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Collaborative Mentorship Network

for Chronic Pain and Addiction (CMN)

Past and Present

The Collaborative Mentorship Network for Chronic Pain and Addiction (CMN) was initiated under the work of the Primary Health Care Opioid Response Initiative (PHC ORI) to address the urgent need for local treatment options within primary care settings by building capacity and competencies within family physicians and primary care team members.

After PHC ORI came to an end, the ACFP was able to expand the work and scope of the CMN with support from Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addiction Program (SUAP).

The SUAP funding contribution allowed the CMN to expand programming to include on-site observership, an ECHO® Series, monthly Virtual Collaboration Forums, special event days, Pain BC course offerings (still available until March 2024), and to engage in research opportunities.

The Health Canada SUAP contribution came to a close in March of 2023, wrapping up a successful three-year program.

CMN Celebration: A look at the last three years

This video tribute is a celebration of the hard work and dedication of the CMN members, mentors, and presenters—all who contributed to the success of the initiative in expanding the workforce and team capacity for individuals working in chronic pain and substance use.

Program Evaluation

Over the past three years, the CMN has created and delivered a multi-faceted continuing professional development (CPD) program that has helped build confidence and capacity for those individuals working in chronic pain and substance use. The multi-modal program helped facilitate one-to-one mentoring relationships, group mentoring, case-based learning, and traditional CPD sessions delivered virtually and in person. Take a look at the evaluation report for how the program impacted its members and affected practice change.

Stay Connected With The Community

The ACFP’s CMN and its members have built and facilitated a community of practice of dedicated health professionals who work in chronic pain and substance use. The CMN Online Community will continue to serve as a place to connect with others and advance your knowledge in chronic pain and addiction.

What You Will Find There

  • Discussion Board – Post the questions that are keeping you up at night, provide your insights to others, and foster connections and relationships with other community members.
  • Resource Library – Review tools, tips, and other documents to help expand your knowledge on chronic pain and substance use. Past webinar recordings, presentation sheets, and educational infographics are also uploaded here.
  • Event Listings – Stay up-to-date on specific events related to chronic pain and addiction or share your own upcoming events relating to these topics.

Sign Up for Mentor Match

Mentor Match is a unique self-matching networking and professional development tool that helps members connect and share common experiences and expertise on a one-to-one basis. Mentor Match aims to facilitate mentoring in a wider variety of topics including chronic pain and substance use. Become a mentee to gain support in a clinical area, opportunities to grow (professionally and personally), and community connection. Become a mentor to share expertise and experiences with colleagues, clinical best practices, processes, and practice management tips. OR sign up as both to take full advantage of the tool.

CPD Opportunities Available

The ACFP is committed to continuing to present practice-changing and relevant CPD and will find ways to incorporate chronic pain programming as long as there is a need for it. Below are just a few of the ways the ACFP is making that happen:

PCN Pain Rounds 2024/2025

We are pleased to continue providing in-kind support for the PCN Pain Rounds and encourage you to register for its upcoming 2024/2025 programming. Sign up here.

Free Pain BC Subscriptions Still Available

In collaboration with Pain BC, the ACFP is pleased to announce that free subscriptions to the “Pain Foundations” and “Gentle Movements” online courses have been extended to March 2024. The ACFP has a limited number of subscriptions available so act fast. All courses offer a great introduction to understanding, managing, and treating chronic pain. The three subscription types available are:

  • Pain Foundations for Primary Care Providers
  • Pain Foundations for Allied Health Providers
  • Gentle Movement and Relaxation Course for Patients

My name is Smitha Yaltho and I feel privileged to work as a family physician. Why? I believe that being a family physician has been the best job any physician can hope to have. I have personally grown in my own abilities and skill-sets with diverse opportunities in ambulatory practice, acute care and work in Facility Living.  Working in primary care has been exciting and has also afforded me tremendous opportunities for growth while still remaining stimulating in its complexity.  I believe that Family physicians are trusted partners in patient care –  every step of the way. 

Why are you volunteering to serve on this committee?
I currently have an interest in Physician Leadership and  trauma informed care.  I have served as a director with the Board of Directors with the Edmonton North PCN, Edmonton’s largest PCN. Thereafter, I have worked as the Director of Medical Services with CapitalCare (also based in Edmonton) for almost 6 years. It is my express wish that my contribution on the ACFP board of directors will highlight the excellence of family medicine that exists right here and now within the Alberta health care system. 

What about the ACFP’s work do you find most valuable?
Ability to highlight and further support the excellence of primary care right here in Alberta.