CIPC 2026
Scientific Planning Committee & Lecturers
Dr. Arun Gupta - CIPC 2026 Conference Chair
President and Chief Medical Officer, Infini Health, Pain Interventionalist, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, MD, FRCPC (PM & R), CSCN Diplomate (EMG), Dip. Sports Medicine.
Dr. Arun Gupta is a highly distinguished specialist in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation with over 15 years of clinical, academic, and leadership experience. He is the Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Infini Health, an innovative healthcare organization dedicated to advanced, non-surgical treatment of neurological and musculoskeletal pain disorders through interventional, image-guided techniques.
Dr. Gupta holds a faculty position as Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine, where he is deeply committed to teaching and mentoring the next generation of physicians. His clinical expertise is grounded in an impressive academic foundation, including fellowships in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound and Interventional Spine and Sports Medicine from the University of Calgary and the Hospital for Special Surgery (Cornell and Columbia Universities) in New York.
A Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada and a Diplomate of both the Canadian Society of Clinical Neurophysiologists (Electromyography) and the Canadian Association of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Dr. Gupta is nationally recognized for his leadership in advancing interventional pain management. He has served in key roles such as President of the Alberta Medical Association’s Section of Pain and is a core contributor to the Bone and Joint Strategic Clinical Network of Alberta Health Services.
Throughout his career, Dr. Gupta has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles, delivered invited addresses at national and international conferences, and contributed to groundbreaking research in regenerative medicine and musculoskeletal care. His multidisciplinary approach, commitment to patient-centred care, and leadership in education and innovation firmly position him as one of Canada's leading figures in the field of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Dr. Abeer Alomari, University of Toronto
Dr. Abeer Alomari is an Assistant Professor and full-time Clinical Investigator at the University of Toronto, with a cross-appointment in the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine. She is a Physiatrist and Staff Pain Physician at University Health Network, Sinai Health, and Women’s College Hospital in Toronto, Canada.
Dr. Alomari completed her Master’s degree in Clinical Epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, University of London. Her clinical and academic work focuses on chronic musculoskeletal and pelvic pain, with expertise in image-guided pain interventions and multidisciplinary pain management.
Her research interests include regenerative medicine, chronic musculoskeletal pain, pain rehabilitation, and improving the quality and accessibility of evidence-based pain care. She is actively involved in clinical research, medical education, and national collaborative initiatives in pain medicine.
Dr. Ian Beauprie, Dalhousie University
Dr. Ian Beauprie is a graduate of the University of Toronto Medical school, followed by Family Medicine and Anesthesia residencies at Dalhousie University. He completed a pain fellowship at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center before returning to the maritimes. He has been a Royal College examiner for Anesthesia and was Chair of the Subspecialty of Pain Medicine for RCPSC. He is designated a ‘Founder, Pain Medicine’ by the College. He is presently the medical director of the NSHealth Central Zone pain management unit. Outside of work Ian is a jeweller, scuba diver, and landscaper.
Dr. Anuj Bhatia, University of Toronto
MBBS, MD, PhD, FRCA, FFPMRCA, FIPP FRCPC (Anesthesia & Pain Medicine), EDRA, CIPS ASRA-PMUC
Anuj Bhatia is a Professor in the Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine at the University of Toronto and the Director of the Comprehensive Integrated Pain Program at University Health Network, Toronto. He is the Chair of the Neuropathic Pain Special Interest Group of the Canadian Pain Society, President of the Canadian Neuromodulation Society, Chair of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada’s Pain Medicine Specialty committee, Co-Chair of the North American Neuromodulation Society’s Research Committee and a member of the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine’s Research Committee.
He has an Adjunct Faculty appointment at the Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation. His clinical and research interests include the use of epidemiological tools and wearable technology for assessing outcomes of neuromodulation and other interventional treatments for chronic neuropathic and musculoskeletal pain.
He has published over 100 papers, 6 book chapters, and co-authored two books on interventional pain procedures. He is a member of the Editorial Boards of Anesthesia & Analgesia, Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, the European Journal of Pain, the Canadian Journal of Pain, and Pain Medicine. He was a member of the international guideline development panel for the use of intravenous ketamine infusions, the role of contrast during pain procedures, and cervical and lumbar facet, and sacroiliac joint interventions for relieving pain.
