unfolding PANS PANDAS | reshaping BRAIN+BODY health

2025 Canadian Conference dedicated to reshaping the understanding and treatment of PANS and PANDAS.

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Join us on Thursday, May 29, and Friday, May 30, 2025, for a two-day conference hosted in-person at the Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre or virtually.

Unfolding PANS PANDAS: Reshaping BRAIN+BODY Health is a Canadian conference presented by the Inflamed Brain Alliance and co-developed with Dr. Paul Arnold. This event gathers nationally and internationally renowned experts to explore the physiological and psychological complexities of Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS).

The conference primarily targets pediatricians, psychiatrists, rheumatologists, immunologists, allergists, neurologists, general practitioners, and other healthcare providers involved in pediatric and adult medicine. While designed with physicians in mind, it also warmly welcomes patients, families, educators, researchers, and allied health professionals.

Through expertly curated presentations and discussions, the conference will address critical gaps in understanding, diagnosis, and treatment. The goal is to enhance patient outcomes and provide meaningful support to those impacted by these often misunderstood disorders.

Co-developed with Dr. Paul Arnold, MD, PhD, FRCPC, Director of The Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education and Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Medical Genetics, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary.

  

Conference Goals

This conference aims to unite professionals, patients, families, and advocates to drive change and create hope through education, collaboration, and innovation.

  • Expand knowledge on the latest research, diagnostic criteria, and early interventions for PANS PANDAS.
  • Provide education on the importance of early recognition and its impact on reshaping outcomes for affected children and adults.
  • Emphasize treatment strategies that reshape both neurological and physical health, integrating medical, psychological, and lifestyle therapies.
  • Foster interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care.
  • Create opportunities for networking, allowing families and professionals to connect and share experiences.
  • Empower attendees with tools and resources for ongoing support, education, and advocacy.
  • Discuss the need for healthcare systems to recognize and address PANS PANDAS, reshaping policies to ensure better care.
  • Promote the development and implementation of standardized diagnostic and treatment protocols.
  • Identify areas where research can further our understanding and treatment of PANS PANDAS.
  • Encourage innovative approaches that can reshape current practices, leading to more effective therapies.

Speakers

We are honored to welcome an esteemed group of speakers to the 2025 Inflamed Brain Alliance PANS PANDAS Conference. Each brings invaluable expertise and insight, spanning medical research, therapeutic innovations, and personal advocacy to provide a holistic perspective on PANS PANDAS. Together, our speakers will inspire, educate, and empower attendees, sharing the latest advancements and offering guidance to reshape the future of care for those affected by these disorders. Thank you to each speaker for your dedication to making a difference.

Thursday, May 29, 2025 – Speakers

Susan Swedo - speaker headshot

Susan Swedo, MD

Former Chief of Pediatrics & Developmental Neuroscience at the US National Institute of Mental Health; Scientist Emeritus at NIH; retired from NIMH; pioneering researcher who coined ‘PANDAS’ and ‘PANS’ concepts

Wendy Edwards - speaker headshot

Wendy Edwards, MD, FRCPC

Consultant pediatrician and pioneer in PANS/PANDAS treatment in Ontario since 2011; recently semi-retired and former Chief of Pediatrics at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance

Ayla Wilson - speaker headshot

Ayla Wilson, ND

Naturopathic Doctor and founder of High Five Family Health in Vancouver, BC, with over 14 years of experience specializing in treating pediatric neuroinflammatory conditions, including PANS/PANDAS

Nina Gudeon - speaker headshot

Nina Gudeon, MD, FRCPC

Pediatric psychiatrist and founder of Calgary’s Village Health & Wellness, specializing in PANS/PANDAS, advancing neuropsychiatric care through clinical practice and education

Tim Ubhi - speaker headshot

Tim Ubhi, MRCP, FRCPCH

Consultant Pediatrician in London, England specializing in PANS/PANDAS, leading groundbreaking research, treating 1,400+ patients, and founding Europe’s first PANS clinic and the Children’s e-Hospital

Friday, May 30, 2025 – Speakers

Paul Arnold - speaker headshot

Paul Arnold, MD, PhD, FRCPC

Director, Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education; Professor, Departments of Psychiatry and Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary

Jennifer Frankovich, MD, MS

Clinical Professor, Pediatrics – Allergy, Immunology, Rheumatology; Co-Director, Stanford Children’s Immune Behavioral Health Clinic; Director, Stanford Immune Behavioral Health Research Program, Stanford University School of Medicine

Scott Antoine - speaker headshot

Scott Antoine, DO, FACEP, ABOIM, IFMCP

Co-Founder and Lead Physician at The Center for Fully Functional Health in Carmel, Indiana; author of The Comprehensive Physicians’ Guide to the Management of PANS and PANDAS

Valerie Taylor - speaker headshot

Valerie Taylor, MD, PhD, ICD.D

Professor and Head of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Calgary; Departmental Science Advisor for Health Canada; CEO of Taylored Biotherapeutics

Sheilah Gauch - speaker headshot

Sheilah Gauch, LICSW, MEd

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker; Principal and Clinical Director of Dearborn Academy, Greater Boston, Massachusetts; Co-founder of the National Alliance for PANS/PANDAS Action (NAPPA)

Learning Objectives

  • Identify the evolving diagnostic criteria and key symptoms of Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) to improve early recognition and accurate diagnosis.
  • Evaluate the physiological and psychological complexities of post-infection inflammation in PANS PANDAS and explore evidence-based, alternative, and integrative treatment approaches for comprehensive care.
  • Enhance collaboration among healthcare providers, educators, and families by fostering empathy, understanding, and effective communication, ultimately improving patient outcomes and support for individuals affected by PANS PANDAS.

