FREE EVENT | May 12, 2026
6:00 – 9:00 PM
Register for the opportunity to attend. Attendance to be confirmed.
Registration Deadline: May 6, 2026
Questions? | Contact Us
PICTURES
ECHO Epilepsy Ontario is thrilled to be hosting our “When First-Line Seizure Management Doesn’t Work: Epilepsy Syndromes and Anti-Seizure Medications (ASMs) for Pediatricians” Dinner Event in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. This event will enhance your knowledge and confidence in best-practice epilepsy care and management for children living with epilepsy!
This is a free CME event!
Set in a relaxed, inspiring, and social atmosphere, this event will include excellent didactic and case-based presentations with engaging discussion to support the application of your learning. Throughout the evening you will also have the opportunity to network with colleagues!
Complimentary food and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided, on behalf of the ECHO Epilepsy Program, which is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health.
Acceptance of registration for this free event will be confirmed via email.
Practical Scenarios in Paediatric Epilepsy Care
This CME dinner learning event will feature a didactic presentation and case discussions designed to strengthen your knowledge of common pediatric epilepsy syndromes and treatment with appropriate Anti-Seizure Medications (ASMs).
Key discussion points will include, how to practically begin, monitor, and titrate ASMs, including potential side effects to watch out for when prescribing.
Presented in an interactive format, this event supports collaborative discussion and provides practical strategies for diverse settings. The program is most suitable for pediatricians, family physicians, pediatric nurses (ambulatory/hospital), pediatric social workers, and primary care providers.
Learning Objectives:
- Review definitions and classifications of seizures and epilepsy
- Overview of select common epilepsy syndromes
- Discuss approach and considerations in prescribing anti-seizure medications (covering indications and adverse effects)
- Approach to MTO reporting
- Highlight available community resources for patients and families with Epilepsy
Speakers
Dr. Lauren Sham
Paediatric Neurologist and Epileptologist, The Hospital for Sick Children
Dr. Lauren Sham is a pediatric neurologist and epileptologist at SickKids. Lauren completed her pediatric epilepsy fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard University, followed by additional training in neurology global health and a faculty appointment as Instructor of Neurology at Boston Children’s Hospital. She completed board examinations in Neurology (Pediatrics) in Canada (RCPS) and the US (ABPN), and certification in electroencephalography from the CACN.
Dr. Lauren Strasser
Paediatric Neurologist, The Hospital for Sick Children
Dr. Lauren Strasser is a pediatric neurologist. She recently completed her training as a combined epilepsy and neuroinflammatory fellow at The Hospital for Sick Children. She completed her undergraduate degree in psychology at the University of Western Ontario, master’s degree in pediatric neuropsychology at UCL/Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), medical school at McMaster University and pediatric neurology residency at CHEO/University of Ottawa. Her specific interests include promoting equitable access to care for patients with neurological conditions, as well as assessing epilepsy/seizure outcomes in autoimmune encephalitis patients.
Dr. Jonathan DellaVedova
Case Presenter
Consulting General Paediatrician, Group Health Centre/Sault Area Hospital
Dr. Jonathan DellaVedova is a consulting general pediatrician in his hometown of Sault Ste. Marie, where he is also the Medical Director of the Women and Children’s Health Unit and the Chief of Pediatric and Neonatal Services. He completed his medical degree at NOSM University in the charter class, and his residency at McMaster Children’s Hospital. He is an Associate Professor in the Clinical Sciences Division at NOSM University, and a longtime member of the Residency Program Committee. Dr. DellaVedova is driven to secure high-quality care for Northern children as close to home as possible.
Location
Antico Ristorante (Sault Ste. Marie)
We’re delighted to welcome everyone to Antico Ristorante – a unique culinary destination celebrated as one of Sault Ste. Marie’s finest.
“Antico Ristorante, nestled in a charming residential area of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, offers an unforgettable Italian dining experience. Chef Arturo, known for his warm hospitality, crafts refined dishes bursting with flavor. Guests rave about the exceptional appetizers, like the shrimp putanesca and blackened scallops, as well as the indulgent tiramisu and limoncello cake. The personal touch provided by Chef Arturo, who often engages with diners, enhances the meal experience. With excellent service and a cozy atmosphere, Antico Ristorante stands out as a beloved local gem.”
EVENT PICTURES
Enjoy a glimpse of the great learning, conversation, camaraderie and culinary delights from our wonderful evening of CME together at Antico Restaurant.
TESTIMONIALS
A sampling of testimonials and sentiments expressed by our local event partner and event attendees from a wonderful evening of collaborative learning and camaraderie.
RESOURCES
Access key resources shared during the session to support ongoing care for individuals living with epilepsy. These materials highlight practical tools, community supports, and culturally informed approaches to enhance care between clinical encounters.
EPILEPSY ONTARIO PROGRAMS & SERVICES
This overview from Epilepsy Ontario outlines free programs and services available to support patients and families beyond medical management. Learn how to refer and connect individuals to psychosocial support, education, and system navigation resources that address everyday challenges of living with epilepsy.
OJIBWE LANGUAGE IN EPILEPSY CARE (Video Series)
This award-winning video series explores the integration of Ojibwe language and cultural context into epilepsy care. It highlights how culturally grounded communication can strengthen trust, improve understanding, and support more inclusive care for Indigenous communities. Learn more about the video series: https://oen.echoontario.ca/echo-epilepsy-ontario-celebrates-national-indigenous-peoples-day/