Faculty & Conference Details
Dr. Alex Barss
Specialty:
Family Medicine
About The Speaker
Dr. Alex Barss is a family physician who graduated from the University of Alberta in 1987 and completed his Family Practice Residency at the University of British Columbia in 1989. He has extensive clinical experience in both community and rural medicine, working in hospital-based and office-based practice settings.
Dr. Barss served for over a decade as Chair and Board Member of the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee at Richmond General Hospital and Interior Health BC, where he contributed multidisciplinary expertise to support evidence-based pharmaceutical decision-making.
He has been actively involved in medical education through the University of British Columbia as a clinical faculty member. Currently acting as preceptor for family practice residents and medical students and as a medical school examiner.
He has a longstanding commitment to continuing medical education for family physicians, with teaching interests that include smoking cessation, pulmonary disease, treatment-resistant hypertension, venous thromboembolism (VTE), and related areas of primary care. Dr. Barss is currently a committee member of the Academy for Continued Advancement in Health Care Education and has contributed to the development of a national CME program on venous thromboembolism, including VTE in cancer patients, as well as a program focused on optimizing the management of irritable bowel syndrome.
Dr. Tanja Redelinghuys
Specialty:
Family Medicine
About The Speaker
I am a Family Physician practicing in Vernon, BC, where I have provided full-service family medicine since 2007, including inpatient care at Vernon Jubilee Hospital . My clinical interests include mental health, ADHD, Women’s health and obesity management, as well as medical education. I value comprehensive, compassionate care and enjoy building long-term relationships with my patients.
Teaching is an important part of my work. I precept first- and second-year Family Medicine residents and teach UBC medical students through the FLEX program. I have contributed to CME initiatives in youth mental health, chronic pain management, and physician wellness, and I am passionate about supporting learners as they develop confidence and strong clinical reasoning skills.
Before moving to British Columbia, I worked in rural Saskatchewan, providing full-scope medical care, including emergency and community-based services. I completed my medical degree at the University of Pretoria and later completed a Master’s Degree in Family Medicine in 2002.
Outside of medicine, I enjoy cycling, swimming, running, reading, and yoga.
CME Topics
Primary Care Essentials: Mind, Mood, and Medicine
CME AWAY
® by Sea Courses is pleased to invite you to a 14-Night CME Land Tour and Cruise in Patagonia.
Overall Learning Objectives:
1) Use core assessment approaches with patients and implement evidence-informed intervention strategies for patients with sleep disorders and cardiovascular conditions.
2) Develop and implement an approach to help manage patients with Obesity and Menopause.
Dr. Tanja Redelinghuys and Dr. Alex Barss have developed an interactive educational program that will be of interest to family physicians, specialists, and allied health professionals.
Dr. Tanja Redelinghuys is a Family Physician practicing in Vernon, BC. Her clinical interests include mental health, ADHD, Women's health and obesity management, as well as medical education. Tanja values comprehensive, compassionate care and enjoys building long-term relationships with her patients. Teaching is an important part of Tanja’s work. She is a preceptor for first- and second-year Family Medicine residents and UBC medical students through the FLEX program. She has contributed to CME initiatives in youth mental health, chronic pain management, and physician wellness. Tanja completed her medical degree at the University of Pretoria and later completed a Master's Degree in Family Medicine in 2002.
Dr. Alex Barss is a family physician who graduated from the University of Alberta in 1987 and completed his Family Practice Residency at the University of British Columbia in 1989. Dr. Barss served for over a decade as Chair and Board Member of the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee at Richmond General Hospital and Interior Health BC, where he contributed multidisciplinary expertise to support evidence-based pharmaceutical decision-making. Dr. Barss has a longstanding commitment to continuing medical education for family physicians. He is currently a committee member of the Academy for Continued Advancement in Health Care Education and has contributed to the development of a national CME program on venous thromboembolism, including VTE in cancer patients, as well as a program focused on optimizing the management of irritable bowel syndrome.
