In this episode, we talked about 

Dr. Jaris Swidrovich, BSP, PharmD, PhD, AAHIVP, RPh (he/they) is an Assistant Professor, Tenure Stream, and Indigenous Engagement Lead in the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto. He is a queer, Two Spirit, Saulteaux and Ukrainian pharmacist from Yellow Quill First Nation (Treaty 4 territory, Saskatchewan). His mother was a 60s Scoop survivor and his grandmother and great-grandmother both survived Indian Residential Schools.

He received a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Saskatchewan (2010), a post-baccalaureate Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Toronto (2013), and a PhD in education from the University of Saskatchewan (2024), which earned him the Governor General’s Gold Medal.

His primary areas of research and practice include Indigenous health, pain, HIV/AIDS, substance use disorders, and 2SLGBTQ+ health. As a Two Spirit, First Nations, and disabled person himself, Dr. Swidrovich brings a strong lens of equity, diversity, inclusion, intersectionality, and social justice to his research program.

Dr. Swidrovich is the Co-Scientific Director of the CIHR-funded Saskatchewan Network Environment for Indigenous Health Research (SK-NEIHR) called nātawihowin (“art of self-healing” in Cree), which is a First Nations Research Network that supports researchers, students, and First Nations health leaders and communities in Saskatchewan and beyond.

Dr. Swidrovich is the founder and chair of the Indigenous Pharmacy Professionals of Canada, and also sits on several other local, provincial, and national boards, including The 519, Pain Ontario, Pain Canada, the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health, and the Institute Advisory Board for the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health.

Dr. Swidrovich is an active and engaged citizen of the several communities he belongs to and has been recognized with several awards and honours, including the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for service to the community and the National Patient Care Achievement Award from the Canadian Pharmacists Association.

Resources: https://linktr.ee/jaris.s 

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Paincast is dedicated to bringing together researchers, clinicians, and students to discuss topics related to pain and physiotherapy. The primary purpose is to facilitate knowledge translation and critical thinking. Some episodes posit themselves as more educational than others, and some more opinionated than others. The listener is encouraged to listen critically. While there is an effort to incorporate research evidence, and the topics are always researched by the host, we recognize there is room for improvement and there is expertise in the community. As such, we invite constructive critique and that you inform us of any inadvertent errors, so that we may correct them. You may submit your feedback through this form: https://forms.gle/UFfbUHBh8uKwSKgS8

Follow Paincast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paincast.psd/

In this episode, we talked about

Dr. Lisa Carlesso is a an associate professor in the School of Rehabilitation Science at McMaster University in Canada with training as a clinical epidemiologist and a physical therapist.  Her research program is broadly focussed on understanding the mechanisms and consequences of musculoskeletal pain with a particular focus on OA joint pain. Her research strives to optimize outcomes for people with chronic musculoskeletal disorders by 1. Understanding the complex mechanisms of acute and persistent pain through pain phenotyping to improve prognosis and treatment, 2. Using the understanding of endogenous modulation of pain to enhance conservative treatment options and 3. Improving the clinical measurement of pain.

Resources

Social media: 

Bluesky profile @lisacarlesso.bsky.social

Dr. Carlesso's lab's website: https://painmovementresearch.healthsci.mcmaster.ca/

Paincast is dedicated to bringing together researchers, clinicians, and students to discuss topics related to pain and physiotherapy. The primary purpose is to facilitate knowledge translation and critical thinking. Some episodes posit themselves as more educational than others, and some more opinionated than others. The listener is encouraged to listen critically. While there is an effort to incorporate research evidence, and the topics are always researched by the host, we recognize there is room for improvement and there is expertise in the community. As such, we invite constructive critique and that you inform us of any inadvertent errors, so that we may correct them. You may submit your feedback through this form: https://forms.gle/UFfbUHBh8uKwSKgS8

Follow Paincast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paincast.psd/

In this episode, we talked about:

Dr. Tara Packham is an occupational therapist with over 25 years of clinical experience in hand and upper limb rehabilitation, and an assistant professor in the School of Rehabilitation Sciences (SRS) at McMaster University.  Tara’s program of research focuses on assessing and addressing persistent pain, and continuing to advance the field of hand rehabilitation.  Tara has published and presented extensively for both hand rehabilitation and pain management audiences on persistent pain conditions impacting the upper extremity.  Her research spans development and evaluation of outcome measures, refining and testing interventions, and exploring the experiences of persons with health challenges accessing rehabilitation.  She is the Editor in Chief at Hand Therapy  and currently serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Hand Therapy and Pain Medicine, and on the executive of the Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Special Interest Group at the International Association for the Study of Pain.

