Faculty & CME Details
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.
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
Family Medicine & Physician Wellness
CME AWAY® by Sea Courses is pleased to invite you to a 16-night CME program on a cruise around New Zealand from January 21 to February 4 onboard Azamara Journey. Dr. Michael Gagnon (a family doctor from Ontario) and Dr. Kevin Saunders (a family doctor from Manitoba) have developed an educational program that will be of interest to family physicians, specialists and allied health professionals. Their program is designed to be evidence based with interactivity and attendee participation strongly encouraged. They will provide a family medicine and palliative care perspective on various conditions.
Dr. Gagnon’s topics for this program will include Palliative Care, Having Difficult Conversations, Psychosocial Spiritual Care and other end of life issues. Dr. Saunders’ presentations will include Heart Failure, Diabetes and other things encountered by a family doctor.
Dr. Saunders and Dr. Gagnon are looking forward to seeing you on board the cruise.
TOPICS
Dr. Michael Gagnon
- Palliative Care 101
- Pain Management in Palliative Care
- Respiratory Symptoms in Palliative Care
- Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Palliative Care
- Delirium in Palliative Care
- Managing Difficult Conversations
- Psychosocial Spiritual Care/Grief
Dr. Kevin Saunders
- Hypertension: Anything new and exciting?
- Diabetes: So many new drugs and studies—How do I make sense of it all?
- Obesity Pharmacotherapy: Do any of these drugs actually work?
- CHF: HFpEF, HFrEF and other confusing thoughts
- Diabetes: Continuous glucose monitoring—What’s all the hype?
- Putting it all together: Maximizing vascular risk protection for our patients
Venue Information
Natural wonders, Indigenous cultures, extraordinary wildlife, and fabulous wines are yours to discover as we journey from verdant New Zealand to vibrant Australia. Departing from Auckland, we begin with an overnight sail to the Bay of Islands, a subtropical region renowned for its Māori history, tranquil towns, and pristine beaches.
Then, it’s on to Tauranga, where you can learn even more about the Māori, visit the nearby geothermal wonders of Rotorua, or tour a Lord of the Rings/Hobbiton movie set in Matamata. Enjoy a late-night stay in Napier, famed for its UNESCO Heritage status, Art Deco style, and the nearby Cape Kidnappers.
Our next three days will take us from New Zealand’s North Island to the South Island, as we take in the capital city attractions of Wellington with a late-night stay, followed by another late-night stay in the creative hub of Nelson, where countless galleries, unique shops, the Nelson Classic Cars Museum, and Abel Tasman National Park await. Then, it’s time to taste your way through the legendary wines of the Marlborough region in Picton.
The journey continues in the lovely English-inspired city of Christchurch, home to Cathedral Square, the Canterbury countryside, and punting on the Avon River. Then it’s on to the “Edinburgh of the South”, Dunedin, where we offer an Overnight Experience to Queenstown that departs Dunedin and returns guests to our ship in Milford Sound. A sail through the spectacular Milford Sound is followed by two luxurious days at sea en route to Hobart, Tasmania. An overnight stay here means you’ll have plenty of time to experience its many beaches, restaurants, and historic waterfront—plus go on an evening visit to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary (keep an eye out for Tasmanian Devils!).
One more day at your boutique hotel at sea brings us to the Sapphire Coast for a visit to Eden, Australia, a ruggedly beautiful paradise full of fresh seafood and stunning views. Lastly, we reach Sydney, our final destination, where the choice is yours to stay and explore this spectacular city.
Additional Noteworthy Features
AWARD-WINNING AMENITIES & ACCOMMODATIONS.
Like her two sister ships, the sturdy Azamara Journey® is a mid-sized beauty with a deck plan well-suited to the needs of modern voyagers. You’ll never feel crowded in the comfortable social spaces of our bars, restaurants, lounges, Casino and Cabaret. Nor will you feel like a sardine jammed in around the pool, where our attentive staff is always ready to offer a complimentary bottled water, soft drink or fresh towel. Staterooms feature modern amenities, furnishings, and European linens. And one of the greatest features of this ship is the large number of staterooms with verandas. There’s nothing better than opening your door to the fresh sea air and views. Azamara’s friendly ships are an altogether wonderful place to call your home away from home!
Entertainment
While Vacation is a time to explore it is also a time to relax. The Discoveries Lounge is located just outside Azamara’s main restaurant and this congenial bar is a favorite gathering place for pre- and post-dinner conversation and drinks. Bar service includes a full selection of fine wines, mixed drinks, and premium spirits. Enjoy live performances of professional full-stage musicals, classical soloists, bands and other forms of entertainment in a cabaret nightclub with a full bar and cozy tables. Each cruise has as many as three distinctly different shows while on board. Azamara’s famous Evening Under the Stars party and buffet, held at least once on every cruise is always rated as of the guest’s highlights. Colorful décor and linen-draped tables, a fabulous buffet feast, and boutique wines on the house make this an event like no other. Dance late into the night
as the live band kicks in after dinner. Wearing white is optional, but encouraged. The Casino will keep you entertained with blackjack, roulette, slot machines, and three-card poker games. Group and individual gaming lessons are offered at no charge and a great way to learn gaming strategy! For Sports fan, the Spirits bar adjacent to the Casino features a flat-screen TV and full bar, making it a very pleasant place to keep up with your favorite teams.
