Explore current and emerging diagnostic and therapeutic techniques in gastroenterology/endoscopy.
Promote networking and exchange of ideas among participants to improve gastroenterology nursing and associate practice and patient care.
Facilitate discussions on the latest developments in gastroenterology nursing and associate practice.
Encourage multidisciplinary collaboration to enhance patient care in the field
Justify Your Attendance
Are you eager to attend the CSGNA National Conference? Not sure your manager will approve the expense?
CSGNA has created a toolkit of letters and worksheets (all in Microsoft Word format) you can easily customize to help your manager understand the return he or she will see on this important investment.
Letter to your manager: Use this customizable letter template to help explain and justify your conference attendance.
Detailed budget worksheet: Use this customizable budget document to help explain and justify your conference costs
Benefits worksheet: Use this worksheet to create a custom list of the benefits you and your workplace will gain from attending.
Post-conference ROI worksheet: Use this worksheet to take notes on sessions, and record key takeaways, action items and estimated return on investment (ROI). These notes can be referenced in creating your post-conference trip report.
Additional tips will help you better make your case for attendance!
LETTER OF INVITATION
Individuals requiring an official letter of invitation in order to obtain a visa and authorization to attend the CSGNA Conference should contact us by email: csgnaadministrativeassistant@csgna.com. The invitation letter will be issued once the registration form and payment has been received by the CSGNA Conference. The letter does not constitute any financial commitment on the part of the Association.
CANCELLATION / SUBSTITUTION POLICY
DELEGATE CANCELLATION / SUBSTITUTION POLICY:
Registration cancellation must be received in writing to the conference office on or before August 1. An administration charge of $75 will apply to all refunds. No refunds will be provided after August 1. Refunds will not be granted to attendees who do not attend the conference.
Substitutions may be made and notice must be received no later then August 1.
CONFERENCE CANCELLATION POLICY
The organizing committee reserves the right to cancel the CSGNA Conference and return all fees in the event of insufficient registration. The liability of the CSGNA Conference is limited to the registration fee. The CSGNA Conference will not be responsible for any losses incurred by registrants, including but not limited to airline.
See Full Pricing Table
On or Before August 1
After August 2
CSGNA Member
Member Early
515.00
615.00
Member Single Day
315.00
350.00
Student
Student
125.00
200.00
Non-Member
Non-Member Early
715.00
815.00
Non-Member Single Day
415.00
450.00
Exciting CSGNA Grant Opportunities Await You!
We are thrilled to announce the revitalization of our awards and contests program, designed to benefit our dedicated members who intend to participate in the national conference in Halifax. To maximize the reach of these funds, we are excited to offer 20 grants, each valued at $100!Bursary Application
We are committed to supporting our members, and we can't wait to see how these grants benefit you. If you have any questions or need more information, please reach out to us.
Exhibiting with the Canadian Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (CSGNA) gives you the opportunity to meet and mingle with approximately 150 of your best prospects!
Dr. Kaitlin Link is the Co-Founder of Benchmark Proactive Health and an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto. With a background in Family and Emergency Medicine, she founded Benchmark to shift healthcare from reactive treatment to proactive wellness, empowering people to understand and optimize their health. She earned her MD from McMaster, completed her residency at U of T, and holds a BA from Rutgers, where she played Varsity Tennis. Driven by her passion for prevention, she aims to help others achieve their best health.
Disclosures:
Benchmark Proactive Health : Description of relationship(s) : Founder
Dr. Sara Hafezi Bakhtiari is a consultant gastrointestinal/ Liver/ Pancreas pathologist and biobank Lead at the department of Laboratory Medicine at Lakeridge Health hospital and Durham Region Cancer Center and an assistant professor of pathology in Diagnostic Molecular and Pathology Program at University of Toronto School of Medicine.
Marc Forgette is a proud member of the Apitipi Anicinapek Nation (formerly Wahgoshig First Nation Band), with roots in both Algonquin and French heritage. As the founder of Makatew Workshops, Marc is dedicated to promoting cultural awareness and understanding through immersive experiences. With a passion for sharing his heritage, Marc leads hands-on workshops that offer participants a deeper insight into indigenous traditions and perspectives. Through Makatew Workshops, Marc strives to bridge cultural divides and foster mutual respect and appreciation among diverse communities.
