Faculty & CME Details
Dr. Petr Polasek
Specialty:
Cardiology
About The Speaker
Dr. Polasek is a clinical cardiologist from Kelowna, BC. He is an assistant professor of medicine at the University of British Columbia. He was educated in Prague, Czech Republic and trained in Saskatoon, Canada. He practices invasive and non-interventional cardiology. Dr. Polasek has been actively involved in CME for over 20 years, has been the chairman of numerous regional CME events and is an international speaker.
Dr. Sol Stern
Specialty:
Family Medicine & Pain Management
About The Speaker
Dr. Sol Stern obtained his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Toronto in 1982 after obtaining a BSc and MSc at the same university. He started a family medicine practice in Oakville, Ontario in 1983 and has been practicing in Oakville ever since. Dr. Stern spends about 1/4 of his time involved in CME and has developed and collaborated on many CME workshops including the topics of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and chronic pain management. He has presented over 1000 CME programs over the last 20 years. He is married and has 4 children and 7 grandchildren.
CME Topics
CME AWAY is pleased to invite you to a 7-day CME program in Tuscany, Italy. Dr. Sol Stern, a Family Physician from Oakville, Ontario, is extremely involved in CME program development, review and presentation. He is joined by Dr. Petr Polasek , a Clinical Cardiologist from Kelowna, B.C. He also has been extremely active in CME work over the past 20 years.
Dr. Stern will review the 2017 Canadian Opioid Guidelines and have an interactive discussion with participants on how these Guidelines have affected their practices and the concerns they have about the Opioid Crisis. Dr. Stern will also update attendees on the management of chronic conditions including hypertension, diabetes and atrial fibrillation.
Dr. Polasek will bring participants up to date regarding diagnosis and management of congestive hear failure. He will also join Dr. Stern in the 3 presentations on hypertension, diabetes and atrial fibrillation as the two speakers lead interactive sessions on these conditions and each will provide insights from their points of view (Family Doctor and Cardiologist).
Dr. Stern and Dr. Polasek are looking forward to seeing you in Tuscany.
This Group Learning program has been certified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada for up to 15 Mainpro+ credits.
Dr. Polasek
Dr. Polasek & Dr. Stern
- Update in Hypertension Management
- Managing Patients with AF and CAD
- SGLT2 Inhibitors/GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Patients With DM and CVD
Dr. Stern
- Non-Opioid Management of Pain
- The Opioid Crisis: Applying the Canadian Opioid Guidelines to Initiating Opioids for Chronic Pain
- Applying the Canadian Opioid Guidelines to Legacy Patients
- Approaches to Neuropathic Pain
Venue Information
Stay in one place and explore Tuscany! Rolling landscapes, savory wines, delicious food and stunning architecture. This can only be Tuscany. Unpack once on this journey among Italy’s most charming towns. Included tours and free time.
Effective immediately and until further notice, all guests will be required to bring one of the following: proof of vaccination (official vaccination certificate in paper or electronic form), proof of recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test result (FDA Approved diagnostic) for a test performed 72-hours or less from the start date of the tour with you on tour to verify information you will be providing to Collette when filling out the Wellness Declaration upon arrival.
Additional Noteworthy Features
Collette Vacations
CME AWAY® by Sea Courses has chosen Collette Vacations to plan and operate this tour. Backed by nearly a century of experience, Collette (a family owned and award winning leader in travel) is proud to show you the world. Their passionate tour design team travels the globe creating new experiences and staying ahead of the latest travel trends. Plus, with a professional Tour Manager at your service and local guides by your side, you’ll never miss a thing. Payments will be processed by them and final documentation will come from them.
Tour Includes:
- Meet and Greet at Florence or Pisa Airports
- Roundtrip transfers between Florence or Pisa Airports and hotel
- All taxes and service charges
- All baggage handling
- Transportation via deluxe air-conditioned motor coach
- 7 Breakfasts, 2 lunches and 4 Dinners including Tuscan Villa Dinner and Entertainment (NO BUFFETS)
- Services of a professional Tour Manager
- Tips for Tour Manager, Driver and Local Guides
Tour Excludes:
- All flights
- Any items of a personal nature
- Any meals and items not specified
- Cost of passports and visas (if necessary)
- Optional Cinque Terre Excursion
- Trip Cancellation, Interruption and / or Medical Insurance – Strongly Recommended
General Points About This Tour
- To truly experience the program and destination, you need to be able to participate in physical activities such as walking tours, walking over uneven terrain, climbing stairs and periods of standing
Activity Level:
You’re an on-the-go traveler. You don’t want to miss a thing, so walking and standing for longer periods of time (1-2 hours) isn’t a big deal. You can navigate hills and uneven ground, climb into various modes of transportation (tuk-tuk, cable car, zodiac, etc.), and could possibly anticipate changes in elevation. You can expect some longer days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure.
