2025 AMM & National Hybrid Conference

Maximize Your CAFCN Conference Experience: Announcing Complimentary 30-Minute Bonus Education Sessions

Want to do something on Friday but have not signed up for workshops? Or perhaps you have some downtime between workshops and are looking for something to do? We have got you covered!

For the first time ever at our conference, the Canadian Association of Foot Care Nurses (CAFCN), in collaboration with our amazing Industry Partners, has finalized and is trialing 30-minute *Bonus* Educational Sessions:

• These sessions are completely complimentary for in-person attendees and no formal registration is required
• You can come and go as you please, and the sessions are available on a first-come, first-served basis

So whether you are looking to fill in some free time or add an extra learning opportunity to your conference experience, these sessions are the perfect option.

Check out the schedule below and make sure to take advantage of this exciting new addition to the event!

Stay tuned as we reveal more previews from the speakers themselves on their upcoming presentations for the conference!

A Holistic Approach to Equitable Skin Health and Wound Care

Dr. Irmajean Bajnok

This presentation will focus on the need for a holistic and equitable perspective when providing skin health and wound care, recognizing the impact of social determinants of health (SDOH) on the incidence and prevalence of wounds. Key social determinants of health will be highlighted, outlining their relationship to skin health and wound care. Recent data from the Canadian Institute of Health Information (CIHI) related to the impact of race on amputations following diabetic foot ulcer will be explored as a case study. Finally, the presentation will address how Canada’s foot health nurses can reflect an awareness of the impact of SDOH in their work.

Foot Care Through Proper Footwear, Off-loading, Balance, and Pedorthic Management

Brian Scharfstein

Gaining an understanding of how the shoe’s construction relates to the foot’s structure. The shoe is considered the medication/modality that contributes to the management and mobility of the patient.

It is most important to choose the right shoes and socks that align with the patient’s lifestyle, daily activities, and condition, offering both comfort and support.

Additionally, modifying footwear can help minimize the risk of slips and falls. Better balance and proprioception improve safety and mobility.

Protecting Your Practice While Helping Your Clients

Scott Beck

Taking the leap from being an employed nurse to a self-employed one is a brave and commendable step. It reflects not only professional expertise but also the willingness to embrace risk, manage a business, and provide care on your terms. However, it is crucial to protect your business during times of personal physical impairment, such as injury or illness. Life & disability insurance, income replacement, business overhead, protecting your assets through insurance benefits is important for maintaining a steady income. Equally vital is protecting your assets from unforeseen circumstances, such as lawsuits or bankruptcy, to ensure your business remains resilient in challenging times.

Stay tuned as we reveal more previews from the speakers themselves on their upcoming presentations for the conference!

The Impact of the Calf Muscle Pump

Dr. Kate Clayton-Jones

When a person has atrial fibrillation, it directly reduces the heart’s ability to pump blood by about 30%. But did you know that the foot pump, which includes the calf pump, also has a tremendous impact on the circulatory and lymphatic systems? The impact is not small; up to 40% of our venous and lymphatic return is dependent on the foot pump working well.

This talk will be about the mechanics and pumping actions of the foot and lower legs and the positive impact on overall health, function and wellness that a foot care nurse can have when the nurse understands the systems, techniques and treatments that optimize the foot pump to benefit the health of the patient.

Heel Pain – Not Always Plantar Fasciitis!

Dr. Helen Rees

In some cases, it may be a symptom of a more serious condition. Conditions such as Achilles tendonitis, bursitis, stress fractures, and heel spurs can all contribute to heel pain. If you experience severe heel pain, swelling in the heel or surrounding areas, or difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot, these may be signs that your heel pain is more than just plantar fasciitis.

Rash Decisions and Spot the Difference

Dr. Joseph Frenkel

Join Joseph Frenkel (Podiatrist, Academic) for a practical and interactive session where he reviews of the latest research and treatment methods for lower limb rashes such as dermatitis and infections and introduce the basics of assessment of suspect skin lesions.