Ian Bookman, MD is a gastroenterologist at St. Joseph's Health Centre, part of Unity Health Toronto. He received his medical degree and fellowships in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology from the University of Toronto, and is also certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He completed a research grant in hepatology at the University of Sydney in Australia as well as a fellowship at the University of Barcelona in Spain. Dr. Bookman is an Adjunct Assistant Professor with the University of Toronto and was the recipient of the St. Joseph's Health Centre Best Clinical Teacher Award. He was the Head of the Division of Gastroenterology at St. Joseph's Health Centre from 2019 until June 2024. He has been the Medical Director of the Kensington Screening Clinic since 2012, a nonprofit independent health facility. He was President of the Ontario Association of Clinical Endoscopists from 2020 to 2023, an organization that represents all out of hospital endoscopy units in the Province. He was the first Colorectal Screening / GI Endoscopy Lead for Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto Central Region from 2014 to 2019, involved without the rollout of the Fecal Immunochemical Test systematic screening program. In 2020, Dr. Bookman co-founded The Tummy Clinic, an evidence-based multi-disciplinary treatment centre for people suffering from IBS, with registered dietitians, naturopaths, psychologists and nurse practitioners. Dr. Bookman founded the charity Bum Run in 2012 to raise awareness of colon cancer screening and prevention. To find out more, please listen to his talk, and visit www.bumrun.com .
Dr. Akash Patel is therapeutic endoscopist at Trillium Hospital. He enjoys a varied practice involving ERCP, EMR and general gastroenterology. He studied medicine at the University of Toronto and completed residencies in Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and fellowship in Therapeutic Endoscopy.
Dr Arif Yusuf is a Gastroenterologist at Trillium Health Partners, with a fellowship and interest in Advanced Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, and is a Lecturer at University of Toronto. He is a director at WestGTA Research, specialising in IBD related clinical trials. A die hard Arsenal FC soccer fan, he enjoys 90s rock music with his 7 year old son, dance parties with his 3 year old daughter, and coaching soccer with his wife.
David Girard is of mixed ancestry including Innu (Montagnais) and French. He is currently Manager of the Mississauga Halton Central West Regional Cancer Program. David has 15+ years of experience working in healthcare and is committed to further developing a healthcare system that fosters diversity and inclusivity.
Dr. Hammad Rafay is a staff Respirologist and Sleep Medicine physician at Trillium Health Partners. He is also an adjunct lecturer at the University of Toronto school of medicine. He complete his internal medicine training at Western University, and his respirology and sleep training at McMaster University.
Jennifer Tekpetey is a Registered Social Worker, working within the People Health and Wellbeing department at Trillium Health Partners, here in Mississauga. As part of her role, Jennifer provides support and counselling to front-line hospital staff and leadership. In previous roles, Jennifer has worked in hospital settings providing outpatient care to diabetes and hemodialysis patients, within the community on a family health team, with children, youth and adolescents in mental health related roles at various organizations and within the field of child welfare.Jennifer has an undergraduate degree in Psychology from McMaster University and a Master of Social Work degree from Wilfrid Laurier University. She has been immersed in the world of Social Work since 2007, but has always had a passion for connecting with people of various ages and backgrounds and promoting the importance of healthy emotional wellbeing.
Dr. Shalby is a staff hepatologist and gastroenterologist at the Trillium Health Partners and subspecializes int he field of liver diseases . He graduated from the University of Cairo in Egypt and completed his postgraduate training at the University of Toronto. He completed an Internal medicine residency followed by a gastroenterology fellowship in 2012. He also completed a Hepatology fellowship at the Francis Liver center at the University of Toronto. He holds an active appointment as a Lecturer at the University of Toronto, Department of Medicine. He is involved in teaching and clinical research in the field of gastroenterology and Hepatology.