Dining
Azamara offers a choice of 5 distinctive dining options, as well as 24-hour room service and a quality café. Whether you’re a fan of adventurous cuisine or classic cooking, you'll love the quality reflected in the fresh ingredients, careful preparation, and variety of menu choices.
Discoveries Dining, the main restaurant presents elegant yet lively dining with a renewed décor befitting the culinary heart of our ships. Reservations are not required, and you have the choice of being seated at a table for two or as part of a larger group of fellow guests. There are two specialty restaurants Aqualina and Prime C.
Aqualina exhibits contemporary, inventive Italian cuisine and features some of Italy’s most famous dishes.
Prime C, offers a marvelous evening at this classic wood-paneled steakhouse with stunning views and lush autumn décor.
Windows Café is primary spot for casual dining with indoor and outdoor tables. Enjoy an intimate breakfast, lunch, or dinner for two or a lively meal for six with the flexible seating options.
The Patio serves as a casual “pool grill” during the day and becomes transformed into a more sophisticated dining experience in the evening.
The self serve Frozen yogurt station is a staple of the Patio and is available all day.
Mosaic Café is the on board coffee corner where You'll find all your favorite coffee drinks and you can order them just the way you like as well as light snacks.
Lastly is the delicious Room Service served 24 hours a day. Lunch and dinner room service features a menu of hearty soups, fresh salads, gourmet sandwiches, pizzas and desserts.
On Board Activities and Enriching Experiences
Treat yourself to health, beauty, and restorative treatments in the all new Sanctum Spa. With a focus on wellness and vigor, the relaxing spa can provide you an oceanfront massage, a quick manicure teeth whitening, barber services, or even a healing acupuncture treatment. The well-equipped Fitness Center filled with lifecycles, treadmills, stair-steppers and weights will help you maintain your body despite the delicious dining on board. There are complimentary group classes like sunset yoga on the deck, Pilates, cycling, core workouts, and nutrition classes. You also have the option of working with certified personal trainers who will help you develop a customized workout plan and lead you through individualized instruction. The beautiful library on board is known as the Drawing Room. The library is one of the quiet jewels of Azamara, a peaceful and
beautifully appointed space for reading or relaxing after dinner. Browse the collection and feel free to borrow the library books or simply relax in the tranquil atmosphere. For on board shopping You’ll find a tasteful collection of merchandise and beautiful jewelry and watches in four on board stores. The daily news will outline specials and one-time offers that make shopping even more fun. The Photo Stop has camera supplies that can be purchased and displays photos available of the previous day’s events, taken by the ship’s roving photographer.
Inclusive Amenities for All CME AWAY® Guests
• Unlimited wifi
• AzAmazing Evenings® event (on most voyages of seven nights or longer)
• Select standard spirits, international beers and wines
• Gratuities
• Bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and teas
• Self-service laundry
• Shuttle service to and from port communities, where available
• Concierge services for personal guidance and reservations
Itinerary & Schedule
| Date |
Port / Location |
Arrival Time |
Departure Time |
Notes / CME Details |
| January 21st |
Auckland, NZ |
|
1800 |
|
| January 22nd |
Bay of Islands, NZ |
0630 |
1800 |
|
| January 23rd |
Tauranga, NZ |
0900 |
1800 |
|
| January 24th |
Napier, NZ |
1400 |
2100 |
0800 - 1215 |
| January 25th |
Wellington, NZ |
1300 |
2200 |
0800 - 1100 |
| January 26th |
Nelson, NZ |
0800 |
2000 |
|
| January 27th |
Picton, NZ |
0800 |
1600 |
|
| January 28th |
Christchurch, NZ |
0700 |
1700 |
|
| January 29th |
Dunedin, NZ |
0730 |
1600 |
|
| January 30th |
Milford Sound |
1500 |
1900 |
|
| January 31st |
At Sea |
|
|
0800 - 1200 |
| February 1st |
At Sea |
|
|
|
| February 2nd |
Hobart, Tasmania |
0730 |
|
|
| February 3rd |
Hobart, Tasmania |
|
2000 |
|
| February 4th |
At Sea |
|
|
0800 - 1215 |
| February 5th |
Eden, Australia |
0730 |
1400 |
|
| February 6th |
Sydney (White Bay), Australia |
0700 |
|
|
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 | Sun Jan 21 Auckland, New Zealand
Explore the eye-catching black sand beaches of "The City of Sails" and take a trip to the top of the Southern Hemisphere's tallest building for sweeping panoramic views. Outside the city, immerse yourself in Maori culture, embark on an unforgettable outdoor adventure, or discover the region's stunning wine country.
Day 2 | Mon Jan 22 Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Exceptional island beauty—144 times over. This stunning group of islands is home to the first permanent British settlement in New Zealand, as well as rich Maori history. Trek through dense forests of kauri trees, or explore the bioluminescent wonder of the Waiomio Caves system. Take a swing at some world famous golf courses or take a tour and take in impressive waterfalls.
