Primary Care Expert Series 2026
Our 3rd annual flagship, specialist-led program designed to strengthen real-world primary care decision-making across high-impact and nuanced topics.
Live: April to May and September to October, 8 to 9:30 PM ET
On demand: every past recording included
$249 for all 14 sessions
Registration is still open and includes every past recording. Prices shown in CAD. USD pricing available at checkout.
Trusted by clinicians across Canada and the United States
Earn 21.0 ANCC contact hours
NP Circle is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
Why join?
As an NP, you manage an expansive scope with limited time and growing complexity. The challenge is often not the diagnosis but deciding what happens next: when to investigate, when to reassure, how to manage safely, when to escalate or refer, and how closely to follow up.
The Primary Care Expert Series was built for these decision points. It brings NPs from across North America together for specialist-led learning in the most nuanced areas of practice. Every session is grounded in real-world clinical questions and taught through a practical primary care lens, with clear frameworks, case discussions, and live Q&A.
Learn from experts
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Dr. Shafeena Premji
Family Physician (Menopause), Menopause Centre of Southern Alberta
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Dr. Stephanie S. Faubion
Internal Medicine (Women’s Health), Mayo Clinic
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Dr. Dean Elterman
Urologist (Men’s Health), University Health Network
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Rodolfo Pike, NP
NP (Heart Failure), Canadian Heart Failure Society
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Dr. Bruce Forster
Radiologist (Musculoskeletal), University of British Columbia
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Dr. Elana Thau
Emergency Physician (Pediatrics), SickKids
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Dr. Justin Turner
Clinical Pharmacist (Deprescribing), Canadian Deprescribing Network
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Dr. Megha Poddar
Endocrinologist (Obesity Medicine), Medical Weight Management Centre
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Dr. Samir K. Sinha
Geriatrician (Healthy Aging), Sinai Health
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Dr. Dustin Costescu
OB/GYN (Family Planning), McMaster University
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Dr. Alice Y.Y. Cheng
Endocrinologist (Diabetes), Trillium Health Partners
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Dr. Jon Davine
Psychiatrist (Primary Care Mental Health), McMaster University
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Dr. Jennifer Tran
Dermatologist, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
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Dr. Philip McFarlane
Nephrologist (CKD and Diabetes), St. Michael’s Hospital
Agenda
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Sexual health in midlife: an evidence-based approach
April 14, 2026
8 to 9:30 PM ETLearning objectives
Assess midlife sexual concerns using a structured, trauma-informed approach to identify key medical, relational, and psychological contributors.
Differentiate common midlife conditions that present with sexual symptoms to initiate appropriate first-line management in primary care.
Apply evidence-based treatment pathways, incorporating both non-pharmacological and pharmacological options, while ensuring proper safety monitoring and referral.
Speaker
Dr. Stephanie S. Faubion, MD, MBA, FACP, MSCP, IFDr. Stephanie S. Faubion is an internal medicine physician and women’s health leader focused on menopause and female sexual health. She is the Penny and Bill George Director of the Mayo Clinic Center for Women’s Health and serves as Chair of the Department of Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. She is also the Medical Director of The Menopause Society and a Fellow of the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health.
Missed this session? Registration includes every replay, fully accredited for ANCC contact hours.

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Depression across the lifespan
April 21, 2026
8 to 9:30 PM ETLearning objectives
Apply a structured approach to diagnosing depression in youth, perinatal patients, and older adults, including key differential considerations.
Implement stepwise, evidence-informed treatments strategies across these populations, including medication selection, titration, and augmentation in line with recent recommendations.
Describe ECT and TMS as treatment techniques, including when they should be considered as part of the treatment plan.
Speaker
Dr. Jon Davine, MD, FCFP, FRCPCDr. Jon Davine is an Associate Clinical Professor at McMaster University in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences and the Department of Family Medicine. His outpatient psychiatry practice focuses on shared care mental health support for primary care clinicians. He is a past Chair of the Council of Psychiatric Continuing Education, affiliated with the Canadian Psychiatric Association.
Missed this session? Registration includes every replay, fully accredited for ANCC contact hours.

