CPD In Practice

In this episode, emergency physician and cognitive load researcher Dr. Adam Szulewski explores how cognitive load affects clinical reasoning and performance in busy practices. He explains how limited working memory, interruptions, fatigue, and information overload can influence decision-making and shares practical strategies to help clinicians manage these demands.

Dr. Szulewski discusses approaches such as pre-briefing, mental simulation, pausing to recap and reprioritize, and using checklists and cognitive aids appropriately. The conversation also looks at how electronic health records can add unnecessary cognitive burden and why recognizing cognitive load can help clinicians create more space to think clearly.

Guest: Dr. Adam Szulewski
Host: Dr. Chris Morrow, Associate Dean, UBC CPD
Producer: Julia Donahue
Music: "“Flight of the Starbird” by Andrei and Mike Diaconu of Cosmic Mansions

Episode Timestamps
00:00 — Introduction and what cognitive load means
01:58 — Intrinsic, extraneous and germane cognitive load
04:17 — Translating cognitive load theory into clinical medicine
06:02 — Interruptions, competing priorities and busy clinical practice
08:42 — Working memory, expertise and mental schemas
12:22 — Expert vs. novice attention: the ruptured AAA simulation example
15:47 — Fast and slow thinking, cognitive error and knowing when to slow down
18:40 — Pre-briefing and mental simulation before high-stakes care
21:46 — Applying structure and preparation in primary care
22:16 — The medical pause: recapping, slowing down and reprioritizing
25:22 — Checklists, cognitive aids and when they help
27:24 — Research on cognitive load in clinical practice and CanMEDS
31:40 — Electronic health records, extraneous load and the potential role of AI

Resources:
Szulewski A, Howes D, van Merriënboer JJG, Sweller J. From Theory to Practice: The Application of Cognitive Load Theory to the Practice of Medicine. Academic Medicine. 2021;96(1):24–30.
https://academic.oup.com/academicmedicine/article-abstract/96/1/24/8346681
Young M, Szulewski A, Anderson R, Gomez-Garibello C, Thoma B, Monteiro S. Clinical Reasoning in CanMEDS 2025. Canadian Medical Education Journal. 2023;14(1):58–62.
https://journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/cmej/article/view/75843
Kahneman D. Thinking, Fast and Slow.
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/89308/thinking-fast-and-slow-by-daniel-kahneman/
Lee JY, Donkers J, Jarodzka H, Sellenraad G, van Merriënboer JJG. Different effects of pausing on cognitive load in a medical simulation game. Computers in Human Behaviour. 2020;110:106385.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0747563220301382
Lee JY, et al. The medical pause: Importance, processes and training. Medical Education. 2021.
https://asmepublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/medu.14529
KeyLIME+ Podcast. Adam discusses KeyLIME+ near the end of the episode as a medical education podcast focused on the stories and practical implications behind research and policy.
https://keylimepodcast.libsyn.com/

The Vancouver Fraser Medical Program and the Vancouver Academic Campus of the University of British Columbia are situated on the traditional territory of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh peoples.

The Southern Medical Program and the Okanagan Academic Campus of the University of British Columbia are situated on the territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation.

The Northern Medical Program and the University of Northern BC are situated on the traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh, part of the Dakelh (Carrier) First Nations.

With respect to the Lekwungen peoples on whose traditional territory the Island Medical Program and the University of Victoria stand, and the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.

We acknowledge our traditional hosts and honour their welcome and graciousness to the students who seek knowledge here.

All rights reserved. Reproduction and distribution of this presentation without written permission from UBC Faculty of Medicine is strictly prohibited.

