Preconference Workshops
Get a jumpstart on the 17th World Congress of Intensive and Critical Care (WCICC2025) and maximize your conference experience by registering to attend a preconference workshop prior to the main program. Participate in a series of comprehensive workshops and presentations led by renowned specialists in the field. Register early to ensure your spot - limited availability.
The following preconference workshops will be held on Monday, September 15, 2025:
You want to what?!?! Practical Strategies to Communicate with your Critically Ill Patient
Why It Matters: A Practical Approach to Compassion in Team-Based Critical Care
My Patient, My Teacher: suffering, humanity, and healing in a complex critical care environment
Mastering Inhaled Anesthetics in the ICU: From Theory to Practice
Advancing Kidney Care: Exploring AKI, Prevention, and CRRT in Critical Illness
You want to what?!?! Practical Strategies to Communicate with your Critically Ill Patient
Date: Monday, September 15, 2025 at 1:00-5:00 PM PT
Location: Vancouver Convention Centre Room 214
Give your critically ill patients a voice. This workshop equips you with practical assistive and augmentative communication strategies to ensure every patient can be heard – even when they can’t speak.
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Participants will be able to describe four different types of communication barriers critically ill patients have and how to screen for them.
Identify at least three strategies to overcome one or more communication barrier that do not require tools
Identify three simple low-tech tools to augment communication with your patients
Demonstrate at least three communication strategies in workshop activities
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Gail Gumprich, MHSc, SLP
Gail has been working as a Speech Language Pathologist for 19 years, much of it in critical care. She has also worked extensively in neuro rehabilitation focusing on speech, language and cognitive communication intervention. She is passionate about improving communicatively impaired patients’ ability to communicate in all aspects of their lives from participating in medical decisions to connecting with their loved ones in a meaningful way.
Tammy Vigliotti BHSc, RRT
Has been a Respiratory Therapist for 30 years. She has worked at several lower mainland hospitals in acute and emergency care. She has worked at St. Paul's Hospital for the past 27 years. I take great pride in being a voice for my patients when they don't have one.
Susan Bello BSN, RN
Susan Bello is a highly experienced ICU nurse with 24 years of clinical practice in critical care at St. Paul's Hospital. She thrived in her eight-year challenge as ICU nurse educator and now specializes in simulation-based learning. When not working, Susan is addicted to volleyball despite frequent injuries from this sport.
Vininder K. Bains, MSN, RN, CNCC(C)
Vini has been a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) of critical care at St. Paul’s Hospital for the past 9 years and currently also is an adjunct professor at the University of British Columbia’s School of Nursing. Her 28-year nursing career includes 17 years as an ICU nurse, both as a direct care nurse, and as a clinical instructor for critical care nursing.
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Early bird ticket (until June 15, 2025): $70.66 CAD
General ticket prices (June 16 until Sept 10): $102.51 CAD
Why It Matters: A Practical Approach to Compassion in Team-Based Critical Care
Date: Monday, September 15, 2025 at 1:00-5:00 PM PT
Location: Vancouver Convention Centre Room 221
Fee: Free
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many healthcare professionals are facing exhaustion, moral distress, and disconnection from their roles. This interactive workshop at WCICC 2025 is designed for physicians, critical care nurses, allied health professionals, trainees, and students working in high-stakes, team-based environments.
Grounded in research and real-world practice, this session will explore how compassion—for ourselves, our colleagues, and our patients—can reduce moral injury, improve team dynamics, and renew purpose in care. Attendees will learn practical communication tools, engage in case-based scenarios, and reflect on how compassionate practices, including initiatives like the 3 Wishes Project, can foster resilience and connection in critical care.
Whether you're at the bedside or in training, join us to rediscover why it matters—and how compassion can transform your work.
