Clear Paths for Everyday GI Care
Join us for an interactive CME program translating evolving gastroenterology and hepatology evidence into practical tools, clinical pearls, and referral guidance for busy primary care settings.
Reserve your spot today so you don't miss this opportunity!
Program Overview
Join us on September 26 at the BMO Education and Conference Centre in Toronto for a full-day, interactive continuing professional development program designed specifically for family physicians, nurse practitioners, and other primary care clinicians.
Led by expert gastroenterologists, including clinicians with hepatology expertise, and University of Toronto faculty, this national conference will translate the latest evidence in gastrointestinal and liver disease into clear, practical approaches you can apply immediately in your practice.
What to Expect
The program will cover high-yield topics across gastroenterology and hepatology, including:
- Upper and lower GI conditions commonly seen in family practice
- Liver disease and abnormal liver enzymes
- GI care across the lifespan
- Dyspepsia, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits
- IBS, IBD, GERD, EoE, and red-flag presentations
- Obesity, Type 2 diabetes, MASLD/MASH, and metabolic risk
- Evolving treatment options, including GLP-1 considerations
- Practical referral triggers and collaboration with GI colleagues
By the end of the program, participants will be better able to:
- Recognize GI presentations that should not be missed in primary care
- Initiate appropriate first-line investigations
- Identify clear referral triggers
- Differentiate common GI symptom presentations
- Integrate metabolic and liver comorbidities into GI risk assessment
- Understand evolving therapy landscapes
Meet the Steering Committee
Dr. Laura Targownik | MD, MSc
Dr. Laura Targownik is a Clinician Researcher at the Mount Sinai Hospital Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinic and a member of the Zane Cohen Centre for Gastrointestinal Research. She serves as Director of the University of Toronto Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and is a faculty member at the University of Toronto School of Public Health. Previously, she was Chief of Gastroenterology at the University of Manitoba.
Dr. Gabor Kandel | MD, FRCPC
Dr. Gabor Kandel is a prominent gastroenterologist and Associate Professor in Medicine at the University of Toronto, practicing at St. Michael's Hospital within Unity Health Toronto, known for his work in gastroenterology, with recognition including an induction into UofT's Medicine department as a Master Clinician.
Dr. Maria Cino | MD, FRCPC, MSc
Dr. Maria Cino is an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology at University Health Network (Toronto Western Hospital), University of Toronto. She is a clinician-investigator and contributed as the Division’s Residency Program Director from 2007 to 2018.
Dr. Anu Joneja | MD, CCFP, FCFP
Dr. Anu Joneja is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto, where she has dedicated over 20 years to student health and medical education. She is also an Assistant Clinical Professor at TMU and McMaster University.
Dr. Chase McMurren | MD, CCFP, MDPAC(C), ADS
Dr. Chase McMurren (Spirit name: Water Song Medicine Keeper) is a Michif/Métis family physician and medical psychotherapist based in Toronto, where he provides medical psychotherapy and home‑visiting palliative care for long‑living patients with advanced illness. He serves as the Indigenous Health Theme Lead in the MD Program and the Indigenous Practitioner Liaison at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto.
AGENDA
GI GP Update Agenda
A practical primary care update focused on gastroenterology topics, case-based discussion, and exhibitor viewing.
Registration / Breakfast / Exhibitor Viewing
Welcome & Program Overview
Speaker: Dr. Laura Targownik
GERD & Dyspepsia Updates for Primary Care
Speaker: Dr. Peter Rossos
Stepwise management, deprescribing PPIs, functional dyspepsia, red flags for referral
H. pylori: Who, How, and When
Speaker: Dr. Laura Targownik
Indications for testing, eradication regimens, resistance considerations, test-of-cure
MASLD / Fatty Liver: Diagnosis & Treatment
Speaker: Dr. Keyur Patel
Q&A Panel Discussion
Break / Exhibitor Viewing
Work-up and Management of Iron Deficiency Anemia
Speaker: Dr. Maria Cino
Low ferritin workup, anticoagulant considerations, when to scope, iron replacement strategies
Abnormal Liver Enzymes: When Not to Refer
Speaker: Dr. Morven Cunningham
Interpreting ALT/AST elevations, medication/supplement injury, when to repeat vs refer
How to Talk to Patients with Disorders of Gut Brain Interaction
Speaker: Dr. Colleen Parker
Patient engagement strategies, communication approaches for disorders of gut brain interaction, building trust
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Speaker: Dr. Russell Yanofsky
FIT vs colonoscopy, post-FIT colonoscopy timing, family history, screening intervals
Celiac Disease & Gluten Intolerance
Speaker: Dr. Talia Zenlea
Appropriate testing, nutritional deficiencies, monitoring, when to refer
“Ask Me Anything” Q&A Panel Discussion
Lunch / Exhibitor Viewing
Challenging GI Presentations in Primary Care - 5 Cases
Rapid Fire common presentations and what not to miss: Chronic vomiting (Dr. Colleen Parker) , bloating (Dr. Sam Elfassy), globus symptoms (Dr. Laura Targownik), constipation (Dr. Gabor Kandel) and, involuntary weight loss (Dr. Flavio Habal)
Break / Exhibitor Viewing
Concurrent Blocks: Case-Based Workshops
Key Takeaways: What You Can Change Starting Monday
Speaker: Dr. Laura Targownik
Program Close
Speaker: Dr. Gabor Kandel
Event Details
Thank You To Our Sponsors
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