Accommodations:
Grand Hotel Francia & Quirinale
- It is not easy to sojourn in a Grand Hotel and immediately feel at home. Yet it is exactly so when you stay at the 4-star Hotel Francia & Quirinale in Montecatini. In a matter of a couple of days, we will call you by name and you will feel a part of our family of friends. This is our beloved home, our very special place, our open-eyed fairy-tale. It will be the same for you. Forget about the anonymity of contemporary luxurious hotels. Forget the stiff formality and the occasional smiles. At the Grand Hotel Francia & Quirinale you will discover what it means to take part enjoying the quality of style along with the most authentic hospitality. No other hotel in Montecatini will offer you so much.
Itinerary & Schedule
| Date |
Location |
Arrival Time |
Departure Time |
Notes / CE Details |
| May 25th |
Grand Hotel Francia & Quirinale, Tuscany |
|
|
Arrival |
| May 26th |
Grand Hotel Francia & Quirinale, Tuscany |
|
|
9:00am - 5:00pm (Lunch Included) |
| May 27th |
Grand Hotel Francia & Quirinale, Tuscany |
|
|
3:30pm - 7:00pm |
| May 28th |
Grand Hotel Francia & Quirinale, Tuscany |
|
|
|
| May 29th |
Grand Hotel Francia & Quirinale, Tuscany |
|
|
12:30 pm—2:30 pm (Lunch Included) |
| May 30th |
Grand Hotel Francia & Quirinale, Tuscany |
|
|
9:00am - 5:00pm (Lunch Included) |
| May 31st |
Grand Hotel Francia & Quirinale, Tuscany |
|
|
|
| June 1st |
Grand Hotel Francia & Quirinale, Tuscany |
|
|
Departure |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Montecatini Terme, Italy
Arrive at Florence or Pisa Airport and be met and transferred to the Grand Hotel Francia & Quirinale for your 7 night stay. You are in the famous spa resort town of Montecatini Terme, nestled in the heart of the rolling hills of Tuscany. Afternoon at leisure. This evening, get to know your fellow travellers during a welcome dinner where regional foods and Italian wines kick off your adventure. Today, dinner is included.
Day 2 Montecatini Terme
Today you will partake in a full day of CME sessions, including lunch for attendees. Spend this evening at a Tuscan Villa. Enjoy dinner while you experience traditional Tuscan entertainment. Today, breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 3 Tour to Florence
A cultural tour in the “Cradle of the Italian Renaissance” showcases the beautiful city of Florence. Start with a visit to the Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo’s magnificent sculpture of David. Then join a local Florentine guide who will highlight many of the city’s priceless treasures. At the Piazza del Duomo, the center of religious life in medieval Florence, see the impressive Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the gilded bronze doors of the Baptistery dedicated to St. John. After lunch, you’ll return to your hotel in Montecatini Terme for your first CME session. Today, breakfast is included.
Day 4 Tour to Siena
Today, it’s your choice! Learn more about Montecatini’s curative waters during a guided walking tour and visit to the historic Tettuccio Spa, known for the health benefits in its mineral waters -OR- journey to Siena and embark on a walking tour through its narrow Gothic streets, getting to know the local lifestyle in a contrada (neighbourhood) whose community is centered around the colourful Palio horse race. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 5 Tour to Pisa
Explore the many historic sites in the ancient Republic of Pisa, including the Piazza del Miracoli, or Field of Miracles (UNESCO). Keep your camera handy during our stop at the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. You probably won’t be able to resist taking a picture that makes it appear that you are holding up this iconic structure. Visit the Baptistery, the largest in all of Italy. This impressive building of Romanesque and Gothic architecture is known for its perfect acoustics. This evening, travel to the quiet countryside to learn the secrets of traditional Tuscan cuisine. Partake in a cooking class featuring a bounty of local ingredients and culinary techniques that have been passed down for generations. Then sit down and enjoy the fruits of your labour during dinner. Today, breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 6 Montecatini Terme
Today spend the full day in CME Meetings. Travellers who are not attending CME Meetings, the day is yours to relax and experience the local flavor. Take this opportunity to shop at the local boutiques and dine at one of the many fine local restaurants. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. Those not attending CME Meetings may join CME Attendees at the hotel for lunch from 12:00pm – 1:00pm.
Day 7 Tour to San Gimignano – Cheese Farm Visit
This morning, make your way to a nearby cheese farm. Learn how the famous pecorino cheese is made, before sampling it for yourself. Soak in breathtaking views of the Tuscan hills as you travel to the hilltop village of San Gimignano, one of the most picturesque places in Tuscany. Explore this enchanting medieval town, from its famous 14 towers to its magnificent vistas overlooking the vineyards of Tuscany. Enjoy free time and perhaps indulge in some gelato. A delightful experience awaits this evening when you attend a Tuscan feast featuring traditional cuisine and savory wines in the magical Tuscan countryside. Today, breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 8 Montecatini Terme – Tour Ends
Your journey comes to a close today. You will be transferred to Florence or Pisa Airport. Depart with many fond memories of Tuscany. Today, breakfast is included.
Pre-And-Post Trip Information
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