Faculty & Conference Details
Dr. Richard Brownlee
Specialty:
Neurosurgery
About The Speaker
Dr. Brownlee has been a Neurosurgeon in Kamloops, BC since 1996. He enjoys a general community practice that comprises cranial and spinal cases ranging from degenerative spine conditions, head and spine trauma, brain tumors and procedural pain. He completed his BSC at the University of Western Ontario in 1985, his MSc at the University of Toronto in 1988, Medical school in Calgary in 1990, rotating internship at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver in 1991 and Neurosurgery residency in Calgary in 1996. He is currently chief of surgery at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops (again). He manages the Welcome Back MRI and pain management centre in Kamloops and is in the process of retiring from surgery in the fall of 2024. He enjoys golfing, fishing, biking, travelling, learning and teaching.
Dr. Michael Gagnon
Specialty:
Palliative Care
About The Speaker
Doctor 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. Doctor Gagnon has been practising family medicine in Bolton for 17 years now and Medical Director of Bethell Hospice since 2012. He has worked within the community to normalize death and dying and has been partnering 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. Doctor 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.
CME Topics
Neurosurgery & Palliative Care
Sea Courses is pleased to invite you to a Continuing Medical Education program during an 11 Night cruise in the Western Mediterranean.
Dr. Richard Brownlee and Dr. Michael Gagnon have developed an educational program that will be of interest to family physicians, specialists, and allied health professionals.
Dr. Richard Brownlee has been a Neurosurgeon in Kamloops, BC since 1996. He enjoys a general community practice that comprises cranial and spinal cases ranging from degenerative spine conditions, head and spine trauma, brain tumors and procedural pain. He is currently chief of surgery at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops. He manages the Welcome Back MRI and Pain Management Centre in Kamloops and is in the process of retiring from surgery in the fall of 2024. For this CME Program, Dr. Brownlee will discuss Back Pain, Brain Tumours, Intracerebral Hemorrhage, Spinal Stenosis and Hydrocephalus.
Dr. Gagnon graduated from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in 2004. He has been practising family medicine in Bolton for 17 years now and has been the Medical Director of Bethell Hospice since 2012. He has worked within the community to normalize death and dying and has been partnering with local schools to educate and support students to remove the stigma of palliative care. 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. For this CME Program, Dr. Gagnon will discuss Symptom Management in Palliative Care including Pain Management, GI Symptoms, Respiratory Symptoms and Delerium.
Dr. Brownlee and Dr. Gagnon are very much looking forward to seeing you on the CME AWAY cruise in the Western Mediterranean.
Dr. Brownlee-
- Treatable causes of back pain
- Describe the common sources of chronic low back pain
- Describe the treatment options for chronic low back pain
- The best and the worst of brain tumors
- Identify the common symptoms that would suggest the need for a CT or MRI of the brain
- Describe the differences between low grade and highly malignant brain tumors in terms of demographics, treatment and outcome.
- Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
- List the triad of symptoms that suggest the diagnosis of NPH
- Describe the appropriate investigations, treatment options and potential outcome for patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus
- Spinal stenosis – Neurogenic claudication and cervical myelopathy
- Describe the features that differentiate between upper motor neuron and lower motor neuron features on a neurological exam.
- Describe the symptoms, treatment options and prognosis for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis vs cervical spinal stenosis.
- Explain the different types of intracerebral hemorrhages, the causes and prognosis.
- Describe the clinical features used in the Glasgow Coma scale and the prognostic value of the score
- The indication and value of diagnostic investigations including CT scans, MRI scan and EMG studies in clinical practice
- What clinical symptoms would suggest the need for a CT or MRI scan of the brain or spine
- How can EMG studies help in the evaluation of patients with pain, numbness or weakness in the arms or legs.
Dr. Gagnon-
- Palliative Care 101
- To recognize which patients would benefit from a palliative approach to care
- Understand how our past effects the care we give
- Pain Management in Palliative Care
- To use the WHO pain ladder to assess and treat different types of pain
- To be comfortable titrating opioids and adjunctive therapies for pain
- Respiratory Symptoms in Palliative Care
- To understand the role of opioids in management of dyspnea
- To be familiar with non pharmacological interventions used for dyspnea
- Gastrointestinal symptoms in Palliative Care
- To anticipate common GI symptoms in palliative care
- Understand management of malignant bowel obstruction
- Delirium in Palliative Care
- To recognize delirium as a palliative care emergency
- To understand the 3 pronged approach to treatment
- Managing Difficult conversations
- Develop an understanding of different tools to use to manage difficult conversations and decisions
- Practical/real time conversations with feedback.