Dr. Redelinghuys and Dr. Barss are very much looking forward to seeing you in Patagonia.
Dr. Alex Barss
- Updated Strategies for Managing High Blood Pressure
- Apply current hypertension guideline updates to diagnosis, risk stratification, and treatment in primary care.
- Individualize blood pressure targets and medication choices based on age, comorbidities, and cardiovascular risk.
- Resistant Hypertension: Finding the Cause and Treating the Aldosterone Connection
- Recognize true resistant hypertension and distinguish it from pseudo-resistance due to inaccurate blood pressure measurement, white-coat effect, medication non-adherence, or suboptimal therapy.
- Identify patients who should be screened for primary aldosteronism and appropriately interpret renin, aldosterone, and the aldosterone-to-renin ratio.
- Apply evidence-based management strategies for resistant hypertension and primary aldosteronism, including lifestyle interventions, medication optimization, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and appropriate referral for further investigation or definitive treatment.
- Breaking Up with Nicotine: It’s Complicated — Smoking Cessation Update 2026
- Compare current pharmacologic and behavioural smoking cessation strategies, including newer and combination therapies.
- Tailor smoking cessation interventions to patients with comorbid conditions such as COPD, cardiovascular disease, and mental health disorders.
- Better Sleep Without the Prescription Pad
- Recognize chronic insomnia and identify behaviours and beliefs that perpetuate poor sleep. Use a sleep diary to assess sleep patterns and guide individualized treatment.
- Apply practical CBT-I strategies, including stimulus control, time-in-bed restriction, cognitive techniques, and sleep hygiene.
- The Pharmacology of Sleep: From Sleep Neurobiology to Rational Treatment of Insomnia
- Describe the neurobiology of normal sleep, including sleep architecture and the roles of orexin, GABA, and histamine in regulating sleep and wakefulness.
- Compare commonly used insomnia medications, including dual orexin receptor antagonists, benzodiazepines, Z-drugs, and other sedating medications.
- Individualize pharmacologic treatment of insomnia based on effects on sleep architecture, next day functioning, adverse effects, tolerance, dependence, and drug interactions.
- Anticoagulation in Practice: Managing VTE in Pregnancy, Cancer and Beyond
- Select appropriate anticoagulant therapy for common and complex VTE presentations, including pregnancy and cancer-associated thrombosis.
- Determine the appropriate duration and intensity of anticoagulation, including extended or indefinite therapy and the role of reduced-dose DOAC regimens.
- Provide effective primary care follow-up for patients receiving anticoagulation, including monitoring, reassessment of bleeding and thrombosis risk, and appropriate referral.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis: From Venous Anatomy to Diagnosis and Imaging
- Apply clinically relevant venous anatomy to the assessment and imaging of suspected deep vein thrombosis.
- Use an evidence-based diagnostic approach to suspected DVT, incorporating pretest probability, D-dimer testing, and compression ultrasonography.
- Recognize important diagnostic and imaging considerations involving distal and proximal DVT, superficial venous thrombosis, iliocaval disease, point-of-care ultrasound, and emerging applications of artificial intelligence in ultrasound.
Dr. Tanja Redelinghuys
- Lifestyle & Behavioural Approaches in Obesity Management: Practical Tools for the Family Physician
- Identify evidence-based lifestyle and behavioural interventions that can be effectively integrated into routine family practice.
- Apply counselling strategies that enhance patient motivation, adherence, and long-term weight-management success.
- Obesity Pharmacotherapy: When, What, and How for Primary Care
- Review current anti-obesity medications, mechanisms, indications, and contraindications.
- Develop a structured approach to initiating, monitoring, and adjusting pharmacotherapy for patients with obesity in a primary care setting.
- The Science of Menopause: Ovarian Ageing, Genetics, and Vasomotor Symptoms
- Describe the ovarian and hormonal changes that occur throughout the menopausal transition.
- Explain how ovarian ageing and genetic factors influence the timing of menopause and subsequent long-term health.
