In this week's episode of Action on Pain, Keith, Jennifer, and Virginia welcome retired physiotherapist and long-time pain advocate Mary Brachaniec, who shares her journey living with inflammatory arthritis and in leading national efforts to improve chronic pain care in Canada. Mary discusses her pioneering work in patient engagement, research, and advocacy—especially for seniors and those with dementia. The conversation highlights the impact of collaborative research, new national care standards, and the importance of evidence-based, compassionate pain management, as guided by Health Canada’s Action Plan for Pain.

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Links for this episode:

Follow Mary Brachaniec:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-brachaniec-519a69386/

Pain in Dementia Patients Research - https://www.uregina.ca/arts/psychology/directory/faculty/hadjistavropoulos-t.html

Follow Action On Pain:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/action-on-pain/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/actiononpain/

Follow Virginia:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginia-mcintyre-8867a247/

Website - www.pipain.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/virginia_mci/

Follow Jennifer:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferdalycyr/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jen_dalycyr/#

Follow Keith:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-meldrum-03701734/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-path-forward-pain

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/meldrum_keith/

Website - https://www.facebook.com/APathFWD

Follow Chronic Pain Network

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/cpn-rdc/posts/?feedView=all

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cpn.rdc

The Action on Pain podcast is made possible by the generous support of the Chronic Pain Network, a national research and knowledge mobilization network.

In this week's episode of Action on Pain, Keith, Virginia and Jennifer spotlight innovative efforts to improve chronic pain care in Newfoundland and Labrador. Guest Julie Sullivan, the Director of the Strategic Health Network for Complex Pain discusses the province’s new hub and spoke model, designed to bring pain services closer to rural communities and reduce barriers to care. The conversation highlights the importance of patient involvement, cross-provincial collaboration, and data-driven approaches. Listeners gain insight into how Health Canada’s Action Plan for Pain is shaping better, more accessible pain management across Canada, offering hope and practical solutions for those living with chronic pain.

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Links for this episode:

Follow Julie Sullivan:

LinkedIn - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/julie-sullivan-4881392ab

Follow Action On Pain:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/action-on-pain/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/actiononpain/

Follow Virginia:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginia-mcintyre-8867a247/

Website - www.pipain.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/virginia_mci/

Follow Jennifer:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferdalycyr/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jen_dalycyr/#

Follow Keith:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-meldrum-03701734/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-path-forward-pain

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/meldrum_keith/

Website - https://www.facebook.com/APathFWD

Follow Chronic Pain Network

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/cpn-rdc/posts/?feedView=all

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cpn.rdc

The Action on Pain podcast is made possible by the generous support of the Chronic Pain Network, a national research and knowledge mobilization network.

In this episode, we revisit Keith and Virginia's conversation with physiotherapist, educator, researcher, and lived-experience advocate Lesley Singer. Lesley shares how some outdated beliefs about work-related injuries shaped her early career until her own journey with chronic neuropathic pain transformed everything. Together, they explore some of the challenges within physiotherapy education, some misconceptions that may still exisit, and the powerful impact of bringing real patient stories directly into the classroom. This conversation shines a light on how meaningful change happens: one perspective, one conversation, and one future clinician at a time.

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Links for this episode:

Follow Lesley Singer:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/lesley-singer-3513a444

PhysioConnection - https://www.physioconnection.ca/lesley-singer

McGill University - https://www.mcgill.ca/spot/lesley-singer-norris

Follow Action On Pain:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/action-on-pain/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/actiononpain/

Follow Virginia:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginia-mcintyre-8867a247/

Website - www.pipain.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/virginia_mci/

Follow Jennifer:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferdalycyr/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jen_dalycyr/#

Follow Keith:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-meldrum-03701734/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-path-forward-pain

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/meldrum_keith/

Website - https://www.facebook.com/APathFWD

Follow Chronic Pain Network

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/cpn-rdc/posts/?feedView=all

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cpn.rdc

The Action on Pain podcast is made possible by the generous support of the Chronic Pain Network, a national research and knowledge mobilization network.

