Some things in academia can become so much fabric of your life that you stop counting years. The conference of the College on Problems of Drug Dependence (CPDD) is one of those things. With the 2020 conference coming up soon, this blog summarises my annotated posters presented over eight years. (more…)
Can prescribers avoid contributing to opioid use disorder?

A 21 y/o has surgery for a condition expected to improve. He fills a discharge prescription for 5 days of an opioid at a standard dose. At 1-week follow-up with his family doctor for suture removal, he describes ongoing pain. Can prescribers avoid contributing to opioid use disorder? Is a renewal of opioid appropriate, potentially dangerous, or both? Read more …
Why Cochrane collaboration makes strongest researchers

So what has the Cochrane membership done for me? Inspired by Dr Jeremy Grimshaw’s question: “So what has the Cochrane Collaboration ever done for us?” I submit a report card, a mosaic of my previous blogs, on my first 10 years with Cochrane.
Missing Evidence on Addiction Medicine Professional Training Needs

We wanted to find out whether newly trained professionals working in addiction medicine around the world felt they had enough and appropriate training to treat individuals with addictions.
QUICK FACT: There are international differences in the training quality and type given to professionals in addiction medicine, and their training needs. |
How to find non-academic mentors

Mentors facilitate professional development in academia. But non-academic mentors are equally important. Here, I acknowledge non-academic mentors and their contribution to my development as a professional and as a person.
Engage in not for profit organizations.
Two organizations jump started my work in non-profits, the University Pastoral Centre and a youth club. I learned the power of community building through youth activism with John Lesondak and taught team building for non-profits with Ivan Humenik. With Ivan and friends, we also had a musical band, JK& band. These activities inspired me to get involved in the community projects for people who use drugs. (more…)