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Define and contrast sympathy, empathy, and compassion
Review the literature on how implementing a compassionate approach can help reduce the impact of moral injury and renew a sense of purpose in one’s role
Reflect on how the 3 Wishes project brings compassion to patients, their caregivers, and the healthcare team
Practice communication strategies that employ a compassionate approach using case-based scenarios
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Jill Rudkowski, MD
Dr. Jill Rudkowski is a Critical Care Clinician Educator at McMaster University and Head of Service of the St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton Intensive Care Unit with over 15 years’ experience. She is an advocate for compassionate patient care, team care, and self-care within the interprofessional healthcare environment.France Clarke, RRT
France is a Respiratory Therapist and Research Coordinator at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton since 1997. She plays a key role in developing and expanding the 3 Wishes Project, fostering a culture of compassionate end-of-life care. Passionate about supporting clinicians, France actively helps integrate the spirit of the 3 Wishes Project into diverse healthcare settings around the world.
Brittany Harrison, RN, PhD in Nursing
Brittany is a Nurse Practitioner in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at UVA Health in Charlottesville, VA with 10 years of critical care experience. She obtained her Doctor of Nursing Practice in 2023 from the University of Virginia after completing her doctoral project integrating the 3 Wishes Project into the Medical Intensive Care Unit. She has presented nationally and internationally on the role the 3 Wishes Project has in upholding the standard of providing individualized end-of-life care in the ICU setting.
Matthew Smith, PA
Matthew is a critical care physician assistant at the University of Washington Medical Center, a teaching associate of medicine in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, an adjunct faculty member of the Fred Hutch Cancer Center, and directs the 3 Wishes Project at UW Medicine. He enjoys the team-based approach to critical care and is an advocate for compassionate, humanizing, and patient-centering healthcare.
IFADmini: Update on Fluid Therapy
Date: Monday, September 15, 2025 at 9:00-5:30 PM PT
Location: Vancouver Convention Centre Room 118
This IFADmini course will provide a comprehensive and structured approach to fluid therapy in critically ill patients. Emphasising scientific integrity and evidence-based practice, the course focuses on the core principles of Fluid Stewardship and the safe, rational, and personalized use of intravenous fluids.
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Session 1: Foundations of Fluid Stewardship
Introduction to the 10 D’s of fluid therapy
Principles of hemodynamic monitoring and fluid responsiveness
Roundtable discussion with faculty
Session 2: Organ-Specific Fluid Considerations
Fluids and the brain, lungs, heart, kidneys, liver, gut, trauma, and perioperative care
Expert-led discussions on organ-protective fluid strategies
Session 3: Hands-On Skill Stations
Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA)
Transpulmonary Thermodilution (TPTD) and shock patterns
Venous Excess Ultrasound Score (VExUS)
Passive Leg Raising (PLR) for fluid responsiveness
Session 4: Interactive Case-Based Learning
Stepwise clinical cases following the ROSE framework: Resuscitation, Optimization, Stabilization, and Evacuation
Moderated discussion on fluid type, timing, dose, and monitoring
Session 5: Future Perspectives and Evaluation
Lecture on the role of artificial intelligence in fluid management
Post-course test and feedback
Closing ceremony and recognition of top participants
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Principles of Fluid Stewardship:
Understand the key principles of fluid stewardship to minimize fluid accumulation and its associated complications, focusing on evidence-based decision-making and improved patient outcomes.
The 5 P’s of Fluid Stewardship: Understand the interplay between Physician, Prescription, Pharmacy, Preparation, and Patient to ensure safe and effective fluid management within a multidisciplinary team.
The 10 D’s of Fluid Stewardship: Master the comprehensive framework for fluid stewardship: Definitions, Diagnosis, Distribution, Drug, Dose, Duration, De-escalation, Documentation, Diligence, and Discussion to guide fluid therapy decisions.
Monitoring and Optimization:
Learn strategies for volume status monitoring, fluid responsivenss, and optimization using clinical tools such as dynamic and static hemodynamic parameters, BIA, intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) measurements, abdominal perfusion pressure (APP), and bedside ultrasound.