© UBC Medicine Learning Network 2026

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Guest: Dr. Jason Hitkari

Episode Timestamps

[00:00] – Introduction and episode overview

[00:29] – Guest introduction: Dr. Jason Hitkari

[01:05] – Declining fertility rates in Canada and BC

[03:54] – The rise of egg freezing and its exponential uptake

[05:20] – Elective vs. medical egg freezing (oncofertility)

[05:51] – Cost of egg freezing and lack of MSP coverage

[06:44] – CFAS guidelines on egg freezing: who and when

[07:32] – The primary care provider's role in egg freezing counselling

[08:05] – When to investigate infertility: age-dependent timelines

[09:46] – The basic infertility workup in primary care

[10:51] – AMH testing: what it is and how to interpret it

[11:53] – Pelvic ultrasound and tube assessment (HSG)

[13:44] – Who should be referred to a fertility specialist

[14:17] – Approaching the "fertility assessment" request in primary care

[15:44] – Overview of fertility treatments: IUI, IVF, and ICSI

[17:43] – Male fertility: lifestyle factors and semen analysis

[21:21] – BC's new MSP IVF funding: eligibility and coverage

[23:00] – The IVF waitlist and what patients can expect

[23:39] – How patients access the funded IVF program

[24:03] – Equity and access: financial, LGBTQ+, and legal barriers

[25:21] – Rural access to fertility care in BC

[27:05] – Key takeaways for primary care providers

[28:24] – Knowledge nugget: a brief history of fertility

[30:18] – Credits and CME information

Studies & Research Mentioned

Janecka M, Mill J, Basson MA, et al. Advanced paternal age effects in neurodevelopmental disorders—review of potential underlying mechanisms. Transl Psychiatry. 2017;7:e1019. doi:10.1038/tp.2016.294

Janecka M, Haworth CMA, Ronald A, et al. Paternal age alters social development in offspring. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2017;56(5):383–390. doi:10.1016/j.jaac.2017.02.006

Grossman DC, Curry SJ, Owens DK, et al. Screening for Ovarian Cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. In: StatPearls. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; 2018. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK442158/

Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Fertility evaluation of infertile women: a committee opinion. Fertil Steril. 2021;116(5):1255–1265. https://www.asrm.org/practice-guidance/practice-committee-documents/fertility-evaluation-of-infertile-women-a-committee-opinion-2021/

© UBC Faculty of Medicine All Rights Reserved

The Vancouver Fraser Medical Program and the Vancouver Academic Campus of the University of British Columbia are situated on the traditional territory of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh peoples.

The Southern Medical Program and the Okanagan Academic Campus of the University of British Columbia are situated on the territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation.

The Northern Medical Program and the University of Northern BC are situated on the traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh, part of the Dakelh (Carrier) First Nations.

With respect to the Lekwungen peoples on whose traditional territory the Island Medical Program and the University of Victoria stand, and the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.

We acknowledge our traditional hosts and honour their welcome and graciousness to the students who seek knowledge here.

All rights reserved. Reproduction and distribution of this presentation without written permission from UBC Faculty of Medicine is strictly prohibited.

© UBC Medicine Learning Network 2026

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Guest: Dr. Randal Mason

Episode Timestamps

Studies & Research Mentioned

Province of British Columbia. High-Risk Drinking and Alcohol Use Disorder. BC Guidelines; 2024. Accessed January 29, 2026. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/practitioner-professional-resources/bc-guidelines/high-risk-drinking-and-alcohol-use-disorder

Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA). Canada's Guidance on Alcohol and Health. 2023. Accessed January 29, 2026. https://www.ccsa.ca/en/guidance-tools-resources/substance-use-and-addiction/alcohol/canadas-guidance-alcohol-and-health

BC Centre on Substance Use; Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research. Canadian Operational Guidance: Managed Alcohol Programs. Appendix 9: Alcohol Use Disorder Screening and Assessment Tools. BCCSU; 2023. Accessed January 29, 2026. https://www.bccsu.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Resource-Alcohol-Use-Disorder-Screening-and-Assessment-Tools.pdf

UBC Continuing Professional Development. Alcohol Use: Screening, Determining Risk, and Evidence-Based Treatment. Accessed January 29, 2026. https://ubccpd.ca/learn/learning-activities/course?eventtemplate=724-alcohol-use-screening-determining-risk-and-evidencebased-treatment

© UBC Faculty of Medicine All Rights Reserved

The Vancouver Fraser Medical Program and the Vancouver Academic Campus of the University of British Columbia are situated on the traditional territory of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh peoples.

