Wood Forum
On Saturday, November 2, we had the privilege to hear from experts in the field of spine health at the 2024 Wood Forum, Back Matters: Advances in Spine Research. Topics included the latest advancements in spine research, current understanding of spinal disorders, the role of artificial intelligence in spine care, and the impact of exercise on spine health.
2024 Wood Forum Speakers
Spine Issues: Current Knowledge and Future Research
Dr. Ganesh Swamy, MD, PhD
The world of back pain and spinal disorders is bewildering. In this presentation, we will delve into the most current understanding of how common spinal disorders such as back pain, sciatica, and scoliosis develop. Given the many gaps in our knowledge, we will explore how ongoing research can bridge these gaps and one day, lead to new treatments.
Dr. Swamy is a distinguished spine surgeon and clinical assistant professor at the University of Calgary. With over a decade of experience, he has dedicated his career to advancing less-invasive techniques for reconstructing adult spinal deformities. His research primarily focuses on sciatica pain caused by disc herniations and aims to develop a predictive model to identify patients who may require future surgical intervention.
The Shape of Things to Come: The UCalgary Normative Alignment Database
Dr. Fred Nicholls, MD, MA, FRCSC
Dr. Nicholls will discuss the Calgary Normative Spine Database, which is a collection of data that shows what’s considered normal for spine health. He will also explore the projects that have come from this database and explain why that information is so important for understanding and treating spine issues.
Dr. Nicholls is an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in spine surgery, with a focus on complex trauma and spinal deformity. He plays a critical role in educating the next generation of spine surgeons at the University of Calgary, where he serves as the resident education lead and the director of the combined spine fellowship program. Additionally, Dr. Nicholls contributes to international education efforts through AO Spine. His research centers on understanding spinal alignment and optimizing complex surgical care.
Exercise: You Never Know Where it Might Lead
Dr. John McWhae, MD
Dr. McWhae’s presentation will provide a candid account of living with spondyloarthritis and the role of exercise as a primary treatment.
Dr. McWhae, a Calgary ophthalmologist and lifelong athlete, was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis—a type of arthritis causing spinal joint inflammation—at age 35, though he had experienced symptoms since he was 15. Following his diagnosis, Dr. McWhae was unable to ride a bike for 10 years. However, he eventually returned to cycling using a recumbent bike, which reduces joint strain due to its reclined position and helps improve his symptoms.
Artificial Intelligence: Solutions for Spine Disorders
Dr. David Cadotte, MD, PhD
Dr. Cadotte will present a recent example of artificial intelligence research conducted in his laboratory at the University of Calgary. He will then explain a method for using this technology to help patients understand their diagnoses, provide precision medicine predictions, and support the sustainability of a spine program within a public health setting.
Dr. Cadotte is a neurosurgeon and assistant professor in the Department of Clinical Neurosurgery at the University of Calgary. His research on myelopathy aims to improve the quality of life for Albertans affected by this condition through specialized surgical procedures.
Exercise Specialists
Dr. Manny Ester, PhD
Movement for Mobility
Manny Ester is a passionate physical activity researcher and exercise specialist. For over five years, he has been teaching tailored exercise programs for individuals with chronic conditions. His research focuses on helping individuals with inflammatory arthritis, cancer, and other chronic conditions to become and stay physically active.
Dr. Carolyn Hutchison, BSc, MD, MED, FRCS(C), CYT
Chair Yoga for the Spine
Carolyn Hutchison is an orthopaedic surgeon and Professor at the University of Calgary. After completing her first yoga teacher training program, she has enjoyed teaching many paths of yoga for over 13 years. She guides yoga classes accessible for seniors and people managing with arthritis.
Past Wood Forums
Browse our video archive and view presentation recordings from past Wood Forums.
Wood Forum 2023: Build Better Bones
Wood Forum - full event recording
Planting the seeds for healthy bone development - Dr. Leigh Gabel, PhD
Optimizing bone in adulthood: don’t “stress” - Dr. Brent Edwards, PhD
Eating well for healthy, strong bones - Dr. Wendy Ward, PhD
The search for bone-building osteoporosis therapies - Dr. David Hanley, MD, FRCPC
Wood Forum 2022: Healthy Joints for Life
Wood Forum - full event recording
A gut feeling: how improving your gut health with diet can affect your osteoarthritis - Raylene Reimer, PhD, RD
"Ouch! My <enter joint name> hurts!": Nine steps that can help you - Jason Werle, MD
MR-"Why"? - Be imaging informed - Richard Walker, MD
What you knee-d to know to avoid osteoarthritis after a knee injury -Jackie Whittaker, BScPT, PhD
Wood Forum 2021: Sports Injury Prevention
Wood Forum - Full event recording
Targets for the prevention of injuries in youth sports - Dr. Carolyn Emery
From pandemic to epidemic: Sport injuries are going to increase - Dr. Nicholas Mohtadi
Getting back to health and performance after knee injuries - Dr. Matt Jordan
First aid for gait aids: How to use walking aids safely - Dr. Ranita Manocha
A journey in sport - Danielle Lappage
Wood Forum 2020: Hip Health
Wood Forum - Full event recording
Keeping Hip: Tips for preventing bone loss and hip fractures - Dr. Emma Billington
It's legal but is it any good: Some thoughts on CBD in the management of arthritis - Dr. Liam Martin
Let's get hip! Advances in hip replacement surgery - Dr. Rajrishi Sharma
Overview of the Alberta ‘Catch a Break’ and ‘Fracture Liaison Service’ programs - Shannon Falsetti
Wood Forum 2019: Back Health
The Mobility for Life Project, Dr. Steven Boyd
Chronic low back pain: How to lift the fog, Dr. Ganesh Swamy
What to do when your spine wears out, Dr. David Cadotte
Pain and Poppies, Dr. Tuan Trang
GLA:D Back: A program to help patients receive first-line care for low back pain, Dr. Greg Kawchuk
Spine Access Alberta, Mel Slomp
Road to the 2018 Olympics, Kimberley McRae
Wood Forum 2018: Ankle & Foot Health
Wearable Technology to Reduce Foot and Ankle Running Injuries, Dr. Reed Ferber
Total Ankle Replacement: A New Standard of Care for Ankle Arthritis, Dr. Andrew Dodd
Crystal Clear Diagnosis of Gout, Dr. Paul MacMullan
Life On and Off the Pitch, Martin Nash
Past Wood Forum topics
- 2017 – Shoulder and Elbow Health
- 2016 – Arthritis and You
- 2015 – Knee Injuries
- 2014 – Innovations in Juvenile Arthritis
- 2013 – Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis
- 2012 – Forum on Osteoporosis
- 2005 – My Aching Hand and Wrist
- 2004 – My Aching Knee
- 2000– My Aching Shoulder
- 1999 – My Aching Foot
- 1998 – My Aching Back