Individualized Fluid Therapy:
Explore patient-centered approaches to intravenous (IV) fluid therapy, tailoring the type, dose, and duration of fluids to the underlying pathology, disease stage, and individual clinical needs within the ROSE framework.
Prevention and management of adverse effects of fluids
Gain insights into the early detection of adverse effects, such as electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hypernatremia, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia), acid-base disorders (e.g., metabolic acidosis or alkalosis), increased intra-abdominal pressure or intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome, and Fluid Accumulation Syndrome (FAS),
Management of Adverse Effects of Fluids: Learn strategies to prevent, manage and treat adverse effects of fluids, including strategies in a 3 step approach (prevention, care and cure) for restricting unnecessary fluids, monitoring fluid balance, and addressing complications such as organ dysfunction,
Advanced Strategies for Fluids per Pathology and Special Situations:
Explore tailored fluid therapy approaches for specific conditions such as:
Cardiac failure: Limiting fluids, using vasopressors/inotrope
Respiratory failure: Avoiding excessive fluids to reduce pulmonary edema
Neurological conditions: Maintaining appropriate osmolarity and intracranial pressure (ICP)
Liver failure: Managing ascites and fluid balance with albumin
Kidney injury: Optimizing fluids to avoid overload while supporting renal perfusion
Gut pathology: Balancing third-space losses in intestinal obstruction or peritonitis
Burns: Addressing fluid shifts and preventing over-resuscitation.
Trauma: Applying damage control resuscitation principles
Perioperative care: Individualizing intraoperative and postoperative fluid therapy
Pediatrics: Adapting fluid strategies for children’s unique physiological needs.
Case-Based Learning:
Engage in practical, real-world case discussions, applying fluid stewardship principles to scenarios such as sepsis, acute kidney injury, trauma, and perioperative care.
Establishing and Sustaining Fluid Stewardship Programs:
Learn to build and sustain hospital-based fluid stewardship teams, promoting education, monitoring, and continuous quality improvement to optimize fluid therapy practices and prevent complications.
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A distinguished panel of international and local experts in intensive care, anesthesia, and internal medicine will be announced soon. Stay tuned for more details on the speakers and session chairpersons.
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Doctors
Early Bird: €100 (156,05 CAD)
Regular: €125 (195,06 CAD)
Onsite: €150 (234,08 CAD
Nurses, Students, and Participants from Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Early Bird: €50 (78,03 CAD)
Regular: €75 (117,04 CAD)
Onsite: €100 (156,05 CAD)
This IFADmini workshop is intended for healtcare providers committed to advancing their understanding of fluid therapy through high-quality, evidence-based education.
My Patient, My Teacher: suffering, humanity, and healing in a complex critical care environment
Date: Monday, September 15, 2025 at 12:00-2:00 PM PT
Location: Vancouver Convention Centre Room 111/112
Fee: Free
Don't miss the Schwartz Rounds session "My Patient, My Teacher: suffering, humanity, and healing in a complex critical care environment" at the WCICC2025 Congress. Join this internationally recognised, multidisciplinary forum to explore the emotional and social sides of patient care. Facilitated story-telling and discussions will inspire reflection, enhance connection, and improve well-being within the challenging world of intensive and critical care. Join us for an inspiring and compassionate conversation!
Mastering Inhaled Anesthetics in the ICU: From Theory to Practice
Date: Monday, September 15, 2025 at 1:00-5:00 PM PT
Location: Vancouver Convention Centre Room 217
Fee: Free
Email SAVE-ICU@sunnybrook.ca to register.
This 4-hour interactive workshop will provide ICU providers (physicians, nursing, respiratory therapy and pharmacists) with a comprehensive understanding of inhaled anesthetics’ role, usage, and impact on critically ill patients. The session includes an overview of inhaled anesthetics’ pharmacology and rationale for their use in the ICU, technical and procedural aspects and case based discussions.