The Southern Medical Program and the Okanagan Academic Campus of the University of British Columbia are situated on the territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation.

The Northern Medical Program and the University of Northern BC are situated on the traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh, part of the Dakelh (Carrier) First Nations.

With respect to the Lekwungen peoples on whose traditional territory the Island Medical Program and the University of Victoria stand, and the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.

We acknowledge our traditional hosts and honour their welcome and graciousness to the students who seek knowledge here.

All rights reserved. Reproduction and distribution of this presentation without written permission from UBC Faculty of Medicine is strictly prohibited.

© UBC Medicine Learning Network 2026

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Guest: Dr. Randal Mason

Episode Timestamps

Studies & Research Mentioned

https://ubccpd.ca/learn/learning-activities/course?eventtemplate=724-alcohol-use-screening-determining-risk-and-evidencebased-treatment

© UBC Faculty of Medicine All Rights Reserved

The Vancouver Fraser Medical Program and the Vancouver Academic Campus of the University of British Columbia are situated on the traditional territory of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh peoples.

The Southern Medical Program and the Okanagan Academic Campus of the University of British Columbia are situated on the territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation.

The Northern Medical Program and the University of Northern BC are situated on the traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh, part of the Dakelh (Carrier) First Nations.

With respect to the Lekwungen peoples on whose traditional territory the Island Medical Program and the University of Victoria stand, and the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.

We acknowledge our traditional hosts and honour their welcome and graciousness to the students who seek knowledge here.

All rights reserved. Reproduction and distribution of this presentation without written permission from UBC Faculty of Medicine is strictly prohibited.

© UBC Medicine Learning Network 2026

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Guest: Dr. Elizabeth Baerg Hall
Host: Dr. Chris Morrow
Producer: Craig Ferguson
Music: "Stand With Me" by Adrian Walther licensed via SoundStripe

Episode Timestamps
• [00:00] - Introduction and episode overview
• [02:03] - Life transitions and when ADHD becomes visible in adults
• [04:14] - How ADHD can be masked by structure and support systems
• [05:21] - Red flags for ADHD in primary care settings
• [08:54] - Who can diagnose ADHD and what tools are available
• [12:05] - The importance of impairment in diagnosis and avoiding overdiagnosis
• [16:36] - Common comorbidities: Anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder
• [19:39] - ADHD and substance use disorder
• [21:26] - Barriers to diagnosis and treatment: Stigma and misconceptions about stimulants
• [24:07] - Inequities in access to care, including Indigenous patients
• [26:26] - Challenges for rural patients and older adults with ADHD
• [29:00] - Resources and support in BC: CADRA, Shared Care, and Skills for Success
• [30:56] - ADHD pathways and UBC CPD educational opportunities
• [32:59] - Closing remarks and conference information
• [33:52] - Knowledge nugget: The history of psychostimulants

Studies & Research Mentioned
• CADDRA – Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance. Canadian ADHD Practice Guidelines, 4.1 Edition. Toronto, ON: CADDRA; 2020. Accessed January 13, 2026. https://adhdlearn.caddra.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Canadian-ADHD-Practice-Guidelines-4.1-January-6-2021.pdf
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diagnosing ADHD. Updated 2024. Accessed January 13, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/diagnosis/index.html
• The MTA Cooperative Group: A 14-Month randomized clinical trial of treatment strategies for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) . Arch Gen Psychiatry 1999;56:1073-1086.
• The MTA Cooperative Group: Moderators and mediators of treatment response for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Arch Gen Psychiatry 1999;56:1088-1096.
• Molina BSG, Kipp HL, Joseph HM, et al. Stimulant Diversion Risk Among College Students Treated for ADHD: Primary Care Provider Prevention Training. Acad Pediatr. 2020;20(1):119-127. doi:10.1016/j.acap.2019.06.002
• National Institute of Mental Health. The Multimodal Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Study (MTA): Questions and Answers. Revised November 2009. National Institute of Mental Health website. Accessed January 13, 2026. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/funding/clinical-research/practical/mta/the-multimodal-treatment-of-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-study-mtaquestions-and-answers
• Ramtekkar UP, Reiersen AM, Todorov AA, Todd RD. Sex and age differences in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms and diagnoses: implications for DSM-V and ICD-11. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2010;49(3):217-28.e283.

