Faculty & Conference Details
Dr. Michael Gagnon
Specialty:
Palliative Care
About The Speaker
Dr. Michael Gagnon graduated from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in 2004 with Honours and went on to complete his residency in Family Medicine in Abington Pennsylvania where he took an interest in Palliative care.
He has been practising family medicine in Bolton since 2007 and has been the Medical Director of Bethell Hospice since 2012. He has worked within the community to normalize death and dying and has partnered with local schools to educate and support students to remove the stigma of palliative care. He is a LEAP (learning essential approaches to palliative and end of life care) facilitator and coach. Dr. Gagnon has mentored numerous local physicians and residents, increasing the local palliative care capacity in his community. He sits on the board of directors of the Ontario College of Family physicians, and is actively involved in his local Ontario health team sitting on numerous primary and palliative care committees. Dr. Gagnon teaches family medicine residents from both the University of Toronto and Toronto Metropolitan University.
CME Topics
Palliative Care & Family Medicine
Sea Courses is pleased to invite you on an 11-Night CME Cruise in Croatia and the Greek Islands from October 10 to 21, 2026. Dr. Michael Gagnon is the sole speaker for this CME Program. Dr. Gagnon has developed an interactive educational program that will be of interest to family physicians, specialists and allied health professionals.
Dr. Gagnon graduated from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in 2004 with Honours and went on to complete his residency in Family Medicine in Abington Pennsylvania where he took an interest in Palliative care. He has been practising family medicine in Bolton since 2007 and has been the Medical Director of Bethell Hospice since 2012. He has worked within the community to normalize death and dying and has partnered with local schools to educate and support students to remove the stigma of palliative care.
Dr. Gagnon has mentored numerous local physicians and residents, increasing the local palliative care capacity in his community. He sits on the board of directors of the Ontario College of Family physicians and teaches family medicine residents from both the University of Toronto and Toronto Metropolitan University.
Dr. Gagnon’s topics for this CME Program will include Congestive Heart Failure, Hypertension, Parkinson’s Disease, Knee and Shoulder Disorders, DVT, Headache, Palliative Care and Managing Difficult Conversations.
Dr. Gagnon is looking forward to seeing you on this CME AWAY® Cruise.
Dr. Gagnon-
- Intro to palliative care
- Identify which patients would benefit from a palliative approach to care
- Discuss how our past effects the care we give
- Pain management in Palliative Care
- Illustrate how to use the WHO pain ladder to assess and treat different types of pain
- Discuss how to be comfortable titrating opioids and adjunctive therapies for pain
- Gastrointestinal symptom management in Palliative care
- Anticipate common GI symptoms in palliative care
- Examine the management of malignant bowel obstruction
- Respiratory symptom management in palliative care
- Illustrate the role of opioids in management of dyspnea
- Discuss non-pharmacological interventions used for dyspnea
- Managing difficult conversations
- Develop an understanding of different tools to use to manage difficult conversations and decisions
- Practical/real time conversations with feedback
- Updates on CHF management
- Cite the types of heart failure classifications
- Identify and treat heart failure with both pharmacological therapy and non- pharmacologic therapy.
- HTN guidelines and Stroke prevention (Canadian Hypertension Education Program, CHEP)
- Cite the importance of BP checks and CV risk assessment in all patients
- Examine BP goals and anticoagulation /antiplatelet requirements after stroke.
- Parkinson's disease and essential tremor
- Discuss parkinsonism and understand the differential diagnosis.
- Understand assess and manage the motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson disease.
- Knee and shoulder exam for family physicians
- Review the history and physical examination pearls of a shoulder exam and order appropriate testing.
- Review the history and physical examination pearls of a knee exam and order appropriate testing.
- DVT Dx and management, with cancer related thrombosis
- Describe how to recognize and treat acute DVT
- Explore the anticoagulants available, the pros and cons of each and duration of treatment.
- Approach to Headache, prophylaxis and management
- Examine through history and physical examination “red flags’ associated with a headache
- Discuss Migraine treatment and medication overuse headache.
Venue Information
Brand new in 2026, the luxurious Emerald Kaia will exceed your yacht cruising expectations. The Observation Sun Deck at the bow welcomes you with sun beds, sun lounges, and Spa Pool. The reimagined Sky Deck's cabanas and indoor/outdoor lounge give you more options for soaking up the views, while the expanded gym lets you opt for an outdoor workout followed by a dip in the sea.
An abundance of space on board, combined with a maximum guest number of 100 and a crew of 72, allows us to provide an excellent level of personal service throughout your holiday. Discover a secluded spot to read a book, enjoy unimpeded views of the unspoiled landscapes, take a relaxing dip in the Aqua Pool, or arrange to meet new-found friends at one of our comfortable meeting spots.
