MSFocus: - Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada

MSFocus: 

Creating Synergy 

in Healthcare 

an education event for health professionals 

October 17 and 18, 2003 

Delta Edmonton Centre Suite Hotel 

10222 - 102 Street | Edmonton, Alberta

The importance of educating allied health professionals is 

as critical as that of educating clients. Early referral leads 

to better chances of prompt diagnosis. As well, up-to-date 

and leading edge symptom management techniques help 

those living with multiple sclerosis to realize enhanced 

quality of life. 

The management of MS involves a multi-disciplinary team 

of community health care professionals. The delivery 

model of education chosen for this event entails plenary 

presentations addressing general MS education, as well as, 

specialty concurrent sessions addressing the diverse 

needs of medically related disciplines. 

Symposium Objectives 

Participants will be able to: 

• Describe the disease process of MS and symptom 

management. 

• Describe recent advances in MS care research and 

treatment. 

• Discuss psychosocial implications for persons living 

with MS. 

• Identify and describe the specialized needs of people 

with MS. 

• Offer relevant information and resources related to 

mental health, rehabilitation, nursing, pharmacy, and 

general practice. 

• Assist people with MS to maintain independence and 

receive support from MS Society and community 

services. 

This event will provide an opportunity for networking, as 

well as, enhancing skills to effectively meet the needs of 

MS clients and families. There is an exciting line-up of 

experts who will offer current and practical information on 

multiple sclerosis and related issues. This conference is 

being assessed by Alberta College of Pharmacists for 

CEU's. 

event summary 

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event schedule 

Friday, October 17, 2003 

6:30 pm - 7:00 pm 

Registration 

7:00 pm - 9:30 pm 

Plenary Presentations 

• The Multifaceted Nature of MS Care: Now and in the Future 

• Understanding the Psycho-social Challenges of MS 

9:30 pm - 10:30 pm 

Reception 

Saturday, October 18, 2003 

7:30 am - 8:30 am 

Registration 

(for those who did not register the previous evening) 

8:30 am - 9:30 am 

Breakfast 

• Plenary presentation — Coping with MS: A Personal Perspective 

Morning Concurrent Sessions (choose one in each block of time) 

9:40 am - 10:40 am 

Concurrent Sessions 1 

• Aggressively Treating MS 

• Challenges and Opportunities for the Homecare Worker 

• Striving for Quality Care in MS Nursing 

• Rehabilitation Management in the MS Patient 

10:40 am 10:50 

Coffee Break 

10:50 am - 11:50 am 


• The Effects of MS on Interpersonal and Family Relationships 

• MS Society: Can We Make a Difference? 

• Sexuality and MS 

• Pharmacological Management of MS Symptoms 

Luncheon 

12:00 noon - 1:30 pm 

• Balancing Workloads Positively


Afternoon Concurrent Sessions (choose one in each block of time) 

1:40 pm - 2:40 pm 


• Aggressively Treating MS 

• Challenges and Opportunities for the Homecare Worker 

• Sexuality and MS 

• Pharmacological Management of MS Symptoms 

2:40 pm - 2:50 pm 

Coffee Break 

2:50 pm - 3:50 pm 


• The Effects of MS on Interpersonal and Family Relationships 

• MS Society: Can We Make A Difference? 

• Striving for Quality Care in MS Nursing 

• Rehabilitation Management in the MS Patient 

4:00 pm - 4:30 pm 

Closing 

event schedule 

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speakers 

Dr. Mary Lou Myles, M.D., FRCPC 

Neurologist, Neuroservices Centre, Edmonton AB 

Dr. Mary Lou Myles is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Neurology at the 

University of Alberta and a clinical neurologist with a special interest in 

multiple sclerosis. She is actively involved in teaching of medical students 

and residents, as well as in the provision of continuing medical education for 

practitioners. She is also a member of the Alberta MS Drug Review Panel. 

Dr. Jennifer Rodgers, Ph.D., C.Psych. 

Clinical Psychologist, U of A, Edmonton AB 

Dr. Rodgers is a clinical psychologist at the University of Alberta Hospital in 

Edmonton and Associate Clinical Professor at the University of Alberta. She 

has been working with individuals who have multiple sclerosis since 1985 

both as a psychologist for the Department of Neurosciences and as a Board 

Member at all levels of the MS Society. Her research interests and public 

presentations, over the years, have focused on adjustment to the changes 

imposed by MS on the individual with the diagnosis, as well as family 

members. Dr. Rodgers is currently a committee member on the Alberta MS 

Drug Review Panel and a Health Research Ethics board member for Capital 

Health, Caritas and the University of Alberta. 

