CPD In Practice

In this second episode of a two-part series on Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in British Columbia, addiction medicine physician Dr. Randal Mason returns to dive deeper into the practical realities of treatment. He challenges the traditional "all-or-nothing" view of recovery, explaining how harm reduction and patient-defined goals are reshaping clinical approaches. Dr. Mason walks through evidence-based pharmacological options — including naltrexone, acamprosate, gabapentin, and topiramate — and makes the case that these medications are safe and effective enough to be managed in primary care settings. The conversation also covers the complexities of alcohol withdrawal, how to use the CIWA score to determine the appropriate level of care, and when outpatient withdrawal management is a reasonable option. Throughout, Dr. Mason emphasizes the importance of combining pharmacotherapy with motivational interviewing, patient goal-setting, and realistic hope — even in the most challenging cases. © UBC Faculty of Medicine All Rights Reserved

Psychiatrist Dr. Elizabeth Baerg Hall explores adult ADHD and why it often becomes visible during major life transitions like starting university, becoming a parent, or retiring. We discuss how to recognize ADHD in primary care settings, overcome diagnostic barriers, including stigma and comorbidities like anxiety and depression, and empower family physicians to confidently diagnose and treat this highly manageable condition. From understanding the role of stimulant medications to accessing new BC resources like the Skills for Success program and upcoming ADHD pathways, this conversation highlights how recognizing and treating ADHD can profoundly improve patients' quality of life across all ages. If you’re interested in learning more about adult ADHD, visit ubccpd.ca/adult-adhd for information about our upcoming conference on March 7, 2026.

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.