- Explain the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying vasomotor symptoms and relate these mechanisms to the rationale for available treatments.
- ADHD in Midlife Women: Navigating the Menopausal Transition
- Explain how perimenopause and menopause may affect ADHD symptoms and executive functioning in midlife women.
- Differentiate ADHD-related executive dysfunction from menopause-associated cognitive, mood, and sleep symptoms, and apply an appropriate screening approach.
- Develop an evidence-informed primary care management plan for women with ADHD during the menopausal transition, including indications for specialist referral.
- Mindfulness & Physician Wellness: Everyday Strategies to Prevent Burnout
- Describe the evidence supporting mindfulness-based approaches to improving physician wellness and reducing burnout.
- Incorporate brief, practical mindfulness interventions into daily clinical workflow to enhance personal resilience.
- Cool the Heat: Menopause Treatment in Primary Care
- Summarize the latest hormonal and non-hormonal treatment options and guideline updates for menopausal symptom management.
- Apply individualized risk-benefit analysis when selecting therapy for patients experiencing menopausal symptoms.
- Hot or Not? Perimenopause Assessment, Treatment, and Contraception
- Recognize and clinically diagnose perimenopause, while distinguishing it from primary ovarian insufficiency, early menopause, and important alternative diagnoses.
- Perform a focused primary-care assessment addressing symptom burden, abnormal bleeding, mood and sleep, contraception, uterine status, treatment risks, and indications for investigation or referral.
- Develop an individualized, evidence-informed management plan using appropriate hormonal and non-hormonal therapies, with attention to endometrial protection, contraception, follow-up, and the long-term health implications of primary ovarian insufficiency.
Venue Information
Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta, Buenos Aires
Arm’s reach within art galleries, trendy restaurants and shopping meccas, Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta positions you amid the most exclusive neighborhoods of Argentina’s capital.
Stately architecture fuses with bold modern design in our public spaces, while luxurious amenities and furnishings define our accommodations. Recoleta’s vibrant local culture blends seamlessly with French art de vivre at Sofitel where our sustainability efforts have earned us Hoteles más Verdes certification.
Mirador del Lago Hotel, El Calafate
Located in front of the Argentino lake, on a 10,000 square meters field surrounded by alamos and at only 1600 feet from the commercial center of El Calafate. Mirador del Lago Hotel, within this privileged environment, the hotel’s 68 rooms, finely furnished and with a unique view to the lake and to the Andes Mountain Range. Just being before the glacier overwhelms all visitors and satisfies our spirits immediately. It is a unique experience that You must live. We want you to witness this wonder enjoying the comfort and warmth of our services in an environment that, due to its location and infrastructure, becomes unequaled.
Rio Serrano Hotel & Spa, Torres del Paine
Welcome to the Hotel Río Serrano! Your dream destination in Chilean Patagonia located on the southern limit of the Torres del Paine national park, 86 kilometers from the nearest city, Puerto. The hotel is decorated with Patagonian elements and colors, with the arrow as the main symbol, which inspired protection to the regions ancestors. The kitchen is committed to using a variety of products and seasonings that represent Patagonian roots, creating dishes inspired by traditions from the end of the world.
Costa Australis Hotel, Puerto Natales
Hotel Costa Australis, Puerto Natales' iconic hotel, boasts an exceptional location. Facing the Natales waterfront and in the heart of the city, you'll be steps away from all the dining, cultural, and entertainment options our city has to offer. Our iconic architecture pays homage to the crossroads of cultures that has defined these remote lands, while our warm and attentive service makes you feel at home from the moment you arrive.
Ventus Australis
Ventus Australis is specially designed to access the most remote corners of the Strait of Magellan, where larger vessels cannot navigate. With only 100 cabins, for a maximum of 200 passengers, allow Ventus Australis to navigate through unique landscapes in an INTIMATE and EXCLUSIVE way. All our lounges and cabins have exterior windows, ample space and a delicate decoration.