Dr. George Deng, University of Calgary
MD, FRCPC (Physiatry and Pain Medicine), DABPMR, Dip CSCN (EMG), Dip Sport Med (CASEM)
Dr. George Deng is a specialist in Physiatry, Pain Medicine, and Sports Medicine at Infini Health. He completed his medical degree and residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Manitoba, where he served as Chief Resident. He furthered his expertise with a Pain Medicine Fellowship at Western University. Dr. Deng is certified as a Diplomate of the Canadian Academy of Sport and Exercise Medicine (CASEM) and the Canadian Society of Clinical Neurophysiologists (CSCN) for EMG and nerve conduction studies. He also serves as a classifier for World Para powerlifting.
Dr. Deng's clinical interests include spinal axial pain, neuropathic pain, osteoarthritis, tendinopathy, and other musculoskeletal conditions. He is proficient in ultrasound- and fluoroscopic-guided procedures and adopts a multimodal, multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach to care. Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Deng is involved in medical education as a clinical lecturer and residency committee member at the University of Calgary. He also contributes to research and serves as a peer reviewer for medical journals.
Dr. Deng provides sports medicine coverage for events such as combat sports, parasports, and hockey. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, hiking, spending time with his family, and exploring new cuisines.
Dr. Sunny Dhoopar, University of Calgary
Medical Director, Family Medicine, Pain Management Physician, CCFP, ABFM
Dr. Dhoopar is the Medical Director at Infini Health and a board-certified Family Medicine and Pain Management physician (CCFP, ABFM). He earned his medical degree from Universidad Iberoamericana in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and completed his Family Medicine residency at MetroHealth Hospital/Case Western Reserve University from 2014 to 2017. Dr. Dhoopar specializes in musculoskeletal (MSK) medicine and interventional pain management. His approach to patient care focuses on identifying the underlying diagnosis through comprehensive exams, imaging, and interventions, aiming to improve the quality of life for those suffering from chronic pain.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Dhoopar is actively involved in humanitarian work, including providing food through Humanity Hampers during COVID-19 in Airdrie and serving as a board member with Humanity Auxilium. He also collaborates with sports medicine physicians, providing coverage at local and national events, including the Ontario Summer Games. Having practiced medicine in three different countries and speaking multiple languages, Dr. Dhoopar brings a global perspective to his practice, striving to listen, understand, and communicate effectively with his patients while focusing on MSK medicine and pain management.
Dr. Paul Etheridge, University of British Columbia
Dr. Paul Etheridge, MBChB, CCFP, is a pain management physician with more than 20 years’ experience in helping patients in chronic pain. He completed the Clinical Pain Fellowship at McGill University in 2012 and is now the Medical Director at the Bill Nelems Pain & Research Centre (BNPRC) in Kelowna, a Regional Pain Centre for the BC Interior. Dr. Etheridge also currently works at the Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia in the Okanagan Valley. He specializes in ultrasound-guided spine procedures and with multiple publications in the field, he continues to do research to develop new techniques and improve patient outcomes.
Dr. Roderick Finlayson, McGill University
Dr. Roderick Finlayson is a pioneering leader in ultrasound-guided spine interventions and a recognized authority in interventional pain medicine. He serves as a professor in the departments of anesthesia at both the University of British Columbia and McGill University, and practices at the Bill Nelems Pain and Research Centre in Kelowna, British Columbia. Dedicated to advancing patient safety and procedural efficacy—particularly in complex cervical procedures—Dr. Finlayson has co-authored numerous research publications and foundational book chapters. As a prominent medical educator, he frequently teaches at national and international interventional pain courses.
Dr. David Flamer, University of Toronto
Dr. David Flamer is a staff anesthesiologist at Mount Sinai Hospital and a pain management consultant at the Wasser Pain Management Centre. His clinical interests include both acute and chronic pain management, interventional pain management and the treatment of cancer pain. Dr. Flamer’s most recent studies in pain management procedures have been published in the Canadian Journal of Anesthesia.
Dr. Najam Mian, University of British Columbia
Dr. Najam Mian is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Division at the University of British Columbia, Clinical Lead of Pain BC's ECHO for Chronic Pain educational program (painbc.ca/ECHO), and a regular lecturer at several national and international society workshops. He serves as a board member of Pain BC and as the physiatry representative on the RCPSC Pain Medicine subspecialty committee.
