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2023 Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. Nady el-Guebaly

 

​Dr. el-Guebaly has selected The Impact Society, in Calgary, as the organization to receive his $2,500 prize donation from WCAF.

Over Dr. Nady el-Guebaly’s 50 years of excellence in addiction and mental health treatment, he has championed the need for evidence to guide addiction practice where his influential research has spanned all types of addiction addressing diverse areas from the adult children of people with alcohol addiction to psychiatric comorbidity in addiction to gambling disorder. Throughout he has taken on leadership roles and been a founding member of the major national and international addiction societies. Dr el-Guebaly’s internationally recognized and pioneering research, teaching, and advocacy has helped take addiction from a field where it was struggling to be recognized for legitimacy to where it is the robust and specialized field of today. Dr. el-Guebaly was awarded the Order of Canada in 2017. When presenting him the award, The Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, cited Dr. el-Guebaly “for his leadership on addictions research and treatment, particularly for his efforts to have addictions treated as a mental health issue.” Dr. el-Guebaly is a founding member and consulting psychiatrist at the Addiction Centre in Calgary and is internationally recognized within the field of addiction medicine. He has been instrumental in the creation of a variety of professional societies, academic journals and treatment programs that advance the quality of addiction services globally. His clinical expertise and ability to connect with patients, making them feel seen, heard and valued combined with the extensive contributions to our field all contribute to why the WCAF chose Dr. el-Guebaly as the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.

Over Dr. Nady el-Guebaly’s 50 years of excellence in addiction and mental health treatment, he has championed the need for evidence to guide addiction practice where his influential research has spanned all types of addiction addressing diverse areas from the adult children of people with alcohol addiction to psychiatric comorbidity in addiction to gambling disorder. Throughout he has taken on leadership roles and been a founding member of the major national and international addiction societies. Dr el-Guebaly’s internationally recognized and pioneering research, teaching, and advocacy has helped take addiction from a field where it was struggling to be recognized for legitimacy to where it is the robust and specialized field of today. Dr. el-Guebaly was awarded the Order of Canada in 2017. When presenting him the award, The Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, cited Dr. el-Guebaly “for his leadership on addictions research and treatment, particularly for his efforts to have addictions treated as a mental health issue.” Dr. el-Guebaly is a founding member and consulting psychiatrist at the Addiction Centre in Calgary and is internationally recognized within the field of addiction medicine. He has been instrumental in the creation of a variety of professional societies, academic journals and treatment programs that advance the quality of addiction services globally. His clinical expertise and ability to connect with patients, making them feel seen, heard and valued combined with the extensive contributions to our field all contribute to why the WCAF chose Dr. el-Guebaly as the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.

2023 Early Career Leadership Award

Dr. Martha Ignaszewski

 

Dr. Ignaszewski has selected Watari Counselling and Support Services in Vancouver, as the organization to receive her $2,500 prize donation from WCAF.

Dr. Ignaszewski is a Harvard and UCSF trained child, adolescent, adult and addiction psychiatrist who moved back to Vancouver following completion of her Fellowship in Addiction Psychiatry less than three years ago. Since then, she has embraced her roles as Education Lead for the Vancouver General Hospital’s Complex Pain and Addiction Service and as Director of Fellowships & Off-Service Postgrad Education for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at BC Children’s Hospital. Additionally, she has demonstrated outstanding leadership in her Clinical Lead position with the Substance Use Response and Facilitation (SURF) team at BC Children’s and Women’s Hospitals, where she has implemented a new inter-disciplinary consult service responding to the complex needs of children and youth and families presenting to the hospital. Her clinical expertise in concurrent disorders and OUD management, impressive interpersonal, teaching and mentoring skills, and passion for her work in responding to the overdose crisis all contribute to her being the applauded recipient of this year’s award.

Dr. Ignaszewski is a Harvard and UCSF trained child, adolescent, adult and addiction psychiatrist who moved back to Vancouver following completion of her Fellowship in Addiction Psychiatry less than three years ago. Since then, she has embraced her roles as Education Lead for the Vancouver General Hospital’s Complex Pain and Addiction Service and as Director of Fellowships & Off-Service Postgrad Education for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at BC Children’s Hospital. Additionally, she has demonstrated outstanding leadership in her Clinical Lead position with the Substance Use Response and Facilitation (SURF) team at BC Children’s and Women’s Hospitals, where she has implemented a new inter-disciplinary consult service responding to the complex needs of children and youth and families presenting to the hospital. Her clinical expertise in concurrent disorders and OUD management, impressive interpersonal, teaching and mentoring skills, and passion for her work in responding to the overdose crisis all contribute to her being the applauded recipient of this year’s award.

2023 Effectuating Change in the Field Award

Dr. Julie Samson and Dr. Louisa Marion-Bellemare from Timmins, Ontario. 

