Invited guest presenters with Dr. Ric Arseneau as moderator
You must be a patient in Dr. Ric Arseneau's clinic practice to participate

To Register: Bruno@DrRicArseneau.ca

See past lectures on our
YouTube Channel

Upcoming Lectures

hEDS Webinar – How to exercise with Chronic Pain - related to hypermobility, EDS and ME/CFS - Part 1

Judit Orban, Physiotherapist, Schroth Therapist

Zoom presentation

May 2, 2024

3 – 4

Pacing Through the Summer
Sandy Perrin, BRMed (PT/OT) & Jennifer Mauritz, BHSc (OT)

5 – 630

Zoom presentation

May 8, 2024

Long COVID – An Update – Part 2
Dr. Jane McKay

4 – 530

Zoom presentation

May 9, 2024

A Patient’s Journey – Part 1: Medical • Healthcare System
Karen Firus

3 – 430

Zoom presentation

May 15, 2024

Karen is a charismatic and empowering educator, public speaker, and advocate who has lived with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) for 43 years. Her background as an award-winning filmmaker, artist, and on-air television journalist, brings a special flair and unique POV to her presentations on invisible complex chronic illness, interprofessional collaboration and healthcare issues.

Karen’s experience, personal insights, and passion as a UBC Health Mentor and patient partner /educator / facilitator for workshops on Collaborative Decision Making for UBC Health Sciences students have inspired many. Her presentations include the Nexus Summit, CHES Day Celebration of Scholarship, Guest Speaker for the PHSA Board of Directors on behalf of BC Women’s Hospital, Opening Speaker with a rallying cry to action for BCWH Research strategy day, and Honoured Guest at an annual BCWH Foundation Illuminations Gala.

Karen is the writer / presenter of a 20-minute video (PHSA, CCDP) giving hope to others living with chronic illness. She received her MFA and BA (film production, UBC) and was the recipient of Graduate Fellowships. Karen is a master of the pep talk and believes ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!

Posture and Equipment – What choices can you make in your positioning and within your environment to make energy conservation more successful
Sandy Perrin, BRMed (PT/OT) & Jennifer Mauritz, BHSc (OT)

5 – 630

Zoom presentation

May 22, 2024

Key Nutrients and Supplements for Individuals with Complex Chronic Diseases
Michelle St. Germain, BSc (RD), Dietitian

Zoom presentation

May 29, 2024

430 – 6

Stellate Ganglion Block
Micah Burns MD
Pain Physician and Anesthesiologist
ChangePain Clinic Vancouver BC

Zoom presentation

May 31, 2024

330 – 5

A Patient’s Journey – Part 2: Social • Stigma • Relationships • Work
Karen Firus

Zoom presentation

Jun 5, 2024

3 – 430

Karen is a charismatic and empowering educator, public speaker, and advocate who has lived with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) for 43 years. Her background as an award-winning filmmaker, artist, and on-air television journalist, brings a special flair and unique POV to her presentations on invisible complex chronic illness, interprofessional collaboration and healthcare issues.

Karen’s experience, personal insights, and passion as a UBC Health Mentor and patient partner /educator / facilitator for workshops on Collaborative Decision Making for UBC Health Sciences students have inspired many. Her presentations include the Nexus Summit, CHES Day Celebration of Scholarship, Guest Speaker for the PHSA Board of Directors on behalf of BC Women’s Hospital, Opening Speaker with a rallying cry to action for BCWH Research strategy day, and Honoured Guest at an annual BCWH Foundation Illuminations Gala.

Karen is the writer / presenter of a 20-minute video (PHSA, CCDP) giving hope to others living with chronic illness. She received her MFA and BA (film production, UBC) and was the recipient of Graduate Fellowships. Karen is a master of the pep talk and believes ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!

hEDS Webinar – Topic TBA

Judit Orban, Physiotherapist, Schroth Therapist

Zoom presentation

Jun 6, 2024

3 – 4

The Low Inflammatory Diet
Michelle St. Germain, BSc (RD), Dietitian

Zoom presentation

Jun 12, 2024

430 – 6

Exploring Psychedelic Assisted Therapy: Current Landscape in British Columbia

Valorie Lynn Masuda, MD, FCFP(EM)(PC)
Laura McLean, MD, FRCPC, Consultant in Sleep Disorders
Andrea Lemp, RN, MSN