Penny D'Souza
I trained in EUS at the University of Alberta and initially practiced there and now have a practice out of Credit Valley Hospital - Large community based hospital
Dr. Sameena Uddin is a thoracic surgical oncologist with a focused practice in thoracic surgical oncology, including lung, gastroesophageal, and other malignancies of the mediastinum and thorax. Her clinical interests include minimally invasive and robotic surgery, malignant pleural effusion and improving outcomes for thoracic malignancies. Dr. Uddin's main professional interest is in ensuring cancer care is high quality and innovative but given with compassion to patients and their families as they navigate the cancer journey. She has held a number of leadership roles at Trillium Health Partners including as the former Chief of the THP Oncology Program. Provincially, Dr. Uddin is a member of several OH Cancer Care Ontario initiatives including The High Risk Lung Cancer Screening Expert Panel, Ontario Thoracic Cancers Advisory Committee, as well as contributor in the development of pathway maps for both Lung and Esophageal Cancers.
I grew up in Sarnia Ontario, did my undergrad and med school in London at UWO and my Internal Medicine / Infectious diseases training at U of T. I have a special interest in tropical and post-travel medicine, and I did extra training in Peru and with my mentor Dr. Jay Keystone (RIP). I am happily married, and my primary occupation is being daddy chauffeur to my three little girls. I am a Montreal Canadians fan (terrible thing to say here I know) and I watch pre-1989 Doctor Who episodes by choice.
Catherine Streutker obtained her BSc at the University of Waterloo in Biochemistry (1989), then earned a Master's degree in Clinical Biochemistry at the University of Toronto (1991). She completed medical school followed by her Anatomic Pathology Residency program at the University of Toronto. After this, she completed a fellowship in Gastrointestinal Pathology at McMaster University. In 2001, she joined St Michael's Hospital and the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology at the University of Toronto as a gastrointestinal pathologist. Her research interests are primarily mucosal immunology, Barrett's esophagus and tumours of the upper gastrointestinal tract. She is presently the Chief of Laboratory Medicine at Unity Health Toronto.
Dr. Andras B. Fecso is an academic surgeon at University Health Network in Toronto with fellowship training in Minimally Invasive Foregut and Bariatric Surgery as well as Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopy.He is a Surgeon Investigator at the Institute of Education Research at University Health Network and an Assistant Professor at the Department of Surgery at University of Toronto.His clinical and academic interest is in exploring and strengthening the synergy between surgery and endoscopy; coaching and deliberate practice as well as developing and advancing the field of Endobariatrics in Canada.
Dr. Tandon completed medical school at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan, after obtaining his Bachelor of Science at McMaster University. He then completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Ottawa and Gastroenterology training at the University of Toronto. He further pursued a clinical and research fellowship in Advanced Inflammatory Bowel Diseases at the Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, while completing a PhD in clinical epidemiology at the Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation (IHPME), University of Toronto. Dr. Tandon's clinical expertise include care for those living with complex IBD. His areas of research interest include the development of large clinical registries for routine research and use of existing registries to answer health-services questions within IBD.
As a graduate of the University of Alberta I received my BScN in 2005. My nursing career started with 7 memorable years working in the Emergency Department at the University of Alberta Hospital. During this time, I was able to complete my ACCN (Advanced Critical Care Nursing) accreditation. In 2012 I left the ER to find more family friendly hours as our family grew to include three beautiful boys. I spent some time working with industry as a Biologic Coordinator in the field of Inflammatory Bowel disease. This led to a job back at the University of Alberta Hospital in the ambulatory IBD clinic. I worked there in a clinical capacity and with department triage. In July 2023 I was presented with the opportunity to help develop what is now known as the EPIC (Edmonton Pancreaticobiliary Inflammation and Cancer) Program. I currently work as a nurse navigator with this program and have found this work to be very rewarding!
Opening of the conference with a Land Acknowledgment demonstrates respect for Indigenous Peoples, acknowledges their enduring connection to the land, and reinforces a commitment to equity, inclusivity, and reconciliation in healthcare practices and systems.
Session Objectives:
recognize and appreciate the original stewards of the land and their enduring connection to it demonstrate respect for Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contributions foster a sense of inclusivity by recognizing the continued presence and importance of Indigenous communities commit to actions that support equity, justice, and partnerships with Indigenous Peoples
We begin with an overview of the traditional use and cultural significance of medicine bags in Indigenous communities. Learn how these sacred items are used for protection, healing, and spiritual connection. Each participant will receive a pre-perforated medicine bag kit, making it easy to assemble your own authentic medicine bag. We will guide everyone through each step of the process, ensuring that everyone can participate and complete their creation.
