outline comprehensive treatment programs.

    Friday

    Headache and Migraine Workshop

    0815h — Dr. Jason Busse

    Friday

    2024 Guideline for Cannabis and Chronic Pain

    0800h — Dr. Maxi Miciak

    Workshop

    Therapeutic Relationships in the Real World

    0915h — Dr. Linda Carlson

    Friday

    What can we learn from integrative oncology successes in pain management?

    1515h —

    Friday

    Closing Remarks and Conclusion

    1410h — Dr. Ivonne Hernandez and Dr. Reid Friesen
    Moderator: Penny Barnes
    Room: Hawthorne C

    Saturday

    TMJ screening & TMJ Examination: An Interactive Workshop

    0800h — Moderated by Dr. Elisabeth Saxton
    Wildrose Ballroom

    Friday

    Welcome and Introductions

    2020h — Dr. Werner Becker

    Friday

    Closing Remarks

    1500h — Take a break and nourish yourself! This is the last time to network with our exhibitors and other attendees prior to submitting your passport.

    Saturday

    Refreshment Break

    1545h — Dr. Howard Schubiner

    Workshop

    Reconsidering Chronic Pain: New Research Validates New Approaches

    1735h — Closing Remarks and Conclusion of Day One

    Workshop

    1200h — Moderated by Dr. Ashley Smith
    Wildrose Ballroom – Salon A

    Saturday

    Welcome and Opening Remarks

    0945h — Take a break and nourish yourself! This is a great time to network with our exhibitors and other attendees.

    Saturday

    Refreshment Break

    1645h — Dr. Payman Hajiazim

    Workshop

    Presentation Forthcoming

    OCTOBER 13TH - 14TH

Our Full Conference Agenda

A WEEKEND FULL OF PAIN EDUCATION

1400h — Check our Schedule for your Breakout Room!

Transition to Breakout Sessions

1415h — Dr. Magali Robert, Susan Sobey-Fawcett and Dr. Elena Lopatina

Wildrose Ballroom

Alberta Virtual Chronic Pain Program & Evidence-Based Models of Care – Alberta & Beyond

1510h — Take a break and nourish yourself! This is a great time to network with our exhibitors and other attendees.

Refreshment Break

1410h — Dr. Howard Schubiner 

Moderated by Bonnie Klassen in the Hawthorne Room (A/B)

A Clinical Approach to Assessment and Reversal of Primary Pain Syndromes

1020h — Drs. Ivonne Hernandez, Reid Friesen, Elisabeth Saxton and Nadine Fennig

Wildrose Ballroom

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

1410h — Dr. Ivonne Hernandez and Dr. Reid Friesen 

Moderated by Penny Barnes in the Hawthorne Room (C)

TMJ screening & TMJ Examination: An Interactive Workshop

What's Happening Next?

Penny Kowalchuk,

Person with Lived Experience of Pain

I love being able to reduce the suffering in people with lived experience. Additionally, I believe in the power of strong communities and Pain AB gathers passionate healthcare professionals in pain management.

Maureen Fowler

More details incoming

My 'why' is coming!

Suzanne Buchanan,

MN, NP with Blood Tribe Health Corp

I am involved with The Pain Society of Alberta so I can provide the patient experience. I have dealt with chronic pain for more than three (3) decades.

Dr Carlos Malpica-Vera

Family Physician

I am involved with The Pain Society of Alberta as part of my evolution in helping improve the lives of those in pain. It is a privilege to be part of such a special group of kind, smart, hard working people.

Amanda Sowiak,

More details incoming

Right out of grad school I worked in an interdisciplinary pain program and saw first hand both the suffering and the success people living with pain can experience. Over my career I have heard how challenging the population is and seen how often they can be written off by professionals. This made me want to work with people living with pain more not less! I got into this work to see people function and thrive, often by helping them reconnect to their purpose. Helping people living with pain find their 'why' IS my 'why'.

Jignesh Desai,

Pharmacist

As a nurse for over 30 years my passion is helping people. As the Pain Society of Alberta is pivotal in educating and supporting people living with pain, my involvement with PainAB allows me to fulfill my passion.

Trevor Sakatch

Kinesiologist, Alberta Health Services

As a chronic pain physician in Alberta, while I continue to advocate for my patients at the bedside, it is imperative that I continue to be a part of the education and management of pain for many others who continue to live with pain. The Pain Society of Alberta enables this outreach, and education amongst pain providers and peopl with lived experience.

Nicole Quinlan

Kinesiologist, Alberta Health Services

I am involved with the Pain Society of Alberta because chronic pain affects so many Canadians. Headache disorders, which are a special interest of mine, affect millions in Canada and are quite disabling for many. Migraine alone affects over 12% of the Canadian population.

Shana Wandler

Recreational Therapist, Alberta Health Services

Working with The Pain Society of Alberta gives me opportunities to work with some of the most vulnerable in our society. Additionally it creates excellent educational opportunties to share with allied health proffessionals.

Koji Duncan

CO(c), MSc (RS), Adaptive Technologies

My 'why' is coming!

Julie Swanson

Better Choices, Better Health

My 'why' is coming!

Registration for AHS and Primary Care Network Physicians and Allied Healthcare Providers is funded through the generosity of The South Zone Primary Care Network Committee.

Know Pain Know Gain: Collaborative Care
in Chronic Pain

May 24, 2024 | 1300 - 1615h

Who Should Attend

Any health care provider treating chronic pain including Physicians,
Nurses, Pharmacists, Social Workers, Dieticians, Occupational
Therapists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists, Chiropractors,
Kinesiologists, Recreational Therapists.

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