(C) 2025 UBC Medicine Learning Network

The Vancouver Fraser Medical Program and the Vancouver Academic Campus of the University of British Columbia are situated on the traditional territory of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh peoples.

The Southern Medical Program and the Okanagan Academic Campus of the University of British Columbia are situated on the territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation.

The Northern Medical Program and the University of Northern BC are situated on the traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh, part of the Dakelh (Carrier) First Nations.

With respect to the Lekwungen peoples on whose traditional territory the Island Medical Program and the University of Victoria stand, and the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.

We acknowledge our traditional hosts and honour their welcome and graciousness to the students who seek knowledge here.

All rights reserved. Reproduction and distribution of this presentation without written permission from UBC Faculty of Medicine is strictly prohibited.

© UBC Medicine Learning Network 2026

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Endocrinologist Dr. Jordanna Kapeluto unpacks the evolving science of obesity and the role of GLP-1 medications like semaglutide. We explore obesity as a complex, chronic disease, the impact of weight bias in health care, and the promise and pitfalls of new treatments. From mechanisms of action to real-world outcomes, this conversation challenges assumptions and highlights the importance of compassionate, evidence-based care.   

Host: Dr. Chris Morrow

Producer:  Craig Ferguson

Music: "Stand With Me" by Adrian Walther licensed via SoundStripe

(C) 2025 UBC Medicine Learning Network

Episode Timestamps

[00:00] - Introduction and episode overview

[01:38] - Medical diagnosis of obesity: Why it is important to diagnose and treat

[02:27] - Evolution of our understanding of obesity and weight dynamics

[04:30] - Stigma surrounding obesity and patient experiences of weight bias affecting access to appropriate care or diagnostics

[06:14] - Defining and diagnosing obesity

[12:40] - Discussion on GLP-1 agonists

[15:45] - GLP-1 agonists and weight loss

[18:14] - GLP-1s in diabetes treatment

[18:42] - Criteria for using GLP-1s as a weight loss agent

[22:05] - GLP-1s: Downsides and barriers

[26:50] - Guidance for primary care providers on prescribing GPL-1s

[30:27] - Closing thoughts from Dr. Jordanna Kapeluto

[31:50] - Closing remarks from Dr. Chris Morrow on GLP-1 agonists

Studies & Research Mentioned

Rubino F, Bartolomucci A, Buse JB, et al. Definition and diagnostic criteria of clinical obesity. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2025;S2213-8587(24)00316-4. doi:10.1016/S2213-8587(24)00316-4

Palmer AB, Roshani R, McCormick JB, Fisher-Hoch SP, Below JE, North KE, Gordon-Larsen P. Excess Adiposity Without Obesity in a High-Risk Population. JAMA Netw Open. 2025 Oct 1;8(10):e2535194. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.35194. PMID: 41042515; PMCID: PMC12495492.Drucker DJ. The GLP-1 journey: from discovery science to therapeutic impact. J Clin Invest. 2024;134(2):e175634. Published 2024 Jan 16. doi:10.1172/JCI175634 

Eng J, Kleinman WA, Singh L, Singh G, Raufman JP. Isolation and characterization of exendin-4, an exendin-3 analogue, from Heloderma suspectum venom. Further evidence for an exendin receptor on dispersed acini from guinea pig pancreas. J Biol Chem. 1992;267(11):7402-7405.

