Presenter

Dr. Kelly (Kalwinder) S Saran Psychiatrist, Clinical Associate Professor (UBC)

Dr. Kelly Saran is a BC-born-and-raised Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at BC Children’s Hospital. He directs the Child Psychiatry Inpatient Unit, serves as a consultation-liaison psychiatrist, and is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia, where he also leads the undergraduate child psychiatry program. He proudly represents BC and Yukon for the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and serves as its Communications Director.

Along with mental health, his interests include culture, education, and technology.  He enjoys a good coffee, long walks, swimming, family time and, when lucky, round of golf.

Presentation:

Beyond Autism: Recognizing the Storm of Catatonia

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants we will able to:

1. identify key clinical features of catatonia in pediatric patients, particularly in those with autism spectrum disorder.
2. distinguish catatonia from baseline behaviors associated with autism.
3. describe initial assessment steps and first-line treatment options for pediatric catatonia

Presenter

Dr. Kiersten Pianosi Surgeon, BC Children’s Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology

Dr. Kiersten Pianosi’s clinical practice covers the entire spectrum of Pediatric ENT, with a focus on airway and neck pathology. She is currently practicing at BC Children’s Hospital and is an Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia. Her passion for education is evident through her extensive research on pediatric diseases and quality of life outcomes. Through the division, she is the Continuing Medical Education Director. Additionally, Dr. Pianosi is active in the teaching and mentorship of medical students and residents. 

Presentation:

The Ears, The Nose, The Throat: What is Within Normal and When to Refer 

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to: 

1. Recognize the most common issues and pathologies necessitating a referral to a pediatric otolaryngologist. 
2. Know what adjunctive tests or therapies are important to include with referrals to a pediatric otolaryngologist. 
3. Identify red-flag symptoms in neonates and toddler that warrant more urgent pediatric otolaryngology evaluation. 

Presenter

Dr. Wallace Wee Pediatric Respirologist

Dr. Wallace Wee is a Pediatric Respirologist with subspecialty training in rare lung diseases including primary ciliary dyskinesia, non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis and interstitial lung disease.  Wallace comes from an academic background that bridges medicine, engineering and clinical epidemiology.  He has been recognized for his research contributions and collaborations through various awards.  Wallace is committed to building strong partnerships and is passionate about improving patients outcomes through innovation and exploring new technologies.  He is always happy to chat about these topics over coffee, anytime. 

Presentation: 

Respirology – Bronchiectasis in Children 

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to: 

1. Define bronchiectasis and understand the pathogenesis
2. Create a framework for identifying patients with bronchiectasis
3. Review current management recommendations

Presenter

Dr. Emilie Jean-St-Michele  Physician, University Hospital for Northern British Columbia

Dr. Emilie Jean-St-Michel grew up in northern Quebec and completed her undergraduate medical studies at McGill University in Montreal in 2007. She then completed her pediatric and cardiology residency at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in 2010, in addition to a fellowship in paediatric cardiology in 2013 and a clinical fellowship in paediatric heart failure and heart transplantation in 2014. She was then appointed as Staff Cardiologist at SickKids in 2014 with a specialty in heart function and heart transplantation with clinical commitment to the cardiology ward and the outpatient clinic. In 2016, Dr. Jean-St-Michel completed her master’s in clinical Epidemiology at the University of Toronto.  

In 2022, she moved her practice to University Hospital of Northern British Columbia in Prince George where she offer paediatric cardiology consultative care for children in Northern British Columbia. In addition, she offers inpatient and outpatient general paediatric care. Dr. Jean-St-Michel is also a part time staff cardiologist at BC Children Hospital. 

Presentation: 

Cardiac Considerations in Common Pediatric Presentations: Fever, Wheeze, and Vomiting 

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to: 

1. We will review possible cardiac etiologies three of the most common pediatric presentations (fever, wheeze, vomiting) 

Presenter

Dr. Hillary McBride Registered Psychologist

Dr. Hillary McBride is a therapist, researcher, speaker, and writer dedicated to helping people grow, heal, and embrace their fullest selves in both their personal lives and relationships. Passionate about the well-being of all people, she strives to make psychology and academic research accessible to a wide audience. 

