This year, we hosted a record-breaking 29 lectures covering diverse topics like chronic diseases and mental health. After analyzing attendance data, audience feedback, and engagement, we’ve curated the top five lectures that made the biggest impact in 2024.

Whether you want to watch the recorded lectures on-demand or listen to our brand-new, AI-generated podcast summaries, we’ve got you covered.

How We Selected the Top 5

Our team considered live attendance, Q&A engagement, on-demand rewatch stats, audience feedback, and insights from our internal experts to bring you the definitive list.

#5: Dr. Pierre Landry on COPD

Title: Navigating Complex COPD Cases: Strategies To Prevent Holiday Exacerbations

Original Air Date: November 8, 2024
Why It Made the List: Dr. Landry captivated the audience with actionable strategies for improving COPD outcomes, from reducing hospital readmissions to integrating pulmonary rehab into primary care. His updates on inhaler therapies were especially impactful for clinicians managing chronic respiratory conditions.

  • Key Takeaways:
    • Breakthrough updates on inhaler therapies.
    • Tips for reducing hospital readmissions.
    • Integrating pulmonary rehab into primary care workflows.
      Watch the Full Lecture | Listen to the Podcast Summary on Apple or Spotify

#4: Dr. David Cherney on Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Title: Simplifying CKD In T2D: Streamlined Strategies For Better Patient Outcomes

Original Air Date: September 13, 2024
Why It Made the List: Ok, this one made it in part because it was part of a three part series. This one stood out for its practical advice on CKD management.

  • Key Takeaways:
    • Early identification and management of CKD.
    • Avoiding common pitfalls in treatment.
    • Monitoring for complications in at-risk populations.
      Watch the Full Lecture | Listen to the Podcast Summary on Apple or Spotify

#3: Dr. David Gardner on Switching and Stopping Antidepressants

Title: Navigating The Murky Waters: Switching or Stopping Antidepressants in Primary Care

Original Air Date: October 16, 2024
Why It Made the List: Dr. Gardner’s practical approach to this vexing problem received a record number of rewatches. It’s no surprise, effectively managing antidepressant medications is as much art as science.

  • Key Takeaways:
    • Strategies for switching antidepressants.
    • How to deprescribe antidepressants.
    • How to prepare your patient for changes in antidepressants.
      Watch the Full Lecture | Listen to the Podcast Summary on Apple or Spotify

#2: Dr. Serge Lessard on Insomnia Management

Title: The Cardiovascular and Metabolic Impact of Insomnia

Original Air Date: January 26, 2024
Why It Made the List: Insomnia is common. Super common. Managing this condition is important not just to improve quality of life but to avert a host of complications. Dr. Lessard provided expert  insights into treating insomnia without relying on medication. Key Takeaways:

  • Why cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the gold standard.
  • Practical tips for improving patient sleep hygiene.
  • The role of lifestyle adjustments in long-term insomnia management.
    Watch the Full Lecture | Listen to the Podcast Summary on Apple or Spotify

#1: Dr. Celia Robichaud on ADHD

Title: Navigating ADHD in Primary Care: From Diagnosis to Treatment and Beyond

Original Air Date: September 20, 2024
Why It Made the List: This lecture was a standout hit, earning the highest engagement of the year. Dr. Robichaud’s expertise and practical tips for diagnosing and managing ADHD resonated deeply with the audience. The Q&A was lively, reflecting the widespread interest in this topic.

  • Key Takeaways:
    • Self-reports alone are not enough for diagnosis—learn what works.
    • The importance of non-medication management strategies.
    • How to address comorbidities like anxiety in ADHD patients.
      Watch the Full Lecture | Listen to the Podcast Summary on Apple or Spotify

Bonus: Behind the Scenes of Our AI Podcasts

Using natural language processing, we transformed each lecture into a relaxed, two-person dialogue—so you can absorb the key points on your commute, during a workout, or whenever you have a spare moment. Our AI co-hosts break down technical details into everyday language, making it easy to follow even if you’re multitasking. Bet you can’t tell that they are AI.

We hope these top picks spark new ideas for your practice and empower you to deliver the best patient care. Whether you choose to watch or listen, these sessions capture some of the most insightful moments from 2024.

Watch All 5 Lectures On-Demand

Subscribe to Our Podcast: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Additional Resources

Upcoming Events: Interested in our next live lecture? We have two big lectures coming up in January. Reserve your spot today.