Quetelet A. Sur l'homme et le développement de ses facultés, ou Essai de physique sociale [A Treatise on Man and the Development of His Faculties]. Bachelier; 1835.

The Vancouver Fraser Medical Program and the Vancouver Academic Campus of the University of British Columbia are situated on the traditional territory of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh peoples.

The Southern Medical Program and the Okanagan Academic Campus of the University of British Columbia are situated on the territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation.

The Northern Medical Program and the University of Northern BC are situated on the traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh, part of the Dakelh (Carrier) First Nations.

With respect to the Lekwungen peoples on whose traditional territory the Island Medical Program and the University of Victoria stand, and the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.

We acknowledge our traditional hosts and honour their welcome and graciousness to the students who seek knowledge here.

All rights reserved. Reproduction and distribution of this presentation without written permission from UBC Faculty of Medicine is strictly prohibited.

© UBC Medicine Learning Network 2026

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How is AI reshaping the future of clinical medicine? In this episode, we explore the transformative power of generative AI in healthcare with Dr. Sofia Valanci, Physician Program Advisor at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Valanci shares insights on using AI to address diagnostic uncertainty, ethical concerns when using AI for scribing, protecting patient privacy and confidentiality, the impacts of AI on planetary health, and the importance of AI literacy and education in clinical practice.

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of UBC or the Faculty of Medicine.

Host: Dr. Chris Morrow

Producer:  Craig Ferguson

Music: "Stand With Me" by Adrian Walther licensed via SoundStripe

(C) 2025 UBC Medicine Learning Network

Episode Timestamps

[00:00] – Introduction and episode overview

[02:08] – Generative AI and how it applies to clinical medicine

[03:19] – Are clinical applications of AI effective and safe?

[05:06] – How AI is being used in clinical medicine today

[06:56] – AI scribes - what are we learning about it and how is it being received?

[10:27] – AI and why detailed prompts, context, and tone matter

[14:09] – AI hallucinations and outputs

[15:25] – Effectiveness of AI in patient education and medical literature

[17:17] – Ethical concerns and issues

[17:57] – Planetary health impacts

[18:49] – Protecting patient privacy and confidentiality

[21:39] – Navigating incorrect AI-generated patient diagnoses

[22:29] – Getting started with AI and practical tips for clinicians

[23:58] – Closing thoughts

Resources & References

Studies & Research Mentioned

Li P, Yang J, Islam MA, Ren S. Making AI less "thirsty": uncovering and addressing the secret water footprint of AI models. arXiv. Published online April 6, 2023. doi:10.48550/arXiv.2304.03271  

Doctors of BC. Reducing physician burdens: AI Scribes Pilot results. Doctors of BC website. https://www.doctorsofbc.ca/technology-digital-health/2025/reducing-physician-burdens-ai-scribes-pilot-results. Published2025. Accessed November 4, 2025.

Rajpurkar P, Irvin J, Ball RL, et al. Deep learning for chest radiograph diagnosis: a retrospective comparison of the CheXNeXt algorithm to practicing radiologists. PLoS Med. 2018;15(11):e1002686. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.1002686

The Vancouver Fraser Medical Program and the Vancouver Academic Campus of the University of British Columbia are situated on the traditional territory of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh peoples.

The Southern Medical Program and the Okanagan Academic Campus of the University of British Columbia are situated on the territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation.

The Northern Medical Program and the University of Northern BC are situated on the traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh, part of the Dakelh (Carrier) First Nations.

With respect to the Lekwungen peoples on whose traditional territory the Island Medical Program and the University of Victoria stand, and the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.

We acknowledge our traditional hosts and honour their welcome and graciousness to the students who seek knowledge here.

All rights reserved. Reproduction and distribution of this presentation without written permission from UBC Faculty of Medicine is strictly prohibited.

© UBC Medicine Learning Network 2026

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.