Dr. Mian is triple-certified in physiatry, pain medicine, and sports medicine. He is a co-founder of the multi-disciplinary Canadian Pain & Regenerative Institute (CPRI), with two sites in British Columbia and the founder of painwise.ai, an AI-powered platform designed to increase accessibility of curated education and resources for people living with pain. Dr. Mian also consults at the Transitional Pain Clinic (TPC) at Vancouver General Hospital and serves as a medicolegal assessor across multiple provinces through the CPRI Assessments division.
Dr. Philip Peng, University of Toronto
Dr. Philip Peng is the professor in the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine of University of Toronto. He is a leader, researcher, educator and pioneer in the application of ultrasound for pain medicine. His contribution of pain education resulted in “Founder” designation from Royal College in Pain Medicine, and the Award of Recognition of Education in Pain Medicine by ESRA.
His innovative research led to different new procedures in pain intervention. He received numerous awards including the John J. Bonica award from ASRA, Distinguished Service Award from both ESRA-Spain and Canadian Pain Society, Gold Medal Award from Canadian Anesthesiology Society, International Distinguished Career Award from Mexico Pain Society, and Leadership in Advocacy Award from CSF Leak Canada. He is the inaugural fellow to ASRA (FASRA) which recognizes the contribution of prominent member of the field. He has delivered more than 800 lectures and workshops nationally and internationally. He has edited 8 books and published 290 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters.
Dr. Brian Rambaransingh, University of Alberta
Dr. Brian Rambaransingh is a medical graduate of University of Calgary (MD). Dr. Rambaransingh has postgraduate training in both Diagnostic Imaging and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Calgary. He has dual specialty Royal College certification in both Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Pain Medicine. He is a Diplomate of the Canadian Society of Clinical Neurophysiologists for performing nerve conduction studies and electromyography. Dr. Rambaransingh is also a registered musculoskeletal sonographer, certified by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. He is also a Certified Independent Medical Examiner by the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners and also a Certified Medical-Legal Expert by Canadian Society of Medical Evaluators. Dr. Rambaransingh is a co-founder of Body Restoration. He is the Medical Director for our clinics as well.
Dr. Rambaransingh is a Clinical Professor in the Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine at the University of Alberta. He is also an Adjunct Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming school of Medicine at the University of Calgary. His academic interests include interventional pain management, minimally invasive techniques/ treatment for muscle and nerve conditions, Orthobiologic Medicine, and musculoskeletal ultrasound education. He is published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national medical conferences across Canada. He is also an invited reviewer for Pain Medicine and Muscle & Nerve medical journals. Dr. Rambaransingh teaches and mentors medical students, residents, and fellows from across Canada. They also travel from across Canada to spend time at Body Restoration which is also a world-class training facility.
He has a particular interest in the application of ultrasound for diagnosis and treatment in complex musculoskeletal and peripheral nerve injuries. Dr. Rambaransingh also has a keen interest in the application of Orthobiologic medicine (i.e. tenotomy, platelet rich plasma therapy and advanced cell therapies) in musculoskeletal and peripheral nerve injuries as well.
Dr. Rambaransingh has worked with many types of patients including professional athletes, amateur athletes (e.g. Olympic, Varsity, and high school), military personnel, first responder professionals, and weekend warriors.
Dr. Harsha Shanthanna, McMaster University
Dr. Harsha Shanthanna is a Professor in the Department of Anesthesia at McMaster University and a clinician researcher at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. He is certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, with clinical and research interests in chronic pain, perioperative pain management, regional anesthesia, and improving pain care for older adults. His academic work also spans evidence-based pain interventions, neuropathic pain, and clinical research in anesthesia and pain medicine.
Dr. Mohan Radhakrishna
Dr. Mohan Radhakrishna is an Assistant Professor in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at McGill University and is affiliated with the MUHC Pain Centre. He completed his MD at Queen’s University, residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Alberta, and a Musculoskeletal Medicine Fellowship at the University of Manitoba. His clinical interests include focal neuropathies, orthopedic trauma rehabilitation, spine and spinal cord rehabilitation, electromyography, and multidisciplinary pain care.
