Come engage in topics of medical ethics and explore what it means to be human in a convivial atmosphere of professionals from across Canada.

Conference open to students and professionals in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and midwifery and to other leaders working to promote life-affirming healthcare.

  • Medical students at a conference
  • Medical students at a conference
  • Medical students at a conference

"We are capable of bearing a great burden, once we discover that the burden is reality and arrive where reality is."

- James Baldwin

Scholarships for Medical Students and Residents

Scholarship covers hotel, food, conference fees, and a travel stipend

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Schedule at a Glance

  • Friday, October 24th

    The Conference begins at 7 p.m. ET with Session One (Paul Schertz, PhD) and Session Two (Dr. Robin Pierucci) and concludes with a networking social which includes hot and cold hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar.

  • Saturday, October 25th

    A full conference days begins with breakfast and ends with the banquet. Session Three (Steven Umbrello, PhD), Session Four (Dr. David D'Souza), Session Five (Dylan McGuinty, LLM and Dr. Catherine Ferrier) and Session Six (Dr. Stephanie Kafie) are the day's sessions. The banquet speaker is Jonathon Van Maren.

  • Sunday, October 26th

    The conference half-day begins with breakfast and ends at noon. It includes Session Eight (Bioethics Roundtable with Dr. Kiely Williams, Dr. Jeremy Bannon and Dr. Natasha Fernandes) and Session Nine (Alicia Duncan). All sessions are recorded and your registration includes access to all aspects of the online conference.

  • November 14th - 16th

    All in-person conference sessions are recorded and will be available during the online conference. The recorded sessions will be available on November 14th. There will be three online discussion sessions on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Stephanie Gray Connors will present live online on Saturday, November 15th at 1 p.m. ET with Q & A to follow. In-person registration includes access to the online conference.

Conference Details

    1. Paul Scherz, Ph.D. (Professor, Notre Dame University)

    2. Friday, October 24th | 7 p.m.

    1. Robin Pierucci, MD, MA (neonatologist)

    2. Friday, October 24th | 8 p.m.

    1. Steven Umbrello, Ph.D. (Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies)

    2. Saturday, October 25th | 9 a.m.

    1. David D'Souza, MD (Chronic Pain Specialist)

    2. Saturday, October 25th | 10:45 a.m.

    1. Dylan McGuinty, Jr. JD | Catherine Ferrier, MD

    2. Saturday, October 25th | 1 p.m.

    1. Stephanie Kafie, MD

    2. Saturday, October 25th | 2:45 p.m.

CPL Conference 2025

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  • Medical students at a conference
  • Medical students at a conference
  • Medical students at a conference

Speakers

Professor, University of Notre Dame Paul Scherz, Ph.D.

Paul Scherz is the Our Lady of Guadalupe Professor of Theology. His work examines the intersection of theology, science, medicine, and technology. He began his career in science with a BA in molecular and cell biology from UC Berkeley (2001), a PhD in genetics from Harvard (2005), and a postdoctoral fellowship at UCSF. He then received an MTS and a PhD in moral theology from the University of Notre Dame (2010, 2014). His previous teaching positions were at the Catholic University of America and the University of Virginia.

Neonatologist and Founder, Navigating Fetal Concerns Robin Pierucci, MD, MA

Dr. Pierucci is board certified in pediatrics and neonatology and has a master’s degree in bioethics. She has been a medical director and a full-time clinical neonatologist for 25 years at Bronson Children’s Hospital with a clinical appointment at Western Michigan University Homer-Stryker School of Medicine. Performance improvement projects she has lead include care for opiate exposed neonates and improving bronchopulmonary dysplasia through increased use of nCPAP. She has spoken and written about a range of beginning of life bioethics topics including edge of viability, fetal pain, and perinatal palliative care. Dr. Pierucci recently “retired” from full time work in the NICU to found Navigating Fetal Concerns, a service devoted to accompanying parents whose baby has an abnormal prenatal diagnosis and desire to continue the pregnancy.