January 10, 2025: Navigating PTSD and Anxiety Disorders in Primary Care: Diagnosis, Management, and Clinical Pearls.

Dr. David Lundrigan Register

January 17, 2025: Multiple Sclerosis Essentials: Recognizing, Diagnosing, and Managing Symptoms in Clinical Practice

Dr. Caitlyn Tarlton Register

As the holidays approach, COPD patients face an increased risk of exacerbations due to seasonal stress and winter illnesses. In his recent Virtual Hallway lecture, respirologist Dr. Pierre Landry shared strategies for preventing these flares and optimizing treatment, including the advantages of single inhaler triple therapy (SITT). Here’s a quick dive into his clinical insights.

Why Exacerbations Matter

Each COPD exacerbation causes a loss of lung function, pushing patients further from their baseline. Older adults often fare worse, with hospital stays leading to rapid deconditioning. Avoiding these exacerbations isn’t just about lung health—it’s about preserving quality of life.

First-Line Defense: Lifestyle Changes and Rehabilitation

For prevention, nothing tops smoking cessation. Dr. Landry recommends a mix of pharmacologic aids, such as nicotine replacement and varenicline, to support patients ready to quit. He also emphasizes the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation, though access remains limited.

SITT: Simplicity in COPD Care

Single inhaler triple therapy (SITT) combines a LAMA, LABA, and ICS in one device. SITT’s simplicity increases patient adherence and reduces exacerbations by up to 33% compared to multiple inhalers. Dr. Landry is clear: for patients struggling with adherence or facing frequent exacerbations, SITT can simplify management and improve outcomes.

Essential Vaccinations for COPD Patients

Vaccinations are another key. Dr. Landry advocates annual flu and COVID-19 shots, as well as pneumococcal and RSV vaccines, to guard against infections that worsen COPD. Prevention here means fewer exacerbations and safer winters.

For the Tough Cases: Oral Therapies

When inhaled therapies fall short, Dr. Landry turns to oral treatments like azithromycin and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) to control inflammation and mucus. These additions, especially in non-smokers, can make a critical difference for those with chronic bronchitis symptoms.

Biologics on the Horizon

While still in clinical trials for COPD in Canada, biologics like dupilumab could soon offer new options for patients with an eosinophilic phenotype. Until then, Dr. Landry advises focusing on proven treatments.

The Takeaway

Dr. Landry’s approach to COPD management focuses on strong adherence, preventive care, and comprehensive treatment, all designed to keep patients out of hospitals and living fuller lives. Single inhaler triple therapy, combined with vaccinations and lifestyle support, can be a straightforward yet powerful approach.

Catch the full recording on the Virtual Hallway platform to get all of Dr. Landry’s practical tips on COPD management.

Disclaimer: This post shares educational insights and does not replace personalized medical advice.

As we enter flu season, it's crucial to be prepared for the increased risk of COPD exacerbations in our patients. Dr. Landry, in his webinar on "Preventive Care in COPD," emphasizes that viral infections are one of the most common triggers for these exacerbations, making this a particularly important topic during flu season12.

The webinar, "Preventive Care in COPD: The Role of Vaccination in Reducing Exacerbations During Flu Season," emphasizes a multifaceted approach to managing COPD, going beyond just addressing symptoms.

Here's a summary of key takeaways:

  • The Urgency of COPD Exacerbation Prevention: Dr. Landry underscores the seriousness of COPD exacerbations, reminding us that 20-40% of patients die within a year of their first exacerbation3. This statistic highlights the critical need for proactive management to prevent these events.
  • Triple Inhaled Therapy: A Cornerstone of COPD Management: The 2023 COPD Treatment Guidelines, as explained by Dr. Landry, recommend triple inhaled therapy as a mainstay for patients with moderate to severe COPD456. This approach combines a long-acting antimuscarinic (LAMA), a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA), and an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) to effectively manage symptoms and reduce exacerbations4. Dr. Landry further points out that single-inhaler triple therapy is preferable as it has been shown to improve patient adherence and lead to better outcomes467.
  • Vaccinations: A Powerful Tool for COPD Patients: Dr. Landry strongly advocates for vaccinations as a critical component of COPD management, especially during flu season8. He emphasizes that while inhaled therapy is essential, vaccinations offer an additional layer of protection against exacerbations, which are often triggered by respiratory infections like the flu.

Influenza Vaccination: Dr. Landry recommends annual influenza vaccination for all COPD patients. He suggests the high-dose vaccine for eligible patients as it elicits a stronger immune response, which is especially important for older adults who may have weaker immune systems9.