Dr. Masuda is a palliative care physician working in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island. She is an Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of British Columbia and working on a clinical trial demonstrating the feasibility of delivering psilocybin therapy in a group set, setting and integration model. She is certified in psychedelic medicine through the California Institute of Integral Studies and has also received training through Therapsil and Roots to Thrive. She has been working in the psychedelic space since 2020 using psilocybin-assisted therapy for palliative patients, navigating the Section 56 Exemption and later, the Special Access Program with a Community of Practice Psilocybin Assisted Therapy program, to support patients with distress secondary to their serious cancer diagnosis. They have treated 31 patients in group and 4 patients individually with psilocybin. They are currently developing a clinical trial to continue providing this service.
She previously worked in the Yukon Territories for 10 years and then moved to Vancouver Island in 1998 to work as an emergency physician. She trained in palliative care in 2014.
She owns and works on 10 acre farm to support sustainable food production. She plays the piano for herself and plays viola in two community orchestras. She is married with three grown children.

Laura is originally from Saskatchewan, but she has lived in Duncan, on Vancouver Island, since 1999. She practiced internal medicine, respirology and critical care for 13 years before shifting gears into sleep medicine and she now works as a consultant physician in sleep disorders at the Aroga Lifestyle Medicine clinic. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine. Her most recent pursuits have included training and working in the field of psychedelic assisted therapy, and co-facilitating with her colleague, Andrea Lemp, RN, MSN, a well-received program of virtual Group Mindfulness Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia.

Andrea Lemp has dedicated over 30 years to leading health and wellness programs, working in Vancouver and Island Health as a Mental Health and Substance Use Director. In addition, she is a Chopra Certified Meditation Teacher, has completed training at the Institute of Functional Medicine, and is now completing certification Psychedelic Assisted Therapy, at the Institute of Integrative Psychiatry. She currently co-facilitates with her colleague, Dr. Laura McLean in a virtual Group Mindfulness Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia.

Zoom presentation

Jun 13, 2024

3 – 430

Pacing/Self Care With Responsibility Barriers
(Children, Special Needs Dependants)
Sandy Perrin, BRMed (PT/OT) & Jennifer Mauritz, BHSc (OT)

5 – 630

Zoom presentation

Jun 19 2024

Meal Planning & Preparation
Michelle St. Germain, BSc (RD), Dietitian

Zoom presentation

Jun 26, 2024

430 – 6

Sleep: Group Mindfulness Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (MBTI) Program

Valorie Lynn Masuda, MD, FCFP(EM)(PC)
Laura McLean, MD, FRCPC, Consultant in Sleep Disorders
Andrea Lemp, RN, MSN

Dr. Masuda is a palliative care physician working in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island. She is an Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of British Columbia and working on a clinical trial demonstrating the feasibility of delivering psilocybin therapy in a group set, setting and integration model. She is certified in psychedelic medicine through the California Institute of Integral Studies and has also received training through Therapsil and Roots to Thrive. She has been working in the psychedelic space since 2020 using psilocybin-assisted therapy for palliative patients, navigating the Section 56 Exemption and later, the Special Access Program with a Community of Practice Psilocybin Assisted Therapy program, to support patients with distress secondary to their serious cancer diagnosis. They have treated 31 patients in group and 4 patients individually with psilocybin. They are currently developing a clinical trial to continue providing this service.
She previously worked in the Yukon Territories for 10 years and then moved to Vancouver Island in 1998 to work as an emergency physician. She trained in palliative care in 2014.
She owns and works on 10 acre farm to support sustainable food production. She plays the piano for herself and plays viola in two community orchestras. She is married with three grown children.

Laura is originally from Saskatchewan, but she has lived in Duncan, on Vancouver Island, since 1999. She practiced internal medicine, respirology and critical care for 13 years before shifting gears into sleep medicine and she now works as a consultant physician in sleep disorders at the Aroga Lifestyle Medicine clinic. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine. Her most recent pursuits have included training and working in the field of psychedelic assisted therapy, and co-facilitating with her colleague, Andrea Lemp, RN, MSN, a well-received program of virtual Group Mindfulness Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia.

