New family doctors are often hesitant to continue prescribing opioids for patients, including to those who need opioids for pain management. However, opioids can be a helpful treatment for pain and it's important for family doctors to know how to prescribe them effectively. During this session, our panelists will discuss how stopping opioids suddenly can lead to withdrawal, when opioids can be used effectively and guidelines for safe prescribing.

Panelists:

• Dr. Mel Kahan
• - Dr. Suzanne Turner
• - Andrea Furlan

Moderator:

• - Dr. Stephanie Zhou, Addictions Medicine Physician and EDI & Social Accountability Lead, Sunnybrook Hospital; FHO Lead, Don Mills FHT; Assistant Professor, University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine; Board Director, Toronto Public Health, Toronto, ON
• Co-Host: - Dr. Carrie Bernard, Family Physician Queen Square FHT, Continuing Professional Development and Partnerships Lead, Division of Mental Health & Addictions DFCM, Assistant Professor DFCM University of Toronto, Assistant Clinical Professor DFM McMaster University

This session took place on June 25th 2005. A Video recording is also available