At this year’s Canadian Pharmacists Conference, industry leaders will discuss the misuse of opioids, medically assisted dying, and immunization rates. The conference will be jointly presented by the Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) and the Alberta Pharmacists’ Association (RxA).
The conference theme, titled The Future is Here, highlights Canada’s position as a world leader in advanced pharmacy practice. This year’s theme and location reflect the role of pharmacists in relation to patient care.
“The conference program has been designed to showcase innovative pharmacy leaders and provide delegates with learning opportunities on the critical topics facing our health care system today,” says Carlo Berardi, Chair of CPhA. “Speakers and conference sessions will tackle a diverse range of key subjects and highlight the growing opportunities for advanced pharmacy practice across the country.”
Issues to be covered at the conference include:
• Assisted Dying – The issue of medical assistance in dying has been a hotly debated topic within the healthcare community and with the general public. Participants will hear from panelists who will explore issues that are particularly relevant to the profession, including practice, legal and ethical considerations.
• Medical Marijuana – In an environment with a changing regulatory framework, medical marijuana is a topic of increasing significance in Canada. This session will address various issues related to the pharmacology of medical marijuana to enhance pharmacists’ understanding and ability to respond to related queries.
• Opioid Addiction and Inappropriate Use – As media attention on opioid use and addiction continues, pharmacists are among those who are often consulted on this widely discussed issue. This session is aimed to equip pharmacists with the most up-to-date information on opioids.
“This year’s conference is truly a reflection of changing times as it not only explores relevant topics, but also presents new platforms and formats that will enable delegates to identify and apply best practices and lessons from dozens of top health care leaders,” says Jimy Mathews, president of RxA. “The conference will certainly go a long way in sharing valuable information that will ultimately benefit the patients who turn to their pharmacists for health care services and advice each and every day across Canada.”
The conference will be held in Calgary, Alberta from June 24-27 and will feature more than 50 sessions during the four-day period. The conference will welcome keynote speaker Chris Hadfield, first Canadian commander of the International Space Station, and Michele Romanov, Canadian tech entrepreneur and the newest member of CBC’s Dragon’s Den panel. This year, live streaming of the keynote sessions and several CE sessions will be available for viewing. Visit pharmacists.ca/conference for more details.