Incorporating Teachings:
As each person craft their medicine bag, they'll learn about the Medicine Wheel and its teachings, which guide the creation process. Discover the symbolic meanings of the materials and colors used in their bag, and how they relate to balance, wellness, and personal growth.
Cultural Appropriation vs. Appreciation:
The workshop includes a discussion on the importance of respecting Indigenous traditions. They will learn the difference between cultural appropriation and appreciation, and how to engage with Indigenous practices in a way that honors their true meaning.
Connecting to the 94 Calls to Action:
We conclude the session with a reflection on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action. Explore how making a medicine bag connects to broader efforts of reconciliation and how you can continue to support these initiatives.
Session Objectives:
Learn about terminology.
Provide a safe space to allow participants to learn and get empowered.
Learn about the history of Residential Schools.
How to become an Ally to Indigenous Peoples.
Target:
GI Nurses
IBD Nurses
Surgeons
50 Shades Of Grey - All About EUS
Plenary
Graydon Hall C DPernilla D'Souza
Overview of EUS as a technology
Session Objectives:
Understand what endoscopic ultrasound is
Understand the indications for use
Understand the future direction of EUS and its evolution in the endo unit
In the upcoming talk on muscle and metabolic health, we'll explore how maintaining muscle mass is vital for overall well-being. Muscle acts as a "sink" for glucose, helping to control blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance, which is key to preventing metabolic disorders. Additionally, muscle plays a crucial role in supporting immune function, enhancing cognitive health, strengthening bones, and even aiding in appetite suppression. As we age, muscle health is critical to overall well-being and we will dive into strategies on how to improve and maintain your muscle health.
Session Objectives:
Describe how muscle functions as a glucose sink, aiding in blood sugar regulation and reducing insulin resistance to prevent metabolic disorders
Explain the various roles of muscle in supporting immune function, cognitive health, bone strength, and appetite suppression
Identify practical strategies to maintain and improve muscle health throughout the aging process
In the endoscopy suite there are mostly GI but also respiratory procedures performed and the team should have a broad understanding of non GI procedures as well. EBUS, or endobronchial ultrasound is a vital tool used for both diagnosis and staging of cancer. There is excellent evidence to support its use for cancer diagnosis and staging and multiple methods to optimize sampling through fine needle aspiration biopsy. This session will help build your understanding of the importance of EBUS and also build your confidence with managing airway and oxygenation challenges during airway procedures.
Session Objectives:
Understand the purpose of EBUS for diagnosis and cancer staging
Summarize the evidence for EBUS in mediastinal lymph node staging in lung cancer
Optimizing sampling in EBUS - needles, suction and stabbing
Managing respiratory distress and respiratory failure in the endoscopy suite
This presentation will address the new terminology of steatotic liver disease; as well as prevalence and prognosis of MASLD/MASH. It will also cover a practical approach to patients with steatotic liver diseases including diagnostic tools, Endoscopic features of liver diseases as well as treatment options.
Session Objectives:
Understand the new Terminology of MASLD/MASH
Appreciate the Prevalence and Prognosis of MASLD/MASH
Learn a practical approach to steatotic liver diseases including diagnostic tools and treatment options
Appreciate some of the endoscopic features of liver diseases
Treatment Landscape Of Crohn's Disease: A Bird's Eye View
This presentation will serve as a brief introduction to Crohn's disease and discuss the available and upcoming treatments available for patients living with this condition.