Dr. McBride holds a PhD in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia, as well as a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. As a Registered Psychologist, she brings extensive expertise in working with adults facing a range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, self-esteem, body image, life transitions, mother-daughter relationships, and perinatal mental health, including birth trauma. 

With advanced training in trauma, eating disorders, body image, marriage and relationship therapy, perinatal mental health, and psychedelic integration, Hillary offers a compassionate and informed approach to therapy and research. 

Presentation: 

More Than Medicine: Embodied Child and Caregiver in a Disembodied System

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to: 

1. Describe the role of attunement and attachment in whole person care 
2. Identify skills related to promoting bodily agency and safety for themselves and pediatric patients  
3. Apply trauma informed principles in every day interactions

Presenters

Dr. Tommy Gerschman

Dr. Gerschman has been a BCPS Board Director since 2020 and currently serve as the Chair of the BCPS Economics Committee, which he has been part of since 2018. This committee has been instrumental in supporting the creation of new fees for pediatrics and advocating for money to address the disparities that exist between pediatrics and other specialities.  

Dr. Gerschman has several years of experience in working with medical associations as a board member and leader. He has been a board member of Doctors of BC and served on several of its committees, including the recent work of the Consultation Referrals Working Group (Tariff Committee). Previously, he served as President of Specialists of BC (2019-20) where he supported critical implementations during the Covid pandemic (e.g. access to expanded telemedicine, access to PPE for community specialists). Most recently, he has been co-chairing a large Specialist Services Committee (SSC) project called Specialist Team Care to try to bring a new model of team-based care to community-based specialists.    

His passion has been to support those who are practicing in the community and understanding their unique challenges and innovations.  Dr. Gerhman’s believes that as pediatricians ‘we should be proud of our key and pivotal role in the health care system and ensure that we are recognized as such’. 

Since completing an MSc in Sports Medicine, Exercise, and Health, he has directed his efforts in trying to keep kids as active as possible. His training as a Pediatric Rheumatologist has allowed him to build on his expertise in musculoskeletal health to develop a community-based sub-speciality practice based out of North Vancouver and Burnaby. 

Dr. Odion Kalaci

Odion Kalaci is a general pediatrician in West Vancouver, BC. He also works in the BC Women’s NICU as a clinical associate, and has done locums all over the province. This has given him a background into the different funding models and fee codes available. 

He has been a part of the BC Pediatric Society for the past 3.5 years, and transitioned as President in October 2022. He is also a part of the Economics Committee which plays a big role in disparity funding but also development of new codes. 

In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, sports, and being a family man with his wife, Farah, and 2 year old daughter, Vienna. 

Presentation: 

Pediatric Billing Questions? We Have the Answers! 

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to: 

1. Introduce new fee codes and billing requirements
2. Share Information about Pediatric team-based care opportunities
3. Answer billing questions from conference attendees

Presenters

Dr. Nolan Lee Pediatrician with Fellowship in Child Psychiatry

Dr. Nolan Lee is a pediatrician with sub-specialty training in child and adolescent psychiatry, having completed his fellowship with the UBC Department of Psychiatry.  He divides his clinical time between the acute care division of the Child Psychiatry Department at BC Children’s Hospital, and various medical pediatrics roles in Greater Vancouver and Kelowna.  Dr. Lee also conducts research with the Stewart Lab through the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, with a focus on avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). 