 

Drs. Samson and Marion-Bellemare have selected the Timmins and District Hospital Foundation Withdrawal Management Program to receive their $10,000 prize from WCAF.

Innovation is at the core of OUD care and Addiction Medicine and is captured in research and policy. An aim to inspire and support the growth of a more relevant, responsive and effective national development through innovation can create a world free of stigma.  As such, WCAF would like to celebrate and recognize a Canadian  individual(s) or organization that is doing impactful and innovative work. Dr. Samson and Dr. Marion-Bellemare work in the Emergency department in Timmins, Ontario and saw firsthand how prevalent the opioid crisis was in their community. Based on their experience with patients, they knew things had to change and that people could not continue to die in their city. They decided to take action! Both doctors have spent many hours engaging with the community, they: - Were instrumental in the establishment of a medical withdrawal management unit at Timmins and District Hospital as well as an addiction medicine consult team.  - Established a primary care clinic at, the homeless shelter, Living Space to help alleviate the pressure on the emergency department. - Started virtual clinics for substance use disorders in the northern Ontario James Bay coastal communities of Attawapiskat and Kashechewan.  - Provided education to physicians in the community, hospital, and region to improve their knowledge and feel more comfortable treating patients with buprenorphine/naloxone for opioid use disorder. - Presented to City of Timmins council on several occasions, to bring awareness about the crisis facing their community and asking for support for their efforts. - Were key players in the organization of the Safe Consumption site (Safe Health Site Timmins) in their community which opened in 2022. - Have been actively involved in educating other communities across our country regarding their innovative approach for treating patients with opiate use disorder and creating change at a hospital and community level. These two doctors are an inspiration.  Their passion, hard work and drive to create the change needed to support those experiencing opioid use disorder is truly inspirational and worthy of this year’s Effectuating Change award.

Innovation is at the core of OUD care and Addiction Medicine and is captured in research and policy. An aim to inspire and support the growth of a more relevant, responsive and effective national development through innovation can create a world free of stigma.  As such, WCAF would like to celebrate and recognize a Canadian  individual(s) or organization that is doing impactful and innovative work. Dr. Samson and Dr. Marion-Bellemare work in the Emergency department in Timmins, Ontario and saw firsthand how prevalent the opioid crisis was in their community. Based on their experience with patients, they knew things had to change and that people could not continue to die in their city. They decided to take action! Both doctors have spent many hours engaging with the community, they: - Were instrumental in the establishment of a medical withdrawal management unit at Timmins and District Hospital as well as an addiction medicine consult team.  - Established a primary care clinic at, the homeless shelter, Living Space to help alleviate the pressure on the emergency department. - Started virtual clinics for substance use disorders in the northern Ontario James Bay coastal communities of Attawapiskat and Kashechewan.  - Provided education to physicians in the community, hospital, and region to improve their knowledge and feel more comfortable treating patients with buprenorphine/naloxone for opioid use disorder. - Presented to City of Timmins council on several occasions, to bring awareness about the crisis facing their community and asking for support for their efforts. - Were key players in the organization of the Safe Consumption site (Safe Health Site Timmins) in their community which opened in 2022. - Have been actively involved in educating other communities across our country regarding their innovative approach for treating patients with opiate use disorder and creating change at a hospital and community level. These two doctors are an inspiration.  Their passion, hard work and drive to create the change needed to support those experiencing opioid use disorder is truly inspirational and worthy of this year’s Effectuating Change award.

We acknowledge and thank Indivior Canada for the sponsorship that has supported the Western Canada Addiction Forum to be able to provide the three awards related to Innovation in Opioid Use Disorder Care and recognizing excellence in our field.

In 2024, we will be implementing a nomination process where our partners in the community will be able to participate and submit your nominations!

2023 Innovation in Opioid Use Disorder Care Awards

The Western Canada Addiction Forum (WCAF) celebrates those who are innovating in opioid use disorder care and is honored to offer the following three awards related to innovation and recognizing lifetime achievement, early career leadership, and effectuating change in the field.

The awards will be chosen based on a demonstration of the following, as well as additional criteria specific to each award category:

• Impact on patient’s and community's wellbeing
• Innovation
• Sustainability and potential to translate to other geographies
• Commitment to care over commerce

NOMINATE UNTIL JANUARY 17, 2024

2024 Innovation in Opioid Use Disorder Care Awards

Effectuating Change in the Field

Awarded a $10,000 one-time donation on behalf of the winner to their chosen community-based organization or charity.

Recognizing innovation which is at the core of Addiction Medicine and is captured in research and policy.  Inspiring and supporting the growth of a more relevant, responsive and effective national development through innovation can create a world free of stigma. 


WCAF would like to celebrate and recognize a Canadian individual or organization that is doing impactful work in Addiction Medicine with a focus on Opioid Use Disorder, that could be translated to other geographies.

Early Career Leadership

Awarded a $2,500 one-time donation on behalf of the winner to their chosen community-based organization or charity.