Day 3 | Tues Jan 23 Tauranga, New Zealand
It’s easy to fall in love with Tauranga. Situated in the sunniest region of the North Island, Tauranga is home to endless golden beaches, beautiful waters, and The Strand—a waterfront lined with restaurants and cafes. Outside of town, you’ll find the Pikirangi Māori Village, where you can relax in rejuvenating thermal pools while watching the Pohutu geyser shoot nearly 100 feet in the sky.
Day 4 | Wed Jan 24 Napier, New Zealand
The Art Deco Capital of New Zealand, Napier is a visual delight. Spend your day walking the enchanting streets of this city and you’ll come across the Pania of the Reef (one of the most photographed attractions in the country), as well as many cafes to relax in while the world bustles outside. And don’t forget to visit the farmers’ market to shop for delightful products from local artisans.
Day 5 | Thurs Jan 25 Wellington, New Zealand
Take a ride on the Kelburn cable to and get to know Wellington, the coolest little capital in the world. Situated on New Zealand’s North Island, Wellington is known for its art deco structures, the Botanic Gardens, and its wonderful museums. During your adventure, be sure to tour the Weta Cave, where you’ll find memorabilia from films shot in the area, including Lord of the Rings and Avatar.
Day 6 | Fri Jan 26 Nelson, New Zealand
A haven for artists and outdoor enthusiasts, Nelson is a sunny, stunning, and sophisticated city in the centre of New Zealand. Marked by beautiful beaches, national parks, wineries, and other charms, Nelson is also home to buzz-worthy local music and arts scenes. Take in a show, shop for one-of-a-kind art, and then escape to the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary, a wildlife sanctuary near the city centre.
Day 7 | Sat Jan 27 Picton, New Zealand
Like most of New Zealand, this area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Bring your walking shoes and walk to the Snout—a peninsula that's still wild and untamed. After your hike, be sure to explore more than 35 cellar doors in the Marlborough wine region. And when it’s time to wave goodbye to Picton, be sure to stay above deck to see the incredible sights of the Queen Charlotte Sound.
Day 8 | Sun Jan 28 Christchurch, New Zealand
There’s so much to see and do Christchurch, you’re going to have to plan strategically. Do you want to stick to the city sights—like Cathedral Square, the streets of New Regent and Cashel, and the shops and galleries of the Christchurch CBD? Or venture further and discover the Canterbury countryside or Waipara wine valley? Wherever you end up, be sure to get a taste of the region’s delectable food scene.
Day 9 | Mon Jan 29 Dunedin, New Zealand
Scottish influence meets distinct Kiwi flair in the port city of Dunedin. Known as the Edinburgh of the South, Dunedin has beautiful sandy beaches, unique wildlife, and is home to the many delicious wines found on the Otago Peninsula. Those with a sweet tooth will want to visit Cadbury World, where you can take a tour of a working chocolate factory (and maybe sample a little bit for yourself!).
Day 10 | Tues Jan 30 Milford Sound
Dramatic and breathtaking, Milford Sound is the place you didn’t know should be on your bucket list. Surrounded by dense rainforest clinging to sheer cliff faces, gushing waterfalls of staggering heights, and towering jagged peaks, Milford Sound is made up of truly spectacular landforms and is largely unspoiled and untouched.
Day 11-12 | Wed Jan 31—Thurs Feb 1 At Sea
Spend the day sailing in style aboard your boutique hotel at sea. Indulge in a treatment at Sanctum Spa, stay ship shape with a class at our fitness center, or lounge the day away on our sunny pool deck. In the evening, savor inspired Italian cuisine at Aqualina, or relish in a classic steakhouse experience at Prime C. Plus, you’ll find plenty of exciting evening entertainment, from thrilling shows at Cabaret Lounge to intimate performances in the Living Room.
Day 13-14 | Fri Feb 2—Sat Feb 3 Hobart, Tasmania
The capital and most populous city in Tasmania, Hobart is filled with old world charm. Stroll along the historic waterfront and make your way to the restaurants, boutiques, and galleries of Salamanca Place. Head to Mount Wellington for hiking, and delve into Tasmania’s past as a penal colony at Port Arthur Historic Site. Last but certainly not least, be sure to try some excellent local wines.
Day 15 | Sun Feb 4 At Sea
Day 16 | Mon Feb 5 Eden, Australia
Nestled on the shores of the Sapphire Coast, Eden is a rugged paradise on Earth that lives up to its name. Discover the rugged hinterland of Ben Boyd National Park, share an order of authentic Australian oysters, and explore the unbelievable story of the Killers of Eden—a pod of killer whales who joined forces with whalers to help them hunt. You’ll even have the chance to see the skeletal remains of Old Tom—the leader of the Killers of Eden—at the Eden Killer Whale Museum.
Day 17 | Tues, Feb 6 Sydney (White Bay), Australia
One of the Southern Hemisphere’s most spectacular cities, Sydney’s amazing architecture and beachy atmosphere often start or begin our Australia and New Zealand cruises. Discover a city where water is the way to travel, and explore intriguing convict history, expansive green spaces, and trendy districts.
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