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Men’s health in everyday practice
April 28, 2026
8 to 9:30 PM ETLearning objectives
Describe an evidence-based assessment approach to erectile dysfunction and LUTS, including medical and medication contributors.
Summarize first-line management options for ED and LUTS and appropriate monitoring in primary care.
Identify when testosterone testing is appropriate and when referral to urology or endocrinology is indicated.
Speaker
Dr. Dean Elterman, MD, MSc, FRCSCDr. Dean Elterman is a urologist specializing in men’s health and functional urology. He holds the Lang Family Endowed Chair in Urologic Innovation at University Health Network and serves as Medical Director of the Sexual Health Clinic at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. He is Fellowship Director in Functional Urology at Toronto Western Hospital and lead author of the Canadian Guidelines for Male LUTS/BPH. Dr. Elterman is also an Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Toronto.
Missed this session? Registration includes every replay, fully accredited for ANCC contact hours.

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Dangerous rashes in primary care: drug eruptions and “don’t miss” diagnoses
May 5, 2026
8 to 9:30 PM ETLearning objectives
Differentiate benign rashes from dangerous presentations, including SCAR (SJS/TEN, DRESS, AGEP), vasculitic and infectious etiologies, using a primary care triage framework.
Use a high-yield history (medications, timing, mucosal involvement, systemic symptoms, exposures) to identify likely causes and outline immediate actions, including what to stop, what to monitor, and what to document.
Determine urgency of escalation (ED vs urgent specialist referral vs outpatient follow-up) and initiate appropriate initial investigations and supportive care while awaiting specialist input.
Speaker
Dr. Jennifer Tran, MD, FRCPCDr. Jennifer Tran is a double board-certified dermatologist with expertise in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. She is a Clinical Associate at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and an appointed Lecturer in the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto. Her work focuses on comprehensive, evidence-based dermatologic care and clinical education.
Missed this session? Registration includes every replay, fully accredited for ANCC contact hours.

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MSK imaging decisions in primary care
May 12, 2026
8 to 9:30 PM ETLearning objectives
Apply a structured approach to common MSK presentations in primary care (such as back, hip and knee pain) to determine when imaging is indicated and when it is not, bearing in mind the principles of radiation exposure.
Select appropriate first-line imaging and interpret key imaging report terminology that changes management.
Recognize red flags and “don’t miss” findings across age groups that warrant urgent imaging, ED referral, or specialist assessment.
Speaker
Dr. Bruce Forster, MSc, MD, FRCPCDr. Bruce Forster is a musculoskeletal radiologist and Professor of Radiology at the University of British Columbia. He serves as Lead Radiologist for the International Olympic Committee Medical and Scientific Committee. He previously served as University Department Head, Department of Radiology at the University of British Columbia and as Director of Diagnostic Imaging for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics Games.
Missed this session? Registration includes every replay, fully accredited for ANCC contact hours.

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Pediatrics: sick vs safe
May 19, 2026
8 to 9:30 PM ETLearning objectives
Recognize pediatric red flags and severity cues that indicate higher-risk illness.
Describe evidence-based first-line outpatient management for common pediatric conditions in primary care.
Identify situations requiring ED referral, urgent specialist consultation, or safeguarding action.
Speaker
Dr. Elana Thau, BHSc, MD, FRCPCDr. Elana Thau is a paediatric emergency medicine (PEM) physician at SickKids. She serves as Program Director of the Simulation Fellowship in the Division of Paediatric Emergency Medicine and is a Simulation Instructor with the SickKids Learning Institute. She is also an Assistant Professor in the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Toronto. Her work focuses on simulation-based education and structured approaches to high-risk clinical assessment.
Missed this session? Registration includes every replay, fully accredited for ANCC contact hours.