In this week's episode, we are revisiting our conversation with with Dr. Andrea Furlan, a leading physician scientist and educator in chronic pain management. Dr. Furlan discusses her work developing clinical guidelines, supporting clinicians through Project ECHO, and creating accessible educational resources for people living with pain. The conversation highlights the importance of patient-centred care, knowledge sharing, and innovative approaches to education. The episode closes with heartfelt appreciation for Dr. Furlan's contributions and encourages listeners to stay engaged with ongoing efforts to improve chronic pain care in Canada.

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Links for this episode:

Follow Dr. Andrea Furlan:

Website - https://www.doctorandreafurlan.com/

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/c/DrAndreaFurlan

Research - https://www.uhnresearch.ca/researcher/andrea-furlan

Follow Action On Pain:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/action-on-pain/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/actiononpain/

Follow Virginia:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginia-mcintyre-8867a247/

Website - www.pipain.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/virginia_mci/

Follow Jennifer:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferdalycyr/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jen_dalycyr/#

Follow Keith:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-meldrum-03701734/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-path-forward-pain

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/meldrum_keith/

Website - https://www.facebook.com/APathFWD

Follow Chronic Pain Network

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/cpn-rdc/posts/?feedView=all

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cpn.rdc

The Action on Pain podcast is made possible by the generous support of the Chronic Pain Network, a national research and knowledge mobilization network.

In this episode of Action On Pain, Virginia, Keith, and Jennifer speak with Melanie McDonald and James Boseley from Pain BC about the Trades and Pain campaign — a BC government-funded initiative tackling chronic pain among construction and trades workers. With over 50% of trades workers living with chronic pain, the campaign challenges workplace stigma through direct messaging, education, and accessible support like a text-based counseling service. Featuring toolbox talks and peer support development, the initiative aims to shift workplace culture from "pushing through pain" to seeking help — with plans for national expansion following its BC rollout.

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Links for this episode:

Pain BC Trades and Pain Program - https://painbc.ca/trades-and-pain-program

Follow Pain BC:

Website - https://painbc.ca/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PainBc/

Follow Melanie McDonald:

LinkedIn - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/melanie-mcdonald-b14795172

UBC - https://socialwork.ubc.ca/profile/melanie-mcdonald/

Pacific Pain Forum - https://pacificpainforum.ca/team-members/melanie-mcdonald/

Follow James Boseley:

Canadian Men’s Health Foundation Article - https://menshealthfoundation.ca/mental-health/trades-workers-chronic-pain-health/

ICBA Article - https://icba.ca/bc-blog/training-thursday-the-pain-no-one-talks-about-on-the-job-site?province=BC

Follow Action On Pain:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/action-on-pain/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/actiononpain/

Follow Virginia:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginia-mcintyre-8867a247/

Website - www.pipain.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/virginia_mci/

Follow Jennifer:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferdalycyr/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jen_dalycyr/#

Follow Keith:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-meldrum-03701734/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-path-forward-pain

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/meldrum_keith/

Website - https://www.facebook.com/APathFWD

Follow Chronic Pain Network

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/cpn-rdc/posts/?feedView=all

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cpn.rdc

The Action on Pain podcast is made possible by the generous support of the Chronic Pain Network, a national research and knowledge mobilization network.

In this episode of Action On Pain, Virginia, Keith, and Jennifer welcome Doctors Patricia Poulin and Yaadwinder Shergill, co-leads behind Canada's first comprehensive chronic pain management portal — "Power Over Pain". The guests share how the portal was developed, from identifying gaps in pain care access to securing funding through Health Canada. Built on a stepped care model, the portal offers free, evidence-based resources including workshops, self-management tools, and peer support — helping Canadians navigate chronic pain while reducing wait times for specialized care.