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1. Review inhaled anesthetic pharmacology and effects on critically ill ICU patients
2. Demonstrate ICU inhaled anesthetic equipment, dosing, and monitoring
3. Review ICU inhaled anesthetic indicators, benefits, and risks
4. Collaborate within the teamto optimize ICU inhaled anesthetic outcomes
5. Identify and troubleshoot ICU inhaled anesthetic complications/adverse events
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1. Greetings – A Jerath, M Slessarev
2. Overview of use of inhaled anesthetics in ICU –M Slessarev
3. Break out sessions – A Jerath, M Slessarev
4. Q&A sessions – A Jerath, B Linseman, M Slessarev
5. Closing remarks – A Jerath, M Slessarev
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Dr. Angela Jerath, MSc FRCPC, FANZCA, MD, BSc
Staff cardiac anesthesiologist, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Scientist, Evaluative Clinical Sciences, Schulich Heart Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute
Dr. Marat Slessarev PhD, FRCPC
Staff Intensivist, London Health Sciences Centre
Scientist, Western University
Michelle Stephens, RRT, B. Kin, MHS
Registered Respiratory Therapist, London Health Sciences Centre
Beth Linseman, RN, BScN, CNCC(C)
Clinical Nurse Educator, Critical Care Unit, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Advancing Kidney Care: Exploring AKI, Prevention, and CRRT in Critical Illness
Date: Monday, September 15, 2025 at 9:00-4:00 PM PT
Location: Vancouver Convention Centre Room 215
Fee: $55.00
Join us for an immersive, full-day symposium exploring the complexities of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in critically ill patients. Designed for healthcare professionals, this event begins with a welcome and networking session, followed by expert-led presentations covering the fundamentals of kidney function, early identification and prevention of AKI, and the interplay between kidney health and multi-organ dysfunction. Topics will also include cutting-edge insights into Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT), its indications, mechanisms, and challenges. Through evidence-based discussions and real-world strategies, attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of AKI pathophysiology, prevention, and treatment. The day will conclude with a synthesis of key takeaways and resources for continued learning.
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By the end of this symposium, participants will be able to:
Describe the normal physiology of the kidneys and explain the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in critically ill patients.
Identify early signs, risk factors, and diagnostic criteria for AKI to support timely recognition and intervention.
Analyze the impact of multi-organ dysfunction on renal health and describe the interrelationship between the kidneys and other organ systems during critical illness.
Apply evidence-based strategies for the prevention of AKI, including optimization of fluid management, medication stewardship, and patient monitoring.
Evaluate the indications, modalities, and clinical considerations related to Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT), including timing, anticoagulation strategies, and challenges in treatment delivery.
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9:00 AM – 9:15 AM: Registration and Welcome Coffee
Check-in and networking opportunity.
Welcome remarks and overview of the day’s sessions.
9:15 AM – 10:00 AM: –AKI Explorations: The Risky Road to Kidney Injury
Brief overview of kidney anatomy and physiology, and the normal kidney’s role in maintaining homeostasis.
Review of AKI definitions, classifications, and diagnostic criteria.
Describe the early signs of AKI and the importance of timely identification.
Discuss the pathophysiology of AKI and its progression with contributing factors of sepsis, dehydration, nephrotoxins, and other conditions.
Speaker: Tracy Thomas, MSN, APRN, CCRN, TCRN, ACNS-BC, FCNS
– 10:00 to 10:30 Cross-Talk Between the Kidneys and Other Organs in Critical Illness
Understanding organ interactions during critical illness (e.g., liver, heart, lungs).
The impact of multi-organ dysfunction on kidney health.
Kathleen Vollman MSN, RN, CCNS, FCCM, FCNS, FAAN
10:30 AM – 10:45 AM: Morning Break
Light refreshments and networking.