FAQ

Conveniently located between Calgary International Airport and the city center, in the heart of Calgary’s Northeast business community, the Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre is your home away from home. Stay just minutes from the Trans-Canada highway, within walking distance of two shopping centers, a variety of dining and entertainment destinations and the nearby light rail transit system. BWP is located in close proximity to the Calgary Zoo, TELUS Spark Science Centre and the Calgary Stampede.

  • Check in starts at 3:00 PM and check out is at 11:00 AM.
  • Registered guests receive free complimentary parking.
  • Airport shuttle is available from Calgary International Airport and runs every half hour. Reservations are required. Please contact the front desk at 403-248-8888 in advance to schedule your travel time. Fees: $5.00 per person each way.
  • BWP welcomes pets and allow a maximum of two pets per room for an additional fee of $20.00 CDN per pet per night. Only standard two queen bedded rooms are pet friendly. Both cats and dogs are allowed, but pets must be crated if left in the room unattended. Treats and waste bags are available at the front desk. There is a grassy pet relief area on the property.
  • Onsite restaurant: The Barrington’s restaurant and lounge operates daily from 6:30 AM – 10 PM.
  • The hotel features an indoor swimming pool as well as a fitness centre.

The ticket price provides access to the complete two-day conference experience, including:

Day 1

  • 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM: Five 1-hour sessions, each followed by a Q&A, an interactive panel discussion, and included breakfast, lunch, and refreshments during breaks.
  • 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM: Dinner reception featuring a seated meal, 1.5-hour interactive panel discussion, and an origami crane folding activity & networking.

Day 2

  • 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM: Five 1-hour sessions, each followed by a Q&A, an interactive panel discussion, and included breakfast, lunch, and refreshments during breaks.

Additional Benefits

  • Networking opportunities with leading experts, clinicians, and advocates.
  • A comprehensive conference package, including conference program.
  • Access to exhibitor booths showcasing resources.

The ticket price provides access to the complete two-day conference experience, including:

Day 1

  • 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM: Five 1-hour sessions, each followed by a Q&A; 1-hour interactive panel discussion.

Day 2

  • 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM: Five 1-hour sessions, each followed by a Q&A; 1-hour interactive panel discussion.

Additional Benefits

  • Digital conference program.
  • In-Person Single Ticket:
    • Early Bird: $375.00 (+ Eventbrite Fee: CA$25.71)
    • Regular: $425.00 (+ Eventbrite Fee: CA$28.96)
  • Virtual Ticket:
    • Early Bird: $150.00 (+ Eventbrite Fee: CA$11.08)
    • Regular: $200.00 (+ Eventbrite Fee: CA$12.71)
  • $In-Person Group Registration (2+ Attendees): $360.00 per person (+ Eventbrite Fee: CA$24.73)
  • Group registration is available for the entire registration period.
  • Early Bird in-person registration is available until February 28, 2025, at 11:59 PM (MT). Regular registration rates will take effect on March 1, 2025, at 12:00 AM (MT).
  • In-person registration closes on April 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM (MT).
  • The conference is fully residential, with accommodation, dining, and sessions conveniently hosted at the Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre. To reserve your guestroom for the duration of the conference, please refer to the Booking Information PDF. A limited block of rooms is available at a special group rate of $129 per night, which is valid until Sunday, April 27, 2025. Book early to secure your stay!
  • The Dinner Reception on May 29, 2025, from 5:30–9:00 PM, offers a unique opportunity to connect with fellow attendees in a relaxed and collaborative setting. The evening begins with a delicious plated dinner, fostering casual conversations and relationship-building. From 6:30–8:00 PM, join an engaging panel discussion designed to inspire and share insights from diverse perspectives. To close the evening, participate in an origami crane-folding activity, symbolizing hope, resilience, and unity in the journey of supporting those impacted by PANS PANDAS. This dinner promises to blend connection, inspiration, and creativity for an unforgettable experience.

If you are unable to attend the conference, you can request a refund through Eventbrite up to 30 days before the event (deadline: April 28). Refunds for single-ticket orders will be automatically processed, while refund requests for multi-ticket or group purchases will require manual review and approval. Eventbrite charges a non-refundable fee for every ticket sold. Attendees will get a refund for the cost of their ticket minus the ticketing fee.

Follow these steps to request a refund directly from your Eventbrite account:

  1. Log in to Eventbrite
    Use the email address associated with your ticket purchase. Eventbrite automatically creates an account with this email.
  2. Go to Tickets
    Navigate to your ticket order.
  3. Request a Refund
    • Locate the order you’d like refunded and select Request a refund.
    • Fill in the required details and submit your request.
  4. Await a Response
    The organizer will respond to your request within five business days.
  5. Contact the Organizer
    If the Request a refund option is unavailable or if you have questions about your refund’s status, select Contact the organizer for further assistance.

For any additional questions, feel free to reach out to the event team directly.

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