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Links for this episode:

Follow Dr. Patricia Poulin:

Ottawa Hospital Research Institute - https://ohri.ca/en/find-researcher/patricia-poulin

University of Ottawa - https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-medicine/directory/dr-patricia-poulin

Follow Dr. Yaadwinder Shergil:

Canadian Chiropractic Research Foundation - https://canadianchiropracticresearchfoundation.ca/members/dr-yaad-shergill/

LinkedIn - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/yaad-shergill-37a2b842

Follow Action On Pain:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/action-on-pain/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/actiononpain/

Follow Virginia:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginia-mcintyre-8867a247/

Website - www.pipain.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/virginia_mci/

Follow Jennifer:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferdalycyr/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jen_dalycyr/#

Follow Keith:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-meldrum-03701734/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-path-forward-pain

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/meldrum_keith/

Website - https://www.facebook.com/APathFWD

Follow Chronic Pain Network

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/cpn-rdc/posts/?feedView=all

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cpn.rdc

The Action on Pain podcast is made possible by the generous support of the Chronic Pain Network, a national research and knowledge mobilization network.

In this episode of Action On Pain, podcast, Keith, Jennifer, and Virginia welcome Graham Lord, a Toronto-based advocate living with chronic pain following a devastating 2002 motorcycle accident. Graham candidly shares his 17-year journey with high-dose opioid treatment, the challenges of inadequate early care, and his path to recovery through a transitional pain program. His story highlights the critical importance of timely, compassionate, and coordinated pain management. Graham's message of acceptance and resilience offers hope to others navigating chronic pain, while providing valuable insights for healthcare professionals.

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Links for this episode:

Best Brains Exchange - https://cpcrn-rcrsp.ca/best-brains-exchange-team-based-primary-care-learning-how-to-evaluate-the-outcomes-and-implementation-of-team-based-care/

Hance Clarke's Transitional Pain Program - https://www.transitionalpainservice.ca/team/hance-clarke

Follow Action On Pain:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/action-on-pain/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/actiononpain/

Follow Virginia:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginia-mcintyre-8867a247/

Website - www.pipain.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/virginia_mci/

Follow Jennifer:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferdalycyr/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jen_dalycyr/#

Follow Keith:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-meldrum-03701734/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-path-forward-pain

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meldrum_keith/

Website: https://www.facebook.com/APathFWD

Follow Chronic Pain Network

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cpn-rdc/posts/?feedView=all

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cpn.rdc

The Action on Pain podcast is made possible by the generous support of the Chronic Pain Network, a national research and knowledge mobilization network.

In this week's episode of Action on Pain, Virginia, Keith, and Jennifer speak with Dr. Kimberly LeBlanc, president of the Canadian Nurses Association, about the vital role of nurses in chronic pain management. The discussion covers the importance of patient-centred care, equitable access, nursing education, and advocacy for marginalized groups. Dr. LeBlanc emphasizes listening to patients, addressing inequities, and the need for ongoing research. The episode highlights collaborative, holistic approaches to pain care in Canada, guided by Health Canada’s Action Plan for Pain, and encourages continued dialogue and support for those living with chronic pain.

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Links for this episode:

Follow Dr. Kim Leblanc:

Canadian Nurses Association - https://www.cna-aiic.ca/en/about-us/our-leadership/board-of-directors/kimberly-leblanc

LinkedIn - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyleblancapn

Follow Action On Pain:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/action-on-pain/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/actiononpain/

Follow Virginia:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginia-mcintyre-8867a247/

Website - www.pipain.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/virginia_mci/

Follow Jennifer:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferdalycyr/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jen_dalycyr/#

Follow Keith:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-meldrum-03701734/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-path-forward-pain

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meldrum_keith/

Website: https://www.facebook.com/APathFWD

Follow Chronic Pain Network

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cpn-rdc/posts/?feedView=all

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cpn.rdc

The Action on Pain podcast is made possible by the generous support of the Chronic Pain Network, a national research and knowledge mobilization network.