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM Strategies for Preventing AKI in Critically Ill Adults
Identify evidence-based strategies for preventing AKI in critically ill adult patients
Discuss approaches to reducing nephrotoxic medication use, optimizing fluid management, and monitoring high-risk patients.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch Break
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT): Indications, Mechanisms, and Challenges
Discuss the indications for CRRT
Discuss the evidence for early vs delayed start for CRRT
Describe artificial kidney induced kidney injury
Identify the different types of dialytrauma
Compare and contrast CRRT anticoagulation modalities and each of their benefits and limitations
Discuss fluid removal considerations
Describe CRRT challenges
Discuss considerations of when to discontinue CRRT
Speaker: Fiona Howarth MSN RN Fraser Health Critical Care
2:00 PM: Closing Remarks and Adjournment
Summary of key takeaways from the day.
Information on additional resources and continued learning.
Thank you and conclusion of the symposium.
2:30 to 4:30: CRRT Interactive Session
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Fiona Howarth, MSN, RN – CRRT and nephrology expert, Fraser Health Critical Care Don’t miss this chance to connect with colleagues and gain leading-edge insights in kidney care
Fiona Howarth is a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Critical Care at Fraser Health in British Columbia, Canada. With a strong focus on nurse-led quality improvement, she has been instrumental in enhancing ICU practices, particularly in delirium prevention and patient-centered care. Fiona has led initiatives and led research aimed at improving outcomes for critically ill patients, emphasizing the importance of compassionate, evidence-based care. She is an advocate for innovation in healthcare and has shared her expertise at professional forums and conferences
Kathleen Vollman, MSN, RN, CCNS, FCCM, FCNS, FAAN – Internationally recognized critical care educator
Ms Vollman is a Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist and Consultant. She has published & lectured nationally and internationally on a variety of pulmonary, critical care, prevention of health care acquired injuries including pressure injury and CAUTI/CLABSI’s and other HAI’s, work culture and sepsis recognition & management She serves as a subject matter expert on these topics for the American Hospital Association and Michigan Hospital Association. From 1989 to 2003 she functioned in the role of Clinical Nurse Specialist for the Medical ICU’s at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit Michigan. Currently her company, ADVANCING NURSING LLC, is focused on creating empowered work environments for healthcare practitioners through the acquisition of better skills, attainment of greater knowledge, and implementation of process improvement.
Notable Inductions and Appointments:
College of Critical Care Medicine (2004)
American Academy of Nurses (2009)
CNS Institute (2019)
Appointed to serve as an honorary ambassador to the World Federation of Critical Care Nurses
President: World Federation of Critical Care Nurses (2023-2025)
Board of Directors NPIAP (2023 to present)
Tracy Thomas, MSN, APRN, CCRN, TCRN, ACNS-BC, FCNS – Specialist in trauma and acute care nursing
Tracy Thomas is a Clinical Nurse Specialist (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) supporting Critical Care and Resuscitation at Mayo Clinic Arizona. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Arizona State University and her Master of Science in Nursing for Clinical Nurse Specialist degree from Grand Canyon University. She is working on her Doctorate in Nursing Practice in Innovation Leadership from Arizona State University. Tracy has worked in critical care nursing since 2005 at various organizations across Arizona, including the Veterans Administration, Dignity Health, and Honor Health. Her experience includes critically ill adult patients facing medical, surgical, transplant, neurology, and neurotrauma conditions. Additionally, Tracy has served on multiple committees as a nursing clinical practice expert with the Donor Network of Arizona, the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, and the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Tracy has certifications in Critical Care Nursing (CCRN), Trauma Care Nursing (TCRN), Board Certification from the American Nurses Credentialling Center as an Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (ACNS-BC) and is a Fellow of the Clinical Nurse Specialist Institute (FCNS).