Session Objectives:
Recognize the available and upcoming treatments for Crohn's disease
Target:
GI Nurses
IBD Nurses
Surgeons
COI:
Janssen, Takeda, Abbvie : Speaker Fees
Janssen : Advisory Board
Quick Nutrition Break
Graydon Hall C D
Concurrent Session 2A - Enhancing Patient Care Through Knowledge: Empowering Nurses To Become Informed Caregivers
This presentation highlights a nurse-led initiative aimed at revitalizing endoscopy practice by emphasizing the importance of foundational knowledge and understanding. In an era of task-orientated healthcare, this presentation proposes an orientation process focusing of the basics, particularly anatomy and physiology of the GI system. By equipping gastroenterology nurses and associated with comprehensive background knowledge, the initiative seeks to enhance patient care and foster professional growth
Session Objectives:
Highlight the importance of expanding nurses knowledge and roles in endoscopy to enhance patient care
Encourage nurses to reflect on their sites and specific practices
This presentation is an opportunity to informally learn how to identify procedural anxiety, ways anxiety may present in your patients and strategies you may be able to utilize (including grounding techniques) which may help to support anxious patients.
Session Objectives:
Describe procedural anxiety and how it may impact patients.
Review and discuss strategies they can engage in to help reduce patient anxiety.
Practice grounding techniques they may be able to utilize with patients or themselves.
Target:
Any health care provider.
Transition
EPIC (Edmonton Pancreaticobiliary Inflammation and Cancer Program)
I will be discussing my experience, both successes and challenges, in new program development. I will speak of the strategies used to design and evaluate our nurse navigation program. I will talk to the emerging role of nurse navigation and how it can be applied to other areas of nursing. I will discuss the data collected during the first year of our program. Finally, I will discuss practical strategies to better support patients with pancreatic malignancies.
Session Objectives:
Participants will be able to recognize potential gaps or delays in the care of patients with pancreatic malignancies
Identify the core principles of nurse navigation
Outline a focused assessment of patients with pancreatic malignancies
This presentation will explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence in enhancing the accuracy, efficiency, and effectiveness of endoscopic procedures. Focusing on AI's ability to assist with the detection and diagnosis of abnormalities-- like computer-aided detection (CADe) and computer-aided diagnosis (CADx)—improve clinical outcomes by reducing human error and increasing detection rates. Nurses will learn about the practical applications of AI in their daily workflows, including automation of documentation and predictive analytics, allowing them to spend more time on patient care. The presentation will also address the evolving role of endoscopy nurses in the adoption of AI technology.
Session Objectives:
Explain how AI technology works in the context of endoscopic procedures.
Identify key benefits of AI-assisted endoscopy, such as enhanced accuracy in polyp detection, reduced human error, and faster diagnostic processes
Describe how AI can streamline documentation, automate routine tasks, and improve overall procedural efficiency
Target:
GI Nurses
Transition to Exhibit Hall
Graydon Hall A B- Exhibit Hall
Exhibitor's Welcome Reception
Exhibit Hall
Graydon Hall A B- Exhibit Hall
Free time - No Host Dinner
(Day 3)
Registration
(Continental breakfast provided)
Graydon Foyer
Quick Plenary Housekeeping
Graydon Hall C D
Vendors Hands On
North Studio 1 / North Studio 2 / North Studio 3 / South Studio 2 / Graydon Hall B C D
Transition
Vendors Hands On
North Studio 1 / North Studio 2 / North Studio 3 / South Studio 2 / Graydon Hall B C D
Break in Exhibit Hall
Graydon Hall A B- Exhibit Hall
Vendors Hands On
North Studio 1 / North Studio 2 / North Studio 3 / South Studio 2 / Graydon Hall B C D
Transition
Vendors Hands On
North Studio 1 / North Studio 2 / North Studio 3 / South Studio 2 / Graydon Hall B C D
Transition
Vendors Hands On
North Studio 1 / North Studio 2 / North Studio 3 / South Studio 2 / Graydon Hall B C D
Lunch in the Exhibit Hall
Graydon Hall A B- Exhibit Hall
Vendors Hands On
North Studio 1 / North Studio 2 / North Studio 3 / South Studio 1 / South Studio 2 / Graydon Hall B C D
Transition
Vendors Hands On
North Studio 1 / North Studio 2 / North Studio 3 / South Studio 1 / South Studio 2 / Graydon Hall B C D
Transition
Vendors Hands On
North Studio 1 / North Studio 2 / North Studio 3 / South Studio 1 / South Studio 2 / Graydon Hall B C D
Transition
Vendors Hands On
North Studio 1 / North Studio 2 / North Studio 3 / South Studio 1 / South Studio 2 / Graydon Hall B C D
Break in Exhibit Hall
Graydon Hall A B- Exhibit Hall
Vendors Hands On
North Studio 1 / North Studio 2 / North Studio 3 / South Studio 1 / South Studio 2 / Graydon Hall B C D
Transition to plenary
Quick Plenary Housekeeping
Graydon Hall C D
Float & Promote Social
Foyer
Graydon Hall Foyer
Free time - No Host Dinner
(Day 4)
Surveying the Colon: Polyps and Advances in Polypectomy
Breakfast with Steris
Graydon Hall & Graydon Foyer
Session Objectives:
Review the anatomy of the colon and colorectal cancer statistics
Identify classifications of polyps
Describe several types of polyps
Understand rationale for polypectomy
Identify risk factors and signs/symptoms of colon cancer
Endobariatrics is a new and exciting field in Canada. The aim of this presentation is to introduce these treatment options, since they are endoscopic options to treat obesity and mot of them can be done in an endoscopy unit.