Dr. Yehia Kamel
Dr. Yehia Kamel is a Staff Anesthesiologist, Pain Physician, and Associate Professor in the Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management and Perioperative Medicine at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He has extensive international experience in anesthesiology and pain medicine, with clinical interests spanning acute, chronic, cancer, musculoskeletal, abdominal, and pelvic pain. His work also includes interventional pain procedures using ultrasound and X-ray guidance, along with national and international teaching in pain medicine.
Dr. Paul Tumber
Dr. Paul Tumber is an Assistant Professor in Anesthesia at the University of Toronto and is based at Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network. He holds an MD and FRCPC designation, with training in family medicine, anesthesiology, and multidisciplinary pain management through a fellowship at the University of Washington. His clinical interests include acute and chronic pain, interventional pain medicine, and the use of methadone in pain management.
Dr. Ryan Endersby
BSc, MD, FRCPC, Staff Consultant Anesthesiologist, Director of Acute Pain and Regional Anesthesia Service (South Health Campus)
Dr. Ryan Endersby is a highly respected Staff Consultant Anesthesiologist and Director of the Acute Pain and Regional Anesthesia Service at South Health Campus in Calgary. He also serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Calgary, where he is actively involved in Pain Medicine, Ultrasound-Guided Regional Anesthesia, and Perioperative Ultrasound education for staff, residents, and allied health professionals.
Dr. Endersby co-supervises the Regional Anesthesia and Acute Medicine Fellowship and oversees the Perioperative Ultrasound Fellowship at South Health Campus. He is a key contributor to the Alberta Pain Strategy and has presented at major conferences, including the American Society of Anesthesia and the Canadian Anesthesia Society. With a strong interest in Regional Anesthesia, Acute Pain Medicine, and Cryoneurolysis, Dr. Endersby has published multiple peer-reviewed articles. His focus on Cryoanalgesia for acute, transitional, and chronic pain, as well as the treatment of spasticity, continues to shape his clinical and research work in advancing these innovative treatments.
Dr. Nimish Mittal
Dr. Nimish Mittal is an Associate Professor in the Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R), Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto, and a staff physician and Affiliate Scientist at the KITE Research Institute, University Health Network (UHN). He also holds cross-appointments with the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine and the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education.
Dr. Mittal has published more than 60 peer-reviewed articles and has led several peer-reviewed research grants as Principal Investigator. He currently serves as Medical Director of the GoodHope Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) Program at Toronto General Hospital and Medical Director for Outpatient Clinics at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute.
His clinical interests include chronic musculoskeletal and joint pain, hyper-mobility-related disorders, and image-guided pain procedures using ultrasound and fluoroscopy (X-ray guidance). He is passionate about developing innovative care models and evidence-based treatment approaches to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Dr. Mittal has also been involved in the care of several high-performing national and internationally recognized athletes and individuals from elite sports organizations.
Dr. Eldon Loh
Dr. Eldon Loh is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, where he also serves as the Earl Russell Chair in Pain Management. He is a physiatrist at Parkwood Institute, with clinical and research interests in chronic pain, interventional pain management, spinal cord injury rehabilitation, and neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury. His work includes leadership in the development of Canadian best practice guidelines for neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury and research focused on improving interventional pain techniques.
Dr. Timothy Bolton
Dr. Tim Bolton is an Anesthesiologist and Pain Medicine Physician with Saskatchewan Health Authority, practising through the Anesthesia Department at Regina General Hospital. He is also an Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology at the University of Saskatchewan. His background includes medical training at the University of Saskatchewan, anesthesiology residency training in Saskatchewan, and pain medicine residency training at the University of Ottawa. His clinical work focuses on anesthesiology, pain medicine, and the delivery of safe, high-quality patient care.
Dr. Simon Wells
MD, FRCPC (PM), FRCPC (EM)
Dr. Simon Wells is a pain medicine specialist who completed his medical degree and a five-year Emergency Medicine residency at the University of Ottawa, where he also received specialized training in medical simulation education. Afterward, he pursued two additional years of residency in Pain Medicine, mastering interventional procedures for managing both acute and chronic pain.
Dr. Wells no longer practices emergency medicine, dedicating his career to pain management. He is skilled in ultrasound-guided and fluoroscopic-guided procedures to treat various pain conditions, including routine issues like back, hip, and knee pain, as well as complex cases like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and chronic headache disorders. He is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Wells enjoys outdoor activities and sports, including fly fishing, golf, tennis, volleyball, and cycling. He has competed internationally in fly-fishing competitions.