Late Breaking Abstracts
The Scientific Planning Committee seeks to offer a balanced, diverse, and cutting-edge scientific program that reflects different areas of science from all members of the pain community. Your participation is of the utmost importance and will be integral for the success of the 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting and continued progress in pain research and management. All abstracts must be submitted through the CPS abstract submission portal below before Tuesday February 28th by 2259h ET

May 10-12, 2023 at the Banff Springs Hotel
Individuals with an interest in pain from all around the world come together to share knowledge and expertise on the latest advancements in pain mechanisms, evaluation, and management.

















✶ Keynote Speaker
Claudia Sommer
Professor of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Germany
She received training in neurology, psychiatry, neuropathology, and experimental pain research. At the University Hospital of Würzburg, she serves as a consultant in neurology, organizes outpatient clinics for patients with neuromuscular disorders, pain and headache, and she leads the Peripheral Nerve Laboratory. Research interests are the pathophysiology of pain, of inflammatory neuropathies, and of antibody-mediated diseases. She has written more than 250 original research papers and more than 100 reviews and book-chapters and edited several books. She has served as President of the German Pain Society in 2019-2020 and as President of the International Society for the Study of Pain (IASP, 2020-2022). She is a Fellow of the European Academy of Neurology, and a Board member of the Peripheral Nerve Society (PNS) and the International Research Consortium for CRPS. She is also Deputy Editor of the European Journal of Neurology.
Fibromyalgia: Attempts at Uncovering the Pathophysiology
0820h — Thursday, May 11
Van Horne Ballroom in the Conference Centre

✶ Plenary Speaker
Ru-Rong Ji
MD PhD FRCPC
William Maixner Professor of Anesthesiology, Professor of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Director of Center for Translational Pain Center (CTPM), Duke Medical Center, in Durham, North Carolina
Neuroimmune Interactions for the Induction and Resolution of Pain
0815h — Friday, May 12
Van Horne Ballroom in the Conference Centre

✶ Plenary Speaker
Gaynor Watson-Creed
MD, MSc, CCFP, FRCPC, DSc (hc)
The Associate Dean of Serving and Engaging Society for Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Medicine, and past Chair of the Board of Engage Nova Scotia. She is a public health specialist physician with 17 years experience, having served as the former Medical Officer of Health for the Halifax area and Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Health for Nova Scotia. She served as a member of the One Nova Scotia Coalition economic strategy table in Nova Scotia and was recently a member of the federal Task Force on Women in the Economy. Dr. Watson-Creed has an MD from Dalhousie University, an MSc from the University of Guelph, a BSc from the University of Prince Edward Island, and an honorary doctorate from Acadia University. She also sits as chair or member of several national population health councils and boards and is a passionate advocate for high-quality public health services in Canada.
Rethinking Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility in 2023
1325h — Thursday, May 11
Van Horne Ballroom in the Conference Centre
Our Distinguished Speakers
The next big thing
Breakfast and Registration
Friday 0700 — 0800h
Van Horne Ballroom in the Conference Centre
Start your morning off with a well-balanced breakfast.
Opening Remarks
0800 — 0820h
Van Horne Ballroom in the Conference Centre
Canadian Pain Society President Dr. John Pereira, SPC Chairs Dr. Mike Hildebrand & Dr. Gabrielle Page.
Neuroimmune Interactions for the Induction and Resolution of Pain
Friday 0815 — 0915h
Van Horne Ballroom in the Conference Centre.
✭ Our Plenary, Dr. Ru-Rong Ji.
Concurrent Session Four
0925 — 1040h
Mezzanine Level II in the Castle.
‣ The Role of the Gut Microbiome in Somatosensation and Pain - Mechanisms and Clinical Implications.
‣ Pain Experiences of Youth with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (NDDs): Bridging Research and Practice.
‣ Hot Topics Trainee Presentations.
‣ The Intersection of Pain and Addiction: Using Harm Reduction Strategies to Keep Patients with Chronic Pain Safe Within the Context of the Current Opioid Crisis.
Refreshment Break
Friday 1045 — 1115h
Van Horne Ballroom in the Conference Centre.
Browse posters and connect with our exhibitors.
Concurrent Session Five
Friday 1045 — 1200h
Mezzanine Level II in the Castle.
‣ Can Clinical Trials Translate Pain Science into Improved Care for People Suffering from Pain? Incorporating Basic Principles with Patient Engagement and Real-world Clinical Practice.
‣ Exploring and Healing Pediatric Chronic Pain in Indigenous Youth and Families Through Two-Eyed Seeing.
‣ Pain and Time.
‣ Neurophysiological Changes Following Physical or Emotional Childhood Trauma in the Transition from Acute to Chronic Pain.
Our 2023 Art Awards
Pain and Social Life
The Canadian Pain Society Art Awards were created to engage a broad audience and contribute to knowledge mobilization and develop new tools for teaching and communicating about pain and its impact on social life. With a new theme each year, we showcase the variety of artwork presented by clinicians, scientists, educators, artists, and people living with pain.
Voting for this year's winners is up to our Canadian Pain Society members! Our 2023 winners will be announced at the Gala Reception on Friday, May 11


Thank you for taking the time to complete this evaluation. The information collected is extremely valuable and will assist in the planning of future meetings.
Annual Scientific Meeting Event Evaluation
Our Complete 2023 Agenda
You will gain the ability to describe and critically analyze recent research on the mechanisms and management of pain with our diverse, multidisciplinary membership. You'll integrate activities and understanding that will help improve access to high-quality pain care, including preventing and treating pain more effectively.
Concurrent sessions have been coordinated to encompass mechanisms of pain; biopsychosocial factors of pain; pain treatments; and pain programs, education, policy, and advocacy.
All efforts will be in place to avoid any timing adjustments, that may occur without advance notice. All timing for this event is in Mountain Daylight Time.
View speaker Conflicts of Interest.