Itinerary & Schedule
| Day |
Date |
Port / Location |
Conference |
| Day 1 |
November 11th |
Buenos Aires |
|
|
|
| Day 2 |
November 12th |
Buenos Aires |
|
|
8:00am - 12:00pm 1:30pm - 5:30pm |
| Day 3 |
November 13th |
Buenos Aires |
|
|
|
| Day 4 |
November 14th |
Buenos Aires |
|
|
|
| Day 5 |
November 15th |
El Calafate |
|
|
|
| Day 6 |
November 16th |
El Calafate |
|
|
|
| Day 7 |
November 17th |
Torres del Paine |
|
|
|
| Day 8 |
November 18th |
Torres del Paine |
|
|
|
| Day 9 |
November 19th |
Puerto Natales |
|
|
|
| Day 10 |
November 20th |
Puerto Natales |
|
|
|
| Day 11 |
November 21st |
Ainsworth Bay |
|
|
CME TBA |
| Day 12 |
November 22nd |
Pia Glacier |
|
|
CME TBA |
| Day 13 |
November 23rd |
Cape Horn |
|
|
CME TBA |
| Day 14 |
November 24th |
Ushuaia—Buenos Aires |
|
|
|
| Day 15 |
November 25th |
Buenos Aires |
|
|
|
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Buenos Aires
Your journey starts in Buenos Aires, in beautiful Argentina. Transfer from Ministro Pistarnini International Airport (EZE) to your hotel.
Day 2 - Buenos Aires
Today we will spend the full day in CME and in the evening attend a welcome briefing at the hotel. (B,D)
Day 3—Friday, November 13 Buenos Aires
This morning, embark on a panoramic city tour with a local guide and coast down the famous Avenida 9 de Julio. Take in the Parisian architecture and verdant trees lining the world’s widest avenue. Discover the city’s most well-known sites before arriving to the colourful neighbourhood of La Boca. Experience an Impact Moment during lunch at Alamesa, a popular restaurant renowned for its inclusive dining experience. Founded by a local doctor who sought to create opportunities for his daughter, who is autistic, this welcoming lunch spot employs neurodiverse staff and has formed a supportive community. Tonight, get into the Argentinian spirit with a tango show and dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 4 –Saturday, November 14 Buenos Aires
Start the day with a visit to the famous Recoleta Cemetery, considered one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world, and the final resting place of Eva Peron. You have the afternoon and evening free to spend in Buenos Aires as you please. (B)
Day 5 - Sunday, November 15 Buenos Aires—El Calafate
Fly to El Calafate, the gateway to Patagonia’s natural splendour, known as the “National Capital of the Glaciers.” Enjoy some free time this afternoon in this charming town. Gather this evening for dinner with your fellow travellers. (B, D)
Day 6 - Monday, November 16 El Calafate
This morning, get ready to embark on a cruise that will take you up close to the Perito Moreno Glacier. This gigantic tower of vibrant ice rests against blue-green waters – an awe-inspiring wonder of the natural world. Then, catch many views of the glacier from a series of walkways. Gaze off the shoreline in search of floating icebergs as you listen for the resounding cracks of ice sheets breaking free. (B)
Day 7 - Tuesday, November 17 Torres del Paine
Today, take in the vast landscape and learn more about Patagonian wildlife while travelling to the border and crossing into Chile. Arrive in Torres del Paine National Park, one of the most remote, unspoiled places in the world, designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Soak the dramatic beauty of jagged mountains, expansive grasslands, and ethereal teal waters and marvel at cascading waterfalls on a panoramic tour through one of South America’s most incredible national parks. Along the way, you may spot soaring condors, inquisitive guanacos (llamas), and independent felines. After, check into your hotel for a two-night stay beside stunning views of the Serrano River and Paine mountain range. (B,D)
Day 8 - Wednesday, November 18 Torres del Paine
Set out to spend a full day exploring the wonders of Torres del Paine. Stretch your legs on a morning hike to the Salto Grande waterfall. Your guide will make sure you don’t miss a thing, from this landscape’s stunning features to the flora and fauna all around you. Following lunch, the adventure continues with a scenic hike around Lago Grey, leading to spectacular views of the Grey Glacier. (B, L, D)
