Faculty & Conference Details
Dr. Kevin Saunders
Specialty:
Family Practice
About The Speaker
Dr. Kevin Saunders is a family physician in Winnipeg. He completed his medical training at the University of Manitoba in 1985 and has practiced in Winnipeg since then. In addition to his family medicine practice, he is also the medical director of The Wellness Institute at Seven Oaks General Hospital and an attending physician at Middlechurch and River East Nursing Homes.
Dr Saunders has participated in extensive phase III clinical trial research with new pharmaceutical agents over the past thirty years. His special interest areas include diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and vascular diseases (both primary and secondary prevention). At the Wellness Institute he was involved in developing the cardiac rehab program and the diabetes education programs. Dr Saunders has a special interest in family physician CME and has been extensively involved in CME development and facilitation over many years. Dr Saunders is a past president of the medical staff at Seven Oaks General Hospital, a past chair of the Section of Family Practice of Doctors Manitoba, and a past president of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba.
CME Topics
Hot Topics in Family Medicine
CME AWAY® by Sea Courses is pleased to invite you on a 14 Night CME Land and Cruise Program in Patagonia from Oct. 31 – Nov. 14, 2025. Dr. Kevin Saunders is the sole speaker for this program. He has developed a comprehensive presentation that will be of interest to Family Physicians, Specialists and Allied Health Professionals.
Dr. Saunders is a family physician in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He is the medical director of The Wellness Institute at Seven Oaks General Hospital and an attending physician at Middlechurch and River East Nursing Homes.
Dr. Saunders has participated in extensive phase III clinical trial research with new pharmaceutical agents over the past thirty years. His special interest areas include diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and vascular diseases (both primary and secondary prevention). At the Wellness Institute he was involved in developing the cardiac rehab program and the diabetes education programs. Dr. Saunders has a special interest in family physician CME and has been extensively involved in CME development and facilitation over many years. He is a past president of the medical staff at Seven Oaks General Hospital, a past chair of the Section of Family Practice of Doctors Manitoba, and a past president of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba.
For this CME Program, Dr. Saunders’ Topics will include hypertension, congestive heart failure, nephrology, diabetes, obesity and vascular risk reduction. Dr. Saunders looks forward to meeting you in Patagonia.
Dr. Saunders-
- Hypertension: Anything new and exciting?
- Recall the 2020 – 2025 Hypertension Canada guidelines.
- Describe a practical approach to assessing and treating hypertensive patients.
- CHF: HfpEF, HfrEF and other confusing thoughts.
- Recall the 2023 CCS Heart Failure guidelines.
- Define a practical approach to integrate guideline advice into clinical practice.
- Nephrology: Are the kidneys our most vital organ?
- Recognize the burden associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in type 2 DM.
- Define a practical approach to implement current guideline advice for screening and diagnosis of CKD.
- Diabetes: So many new drugs and studies – How do I make sense of it all?
- Recall the 2024 Diabetes Canada updated guidelines with an emphasis on the new recommendations.
- Define an approach based on the guidelines to select the most appropriate agents for individually treating our diabetic patients.
- Diabetes: Injectable therapies – GLP, GIP/GLP 1, and insulin.
- Recall the 2024 Diabetes Canada updated guidelines with emphasis on injectable therapies – GLP1, GLP1 / GIP combination, and insulin.
- Verify the rationale for using these therapies in patients with diabetes.
- Obesity: Pharmacotherapy – how well do these drugs actually work?
- Recall the Obesity Canada 2020 guidelines.
- Define an approach to integrate the guideline advice into clinical practice.
- Diabetes: Continuous glucose monitoring – what’s all the hype?
- Recall the 2021 Diabetes Canada guideline update re CGM.
- Understand how the information on CGM can benefit some of our diabetic patients.
- Vascular risk reduction: Putting it all together for our patients.
- Recognize lifestyle factors that can affect vascular risk.
- Summarize key learnings from Diabetes Canada, Hypertension Canada, and Obesity Canada guideline recommendations.
- Develop risk reduction strategies for patients that include both lifestyle and pharmacologic approaches.
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.
Remota Patagonia Lodge, Puerto Natales
Remota is a world-class refuge in the vast Patagonia, where visitors are received and welcomed as guests to our great house, attended to with dedication, delicacy and concern for their interests. We have a building of more than 7,000 square meters that has 72 rooms of 33 square meters each and large areas dedicated to leisure, reading and contemplation, a heated pool and saunas, a shop, bar, lounges and a restaurant that offers the best food, prepared by our renowned chef. This work has been designed with the purpose that our visitors can experience and feel Patagonia, also from inside the building.
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 |
October 31st |
Buenos Aires |
|
|
|
| Day 2 |
November 1st |
Buenos Aires |
|
|
9:00am - 12:00pm / 1:30pm - 4:30pm |
| Day 3 |
November 2nd |
Buenos Aires |
|
|
3:30pm - 5:30pm |
| Day 4 |
November 3rd |
Buenos Aires |
|
|
8:30am - 12:30pm |
| Day 5 |
November 4th |
El Calafate |
|
|
|
| Day 6 |
November 5th |
El Calafate |
|
|
|
| Day 7 |
November 6th |
Torres del Paine |
|
|
|
| Day 8 |
November 7th |
Torres del Paine |
|
|
|
| Day 9 |
November 8th |
Puerto Natales |
|
|
|
| Day 10 |
November 9th |
Puerto Natales |
|
|
2:00pm - 4:00pm |
| Day 11 |
November 10th |
Ainsworth Bay |
|
|
|
| Day 12 |
November 11th |
Pia Glacier |
|
|
|
| Day 13 |
November 12th |
Cape Horn |
|
|
|
| Day 14 |
November 13th |
Ushuaia—Buenos Aires |
|
|
|
| Day 15 |
November 14th |
Buenos Aires |
|
|
|
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Friday, October 31 Buenos Aires
Your journey starts in Buenos Aires, in beautiful Argentina. Transfer from Ministro Pistarnini International Airport (EZE) to your hotel.
Hotel: Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta, Buenos Aires (or similar)
Day 2 - Saturday, November 1 Buenos Aires
Today we will spend the day in CME and in the evening attend a welcome briefing at the hotel. (B)
Day 3—Sunday, November 2 Buenos Aires
Start the day with a visit to the famous Recoleta Cemetery and take in the towering mausoleums – considered to be one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world – and the final resting place of Eva Peron. After, embark on a panoramic city tour 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. Join the late afternoon CME Session. Tonight, get into the Argentinian spirit with a tango show and dinner. (B, D)
Day 4 -Monday, November 3 Buenos Aires
The morning will start with a CME Session with the afternoon to spend in Buenos Aires as you please. Perhaps you’ll take a tour of the Teatro Colon or meander your way through the San Telmo Market. (B)
Day 5 - Tuesday, November 4 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) Hotel: Mirador del Lago Hotel, El Calafate (or similar)
Day 6 - Wednesday, November 5 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 - Thursday, November 6 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, L, D)
Hotel: Rio Serrano Hotel & Spa, Torres del Paine (or similar)
Day 8 - Friday, November 7 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 - Saturday, November 8 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) Hotel: Remota Patagonia Lodge, Puerto Natales (or similar)
Day 10 - Sunday, November 9 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 - Monday, November 10 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—Tuesday, November 11 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 - Wednesday, November 12 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,LD)
* Cape Horn landing is strongly dependent on weather and sea conditions.
Day 14—Thursday, November 13 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—Friday, November 14 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
