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
From Sleep Study to Strategy: A Clinical Guide to Perioperative OSA Management
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.
Awake Tracheal Intubation
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.
Neuraxial Ultrasound
Presented by: Dr. Ryan Endersby BSc, MD, FRCPC, and Dr. Esther Ho, MD
Format: Hands-on
Description:
Select the ultrasound probe and settings to best visualize neuraxial anatomy
Identify relevant neuraxial structures on ultrasound and relate them to the performance of neuraxial anesthesia
Find the midline in patients, especially those with difficult to palpate spinous process using ultrasound
Estimate the depth to epidural and intrathecal space using ultrasound
Identify the exact level of insertion for a neuraxial technique using ultrasound
Identify the optimal entry point and angle of insertion in patients with normal anatomy using ultrasound
Identify the optimal entry point and angle of insertion in patients with abnormal anatomy, such as scoliosis, using ultrasound
Even Better than the Real Thing: Simulation for Rural Anesthesia Physicians
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.
Gastric Ultrasound
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.
Management of High Stakes Emergencies in OB
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.
The Updated ASRA Guidelines for Anti-coagulation and Regional Anesthesia
Presented by: Dr. Nathan Brown MD, FRCPC
Format: Hands-on
Description: Case discussions, useful tips and info.
CVCO in the OR
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.
Perioperative Management of GLP-1 Agonists
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.
Perioperative Cardiovascular Guidelines for Non-cardiac Surgery: An Updated Practical Review
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.
Pediatric Tonsillectomy
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.
All Things Spinal
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.
Processed EEG: Turn your Sedline On
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