Pneumococcal Vaccination: Given the potential for pneumococcal infections to trigger exacerbations, Dr. Landry recommends pneumococcal vaccination with both the PCV15 or PCV20 followed by the PCV23 for optimal protection.

COVID-19 Vaccination: Dr. Landry advises healthcare professionals to stay informed about the latest COVID-19 vaccination guidelines, as these recommendations can change based on the circulating variants and guidance from public health authorities.

RSV Vaccination: Dr. Landry highlights the underappreciated burden of RSV infection in older adults, with a 1 in 9 chance of death for those hospitalized. He strongly recommends the RSV vaccine, particularly for patients over 60, as studies show it is safe and effective in preventing severe RSV infections, a significant risk factor for exacerbations.

By embracing a comprehensive approach that includes both pharmacological interventions like triple inhaled therapy and preventive measures like vaccination, healthcare professionals can make a significant difference in the lives of their COPD patients, particularly during the challenging flu season.

Remember, the webinar recording is available for free on the Virtual Hallways platform. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding of COPD management and access practical tools to improve patient care!

Disclaimer: This lecture is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice or treatment plans tailored to individual patients."

With Dr. Rodrigues

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) presents a complex challenge in gastroenterology, characterized by a spectrum of symptoms that defy a one-size-fits-all approach. The recent lecture, "Ins and Outs of IBS," offers clinicians a deep dive into the nuanced understanding of this prevalent condition, blending the latest research with clinical insights to advance patient care.

IBS, often encountered in clinical practice, demands a multifaceted approach. This lecture moves beyond traditional diagnostic criteria to explore emerging paradigms in pathophysiology, patient management, and therapeutic innovation. It serves as a primer for clinicians seeking to enhance their understanding and approach to IBS, emphasizing the importance of a personalized treatment strategy.

Key highlights include an examination of the gut-brain axis and its implications for IBS management, an overview of novel dietary interventions, and a critical analysis of pharmacological versus non-pharmacological treatments. The lecture elucidates the interconnectivity of psychological, dietary, and lifestyle factors with IBS symptoms, offering a comprehensive framework for holistic patient care.

What sets this lecture apart is not just the caliber of the content but the engaging presentation style, tailored for the intellectual curiosity of clinicians. It challenges conventional wisdom, encourages critical thinking, and fosters a dialogue on innovative practices in IBS treatment.

For clinicians dedicated to advancing their practice and improving patient outcomes, this lecture is an invaluable resource. It's an opportunity to refine diagnostic acumen, explore new therapeutic avenues, and join a community of thought leaders in gastroenterology.

Embark on this intellectual journey through the "Ins and Outs of IBS," and arm yourself with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of this disorder with confidence and competence.

physician watching continuing education lecture on virtual hallway

In the rapidly evolving field of healthcare, Continuing Medical Education (CME) remains a cornerstone for professionals aiming to enhance their knowledge and skills. Virtual Hallway offers a suite of CME events designed to meet your learning needs. Here’s how you can maximize the value of these offerings:

1. Watch It Live

The best way to immerse yourself in our CME events is by attending live. Register early, mark your calendar, and join the event to not only absorb real-time insights but also feel the pulse of contemporary medical discussions. Live participation brings the unique advantage of immediacy – you're learning in the moment, alongside peers who are equally eager to expand their horizons.

2. Engage in the Discussion

Our live sessions thrive on interaction, featuring active Q&A segments with over 30 questions typically asked and answered. This is your chance to probe deeper into subjects, clarify doubts, or explore new perspectives. If you have a burning question, don’t wait! Submit it beforehand when you register to ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Engaging actively not only enriches your learning experience but also contributes to the collective knowledge of the community.

3. Watch On-Demand

Can't make it to a live event? No problem. Virtual Hallway boasts an extensive backlist of over 20 lectures available on-demand. This flexibility allows you to tailor your learning journey according to your schedule, ensuring you never miss out on valuable insights. Whether it’s a deep dive into a specialized topic or a broad overview of emerging trends, our on-demand library has you covered.

4. Claim Your Credits

Continuing your education is rewarding in more ways than one. With Virtual Hallway, you can claim your credits for MAINPRO in Canada or the equivalent in the U.S. after participating in our CME events. This ensures that your professional development is recognized, keeping you compliant with accreditation requirements and at the top of your game.

