CME Topics

Advances in Adult Psychiatry: Integrating Science & Compassion

CME AWAY® by Sea Courses is pleased to invite you to a 7-Night land CME in the Dominican Republic from March 13 to 20, 2027. Dr. Carolyn Stark and Dr. Renee Vachon have developed an educational program that will be of interest to family physicians, specialists, and allied health professionals.   Dr. Stark is a practicing psychiatrist in Rossland, BC. She holds several leadership roles including Department Head of Psychiatry, Executive Member of her Physician Association, and as a Hospital Foundation Board Director. Dr. Stark has been recognized for her Excellence in teaching, receiving awards from both the undergraduate and postgraduate level. She is currently an Examiner with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Stark’s Topics will include Neuropsychiatric Effects of Corticosteroids, MAID, Mental Health Law and Consent, Refractory Depression, the Lithium Paradox and the Use of Psychedelics.   Dr. Renee Vachon is a psychiatrist based in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Her clinical practice focuses on acute care psychiatry, hospital-based services, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and consultation-liaison psychiatry. Dr. Vachon serves as the Medical Lead for Adult Mental Health Services at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and as the Mental Health Lead for the NOSM undergraduate psychiatry clerkship program. Of Anishinaabe heritage, Dr. Vachon is deeply committed to advocacy and delivering culturally informed, patient-centered care. Dr. Vachon’s Topics will include Mental Health in Older Adults, Women’s Health, Psychopharmacology, Cultural Psychiatry, Substance Abuse and Managing Challenging Clinical Encounters.   Dr. Stark and Dr. Vachon are very much looking forward to seeing you at Club Med Miches in the Dominican Republic.  

Dr. Stark-

• Management of Treatment refractory depression
  • Review the Canadian treatment guidelines for treatment of depression
  • Cite treatment approaches in a case-based format)

• Mental Health Law – A review of Key Forensic topics
  • Explore mental health law, specifically understanding key forensic topics including Fitness to Stand trial and NCR (not criminally responsible)
  • Highlight landmark Canadian cases
• MAID and the Psychiatric patient - Where are we at?
  • Cite the current legislation surrounding MAID and how this relates to the Psychiatric patient
  • Explore where we are headed in Canada with respect to MAID and psychiatric patients
• The Neuropsychiatric Effects of Corticosteroids
  • Cite the risks associated with corticosteroids, with a particular focus on the neuropsychiatric implications
  • Illustrate the effects using a case-based approach
• Psychedelics and Psychiatry
  • Examine the latest Canadian guidelines and evidence
  • Discuss recommendations for management utilizing a case-based treatment approach
• The Lithium Paradox
  • Review the pharmacology, indications and side effects
  • Examine the Canadian Bipolar Treatment Guidelines

 

Dr. Vachon-

• Mental Health in Older Adults
  • Review comorbidity of Depression, delirium, and dementia
  • Examine Antidepressant use in older adults: common side effects and monitoring strategies

• Women’s Mental Health Across the Lifespan
  • Discuss a Case-based review of adolescent mood disorders
  • Explore clinical guidelines and case-based discussion of Menopause

• Psychopharmacology for Every Clinician
  • Discuss how to choose the right antidepressant: practical approaches
  • Evaluate third-generation antipsychotics: an overview
  • Use an Interactive quiz to navigate drug interactions

• Cultural Psychiatry
  • Examine Equity, diversity, and inclusion in clinical care
  • Discuss a Case-based review of Indigenous mental health services

• Managing Challenging Clinical Encounters
  • Cite workplace safety considerations
  • Review risk assessment and practical clinical pearls

• Substance Use Disorders in Psychiatric Care
  • Describe Substance use: from exception to expectation
  • Cite Advocacy and trauma-informed approaches to care