Session Objectives:
Describe endobariatric procedures
Target:
GI Nurses
Surgeons
2024 CSGNA Annual General Meeting
Graydon Hall C D
Transition
Concurrent Session 3A - The Role Of Bronchoscopy In Pulmonary Disease
The presentation will provide an in-depth look at bronchoscopy, emphasizing its importance in respiratory care and the critical role nurses play in the procedure. The session aimed to enhance understanding of bronchoscopy techniques, patient preparation, and post-procedure care.
Session Objectives:
Understand the critical role of nurses during the bronchoscopy procedure
Describe the role of bronchoscopy in various respiratory diseases
Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider #15248, for 1.0 Contact Hours. According to the criteria of the American Board of Certification for Gastroenterology Nurses (ABCGN), 1.0 hours earned in this activity are considered GI specific for the purpose of re-certification by contact hours through the ABCGN.
Session Objectives:
Identify Types of Upper and Lower GI Bleeding
Discuss Patient Assessment, Evaluation and Risk Stratification Methods
Review Causes Upper and Lower GI Bleeding
Describe Endoscopic Therapies for Gastrointestinal Bleeding
After so many years of talking about COVID, I want to get back to my true passion of tropical and post-travel medicine. Today I will show you a number of tropical medicine cases that I saw when I did the Gorgas Tropical Medicine course in Peru, and talk about how many of these cases I've seen right here in Mississauga as well.
Session Objectives:
Recognize some of the tropical medicine cases that we see right here in Mississauga, ON
In this presentation we will briefly discuss the role of pathology and tissue diagnosis in a few common gastrointestinal diseases. we will also discuss how site and number of biopsies taken can affect the pathology interpretation and ultimately the clinical diagnosis.
Session Objectives:
have a better understanding of how pathology interpretation of biopsies assists in reaching a clinical diagnosis describe the importance and role of site, number and quality of biopsies in reaching a pathological diagnosis
Target:
GI Nurses
IBD Nurses
Surgeons
Gasteroentrologists
Lunch
Networking
Graydon Hall
Pancreatic and biliary pathology: How we get specimens and what we can diagnose from them.
Tumours of the pancreas and biliary tract are difficult to biopsy by traditional interventional radiology methods; Endoscopic Ultrasound guided methods have proved an essential pathway to obtain diagnostic tissue. Methodologies will be reviewed and the spectrum of pathologic diagnoses in the area will be covered.
Session Objectives:
Understand the major types of lesions identified in specimens from the pancreas and biliary tract
Compare different methodologies for obtaining diagnostic tissue.
In 2020, Dr. Bookman co-founded The Tummy Clinic, an evidence-based multi-disciplinary treatment centre for people suffering from IBS, with registered dietitians, naturopaths, psychologists and nurse practitioners. Dr. Bookman founded the charity Bum Run in 2012 to raise awareness of colon cancer screening and prevention. To find out more, please listen to his talk, and visit www.bumrun.com .
Session Objectives:
Understand challenges with colon cancer screening
Understand strategies for increasing screening participation