Social Media

Paincast is dedicated to bringing together researchers, clinicians, and students to discuss topics related to pain and physiotherapy. The primary purpose is to facilitate knowledge translation and critical thinking. Some episodes posit themselves as more educational than others, and some more opinionated than others. The listener is encouraged to listen critically. While there is an effort to incorporate research evidence, and the topics are always researched by the host, we recognize there is room for improvement and there is expertise in the community. As such, we invite constructive critique and that you inform us of any inadvertent errors, so that we may correct them. You may submit your feedback through this form: https://forms.gle/UFfbUHBh8uKwSKgS8

Follow Paincast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paincast.psd/

This episode is produced during the 2025 World Physiotherapy Congress in Tokyo, Japan. I interviewed physiotherapists around the world about pain. 

Content:

(00:01:59) Nicola - United Kingdom

Episodes 8 and Episode 25 are also interviews with clinicians about pain. They are recorded during the Canadian Physiotherapy Association Congresses in 2023 and 2024.

Mike Landry also spoke about World Physiotherapy in Episode 28.  

Paincast is dedicated to bringing together researchers, clinicians, and students to discuss topics related to pain and physiotherapy. The primary purpose is to facilitate knowledge translation and critical thinking. Some episodes posit themselves as more educational than others, and some more opinionated than others. The listener is encouraged to listen critically. While there is an effort to incorporate research evidence, and the topics are always researched by the host, we recognize there is room for improvement and there is expertise in the community. As such, we invite constructive critique and that you inform us of any inadvertent errors, so that we may correct them. You may submit your feedback through this form: https://forms.gle/UFfbUHBh8uKwSKgS8

Follow Paincast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paincast.psd/

In this episode, we talked about:

Dr. Tara Packham is an occupational therapist with over 25 years of clinical experience in hand and upper limb rehabilitation, and an assistant professor in the School of Rehabilitation Sciences (SRS) at McMaster University.  Tara’s program of research focuses on assessing and addressing persistent pain, and continuing to advance the field of hand rehabilitation.  Tara has published and presented extensively for both hand rehabilitation and pain management audiences on persistent pain conditions impacting the upper extremity.  Her research spans development and evaluation of outcome measures, refining and testing interventions, and exploring the experiences of persons with health challenges accessing rehabilitation.  She is the Editor in Chief at Hand Therapy  and currently serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Hand Therapy and Pain Medicine, and on the executive of the Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Special Interest Group at the International Association for the Study of Pain.

Resources

Social Media

Paincast is dedicated to bringing together researchers, clinicians, and students to discuss topics related to pain and physiotherapy. The primary purpose is to facilitate knowledge translation and critical thinking. Some episodes posit themselves as more educational than others, and some more opinionated than others. The listener is encouraged to listen critically. While there is an effort to incorporate research evidence, and the topics are always researched by the host, we recognize there is room for improvement and there is expertise in the community. As such, we invite constructive critique and that you inform us of any inadvertent errors, so that we may correct them. You may submit your feedback through this form: https://forms.gle/UFfbUHBh8uKwSKgS8

Follow Paincast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paincast.psd/

In this episode, we talked about:

Graduated in 1983, Bas has extensive post-graduate experience in manual, exercise and movement focused therapies, sports physiotherapy and pain related education. He was a Mentor for post-graduate physiotherapists for the Pain Sciences Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, and has been Team Therapist for the Junior National Figure Skating Team and the National Cross-Country Ski Team, and attended many National, World and Olympic competitions of a wide variety of sports. He has taught workshops in North America to Osteopaths, Medical Doctors and Physiotherapists since 1992. Sebastian will never stop learning. He enjoys his attempts at golf, loves travelling and being with friends and family.

Exploring Pain: Research and Meaning Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExplainingPainScience

Paincast is dedicated to bringing together researchers, clinicians, and students to discuss topics related to pain and physiotherapy. The primary purpose is to facilitate knowledge translation and critical thinking. Some episodes posit themselves as more educational than others, and some more opinionated than others. The listener is encouraged to listen critically. While there is an effort to incorporate research evidence, and the topics are always researched by the host, we recognize there is room for improvement and there is expertise in the community. As such, we invite constructive critique and that you inform us of any inadvertent errors, so that we may correct them. You may submit your feedback through this form: https://forms.gle/UFfbUHBh8uKwSKgS8

In this episode, we talked about 

Dr. Angela Mailis obtained her medical degree from the Medical School of Kapodistriakon University of Athens Greece Summa Cum Laude; became a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada with specialization in Physical Medicine (1982); and holds a Master’s degree from the Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto (1988). She rose to the rank of Full Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto (2005) and has practiced exclusively in the area of Chronic Pain for the past 43 years. She founded and directed the Comprehensive Pain Program of the Toronto Western Hospital/University Health Network for 33 years (1982-2015). Subsequently she became the founder and director of the Pain and Wellness Centre in Vaughan, Ontario (2014-present), the only academic community-based pain clinic, funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health.