Itinerary & Schedule
| Day |
Date |
Port / Location |
Arrival Time |
Departure Time |
Conference |
| Day 1 |
October 9th |
Dubrovnik, Croatia |
|
|
CME TBA |
| Day 2 |
October 10th |
Dubrovnik, Croatia |
|
|
CME TBA |
| Day 3 |
October 11th |
Dubrovnik, Croatia |
|
6:00pm |
|
| Day 4 |
October 12th |
Korcula, Croatia |
8:00am |
6:00pm |
|
| Day 5 |
October 13th |
Kotor, Montenegro |
8:00am |
5:00pm |
|
| Day 6 |
October 14th |
Sarande, Albania |
12:30pm |
5:00pm |
CME TBA |
| Day 7 |
October 15th |
Corfu, Greece |
12:01am |
11:00pm |
|
| Day 8 |
October 16th |
Parga, Greece |
8:00am |
10:00pm |
|
| Day 9 |
October 17th |
Lefkada, Greece |
8:00am |
7:00pm |
|
| Day 10 |
October 18th |
Itea, Greece—transit Corinth Canal |
8:00am |
1:00pm |
CME TBA |
| Day 11 |
October 19th |
Delos-Mykonos, Greece |
12:30pm |
11:59pm |
|
| Day 12 |
October 20th |
Paros, Greece |
10:30am |
6:00pm |
|
| Day 13 |
October 21st |
Athens, Greece |
6:00am |
|
|
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1—October 9 Dubrovnik, Croatia
Today you will arrive into the beautiful city of Dubrovnik, Croatia. Ground transfer will take you to your hotel in Dubrovnik and in the afternoon there will be CME sessions. The evening will be yours to explore.
Please book your flight to arrive into Dubrovnik prior to 12:00 PM.
Hotel: Hotel Royal Neptun , Dubrovnik
Day 2 – October 10 Dubrovnik, Croatia
This morning you will start the day with CME Sessions and in the afternoon you will be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht to embark on a voyage discovering fascinating port towns and cities and extraordinary coastlines. (B&D)
Day 3– October 11 Dubrovnik, Croatia
Known as the 'Pearl of the Adriatic,'Dubrovnik presents a compelling city set along Croatia's Dalmatian Coast; its walled Old Town presents one of the finest examples of a medieval citadel in Europe. With its storied history and breathtaking views of iconic terracotta rooftops and the alluring Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik offers visitors the perfect blend of cultural exploration and a relaxing beach holiday. (B,L&D)
Day 4– October 12 Korcula, Croatia
The sixth-largest island in the Adriatic, Korcula, is among the most beloved in Croatia. Its Old Town, referred to by locals as 'Little Dubrovnik', is a delightful mix of medieval churches, palaces, and photogenic squares, while the villages of Cara and Smokvica are renowned for producing the country's signature dry white wine. (B,L&D)
Day 5—October 13 Kotor, Montenegro
Encircled by medieval walls, the fortified city of Kotor is a destination that seamlessly combines ancient history and modern culture. Nestled between imposing mountains and the Adriatic Sea, this UNESCO World Heritagelisted setting is sure to charm with its elegant Venetian palaces, cobblestone lanes and cafe-hemmed squares. (B,L&D)
Day 6—October 14 Sarande, Albania
Sarande is a popular coastal town on a crescent-shaped bay in Albania. This once sleepy fishing village is a crowd-pleaser for its bustling seaside promenade, pebbled beaches, and ancient ruins. From Sarande, you'll journey across the Straits of Corfu to one of Greece's largest islands, Corfu, alluring with sandy coves and rugged, verdant hills studded with olive, cypress, and citrus trees. (B,L&D)
Day 7—October 15 Corfu, Greece
The picturesque Old Town of Corfu harbours a rich history and magnificent architecture displaying Renaissance and Baroque influences. Here, takes a stroll through the largest square in Greece, the impressive Spianada. While on this stunning island, explore authentic Greek villages and take a dip at one of the many lovely beaches lapped by clear waters. (B,L&D)
Day 8—October 16 Parga, Greece
On mainland Greece, Parga radiates a carefree holiday atmosphere. Enjoy the sunshine on one of the many gorgeous beaches, explore traditional Greek villages, and marvel at the 11th-century Venetian castle, which offers an incredible bird's eye view of the resort town and sparkling coastline. (B,L&D)
Day 9— October 17 Lefkada, Greece
Known as the 'Caribbean of Greece', Lefkada is connected to the mainland by a narrow bridge, making it one of the few islands here accessible by car. One of the most fascinating spots on Lefkada is the Castle of Agia Mavra, dating back to the 14th century and built to protect Lefkada from invaders. Enjoy sampling the local wines produced here. (B,L&D)
Day 10— October 18 Itea, Greece—Transit Corinth Canal
Today, sail to the small port of ltea, then start your journey to the archaeological site of Delphi, regarded by the Ancient Greeks as the centre of the world and nowadays, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, it's time to sail through the 19th century Corinth Canal, a slender waterway and feat of engineering that crosses the Isthmus of Corinth in Greece to the Saronic Gulf. (B,L&D)
Day 11– October 19 Delos—Mykonos, Greece
A small rocky island in the heart of the Cyclades archipelago, Delos is regarded as one of the most important mythological and archaeological sites in Greece. In the afternoon, you'll venture to Mykonos. This world-famous island's allure lies in its blend of traditional Greek culture and cosmopolitan flair. Take a stroll through the winding narrow streets of atmospheric Mykonos Town, where you can admire the trademark whitewashed dwellings adorned with vibrant blue doors and visit the island's historic windmills.
(B,L&D)
Day 12– October 20 Paros, Greece
Paros is one of the prettiest Greek islands in the heart of the Aegean Sea. Its verdant green landscape captivates with abundant vineyards and orchards laden with citrus fruits and pomegranates. Wander the winding streets of the capital Parikia, where you will see the quintessential Cycladic architecture and quaint whitewashed houses adorned with bright blue doors and window boxes brimming with blooming bougainvillea. (B,L&D)
Day 13– October 21 Athens, Greece
Your luxurious yacht cruise concludes in the history-laden capital, Athens, the birthplace of democracy and Western civilisation. Here, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight home or to continue your holiday. (B)
Please book your flight to depart out of Athens after 1:00 PM.
The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will operated unaltered from the itinerary states above.
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cruises@seacourses.com