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Menopause hormone therapy: practical prescribing and counselling
May 26, 2026
8 to 9:30 PM ETLearning objectives
Describe who is an appropriate candidate for menopausal hormone therapy and factors that guide route, regimen, and dose.
Explain key counselling points on benefits, risks, contraindications, and expected symptom response using shared decision-making.
Identify common scenarios that require further assessment, treatment adjustment, or referral.
Speaker
Dr. Shafeena Premji, MD, MHA, CCFP, FCFP, MSCPDr. Shafeena Premji is a nationally recognized family physician and menopause care leader dedicated to compassionate, evidence-based, individualized care. She serves as a Board Director of the Canadian Menopause Society and as a member of the Medical Advisory Board of the Menopause Foundation of Canada. She is the Founder and Medical Director of women’s health–focused clinics, including Milestone, the Menopause Centre of Southern Alberta, opening April 2026.
Missed this session? Registration includes every replay, fully accredited for ANCC contact hours.

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Safer prescribing for older adults
September 15, 2026
8 to 9:30 PM ETLearning objectives
Identify high-risk medication patterns and common prescribing cascades in older adults.
Describe a stepwise, evidence-based deprescribing approach, including patient counselling and monitoring considerations.
Recognize safer alternatives and practical risk-mitigation strategies for managing pain, sleep, and anxiety in older adults.
Speaker
Dr. Justin Turner, BPharm, MClinPharm, PhDDr. Justin Turner is a clinical pharmacist and deprescribing researcher focused on improving medication safety and reducing inappropriate medication use, particularly in older adults. He serves as Co-Director of the Canadian Deprescribing Network and Scientific Director of SaferMedsNL. His work centers on structured medication review and evidence-based deprescribing strategies for frontline clinicians.
Missed this session? Registration includes every replay, fully accredited for ANCC contact hours.

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Obesity pharmacotherapy in primary care: practical prescribing, titration, and follow-up
September 22, 2026
8 to 9:30 PM ETLearning objectives
Apply a structured approach to obesity assessment in primary care, including staging, comorbidity screening, and identifying who benefits most from medication.
Select and sequence anti-obesity pharmacotherapy using an evidence-based approach, including GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual incretin agents, with practical guidance on dosing, titration, and expected response.
Manage follow-up safely and effectively, including monitoring parameters, side effects, stopping rules, weight regain prevention, and when to co-manage or refer.
Speaker
Dr. Megha Poddar, MD, FRCPC, DABOMDr. Megha Poddar is an endocrinologist and obesity medicine specialist. She serves as Medical Director of the Medical Weight Management Centre of Canada and is an author of the Canadian Adult Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines. She has published extensively in obesity management and holds an academic appointment as an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at McMaster University. Her clinical work focuses on evidence-based obesity treatment, including pharmacotherapy and long-term weight management.
Missed this session? Registration includes every replay, fully accredited for ANCC contact hours.

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Chronic kidney disease in primary care: interpretation, protection, and referral
September 29, 2026
8 to 9:30 PM ETLearning objectives
Interpret eGFR and urine ACR patterns and trends to confirm and stage CKD appropriately in primary care.
Apply evidence-based strategies to slow CKD progression and reduce complications, including blood pressure optimization, kidney protective pharmacotherapy when indicated, and medication safety considerations.
Identify high-risk features and progression patterns that warrant nephrology referral, urgent assessment, or closer follow-up planning.
Speaker
Dr. Philip McFarlane, MD, PhD, FRCP(C)Dr. Philip McFarlane is a nephrologist specializing in chronic kidney disease and diabetes. He serves as Medical Director of Home Dialysis and Chief Nephrologist of the Live Kidney Donor Program at St. Michael’s Hospital, and is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto.
Missed this session? Registration includes every replay, fully accredited for ANCC contact hours.