Managing Director, Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies Steven Umbrello, Ph.D.

Steven Umbrello is currently the Managing Director at the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies and a research fellow at the University of Turin working on the theology of Bernard Lonergan applied to artificial intelligence. He is also an associate researcher at the Collège des Bernardins, where he works on digital humanism.

Family Medicine - Chronic Pain Specialist David D'Souza, MD

David D’Souza is a Chronic Pain Specialist licensed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). He also specializes in Pain and Addictions Medicine. Dr. D’Souza acquired his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Ottawa and completed his residency in Family Medicine at Queen’s University. As a recognized instructor with CPSO, Dr. David D’Souza has trained many physicians in the field of Pain Management and Addictions Medicine.

Family Medicine - Marquette Method Stephanie Kafie, MD (COE)

Dr. Stephanie Kafie, BHSc(H), MD, CCFP (COE) is a family physician with a particular passion for the bookends of life – the alpha and the omega (the beginning and the end). Dr. Kafie completed medical school, residency in Family Medicine, and fellowship in Care of the Elderly at McMaster University. She completed additional training qualifying her to teach the Marquette Method of Natural Family Planning. Furthermore, she is an Assistant Clinical Professor (Adjunct) at McMaster University where she teaches medical students and residents.

Communications Director - Canadian Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform Jonathon Van Maren

Jonathon Van Maren serves as the Communications Director for the Canadian Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform. He is the author of How We Got Here: A Guide to Our Anti-Christian Culture, The Culture War, Seeing is Believing: Why Our Culture Must Face the Victims of Abortion, Patriots: The Untold Story of Ireland’s Pro-Life Movement, Prairie Lion: The Life and Times of Ted Byfield, and co-author of A Guide to Discussing Assisted Suicide with Blaise Alleyne.

Family Medicine - Clinical Ethicist Jeremy Bannon, MD

Jeremy Bannon holds an Honours BSc from Brock University and earned an MD from the University of Alberta. He completed his family medicine residency training at McMaster University and achieved certification in the College of Family Physicians of Canada. Currently, he is a Master of Arts Candidate in Catholic Clinical Ethics at Georgetown University, set to graduate in the class of 2025. Dr. Bannon also serves as a Hospitalist at Hotel Dieu Shaver Rehabilitation Hospital in St. Catharines, Ontario, Associate Clinical Professor (Adjunct) at the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine at their Niagara campus.

Assistant Professor, Department of Family Medicine Catherine Ferrier, MD

Dr. Ferrier is Assistant Professor, Department of Family Medicine at McGill University and holds a Certificate of Special Competence in Care of the Elderly from the College of Family Physicians of Canada. She works as a consultant in Geriatric Medicine, as well as in primary care Family Medicine. At the Geriatric outpatient clinic of the McGill University Health Centre, she sees patients suffering from ailments related to aging and cognitive disorders, and focuses on assessment of decision-making capacity.

Lawyer - Wills & Estates Dylan McGuinty, Jr. JD

Dylan McGuinty is a graduate of the University of Ottawa with a Master’s degree in Philosophy. He earned a JD from Osgoode Hall Law School in 2014, and was called to the Ontario Bar in 2015. Dylan is a regular public speaker on estate and trust law matters, advanced care planning, health law, and consent and capacity issues. He is also a past advisor to a national not-for-profit organization on health law. He is a past board member of a hospital, past university lecturer, and a published author on health law, consent and capacity.

Author | Advocate Alicia Duncan

Alicia is an advocate for transparency, ethical oversight, and accountability in Canada’s Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) system. My work focuses on exposing systemic failures, strengthening safeguards, and ensuring end-of-life policies protect the vulnerable. In 2021, my mother died through MAiD despite not being terminally ill. Her case became the first MAiD-related death in Canada to be investigated by police, but the investigation was forced to close when health authorities refused to release her assessment records.

Psychiatrist Natasha Fernandes, MD

Natasha Fernandes completed her MD at University of Ottawa and her psychiatry residency at the University of Toronto. Her psychiatry practice is dedicated to adults with developmental disabilities.