Critical Care Ultrasound and Hemodynamics Course
Date: Monday, September 15, 2025 at 8:00-4:30 PM PT
Location: Vancouver Convention Centre Room 114-117
Fee: Physician ($850), Resident/Trainee/Fellow ($650)
An introduction to hemodynamic assessment with echo
Are you looking to learn more about how to assess the hemodynamic function of the heart? Or maybe just looking to dust off some old skills? In this course we will provide a gateway for you to better understand how experts approach function and pathology in various states of illness. In this custom-designed course, we use an instructional design model that will bring you from a flipped classroom online environment to bedside mentorship with clinician educators that pride themselves in teaching learners of every stage. We will provide support in reviewing challenging images and guide your interpretation every step of the way. Clinical cases are selected from actual cases seen by faculty. Baseline requirements include performance of basic /core critical care echo and ability to generate echo windows including parasternal long axis, parasternal short axis, apical 4/5-chamber, and IVC. We also require participants to complete an online flipped classroom prior to attendance.
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At the conclusion of this course, learners should be able to:
• Perform a critical care echo to assess the key cardiac structures to identify and characterize an array of life-threatening conditions including pericardial tamponade, LV failure, RV failure, pulmonary hypertension and complications of venous thromboembolism etc.
• Integrate colour and spectral Doppler assessment to identify and characterize a range of life-threatening conditions including ventricular failure, cor pulmonale, dynamic obstruction, and gross valvular diseases.
• Clinically integrate cardiac ultrasound findings to aid in diagnosis and management of life-threatening illnesses in the acutely unwell patient.
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Dr. Brian Buchanan graduated from the University of Alberta with a BSc (hon) in Human Physiology in 2006 and MD in 2010. He went on to complete training in Internal Medicine (Dalhousie University, 2014) and Critical Care Medicine (McMaster University, 2016). Additionally, Brian has completed concurrent fellowship training in critical care ultrasound (Western University, 2016) and a Master’s in Medical Education (Dundee University, 2021) with a focus on critical care ultrasound education. He practices as a General Systems- and Neuro-Intensivist at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and as a flight physician with Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS). He is appointed as an Associate Professor in the Department of Critical Care Medicine (UofA). Brian is the Director of the Critical Care Ultrasound (CCUS) program, directs a critical care ultrasound fellowship, and leads national and international CCUS training through AlbertaSono.ca. His clinical and research interests include medical education, echocardiography, machine learning, critical care ultrasound, and procedural training.
Rapid Response Systems—an International Approach
Date: Monday, September 15, 2025 at 12:00-2:00 PM PT
Location: Vancouver Convention Centre Room 121
We have an international collection of experts on the detection and care of critically ill patients outside of the ICU. We will discuss means of detection and priorities for care for critical ill patients outside the ICU, and how to set up systems in your hospital to facilitate the best access to critical care resources. Speakers will also address the needs of rural and low income settings where there may not be consistent access to an intensive care unit.
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Participants who currently lack rapid response systems will come away from this symposium with some concrete ideas on how to begin work on their own systems. Attendees will benefit from discussions amongst international colleagues and those that practice in a wide variety of settings. We have kept the price of this symposium low to allow a broad range of attendees and to gain from their experiences in health care. Nurses, physicians, pharmacists, other therapists and administrators will all find value in this symposium.
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Are Rapid Response Systems still relevant -Geoff Lighthall, California, USA
The Importance of Rapid Response Systems in Canadian Health Care - Alison Fox-Robichaud, Ontario, Canada
The One That Got Away: Stories of Failure to Rescue and System Gaps - Heather Cook and Holly Losurdo, Chicago, US
Family Notification of RRTs. From hospital room to Martha’s Rule - Helen Haskell, South Carolina, USA
Pediatric Rapid Response Systems: Past, Present, and Future - Erin Kritz, Houston, TX, USA
Rural health care and analogies to hospital rapid response systems - Jacinda Bunch, Iowa City, USA
Real life ward care in Africa - Tim Gobble, Oregon, USA
The origin and spread of rapid response systems in Japan - Shigeki Fujitani, Kanagawa, Japan
Essential Emergency and Critical Care (EECC) in Tanzania and Globally - Tim Baker, Tanzania, Sweeden
How to train your ward staff? - Alex Psrides, Wellington, New Zealand
Poster presentations - Winners
Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Serious Conditions in the developing world - Tim Gobble, Oregon, USA