Andrea Lemp has dedicated over 30 years to leading health and wellness programs, working in Vancouver and Island Health as a Mental Health and Substance Use Director. In addition, she is a Chopra Certified Meditation Teacher, has completed training at the Institute of Functional Medicine, and is now completing certification Psychedelic Assisted Therapy, at the Institute of Integrative Psychiatry. She currently co-facilitates with her colleague, Dr. Laura McLean in a virtual Group Mindfulness Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia.

Zoom presentation

Jun 27, 2024

3 – 430

A Patient’s Journey – Part 3:
A Patient’s Guide to: Collaborative Decision Making • Cutting Edge Medical School • Advocacy
Karen Firus

Zoom presentation

Jul 3, 2024

3 – 430

hEDS Webinar – Topic TBA

Judit Orban, Physiotherapist, Schroth Therapist

Zoom presentation

Jul 4, 2024

3 – 4

MCAS and The Low Histamine Diet
Michelle St. Germain, BSc (RD), Dietitian

Zoom presentation

Jul 10, 2024

330 – 5

Preparing an Emergency Crash Kit and Checklist
Sandy Perrin, BRMed (PT/OT) & Jennifer Mauritz, BHSc (OT)

5 – 630

Zoom presentation

Jul 17, 2024

The Neuroplasticity of CSS Part 2:
Exercises to Promote Desensitization and to Reclaim Your Body
Megan Hughes, College of Psychologists of BC
BCACC

Megan Hughes will discuss and present strategies and techniques for desensitizing the effects of central sensitization. Strategies target reversing neuroplastic changes in the brain and nervous system.

Megan Hughes has a counselling practice and is a clinical researcher in the areas of trauma, chronic illness and chronic pain. Her practice spans 24 years across private and public settings including the Complex Chronic Disease Program at BC Women's Hospital. Her research in the areas of trauma and chronic health has been published in several peer-reviewed journals

3 – 430

Zoom presentation

Jul 24, 2024

Pacing Needs – What I want you to know
Sandy Perrin, BRMed (PT/OT) & Jennifer Mauritz, BHSc (OT)

5 – 630

Zoom presentation

Jul 31, 2024

hEDS Webinar – Topic TBA

Judit Orban, Physiotherapist, Schroth Therapist

Zoom presentation

Aug 1, 2024

3 – 4

Interstitial Cystitis (IC)

Dr. Carley Akehurst, Naturopath

Dr. Carley Akehurst is a Naturopathic Doctor with a decade of clinical experience living and working in Vancouver, BC. Dr. Akehurst works hard to provide compassionate, comprehensive and evidence-based care for her patients. She believes that doctors play an important role as teachers, educating and empowering patients to achieve balance in their own lives. As a registered Naturopathic Doctor, Dr Akehurst spends time getting to know a patient's detailed health history and will then recommend an individual treatment plan that may include a combination of pharmaceutical drugs, herbs, acupuncture, diet and lifestyle counselling, and nutritional supplementation. In her practice, Dr. Akehurst emphasizes integrating foundational scientific knowledge and modern research with the traditional philosophies and practices of naturopathic medicine. She has a strong passion for bladder health and family medicine including pregnancy, women's health and children's health - which she practices at her clinic Clementine Natural Health in the South Granville area of Vancouver.

Zoom presentation

Aug 21, 2024

3 – 430

Living Like the Cat: My Patient Journey and the Books M.E. Gave Me
Fiona Lehn

n 2012, Fiona Lehn was exposed to chemicals at her dayjob. Her health tanked and life as she knew it ended. Eighteen harrowing months later, she was diagnosed with M.E. and several other sensitivity syndromes. Over the next decade, she fought to stabilize her health, get workers compensation, and reclaim whatever she could from M.E. She also created two books to support people with these conditions. Want to hear more about her patient journey and literary offerings? Join us for this special presentation.

Short Bio: An award-winning writer and teacher with M.E., Fiona Lehn has an MFA in creative writing and is the author of Central Sensitization and Sensitivity Syndromes: A Handbook for Coping (pen name Amy Titani), and Like the Cat: Feline Wisdom for Healing and Transformation. Lehn coaches busy writers and those with chronic illness. She lives in British Columbia and serves a higher-powered Feline in perpetuity.