5. Listen on the Go

Our mobile app revolutionizes how and where you can engage with CME content. Whether you're commuting, exercising, or between appointments, you can listen to or watch our lectures wherever you go. This convenience means that your learning never has to pause, integrating seamlessly with your busy lifestyle.

Virtual Hallway's CME events are more than just lectures; they're gateways to advanced practice and heightened patient care. By attending live, engaging in discussions, utilizing our on-demand resources, claiming your credits, and leveraging our mobile app, you ensure that your educational journey is rich, rewarding, and uninterrupted. Dive into our CME offerings today and take a significant step toward your professional excellence.

Expert Physician Advisor Delivers Insightful Lecture on Navigating the World of Virtual Care

The landscape of healthcare is rapidly evolving, and virtual care is becoming an integral part of modern medical practice. Dr. Shirley Lee, a renowned physician advisor at the Canadian Medical Protective Association, recently delivered a captivating lecture on the medicolegal considerations for virtual care and hallway consults. Hosted by Virtual Hallway in a hybrid format, both in person and online, the session sparked engaging discussions and raised thought-provoking questions.

Watch our 1 min Hallway Pearl summary of the lecture

Dr. Lee highlighted several key points during her talk:

  1. The importance of obtaining verbal and explicit consent when conducting virtual care, ensuring that potential privacy risks and scope of practice issues are addressed and documented.
  2. Acknowledging the limitations of technology, such as the inferiority of photos compared to in-person assessments.
  3. Key virtual care considerations, including appropriate triaging, workflow and documentation, security of devices, accessibility and Wi-Fi, managing expectations and scope, addressing the needs of young, elderly, and vulnerable patients, and maintaining a consistent quality improvement process.
  4. Emphasizing the need for thorough documentation, which should comprise the format of assessment, context, limitations, and safe discharge and follow-up advice.
  5. The importance of documenting phone hallway consults between providers, including the name of the consultant, time of the call, advice received, patient safety concerns, and efforts made to contact the consultant.

Dr. Lee's insightful lecture not only provided valuable guidance for healthcare professionals navigating the world of virtual care but also sparked essential conversations on the topic. As a follow-up, Dr. Lee will be providing resources and articles that will be uploaded to the Virtual Hallway portal for further exploration.

Stay tuned for more updates on this crucial aspect of modern healthcare, and be sure not to miss future lectures and events hosted by the Virtual Hallway platform.

To view Dr. Lee’s lecture please login to your account under the Lectures Tab. 

Coming up will be Dr. Phil Tibbo’s lecture on Management of Early Psychosis and Schizophrenia, date to be announced soon!

Expert Physician Advisor Delivers Insightful Lecture on Navigating the World of Virtual Care

The landscape of healthcare is rapidly evolving, and virtual care is becoming an integral part of modern medical practice. Dr. Shirley Lee, a renowned physician advisor at the Canadian Medical Protective Association, recently delivered a captivating lecture on the medicolegal considerations for virtual care and hallway consults. Hosted by Virtual Hallway in a hybrid format, both in person and online, the session sparked engaging discussions and raised thought-provoking questions.

Dr. Lee highlighted several key points during her talk:

  • The importance of obtaining verbal and explicit consent when conducting virtual care, ensuring that potential privacy risks and scope of practice issues are addressed and documented.
  • Acknowledging the limitations of technology, such as the inferiority of photos compared to in-person assessments.
  • Key virtual care considerations, including appropriate triaging, workflow and documentation, security of devices, accessibility and Wi-Fi, managing expectations and scope, addressing the needs of young, elderly, and vulnerable patients, and maintaining a consistent quality improvement process.
  • Emphasizing the need for thorough documentation, which should comprise the format of assessment, context, limitations, and safe discharge and follow-up advice.
  • The importance of documenting phone hallway consults between providers, including the name of the consultant, time of the call, advice received, patient safety concerns, and efforts made to contact the consultant.

Dr. Lee's insightful lecture not only provided valuable guidance for healthcare professionals navigating the world of virtual care but also sparked essential conversations on the topic. As a follow-up, Dr. Lee will be providing resources and articles that will be uploaded to the Virtual Hallway portal for further exploration.

Stay tuned for more updates on this crucial aspect of modern healthcare, and be sure not to miss future lectures and events hosted by the Virtual Hallway platform.

To view Dr. Lee’s lecture please login to your account under the Lectures Tab.

Coming up will be Dr. Phil Tibbo’s lecture on Management of Early Psychosis and Schizophrenia, date to be announced soon!

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