Dr. David Spence, B.Sc., M.D., FRCPC 

Psychiatrist, Edmonton, AB 

Dr. Spence was born in Montreal and grew-up in Nova Scotia. He was 

diagnosed with MS in 1984. Despite the diagnosis he pursued professional 

training by obtaining both his Bachelor of Science and Medical degrees at 

Dalhousie University. He then furthered his medical training, graduating 

from the U of A in psychiatry. Dr Spence formerly worked at Alberta Hospital 

with a focus on General Adult Psychiatry. He is currently semi-retired and 

lives with his wife and seventeen month old child. 

Brenda Robinson, B.A., MED 

Brenda is a highly entertaining motivational speaker able to combine 

practical living strategies with work related pressures. With twenty years of 

experience in various fields of service, she seeks to focus on having a positive 

perspective and attitude. Brenda will tickle your funny bone as well as touch 

your heart. 

Dr. Ken Makus, M.D., FRCPC 

Neurologist, Neuroservices Centre, Edmonton, AB 

Dr. Makus graduated from the University of Alberta Medical School in 1994 

and obtained his neurology certification in 1999. Dr. Makus comes with an 

impressive background filled with awards, scholarships, research projects, 

and professional memberships and activities. Throughout his residency, he 

has had a special interest in multiple sclerosis. Dr. Makus currently works in a 

general neurology practice in Edmonton with a special focus towards 

multiple sclerosis and epilepsy.

Dr. Jim Eliuk, Ph.D, ED. Pysch 

Educational Psychologist 

Dr. Jim Eliuk currently works in a private practice in Edmonton with a primary 

focus on clients struggling with chronic health problems. While completing 

his Ph.D in Educational psychology in the early 90's, he began working at the 

Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital where he gained valuable experience 

working with a variety of chronic medical conditions including Multiple 

Sclerosis 

Cathy Biggs, B.Sc.Pharm. 

Pharmacist, Broadmoor Pharmacy and Orofacial Pain and Medical Clinic 

Catherine graduated from the University of Alberta in 1996. You could say 

that her career choice was genetic considering both her parents have 

worked in the area of pharmacology and patient-based care. Since then she 

has become interested in many areas, including cardiovascular health and 

chronic non-malignant pain. She is also a Past President of the Alberta 

College of Pharmacists and currently is a member of the Professional Affairs 

Committee of the Canadian Pharmacists Association. 

Linda McClure, R.N., B.Sc.N, M.Sc. 

Sexual Health Consultant, Annexa Health Consultants, Nursing Faculty 

Grant Macewan College 

Linda has been working as a consultant in the area of sexuality since 1994. 

She provides sexuality education and counselling to individuals, couples and 

agencies where the primary concern is that of a sexual nature. As part of her 

provate practice, she has contracts with the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital 

Sexual Health Service where she provides sexuality education and 

counselling to clients of the Glenrose. Linda also teaches Nursing and 

Human Sexuality at Grant Mcewan College. 

Joanne Hodder, R.N., B.Sc.N, Multiple Sclerosis Certified Nurse 

Special Therapies Nurse, 

Northern Alberta MS Special Therapies Program 

Joanne graduated from Western Memorial Hospital in Corner Brook, 

Newfoundland with an honours diploma in Nursing in 1983. She is currently 

enrolled in the Masters of Nursing Program at the University of Alberta. She 

has completed all course work and is presently completing a final project 

exploring services delivered to meet the needs of persons with MS in the 

Capital Region of Alberta. In the past she has worked as a research and 

clinical coordinator with a professor of medicine and a specialist in 

Parkinson's Disease at the University of Alberta from 1991 to 1997. Joanne 

has published three articles in the area of Parkinson's and Shy Drager 

Syndrome between 1991 and 1997. Currently, she is the MS Special 

Therapies Nurse for Northern Alberta. 

speakers 

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8 Jeannine Christopherson, R.N., B.Sc.N, MSCN 

Nurse, Northern Alberta Multiple Sclerosis Patient Care 

and Research Clinic 

Jeannine provides education and supportive counselling to people with MS 

and their family and friends. She assists in the clinical management of 

problems related to MS. Jeannine is a founding member of the IOMSN 

(International Organization of MS Nurses) as well as a member of the 

speakers 

Edmonton Chapter Client Services Committee. She is also an active member 

of the Canadian MS Nurses Network and has been working in the MS field for 

many years. 

Dr. Carmen Tuchak, M.D., FRCPC 

Dr. Carmen Tuchak, specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, works 

at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital where she sees persons with MS for a 

variety of rehabilitation issues including spasticity and problems with 

mobility.