3 – 430

Zoom presentation

Oct 2, 2024

Past Topics

• Building Mental Resilience
  Zara Dureno, BA Psych (MOT Occupational Therapist)

• Gut - Brain - Microbiome Axis
  Dr. Sarvee Moosavi, MD FRCPC, Gastroenterologist

• Activity and Values –
  Discovering your core values can assist in re-introducing meaning back into your life
  Sandy Perrin, BRMed (PT/OT) & Jennifer Mauritz, BHSc (OT)

• Environment Optimization
  Zara Dureno, BA Psych (MOT Occupational Therapist)

• hEDS Webinar – The EDS Triad: Living With Complex Chronic Conditions, Including POTS, MCAS, ME/CFS – How to Prioritize Treatment Options
  Judit Orban, Physiotherapist, Schroth Therapist

• The Neuroplasticity of CSS – Part 1 and Part 2:
  Exercises to Promote Desensitization and to Reclaim Your Body
  Megan Hughes, College of Psychologists of BC
  BCACC

• Am I ready to return to work ? – Assessing readiness
  Sandy Perrin, BRMed (PT/OT) & Jennifer Mauritz, BHSc (OT)

• Improving Sleep
  Zara Dureno, BA Psych (MOT Occupational Therapist)

• Improving Cognition
  Zara Dureno, BA Psych (MOT Occupational Therapist)

• Effective Communication – Courageous Conversations
  Zara Dureno, BA Psych (MOT Occupational Therapist)

• Infusion Therapy for Chronic Pain
  Dr. Inderveer Mahal CCFP

• Long COVID – An Update – Part 1 and Part 2
  Dr. Jane McKay

• Craniocervical Instability (CCI) in ME/CFS and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
  Part 1: Symptoms and Diagnosis
  Judit Orban, Physiotherapist, Schroth Therapist

• Craniocervical Instability (CCI) in ME/CFS and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
  Part 2: Diagnosis and Management
  Judit Orban, Physiotherapist, Schroth Therapist

• The Role of Nutrition in Chronic Pain and Fatigue – Part 1 / Part 2
  Dr. Inderveer Mahal CCFP

• Chronic Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis
  Dr. Caroline Lee, ObGyn

• Fibromyalgia – From Understanding to Management
  Dr. Jane McKay

• Pacing Needs – What I want you to know
  Sandy Perrin, BRMed (PT/OT) & Jennifer Mauritz, BHSc (OT)

• Posture and Equipment – What choices can you make in your positioning and within your environment to make energy conservation more successful
  Sandy Perrin, BRMed (PT/OT) & Jennifer Mauritz, BHSc (OT)

• The Relationship Between Female Hormones and Pain
  Dr. Caroline Lee, ObGyn

• Chronic Pain and Neuroplasticity Q&A
  Zara Dureno, BA Psych (MOT Occupational Therapist)

• Preparing an Emergency Crash Kit and Checklist
  Panel Discussion
  Sandy Perrin, BRMed (PT/OT), Jennifer Mauritz, BHSc (OT), and Dr. Ric Arseneau

• Chronic pain self management techniques
  Zara Dureno, BA Psych (MOT Occupational Therapist)

• Understanding Chronic Pain
  Zara Dureno, BA Psych (MOT Occupational Therapist)

• Aches, Pains, and Love: Navigating Relationships When You Live With Chronic Pain and Illness
  Kira Lynn, RPC, MPCC

• A Lawyers Perspective on CPP-Disability / LTD / WorkSafe BC
  Whitney Derber, Lawyer and Susan Apperley, Lawyer

• Stellate Ganglion Block
  Dr. Aniz Khalfan, MBChB FRCPC
  (Anesthesiologist Focused Chronic Pain Practice)

• Medication and Treatment Decisions:
  Navigating Online (mis)Information and Evaluating the Evidence
  Dr. Ric Arseneau

• Neuroplasticity
  Zara Dureno, BA Psych (MOT Occupational Therapist)

• Self-help strategies for reducing neuro-inflammation
  Zara Dureno, BA Psych (MOT Occupational Therapist)

• Change your Brain: Using Polyvagal theory to regulate the nervous system
  Zara Dureno, BA Psych (MOT Occupational Therapist)

• Somatic Therapy Techniques
  Zara Dureno, BA Psych (MOT Occupational Therapist)

• Aches, Pains, and Love:
  Dating and Relationships for Those With Chronic Pain and Illness
  Kira Lynn, RPC, MPCC

• Pacing Through the Summer
  Sandy Perrin, BRMed (PT/OT) & Jennifer Mauritz, BHSc (OT)

