Workshops

Haven’t Registered Yet?

The 28th Annual Rural Anesthesia Conference is now open for registration. 

Jan 23, 2026 at the Banff Park Lodge

Workshop Descriptions: 28th Rural Anesthesia Conference, Jan 23 2026, Banff

Presented by: Dr. Mandeep Singh MBBS, MD, MSc, FRCPC

Format: Hands-on

Description: By participating in this learning activity, participants will be able to:

1. Describe current diagnostic approaches and treatment modalities for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

2. Interpret sleep study reports and assess their clinical relevance in the perioperative setting.

3. Apply evidence-based guidelines to real-world clinical cases involving patients with OSA to inform decision-making and optimize care.

Presented by: Dr. Orlando Hung MD, FRCPC

Format: Hands-on

Description: By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

  • Select appropriate patient populations for awake intubation.
  • Understand airway anatomy and topicalization of the upper airway.
  • Understand different techniques of awake intubation.

Presented by: Dr. Ryan Endersby BSc, MD, FRCPC, and Dr. Esther Ho, MD

Format: Hands-on

Description:

  1. Select the ultrasound probe and settings to best visualize neuraxial anatomy

  2. Identify relevant neuraxial structures on ultrasound and relate them to the performance of neuraxial anesthesia

  3. Find the midline in patients, especially those with difficult to palpate spinous process using ultrasound

  4. Estimate the depth to epidural and intrathecal space using ultrasound

  5. Identify the exact level of insertion for a neuraxial technique using ultrasound

  6. Identify the optimal entry point and angle of insertion in patients with normal anatomy using ultrasound

  7. Identify the optimal entry point and angle of insertion in  patients with abnormal anatomy, such as scoliosis, using ultrasound

Presented by: Dr. Julie Haber MD, FRCPC, MSc (Med. Ed.), Sue Barnes RN BScN, and Jennifer Semaka RN, BN, MSc

Format: Hands-on

Description: Join us in the operating room at the Banff Mineral Springs Hospital for simulation sessions using high fidelity mannequins and monitors. Practice your crisis resource management skills while treating anesthetic emergencies in a safe and supportive environment.

Presented by: Dr. Courtney Phillips MD, FRCPC Anesthesiology

Format: Hands-on

Description: Review and practice image acquisition and interpretation for gastric point of care ultrasound.

Presented by: Dr. Lindsay MacKenzie MSc, MD, FRCPC

Format: Hands-on

Description: Case based discussions covering high acuity but low frequency events relevant to the anesthesiologist working in obstetrics.

Presented by: Dr. Nathan Brown MD, FRCPC

Format: Hands-on

Description: Case discussions, useful tips and info.

Presented by: Dr. Reid Hosford MD FRCPC, and Greg Barton, Paramedic, STARS

Format: Hands-on

Description: This is a workshop aimed to improve efficiency and decision making related the management of a can’t ventilate can’t oxygenate scenario in the operating room. This will in practice of emergency front of neck access techniques.

Presented by: Dr. Danae Krahn MD, FRCPC

Format: Hands-on

Description: Discuss the current evidence and best practice recommendations for the perioperative management of GLP-1 Agonists.

Presented by: Dr. Christopher Noss MD, FRCPC

Format: Hands-on

Description: To review the most recent AHA and CCS guidelines for peri-operative management of patients for non-cardiac surgery. The focus will be on practical application of the updates to the guidelines and how to implement them into practice.

Presented by: Dr. Scott Else MD, FRCPC

Format: Didactic

Description: Perioperative management of pediatric tonsillectomy including patient selection, intraoperative management, postoperative management and management of complications.

Presented by: Dr. Curt Pitter MD, LMCC, FRCPC

Format: Hands-on

Description: This session will look at lesser used agents for intrathecal administration and the risks and benefits of doing so. Practical aspects of using spinal anesthesia such as baricity and management of hypotension will also be examined.

Presented by: Dr. Linda Hung MD, LMCC, FRCPC

Format: Hands-on

Description:

  • Review the underlying principles behind processed EEG-derived depth of anesthesia monitoring (pEEG DOAM)
  • Describe the benefits and limitations of pEEG DOAM
  • Develop an approach to anesthetic titration using EEG, index values, and the density spectral array
  • Identify and troubleshoot when the EEG and quantitative index are discordant
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