Venue Information
Explore deck-defying discoveries, world-class dining, and the best cruise entertainment onboard Allure of the Seas® - the most awarded ship in the world. This Oasis Class favorite brings adventure to soaring new heights. Discover next-level thrills on every deck of Allure of the Seas®, from white-knuckle zip line rides ten decks up to totally splashworthy spaces for kids, like the interactive H20 Zone℠ Water Park. Get down after dark with more bars than any ship out there and savor a world of possibilities right onboard. Recognized for its dazzling onboard entertainment, thrilling attractions and wanderlust-fueled itineraries, this ship has already been named Best Large Cruise Ship, Best for Entertainment, and Best Individual Ship — and it’s just getting started.
Itinerary & Schedule
Day |
Date |
Port / Location |
Arrival Time |
Departure Time |
Conference |
Day 1 |
August 24th |
Barcelona, Spain |
|
5:30pm |
|
Day 2 |
August 25th |
Palma De Mallorca, Spain |
8:00am |
6:00pm |
|
Day 3 |
August 26th |
At Sea |
|
|
TBA |
Day 4 |
August 27th |
Florence / Pisa(La Spezia), Italy |
7:00am |
8:00pm |
|
Day 5 |
August 28th |
Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy |
7:00am |
7:00pm |
|
Day 6 |
August 29th |
Naples (Capri), Italy |
7:00am |
7:00pm |
|
Day 7 |
August 30th |
At Sea |
|
|
TBA |
Day 8 |
August 31st |
Barcelona, Spain |
5:00am |
|
|
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 | Barcelona, Spain
It’s easy to see why Barcelona is the most-visited city in Spain. As the capital of the country’s Catalonia region, this cityscape’s cultural mosaic pieces together a 2,000-year-old hodgepodge of sun-drenched beaches, cutting edge architecture, and a world-renowned dining and drinking scene. Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí left his modernist handprint all over the city, while medieval treasures linger in historic Gothic Quarter squares. Get lost in the whimsical gardens of Park Güell or savor a chef-led Catalan cooking class. Browse art collections dedicated to Picasso and Miro— or ride a cable car to the top of Montjuïc Hill, relishing citywide views along the way.
Day 2 | Palma De Mallorca, Spain
The Spanish island of Mallorca offers towering mountains and dramatic cliffs rising over clear, blue water — but its hidden gem is Palma de Mallorca, the island's capital and largest city, where you'll find quaint historic streets, Gothic castles and gastronomic delights. Cruise to Palma de Mallorca and check out one-of-a-kind Palma Cathedral: The 14th-century Gothic spires of exterior contrast the modernist interior designed by in the early 1900s by Gaudi. See the circular courtyard and Arab-inspired arches of Castell de Bellver, and take in the fresh scent of the miles of pine forest that surround it. Or rent bikes and pedal east to Palma Beach, where you can soak in the sun on the white sands and clear waves.
Day 3 | At Sea
Day 4 | Florence / Pisa (La Spezia), Italy
The northern Italian port city of La Spezia, on the border of Liguria and Tuscany, offers an ideal gateway to two of the country's most famous cities: Pisa and Florence. Just one hour by car or train will bring you to Pisa, where you can check out the white-stone arches of the city's famous leaning tower and its sister-structure, the Pisa Cathedral. Or spend your day in Florence, about two hours away by train: Climb to the top of the famous Duomo ("dome"), the nickname for the Italian Gothic Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral, for stunning 360-degree views of the city. Cruise to Florence to stroll through the San Lorenzo market with an espresso in hand and take in the smells of local spices and truffles as you people-watch.
Day 5 | Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
With 28 centuries of celebrated history, Rome holds the edge when it comes to unrivaled adventures. The city that sparked the world’s largest empire is very much alive today with a jumble of ancient ruins, world-renowned art and vivacious street culture. Here you can live la dolce vita, recalling the glory days of Ancient Rome and twirling forks full of pasta in a trattoria. Ride past centuries-old basilicas in a three-wheeled Ape Calessino, or stand in awe of paintings by Italian masters at Villa Borghese. Whether it’s Vatican City’s spiritual allure, Trastevere’s backstreet charms, or the Colosseum’s embattled legacy— The Eternal City endures with endless adventures.
Day 6 | Naples (Capri), Italy
With a skyline defined by towering Mount Vesuvis, Naples is a bustling Italian city brimming with beauty. Experience its rich neoclassical architecture at sites like Gesu Nuovo Church, with its lavish interior adorned with detailed frescoes, statues and gold inlay. Go even deeper into history at the San Gennaro catacombs, where Naples' first bishops were buried in the second century A.D. Walk along the Miglio Sacro ("Holy Mile") and people-watch your way through the cafes and shops of the Sanita district with a zuccherato (sweetened espresso) in hand. Jump onboard a Naples cruise and take the short bus ride to the base of Mount Vesuvius — it's an easy 20- to 30-minute hike will take you to the summit — and tour the ruins of Pompeii afterward.
Day 7 | At Sea
Day 8 | Barcelona, Spain
Today you will disembark Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas with photos and memories of the Western Mediterranean to last a lifetime.
Pre-And-Post Conference Information
There are no Pre or Post tours created for this itinerary. To build your own or simply add hotel nights, please speak with your Advisor.