Ep34: Tackling the Pain Crisis in Canada: What Can Physiotherapy and Physiotherapists Do? A Discussion with Krissy Bell, Arthur Woznowski-Vu, and Nathan Augeard

In this episode, we talked about

1. The past, present, and future of pain advocacy in Canada
2. The role of the professional association in supporting advocacy initiatives
3. The reception of physiotherapists' advocacy
4. The ripple effects of our pain advocacy efforts

Krissy Bell, CEO, Canadian Physiotherapy Association

Krissy Bell was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association in March 2023. Since joining the association in 2019, she has been an essential member of the executive team, driving organizational growth over the past five years through various leadership roles. Krissy's career prior to her role at the association includes consulting for some of Canada's largest non-profits and charities, where she specialized in organizational problem-solving with a focus on business development and strategic planning. Before her consulting career, Krissy served for seven years as an Artillery Officer in the Canadian Forces, followed by diverse roles in business development, marketing, and event management within the sports sector. In addition to her professional experience, Krissy is actively involved in volunteer work, particularly in governance roles within the sports sector.  She has served as a Board member for not-for-profit organizations for nearly twenty years, and is currently in her final term as Vice-Chair of Canada Snowboard, the national governing body for snowboarding in Canada.  As a mother of two herself, Krissy is a passionate advocate for working mothers who champions women through the intentional development of working environments that support those who want to balance family life while advancing their careers.

Arthur Woznowski-Vu, PT, PhD

Arthur Woznowski-Vu has been a practicing physiotherapist since 2013. He has been teaching the Pain Management Strategies course at Concordia University since 2023, and has previous teaching experience at Université de Montréal and McGill University. Early in his career, Arthur focused on developing his physiotherapy expertise in chronic pain. He pursued several continuing education courses and then went on to complete a PhD in Rehab Science (focusing on chronic pain) at McGill University in 2023, receiving several prestigious scholarships (e.g., CIHR). As Chair of the Pain Science Division at the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (2021-2023), Arthur led several initiatives including a national physiotherapy advocacy in response to the Canadian Pain Task Force's Action Plan for Pain in Canada: https://physiotherapy.ca/advocacy-updates/national-physiotherapy-month-2023-4/. In 2023, Arthur opened The Chronic Pain Rehab Clinic as his solo physiotherapy private practice in Montreal: www.chronicpainrehab.ca.

Nathan Augeard, PT, MSc

Nathan Augeard has been a practicing physiotherapist since 2018, with a strong focus on chronic pain management. He is currently completing his PhD in Rehabilitation Science at McGill University, where his research focuses on improving pain management education in entry-level physiotherapy programs across Canada. Nathan has received several awards for his work, including the Ronald Melzack–Canadian Journal of Pain Paper of the Year Award. He has been actively involved in pain advocacy, serving as an executive member of the Pain Science Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (2021-2023) and the current Director of the Working Group on Pain Advocacy. As the founder of Physio Connection (www.physioconnection.ca), a virtual physiotherapy service, Nathan is committed to enhancing access to evidence-based care for individuals living with chronic pain, especially in remote regions.

 

Resources

1. CPA Position Paper and other pain advocacy resources for physiotherapy professionals, bilingual: https://physiotherapy.ca/advocacy-updates/national-physiotherapy-month-2023-4/
2. 3 reports from the Canadian Pain Task Force: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/corporate/about-health-canada/public-engagement/external-advisory-bodies/canadian-pain-task-force.html 
3. National action network that coordinates all pain-related organizations in Canada towards implementation of the Canadian Pain Task Force's Action Plan for Pain in Canada; and provides resources for public and professionals: https://www.paincanada.ca/
4. Summary on the illegal opioids crisis: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/opioids/overdose-crisis-toxic-illegal-drug-supply.html
5. Campbell, F., et al (2024). Advancing Chronic Pain Care in Canada: History and Impact of the Canadian Pain Task Force. Canadian Journal of Pain, 2358332.

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