Family Medicine Kiely Williams, MD

Dr. Kiely Williams is a family physician in Calgary, Alberta. She graduated from UBC Medical School in 2008. She completed Family Medicine Residency at the U of C in 2012. During residency, her clinical research was on identification and health outcomes of Human Trafficking victims. Following graduation, she completed additional training in paediatric mental health and Travel Medicine. She has experience working as a hospitalist and in ER’s. She is currently the Medical Director of her clinic. She teaches medical students and residents in her role as a Clinical Associate with the University of Calgary. Additionally, she works for the CPSA and the Alberta Physician Assessment and Support Services as a peer evaluator and clinical mentor.

Celebrate Dr. Jaro Kotalik

Our 2025 Dr. Paul Adams Award Winner

"Dr. Kotalik continues to be a pillar of energy and possibility and an inspiration to those who have the privilege to work with him."
Register for the Conference
Dr. Jaro Kotalik
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  • Medical students at a conference
  • Medical students at a conference

Overall Conference Learning Objectives

Sources of Our Flourishing: Encounter and Presence

  • 1. Articulate a comprehensive understanding of human flourishing that integrates clinical excellence with ethical wisdom, recognizing the inherent dignity of every person across the spectrum of health and illness.

  • 2. Evaluate the role of authentic human encounter in healthcare delivery, distinguishing between mere technical proficiency and the transformative power of genuine presence in patient care.

  • 3. Analyze how emerging technologies—including genetic testing, medical AI, and precision medicine—can either enhance or diminish meaningful human relationships within clinical practice.

  • 4. Assess the ethical complexities inherent in contemporary biomedical decisions, applying foundational moral principles to navigate tensions between technological capability and human wisdom.

  • 5. Recognize the profound impact of healthcare decisions on patients' families and communities, developing sensitivity to the relational dimensions of medical care that extend beyond individual treatment.

  • 6. Integrate trauma-informed approaches into clinical practice, understanding how compassionate communication and mindful presence can transform experiences of vulnerability into opportunities for deeper connection.

  • 7. Examine the existential dimensions of suffering, pain, and mortality, developing competencies to address both physical symptoms and the deeper human need for meaning and dignity.

  • 8. Distinguish between interventions that merely extend biological life and those that genuinely promote human flourishing, cultivating discernment in complex end-of-life scenarios.

  • 9. Develop strategies for maintaining professional integrity and moral clarity when confronting systemic pressures or practices that may compromise patient dignity or authentic care relationships.

Join Us!

In-person (October 24th - 26th) or On-line (November 14th - 16th)

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FAQ

  • Are there scholarships available for medical students and residents?

    Yes! There are scholarships available for medical students and residents. The scholarship will cover the cost of the conference fees, hotel room and a portion of your travel. There is no deadline to apply for the scholarship but we award the scholarships on a rolling basis until the scholarship fund is depleted.

  • Can I attend part of the conference?

    Yes! We have many options on the registration form, so you can choose what works best for you. We have options for Friday night, Saturday from 9am to 5 pm, Saturday including banquet, Saturday banquet only, Sunday morning and all combinations.

  • What does the full conference fee include?

    The full conference fee includes nine sessions with speakers, Friday night social, Saturday breakfast, lunch and banquet and Sunday breakfast. There will also be coffee and snacks on Saturday and Sunday. In-person conference participants will also receive access to the online conference.

  • What is included in the on-line conference and is everything pre-recorded?

    The on-line conference will be available on Friday November 14th. It consists of all the recorded sessions from the in-person conference, three facilitated online discussion sessions - one each on Friday (November 14th), Saturday (November 15th) and Sunday (November 16th). There will also be a live presentation by Stephanie Gray Connors with an opportunity for Q & A. Her session will be on Saturday, November 15th at 1 p.m. ET

  • How do I access the recorded sessions?

    The conference will be hosted on CPL's Learning Platform. You will receive access to it in September. The recorded sessions from the conference will be available on Friday, November 14th.