Friday , October 17, 2003 

7:00 pm - 9:30 pm 

The Multifaceted Nature of MS Care: Now and in the Future 

Dr. Mary Lou Myles, M.D., FRCPC 

This presentation will provide an overall review of MS, diagnosis, etiology, 

incidence and risk factors, symptom management, and therapies. 

Participants will gain an understanding of multi-faceted research in the field 

of MS today. 

Understanding the Psycho-social Challenges of MS 

Dr. Jennifer Rodgers, Ph.D., C.psych 

This presentation will focus on psychosocial implications of MS, incidence of 

depression and cognitive impairment. Participants will gain an 

understanding of the intensity and diversity of challenges that people with 

MS encounter everyday. 


8:30 am - 9:30 am 

Coping With MS: A Personal Perspective 

Dr. David Spence, B.Sc., M.D., FRCPC 

This presentation will provide a personal and professional perspective of 

living with MS. Participants will gain understanding of the everyday 

scenarios of coping with an unpredictable and uncertain chronic illness. 

12 noon - 1:30 pm 

Balancing Workloads Positively 

Brenda Robinson, B.A., MED 

This presentation will provide participants with a new perspective on 

balancing workloads in positive ways. Participants are invited to listen, laugh, 

and learn new ways to set priorities, lighten up and enjoy what they do. 

plenary presentations 

9

10 

concurrent sessions 


9:40 am - 3:50 pm 

Aggressively Treating MS 

Dr. Ken Makus, M.D., FRCPC 

This session will provide information about diagnostic procedure and the 

need for early intervention. Participants will learn about new diagnostic 

criteria, MS symptomatic therapies, disease modifying therapies, and the role 

of the GP to ensure adherence. 

Available in concurrent sessions 1 and 3. 

Pharmacological Management of MS Symptoms 

Cathy Biggs, B.Sc.Pharm. 

This session will present an overview of pharmacological treatment of 

neuropathic pain and spasticity, bladder dysfunction and fatigue. 

Participants will be exposed to evidence-based information covering 

allopathic and alternative therapies. 


Rehabilitation Management in the MS Patient 

Dr. Carmen Tuchak, M.D., FRCPC 

This session will provide an overview of the importance of rehabilitation 

therapies in the management of MS. Participants will learn about practical 

aids for daily living as well as programs that maximize the physical health of 

the client. 


MS Society: Can We Make a Difference? 

Adeline Blumer, R.N. and Aileen Steele, B.A. 

This session will provide health professionals with an overview of MS Society 

services and programs. The participants will understand the role of the MS 

Society in educating health professionals about MS and providing clients 

with referral, information and support. 


Challenges and Opportunities for the Homecare Worker 

Barb Foxall, B.A. 

This session will provide healthcare workers in the homecare field with the 

opportunity to learn and share practical information. The participants will be 

able to assist their MS clients in day-to-day living strategies. 

Available in concurrent sessions 1 and 3.

Striving for Quality Care in MS Nursing 

Jeannine Christopherson, R.N., B.Sc.N., MSCN 

Joanne Hodder, R.N., B.Sc.N., Multiple Sclerosis Certified Nurse 

This session will provide primary and secondary care providers with 

information on symptom management and MS special therapies including 

management of side-effects of the disease modifying drugs. The participants 

will come to understand their role in networking to meet clients' physical, 

emotional and spiritual needs. 


Sexuality and MS 

Linda McClure, R.N., B.Sc.N., M.Sc. 

This session presents an overview of how persons with MS notice changes in 

their sexual functioning which impacts their personal relationships and 

overall well-being. Participants will better understand how MS affects sexual 

functioning, sexual relationships, as well as better understand how to 

manage sexual changes. 


The Effects of MS on Interpersonal and Family Relationships 

Dr. Jim Eliuk, Ph.D Ed.Psych. 

This session will provide information on both the subtle and obvious effects 

of the illness on a person's integrity, sense of well-being, and interpersonal 

and family relationships. The participant will gain an understanding on how 

helping the client and family to recognize the “choice points” facing them in 

their lives will enable them to make decisions that maximize continued 

control of their lives. 


concurrent sessions 

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event registration information 

You can register by fax: 780.463.7298 

or phone: 780.463.1190 

or mail to: Multiple Sclerosis Society - Alberta Division 

10104-79 Street, Edmonton, AB T6A 3G3 

Registration 

Early Bird registration before September 15 - $75.00 

Registration after September 15 - $100.00 

Student registration fee $50. 