Resources

Social media

Paincast is dedicated to bringing together researchers, clinicians, and students to discuss topics related to pain and physiotherapy. The primary purpose is to facilitate knowledge translation and critical thinking. Some episodes posit themselves as more educational than others, and some more opinionated than others. The listener is encouraged to listen critically. While there is an effort to incorporate research evidence, and the topics are always researched by the host, we recognize there is room for improvement and there is expertise in the community. As such, we invite constructive critique and that you inform us of any inadvertent errors, so that we may correct them. You may submit your feedback through this form: https://forms.gle/UFfbUHBh8uKwSKgS8

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paincast.psd/ 

In this episode, we talked about:

Graduated in 1983, Bas has extensive post-graduate experience in manual, exercise and movement focused therapies, sports physiotherapy and pain related education. He was a Mentor for post-graduate physiotherapists for the Pain Sciences Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, and has been Team Therapist for the Junior National Figure Skating Team and the National Cross-Country Ski Team, and attended many National, World and Olympic competitions of a wide variety of sports. He has taught workshops in North America to Osteopaths, Medical Doctors and Physiotherapists since 1992. Sebastian will never stop learning. He enjoys his attempts at golf, loves travelling and being with friends and family.

Exploring Pain: Research and Meaning Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExplainingPainScience

Paincast is dedicated to bringing together researchers, clinicians, and students to discuss topics related to pain and physiotherapy. The primary purpose is to facilitate knowledge translation and critical thinking. Some episodes posit themselves as more educational than others, and some more opinionated than others. The listener is encouraged to listen critically. While there is an effort to incorporate research evidence, and the topics are always researched by the host, we recognize there is room for improvement and there is expertise in the community. As such, we invite constructive critique and that you inform us of any inadvertent errors, so that we may correct them. You may submit your feedback through this form: https://forms.gle/UFfbUHBh8uKwSKgS8

In this episode, we talked about:

Jenna Smith-Turchyn, PT, PhD, is a physiotherapist and Assistant Professor in the School of Rehabilitation Science at McMaster University. She is also co-chair of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association’s Oncology Division. Jenna has an active research program at various cancer centres across Ontario. Her research focuses on cancer rehabilitation for individuals living with or beyond a cancer diagnosis, with the goal of maximizing participation and physical functioning.

Holly Edward is a physiotherapist and PhD Candidate working under the supervision of Dr. Jenna Smith-Turchyn at McMaster University. Holly's thesis project explores and evaluates the use of a physiotherapist-navigator role for individuals newly diagnosed with cancer. Holly's research promotes symptom assessment and management to be included in standard and routine cancer care in Canada to promote optimal physical function and improve the quality of life in individuals living with and beyond cancer. Holly is also a member of the executive of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association’s Oncology Division.

Resources

Social Media handles

X and LinkedIn @SmithTurchyn

Instagram and LinkedIn @oncologyphysiotherapy @holly_edward

Paincast is dedicated to bringing together researchers, clinicians, and students to discuss topics related to pain and physiotherapy. The primary purpose is to facilitate knowledge translation and critical thinking. Some episodes posit themselves as more educational than others, and some more opinionated than others. The listener is encouraged to listen critically. While there is an effort to incorporate research evidence, and the topics are always researched by the host, we recognize there is room for improvement and there is expertise in the community. As such, we invite constructive critique and that you inform us of any inadvertent errors, so that we may correct them. You may submit your feedback through this form: https://forms.gle/UFfbUHBh8uKwSKgS8

In this episode, we talked about

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

Paincast is dedicated to bringing together researchers, clinicians, and students to discuss topics related to pain and physiotherapy. The primary purpose is to facilitate knowledge translation and critical thinking. Some episodes posit themselves as more educational than others, and some more opinionated than others. The listener is encouraged to listen critically. While there is an effort to incorporate research evidence, and the topics are always researched by the host, we recognize there is room for improvement and there is expertise in the community. As such, we invite constructive critique and that you inform us of any inadvertent errors, so that we may correct them. You may submit your feedback through this form: https://forms.gle/UFfbUHBh8uKwSKgS8

Follow Paincast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paincast.psd/