• Disability Resources
  Adrienne Moya, MSW, Registered Social Worker and
  Kym Bohachewski, MSW, Registered Social Worker

• How Family & Friends Can Best Support Patients ** Everyone Welcome **
  Sandy Perrin, BRMed (PT/OT), Jennifer Mauritz, BHSc (OT), and Dr. Ric Arseneau

• Embracing Unrest: Harness Your Body’s Key to Resilience
  Dr. Sandra Parker, Registered Psychologist

• Meal Planning & Preparation
  Michelle St. Germain, BSc (RD), Dietitian

• The Low Inflammatory Diet
  Michelle St. Germain, BSc (RD), Dietitian

• Pacing and Working Part-time or Full-time
  Sandy Perrin, BRMed (PT/OT) & Jennifer Mauritz, BHSc (OT)

• WTF: What the Fog – Managing Brain Fog
  Sandy Perrin, BRMed (PT/OT) & Jennifer Mauritz, BHSc (OT)

• Values and Identity
  Sandy Perrin, BRMed (PT/OT) & Jennifer Mauritz, BHSc (OT)

• Low Histamine Diet and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)
  Michelle St. Germain, BSc (RD), Dietitian

• Sex, Intimacy and Chronic Illness (partners welcome)
  Sandy Perrin, BRMed (PT/OT) & Jennifer Mauritz, BHSc (OT)

• Pacing/Self Care With Resource Barriers
  Financial Resources (money) and Human Resources (no family/friends)
  Sandy Perrin, BRMed (PT/OT), Jennifer Mauritz, BHSc (OT), and Dr. Arseneau

• Pacing/Self Care With Responsibility Barriers
  (Children, Special Needs Dependants)
  Sandy Perrin, BRMed (PT/OT), Jennifer Mauritz, BHSc (OT), and Dr. Arseneau

• Pacing/Self Care With Responsibility Barriers
  Elderly Parents/Family Members
  Panel Discussion
  Sandy Perrin, BRMed (PT/OT) & Jennifer Mauritz, BHSc (OT), and Dr. Ric Arseneau

• How To Identify The Right Activity For You And How To Create A Plan To Reach It
  Sandy Perrin, BRMed (PT/OT)

• Empowered Relief
  Dr. Aniz Khalfan, MBChB FRCPC (Anesthesiologist Focused Chronic Pain Practice)

• Sex , Intimacy and Chronic Illness
  Sandy Perrin, BRMed (PT/OT) & Jennifer Mauritz, BHSc (OT)

• An integrative approach to the physiotherapeutic treatment and management of Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
  Judit Orban, Physiotherapist, Schroth Therapist

• Nutrition Therapy for IBS: The FODMAP Diet
  Michelle St. Germain, BSc (RD), Dietitian

• Pacing by the Numbers – With OT and PT
  Sandy Perrin, Sandy Perrin, BRMed (PT/OT) & Jennifer Mauritz, BHSc (OT)

• Pacing for Special Events – Surviving the Holidays !
  Sandy Perrin, BRMed (PT/OT) & Jennifer Mauritz, BHSc (OT)

• Pacing and Energy Conservation: an Occupational Therapy Perspective
  Jennifer Mauritz, BHSc (OT)

• The Healing Journey: 3 part series
  Dr. Alexandra Perel-Winkle

• Alternative therapies: A common sense and evidence-based approach
  Dr. Teresa Clarke

• Nutrition: Nourishing the Body & the Brain
  Dr. Teresa Clarke

• Activity and Movement: A Physiotherapist Perspective
  Ms. Sandy Perrin, BRMed (PT/OT)

• Myofascial Pain, Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS), and Trigger Point Injections (TPI)
  Dr. Ravi Dhanoa

• Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and Dysautonomia
  Dr. Ric Arseneau

• Mitochondrial Health
  Dr. Gaetano Morello (naturopath)

• Gut Health
  Dr. Gaetano Morello (naturopath)

• Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS)
  Hypermobile Type – Dr. Lucia Ma

• Naturopathic Approach to Pain
  Dr. Gaetano Morello (naturopath)

• Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)
  Dr. Ric Arseneau

• Ask the Naturopathic – Q&A Session
  Dr. Gaetano Morello (naturopath)

• Acupressure – 3 sessions
  Dr. Teresa Clarke