(Please note that there is a limited number of spaces available for students) 

Confirmation of registration will be sent when registration form has been 

received and payment has been made in full. If registration is received after 

September 30, you will receive confirmation in your registration package at 

the event. 

Registration fee includes, breakfast, luncheon, coffee breaks, sessions and 

event materials. 

Cancellation Policy 

There will be a full refund (less $25 administration fee) until October 6, 2003; 

there will be no refund after that date. This policy is void if cancellation is due 

to illness or other extraordinary circumstances. 

Dress 

All sessions and presentations are business/casual. 

Accommodation 

Delta Edmonton Centre Suite Hotel 

10222 - 102 Street, Edmonton, Alberta 

1.800.661.6655 

www.deltahotels.com 

Please make reservations directly by calling the hotel. Rooms have been 

reserved under Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada at a discounted rate of 

$109 to $129. The hotel is located in the heart of downtown Edmonton in the 

newly renovated Edmonton City Centre Shopping Complex, which has over 

100 stores and nine movie theatres. All rooms include jetted bathtubs, highspeed 

internet access, in room movies, and in room coffee makers. 

Registered guest receive free covered parking. 

Information 

If you require further information about this education event please contact: 

Aileen Steele | 780.463.1190 | aileen.steele@mssociety.ca 

Barb Foxall | 780.471.3034 | barb.foxall@mssociety.ca

Contact Information 

Mr. Mrs. Ms. Miss. Dr. 

First Name__________________ Last Name_______________________ 

Professional status___________________________________________ 

Organization________________________________________________ 

Mailing Address______________________________________________ 

City________________________ Province_____ Postal Code_________ 

Phone____________ Fax____________ E-mail_____________________ 

How would you like your name to appear on name tag? 

___________________________________________________________ 

Date of Registration________________ Today's date________________ 

Before September 15 - $75 

After September 15 - $100 

Students - $50 

Amount Submitted $___________ 

Special Meal Requests 

Please state any allergies, restrictions, etc._________________________ 

Do you require a parking pass? yes no 

(will be put into your registration package) 

Participant Profile 

Place of Employment: Hospital Rehabilitation Home Care 

Long-Term-Care Private Practice Clinic Other___________ 

Percentage of practice spent in the care of persons or families with MS 

0-25 26-50 51-75 76-100 

Describe briefly the challenges you experience in your practice when 

caring for persons with MS_____________________________________ 

___________________________________________________________ 

___________________________________________________________ 

Questions you would like answered at this event 

___________________________________________________________ 

___________________________________________________________ 

___________________________________________________________ 

___________________________________________________________ 

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registration form

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registration form 

Sessions Selection 


(please choose one session in each time block) 

Morning Sessions: 


9:40 am - 10:40 am 






10:50 am - 11:50 am 


MS Society: Can We Make a Difference? 



Afternoon Sessions: 


1:40 pm - 2:40 pm 






2:50 pm - 3:50 pm 


MS Society: Can We Make a Difference 



Payment 

If paying by cheque, please make payment to MS Society of Canada, 

Alberta Division. 

Cheque Attached 

Visa Mastercard 

Card #_____________________________ Expiry Date_______________ 

Print name as it appears on card_________________________________ 

Signature___________________________________________________ 

Yes, I have read and understand the Cancellation Policy.

Joanne Hodder, R.N., B.Sc.N, Multiple Sclerosis Certified Nurse 

Special Therapies Nurse, Northern Alberta MS Special Therapies Program 

Dr. Ken Makus, M.D., FRCP 

Neurologist, Neuroservices Centre, Edmonton, AB 

Rose Dehod 

Director, Member Services and Programs, Pharmacists Association of Alberta 

Adeline Blumer 

Client Services Director, MS Society of Canada, AB Division 

Aileen Steele 

Client Services Support Coordinator, MS Society of Canada, AB Division 

Barb Foxall 

Client Services Manager, MS Society of Canada, Edmonton Chapter 

Rosalie Freund-Heritage, MSc.OT, OT(C) 

Professional Practice Leader, Community Care and Public Health, Capital 

Health 

Jane Yi, BSc OT, MSc 

Professional Practice Leader OT, Capital Health, Community Care Services, 

Home Care 

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event planning committee

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada - Alberta Division gratefully acknowledges the support of 

Berlex Canada Inc. | Biogen Canada | Pfizer | Serono | Teva Neurosciences 

Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada - Alberta Division 

10104-79 Street, Edmonton AB T6A 3G3 

Phone 780.463.1190 | Fax 780.463.7298 | Toll-free 1.800.268.7582

MSFocus: - Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada

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