29th Annual University of Manitoba Key Topics in Gastroenterology in 2026

Join our experts for the 29th Anniversary of this event!

Learning Objectives

Thursday June 11, 2026

• Understand the utility of virtual reality in enhancing perioperative outcomes.
• Understand the relationship between gut microbiota and immune response in development of colorectal cancer.
• Learn about the potential for vaccines against colon cancer in Lynch Syndrome.
• Discuss blood and stool tests for colorectal cancer screening.
• Understand colorectal screening paradigms.

Friday June 12, 2026

• Discuss pancreatic cancer detection.
• Learn optimal approaches for ESD for colon masses.
• Understand dysplasia surveillance approaches in IBD.
• Learn about transabdominal ultrasound to identify complications of IBD.
• Learn about endoscopic management of IBD complications.
• Discuss primary sclerosing cholangitis pathogenesis and management.
• Discuss approach to post-operative Crohn’s disease.
• Discuss approaches to de-escalation of advanced IBD therapies.

Agenda

Thursday June 11, 2026

1230-1235 Welcome – Dr. Charles Bernstein (University of Manitoba)

Moderator: Dr. Harminder Singh, University of Manitoba

1235-1305 Operation immersion: Implementing virtual reality to enhance perioperative outcomes – Rene El Gabalawy, PhD (University of Manitoba)

1305-1335 Interplay between genotoxic bacteria and inflammation in CRC development – Christian Jobin, PhD (University of Florida Health Cancer Center; USA)

1335-1405 Vaccines for Colorectal Cancer in Lynch Syndrome- Ajay Bansal, MD (University of Kansas Medical Center)

1405-1435 New and Emerging Tests for CRC Screening: Invasive and Non-Invasive Approaches – William Grady, MD (University of Washington School of Medicine; USA)

1440-1500 Break

1500-1530 Surveillance for colorectal cancer and polyps – Dr. Theodore Levin, MD

15:30-16:00 Advancing screening for colorectal cancer in Canada: Should we be starting younger? – Darren Brenner, PhD (University of Calgary)

1600-1645 Panel Discussions – All Speakers      Moderator: Dr. Harminder Singh

Friday June 12, 2026

0825-0830 Welcome – Dr. Charles Bernstein (University of Manitoba)

Moderator: Dr. Dana Moffatt, University of Manitoba

0830-0900 Pancreatic Cancer: Early Detection – A Game Changer or a Mirage? – Greg Cote, MD MS (Oregon Health & Science University; Portland USA)

0900-0930 ESD for colon masses – Robert Bechara, MD, FRCPC (Queen’s University; Kingston ON Canada)

0930-1000 Newer Strategies for dysplasia Surveillance in IBD – Sanjay Murthy, MD (University of Ottawa; ON Canada)

1000-1030 De-escalation of surveillance in IBD: the Dutch approach – Bas Oldenburg (University of Utrecht; Netherlands)

1030-1050 Break

1050-1120 PSC – Joshua Korzenik, MD (Harvard University, Boston)

1120-1230 Panel Discussion: Dr. Dana Moffatt, University of Manitoba

1230-1330 Lunch

Afternoon Moderator: Dr. Seth Shaffer, University of Manitoba

1330-1400 Using transabdominal US to identify complications of IBD – Kerri Novak, MD, MSc (University of Calgary)

1400-1430 Endoscopic Management of IBD Complications – Bo Shen, MD (Columbia University; New York USA)

1430-1500 Approach to post-operative Crohn’s disease – Matthieu Allez, MD (McGill University)

1500-1520 Break

1520-15:50 De-escalation of advanced IBD therapies: why and how? – Frank Hoentjen, MD, PhD (University of Alberta)

1550-1700 Panel Discussion – All Speakers       Moderator: Dr. Seth Shaffer

29th Annual Key Topics in Gastroenterology Brochure

For inquiries about the event please contact Sharmina Monisha at smonisha@hsc.mb.ca

Registration

$187.50 for practicing physicians. All other professions register at no cost.

Attendees must register for an account, add a ticket to their event cart, and complete the checkout transaction in order to register. Scroll down to add a ticket to your event cart. 

Cancellation Policy
In accordance with CPD Medicine policy:

• More than 21 days’ notice: A refund will be issued, minus a 20% administrative fee (up to a maximum of $200).
• Less than 21 days’ notice: No refund will be provided.

Special refund requests may be submitted to the event coordinator for consideration by the Scientific Planning Committee Chair, CPD Director or the Managing Director.