Learning Objectives:

1. Provide an overview of peripheral neuropathies and infiltrative cardiomyopathies 
2. Review what ‘Red Flags’ may assist in achieving appropriate diagnoses
3. Discuss interdisciplinary management of peripheral neuropathies eg. amyloidosis
4. Explore new and emerging treatments for amyloidosis

Speakers: Wilma Koopman and Spencer Martin

Wilma graduated from Hamilton Civic Hospitals 1973 (RN), and the University of Western Ontario ( BScN, 1992; MScN 1998, Tertiary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate 2000). She also completed the Postgraduate course in Neurological and Neurosurgical Nursing at the Montreal Neurological Institute in 1977.

Wilma worked as a staff nurse in Neurosciences at the Hamilton General Hospital upon graduation as an RN in 1973, moving to the Clinical Neuroscience Unit , University Hospital in 1975. Wilma was hired at University Hospital as the research nurse for the International GBS Plasmapheresis trial in 1981, where her career in Neuromuscular diseases began.  In 1982, the Adult Neuromuscular Clinic Services Clinic was launched and Wilma was hired as the nurse coordinator and since 1999 as the Nurse Practitioner. In 1995 she worked for 4 years in the Multiple Sclerosis Clinic while completing her Master’s Degree. She has collaborated on many research studies in the multiple sclerosis and neuromuscular disease arena. She has authored and co-authored many peer reviewed articles and given oral presentations on MS, GBS, CIDP, MD, and Myasthenia Gravis.  She is certified in neuroscience nursing and is affiliated with professional nursing organizations nationally and internationally (CANN, AANN, and WFNN). She was chair of the Nurses Advisory Board for the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America for 7 years. Currently she serves on the Board of the GBS/CIDP foundation. She is currently pursuing her PhD at Western University in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences with a focus on health professionals education.

Spencer brings a wealth of pharmacy experience and enthusiasm to the table. He has his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Toronto and then completed his Pharmacy Residency at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC).

Spencer holds multiple roles within LHSC as Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Cardiology Pharmacist and Program Coordinator of one of the biggest Cardiac Amyloid Clinics in the country. His contributions extend beyond the hospital setting, as Spencer also serves as a community pharmacist, building positive patient relationships.

Spencer’s commitment to education is evident in his role as a preceptor for pharmacy residents and students and as a speaker at various educational events, including the Ted Rodgers Heart Failure Symposium and the Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacist Conference. He is a passionate educator who strives to improve patient outcomes through guideline-directed medical therapies. Additionally, he takes an active role in shaping the future of healthcare through his Clinical Pharmacy Consultant work, focusing on heart failure, diabetes and rare diseases quality improvement initiatives.

When Spencer is not in a pharmacy, he can be found road cycling or canoeing on the lake. He is grateful to speak with you today and hopes to share his excitement on enhancing patient care.

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