Honouring new practitioners in Addiction Medicine (with 5 or fewer years of post-training full-time practice) who have shown outstanding leadership, initiative, service and/or innovation in areas aligned with one of following key areas of Opioid Use Disorder; Medical Education and/or Continuing Professional Development (CPD), Health Policy / Health Systems, Professional Practice / Patient Care, or, Innovative ways to serve vulnerable populations.

Lifetime Achievement

Awarded a $2,500 one-time donation on behalf of the winner to their chosen community-based organization or charity.

Recognizing a pioneering leader in Addiction Medicine, particularly in the area of Opioid Use Disorder. The recipient will be someone at/or nearing the end of their career having made remarkable contribution and research to the field, demonstrating innovative approaches in serving vulnerable populations.

Each award winner will have the opportunity to direct a one-time donation to a community-based organization/charity of choice.

Where the beneficiary organization would meet basic criteria, such as be not for profit, be focused on Opioid Addiction support initiatives, and have a track record of sustainability.

Eligibility Criteria

- The awards will be available to individual Canadian HCPs (Physician, Nurse Practitioner, Nurse or Pharmacist) or a group, clinic, institution, or pharmacy. - Nominations are encouraged from all aspects of OUD care. - Anonymous and self nominations will not be accepted. - Nomination committee members cannot be nominated.

Format

- All nominations must be submitted electronically via the WCAF web page. - All nominations that do not fulfill the selection guidelines will not be considered. - Alternate arrangements for submitting a nomination or supplemental material may be made by contacting WCAF at info@wcaforum.com.

Nominations

- Nominations and all supplemental information must be received by the posted deadline to be considered for the award in that year. - Nominations received after the deadline will be held for one year and considered for future awards. - All nominations that do not fulfill the selection guidelines will not be considered. - Nominations are confidential and candidates are not notified by the WCAF of their nomination unless they are selected as an award recipient.

Review Process / Awards Selection Committee

- All submissions will be screened for completeness and then shared with the Awards Selection Committee. - The Awards Selection Committee will oversee the selection process. - The Awards Selection Committee shall consist of up to ten (10) members and be comprised of addiction specialists from across Canada. - Committee members must disclose any perceived conflicts of interest. The committee member may be excused from the selection process of one or more categories. - Should a candidate be nominated in two or more categories, the Awards Selection Committee will determine the appropriate category and notify the nominator(s) as necessary. In addition, a nominee may be assigned to a different category than originally nominated to by the Selection Committee. - Nominees not selected will be held over for consideration for one additional year. Nominators will be given an opportunity to update their submissions. - Results of the selection process will be compiled and confirmed at the Awards Selection Committee meeting where shortlisted nominations are discussed. If less than two qualified candidates are identified through the nominating process the committee reserves the right to put one candidate forward. - The selection process is confidential. - Once the award winners have been selected, the award winners will be contacted via telephone or by email by WCAF. WCAF will follow-up to confirm next steps with award winners and notify nominators of successful nominations. - Should the candidate refuse the award, WCAF reserves the right to offer the award to another candidate. - Awards will be presented at the Western Canada Addiction Forum – May 31-June 1, 2024.

We acknowledge and thank Indivior Canada for the sponsorship that has supported the Western Canada Addiction Forum to be able to provide the three awards related to Innovation in Opioid Use Disorder Care and recognizing excellence in our field.

Need Assistance? Email info@wcaforum.com

Our 2024 Selection Committee

The 2024 Selection Committee would like to thank all who submit a nomination to recognize a leader in the field of addiction medicine and OUD care and we hope to see you at the Forum in Kelowna, May 31-June 1, 2024 to celebrate the award winners.

Sincerely,

Dr. Rob Tanguay, Chair, Alberta
Dr. Joel Bordman, Ontario
Dr. George Budd, British Columbia
Rob DeClark, British Columbia
Dr. Jeff Hans, New Brunswick
Dr. Martha Ignaszewski, British Columbia
Dr. Morris Markentin, Saskatchewan
Dr. Annabel Mead, British Columbia

Speaker Presentation Resources

Resources are submitted at the discretion of the speaker.  If you find a presentation particularly fascinating, ask your conference team and we will request resources and update this section.

Recognizing Trauma and Meaningful Conversations

Methamphetamine-induced Psychosis

Dr. Julius Elefante

Click here for Presentation

Vaping: Curse or Cure?

Complex Pain and Substance Use

Dr. Launette Rieb

Click here for Presentation

Trauma

A Balanced Approach: How Harm Reduction and Recovery Services Work Together to Provide a Person-Centered Mental Health and Substance Use System

Approach to taking a Trauma History in Primary Care

Contact Us

We'll be in contact soon!

Recovery Redefined

Where

Delta Grand Okanagan

Kelowna, BC

When

May 31 - June 1 2024

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