Day 9 - Thursday, November 19 Puerto Natales
Enjoy a leisurely morning at your hotel, taking in those final views of the park or perhaps joining your guide for a nature walk. After lunch, head south to Puerto Natales. This evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. (B)
Day 10 - Friday, November 20 Puerto Natales—Punta Arenas
Today, make your way to the coastal metropolis of Punta Arenas. Along the way, stop to spend time at a family-owned Patagonian estancia. Enjoy a traditional lamb roast lunch as you chat and learn about the culture. Later in Punta Arenas, admire the sights, where brightly coloured houses meet modern skyscrapers. As the day draws to a close, leave the mainland on the Ventus Australis – your home for the next four nights. Head for one of the most remote corners of the world as you sail through Chilean waters. We will have a late afternoon CME Session. (B, L, D)
Day 11 - Saturday, November 21 Ainsworth Bay—Tucker Islets
Dock in Ainsworth Bay. As you take your Zodiac to shore, keep an eye out for the area’s extensive birdlife or perhaps a colony of elephant seals. Get ready to choose how to spend the morning because it’s your choice! Embark on new adventures by starting at the beach to discover Ainsworth Forest. Learn all about the evolution and vegetation as a cause of the glacier recession and explore a beaver habitat -OR- venture off on an active hike along a glacial moraine – a unique form of glacial sediment made from rock and soil. No matter what you choose, take in surreal views of the Almirantazgo Sound and Darwin Mountain Range. Back on the ship, sail to the Tucker Islets where you’ll head to shore for a close-up view of the Magellan penguins. (B, L, D)
Day 12—Sunday, November 22 Pia Glacier—Glacier Alley
Take a Zodiac to shore and stand in awe before the Pia Glacier, a colossal mass of ice slowly crawling down the mountains. Decide where you want to hike because it’s your choice! Traverse the Pia Boulders on a medium level hike for panoramic views of the glacier -OR- venture on an easy walk towards the Pia Lookout for panoramic views of the glacier. Back onboard the ship, continue through the Beagle Channel and into Glacier Alley. These impressive masses of ice are so large that most of them are named after countries – including Holland, Italy, Germany, and France. (B, L, D)
Day 13 - Monday, November 23 Cape Horn—Wulaia bay
Disembark * at Cape Horn National Park, home to an archipelago of islands, and considered to be the “End of the Earth.” This afternoon, anchor at fabled Wulaia Bay and visit the historic radio station, formerly used by the Chilean Navy. Explore the area by selecting a hike alongside an expert guide because it’s your choice! Head towards the peak on the most difficult hike for a scenic lookout -OR- embark on a slower paced hike with a medium difficulty towards the Forest Lookout -OR- take a peaceful nature walk along the beach for a chance to witness even more wildlife. Each choice will offer sprawling vistas of the gentle bay and allows time to leave a postcard at the information centre. (B, L, D) * Cape Horn landing is strongly dependent on weather and sea conditions.
Day 14—Tuesday, November 24 Ushuaia—Buenos Aires
Your cruise through Patagonia comes to an end as you enter Argentine waters, docking at Ushuaia. Disembark in Ushuaia before flying to Buenos Aires. Tonight, gather for a farewell dinner and share a toast with your fellow travel companions. (B, D)
Day 15—Wednesday, November 25 Buenos Aires
Say adios to Argentina as your tour draws to a close this morning. (B)
*All shore landings are dependent on weather and sea conditions, and at the discretion of the cruise line. Due to unpredictable sailing conditions or National Park directives, all of the timing and landing details featured in the cruise portion of your itinerary are subject to change. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
1-800-268-3273
cruises@seacourses.com