Dr. Dean Elbe Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Child & Adolescent Mental Health

Dr. Dean Elbe is a Doctor of Pharmacy, Residency Trained and Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist who has worked as a clinical pharmacy specialist in Child & Adolescent Mental Health at the Healthy Minds Centre at BC Children’s Hospital since 2007. Dean is a clinical instructor in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of British Columbia (UBC), and an honorary Associate Member of the Department of Psychiatry in the UBC Faculty of Medicine. Dean is the Lead Editor of the 5th edition of the Clinical Handbook of Psychotropic Drugs for Children & Adolescents, the Psychopharmacology Editor for the Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the project lead on the DrugCocktails.ca website. Dean is also the creator of the Drug Nutrition Interactions website and an international speaker on Drug Nutrition Interactions. 

Presentation: 

ADHD – Focus on Medications Update 

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to: 

1. Using a case-based approach, apply evidence-based strategies to manage complex ADHD cases involving common comorbid conditions and/or pediatric patients who exhibit partial or inadequate response to first-line treatments.
2. Explore upcoming and newly available pharmacologic treatments for ADHD, including their mechanisms of action, duration, and side effect profiles.

Presenter

Dr. Lori Tucker Clinical Professor in Pediatrics, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics Division Head

My clinical research focus areas include prediction of outcomes for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and improving care through longitudinal outcomes registries, study of physical activity in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, transition of youth with rheumatic disease to adult care, and translational research in autoinflammatory disease. The strong partnerships of our Division of Pediatric Rheumatology as well as pan-Canadian collaborators in the Canadian Alliance for Pediatric Rheumatology Investigators fuel my research projects and ensure successful translation of research results to practice. I have particular interest in creative knowledge translation in pediatric rheumatology research, and active inclusion of patients and families into research. 

Presentation: 

When Joints Hurt: A Diagnostic Approach to Pediatric Joint Pain 

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to: 

1. Review the differential diagnosis of joint pain in children and youth.  
2. Provide a systematic approach to the assessment of joint pain in children and youth, including tips for the history, physical examination and investigations that can help.
3. Describe team based pediatric rheumatology care for children and youth with arthritis in 2025 including application of newer therapies.

Presenter

Dr. Vishal Avinashi

Dr. Vishal Avinashi is a Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of British Columbia, based at BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver. His clinical and research focus centers on complex gastrointestinal conditions in children, particularly eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), where he explores its diagnosis, management, and links to food allergies. Dr. Avinashi co-directs the EoE Clinic and contributes to the Complex Feeding and Nutrition Service, reflecting his commitment to multidisciplinary, patient-centered care. He is also an active clinical investigator with numerous peer-reviewed publications advancing pediatric gastroenterology.

Presentation: 

GI issues in Infants 

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to: 

1. Discuss red flags related to reflux in infants
2. Outline pros and cons of using empiric PPI in infants
3. Describe the differential diagnosis for GI conditions in infants including GERD, CMPA (Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy), and Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Presenter

Dr. Trisha Patel Pediatric Endocrinologist

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Presentation:

Congenital Hypothyroidism: Early Detection and Lifelong Management

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Recognize the clinical signs and symptoms of congenital hypothyroidism and the importance of early detection
2. Interpret screening results and initiate appropriate management strategies for congenital hypothyroidism
3. Develop a lifelong management plan for patients with congenital hypothyroidism, emphasizing monitoring and adjustments throughout development

Presenters

Dr. Carolina Silva, MD, FRCPC Pediatric Endocrinologist

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Dr. Brenden Hursh, MD, MHSc, FRCPC Pediatric Endocrinologist

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Presentation:

Gender-Affirming Care in the Context of Medical Complexity

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Consider the risks and benefits of gender-affirming care for pediatric patients with complex medical conditions
2. Integrate interdisciplinary care in the management of gender-diverse youth
3. Evaluate the ethical and developmental considerations in providing gender-affirming care to pediatric patients

