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/BSaturday
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 CSaturday
TMJ screening & TMJ Examination: An Interactive Workshop
0800h — Moderated by Dr. Elisabeth Saxton
Wildrose BallroomFriday
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 ASaturday
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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