Presenters

Dr. Zoya Thrawer, MD, FRCPC Pediatric Endocrinologist

Dr. Zoya Thawer is a Pediatric Endocrinologist with the West Coast Pediatric Endocrinology Group in Victoria, BC and a clinical instructor at the University of British Columbia. She is currently the co-medical lead for diabetes programming on Vancouver Island. She completed medical school at McMaster, pediatrics residency at Queen’s and her fellowship in pediatric endocrinology at the University of Ottawa. Before settling in Victoria, she completed locum positions both at the University of Alberta Hospital in Calgary and the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton. Dr. Thawer’s research and clinical interests include disordered eating and eating disorder screening, prevention and management in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. She has a special interest in health promotion for ethnically diverse populations, through the development of culturally sensitive resources to address nutrition and body movement. In her spare time, Dr. Thawer enjoys cooking, baking, running and ceramics. She will pretty much always have a knitting project on the go in her bag 🙂

Dr. Emma McCutcheon, MD Pediatric Endocrinologist

Dr. Emma McCutcheon is a Pediatric Endocrinologist with the West Coast Pediatric Endocrinology Group in Victoria, BC and a clinical instructor at the University of British Columbia. She completed medical school at McMaster, pediatrics residency through UBC’s Island Medical Program in Victoria, and her fellowship in pediatric endocrinology at the University of Ottawa. Dr. McCutcheon has a special interest in medical education and teaching and is the rotation lead for the Department of Endocrinology on Vancouver Island. Her clinical work is diverse, with a special interest in bone health, and the provision of gender-affirming medical care. Dr. McCutcheon approaches general endocrinology and diabetes through a lens of quality improvement, advancing local and provincial approaches to equitable care in many vulnerable populations, including those with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. In her spare time, Dr. McCutcheon enjoys cooking, baking, knitting, playing piano and spending time with her partner, two daughters and of course, her dog!

Presentation:

A Practical Approach to Managing Prediabetes

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Define prediabetes and its clinical significance
2. Review evidence-based lifestyle strategies, including diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management
3. Discuss metformin use in youth with prediabetes and current guidelines
4. Address special populations and social determinants of health
5. Provide 10 practical, evidence-based tips with clinical insights

Presenter

Dr. Laura Stewart, MD, FRCPC Pediatric Endocrinologist

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Presentation:

Abnormal Thyroid Function Tests: What’s the Next Step?

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Interpret thyroid function test results in the context of clinical presentation
2. Develop a differential diagnosis for thyroid dysfunction based on laboratory findings and patient history
3. Outline evidence-based approaches for managing patients with abnormal thyroid function tests

Presenter

Dr. Danya Fox, MD, MPH Pediatric Endocrinologist

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Presentation:

Puberty Uncovered: What’s Normal, What’s Not, and When to Refer

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the stages of normal puberty and distinguish them from abnormal development patterns
2. Assess and manage common pubertal disorders through appropriate diagnostic and clinical evaluation
3. Determine when referral to a pediatric endocrinologist is necessary

Presenter

Dr. Sanjukta Basak, MD, CM, FRCPC, MSc, HPTE Pediatric Endocrinologist

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Presentation:

Pediatric Obesity Management

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Talking about weight with kids, youth and families
2. Best practices for assessing youth living with obesity
3. Key evidence-based lifestyle strategies
4. GLP-1RA use in youth living with obesity
5. Resources and supports available in BC

Presenter

Dr. Colleen Nugent, MD, FRCPC Pediatric Endocrinologist

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Presentation:

Managing Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the transition from diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) management to routine diabetes care in pediatric patients
2. Apply evidence-based insulin dosing adjustments for pediatric type 1 diabetes using clinical case scenarios, considering factors like age, activity, and meals to improve decision-making

Presenter

Dr. Daniel Metzger, MD, FRCPC, FAAP Pediatric Endocrinologist

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Presentation:

Growth Matters: Key Elements for Referral and the BC Approach to Growth Hormone

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Review practical guidance for clinicians to an assessment of short stature
2. Define key criteria for growth-related referrals and essential information to include
3. Outline British Columbia’s approach to growth hormone assessment, eligibility, and treatment