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Type 2 diabetes in primary care: reducing complications and saving lives
October 13, 2026
8 to 9:30 PM ETLearning objectives
Communicate the importance of timely intervention to reduce complications in diabetes management.
Utilize appropriate guideline-directed therapies within an outcome-focused framework.
Safely initiate and titrate basal insulin therapy in appropriate individuals.
Speaker
Dr. Alice Y.Y. Cheng, MD, FRCPCDr. Alice Y.Y. Cheng is an endocrinologist at Trillium Health Partners and St. Michael’s Hospital and an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto. She served as Chair of the 2013 Diabetes Canada Clinical Practice Guidelines and contributed to guideline development from 2003 to 2020. She has held international leadership roles in diabetes education and has received national and international awards recognizing her contributions to diabetes care.
Missed this session? Registration includes every replay, fully accredited for ANCC contact hours.

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Cognitive change in primary care
October 19, 2026
8 to 9:30 PM ETLearning objectives
Describe a structured approach to cognitive screening and assessment of reversible contributors.
Differentiate delirium from cognitive impairment using clinical features and identify when urgent assessment is required.
Identify indications for referral and outline follow-up planning, caregiver supports, and community resources.
Speaker
Dr. Samir K. Sinha, MD, DPhil, FRCPC, FCAHS, AGSFDr. Samir Sinha is a geriatrician and health policy leader. He serves as Director of Health Policy Research at the National Institute on Ageing at Toronto Metropolitan University and is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto. He is a Staff Geriatrician at Sinai Health and previously served as Director of Geriatrics for Sinai Health and the University Health Network. He has advised the Government of Canada on seniors’ health and dementia strategy and led the development of Canada’s National Long-Term Care Services Standard.

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Practical ECG interpretation for primary care
October 20, 2026
8 to 9:30 PM ETLearning objectives
Recognize common ECG findings encountered in primary care and understand their clinical significance.
Apply ECG findings to guide initial management decisions and appropriate follow-up in presentations such as chest pain, palpitations, and syncope.
Identify high-risk ECG patterns and clinical contexts that warrant ED referral or urgent cardiology assessment.
Speaker
Rodolfo Pike, MN, NPRodolfo “Rody” Pike is an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner specializing in heart function care in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. He practices in a busy heart function clinic and has extensive experience in cardiac education and guideline-informed care. He serves on the Executive Board of the Canadian Heart Failure Society and contributes to national heart failure initiatives and guideline updates.

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Navigating reproductive choice: clinical pathways for contraception and medical abortion
October 27, 2026
8 to 9:30 PM ETLearning objectives
Apply a structured, patient-centred framework to support reproductive decision-making in primary care across contraception and medical abortion.
Prescribe contraception and medical abortion safely and confidently, including medication selection, dosing, counselling on expected bleeding and side effects, pain management, and follow-up planning.
Recognize contraindications, warning signs, and complications that require urgent assessment, procedural management, or specialist referral.
Speaker
Dr. Dustin Costescu, MD, FRCSCDr. Dustin Costescu is an obstetrician-gynaecologist and internationally recognized leader in family planning and complex contraception. He has played a key role in advancing the approval and implementation of mifepristone in Canada and in integrating transgender care into general OB/GYN practice. His work focuses on expanding access to evidence-based sexual and reproductive health care and strengthening systems of care for diverse populations.

How does it work?
14 accredited online sessions across 2 terms in 2026. Register once for full access, then join live or watch the recordings anytime on our platform.
Each session runs 90 minutes:
Specialist-led teaching: a deep dive into a high-impact clinical topic.
Case-based discussion: applied learning with real-world scenarios.
Live Q&A: ask the specialist your practice questions.
Complete the series to earn 21.0 ANCC contact hours. A certificate of completion is available for learners who meet activity requirements.
Who should attend?
This series is designed for NPs in primary care, including those in specialized roles who want to maintain a broad clinical knowledge base. We also welcome other primary care clinicians seeking practical, evidence-based education focused on frontline decision-making.
Content assumes a foundational understanding of primary care and suits both early-career and experienced clinicians.
Testimonials
FAQs
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They are designed to complement one another:
Primary Care Expert Series: Specialist-led deep dives into nuanced, high-impact topics. These sessions focus on "gray area" decision-making and include live Q&A.
Primary Care Review Course: A comprehensive, end-to-end clinical refresher covering the full scope of primary care. This is a structured, self-paced curriculum designed to strengthen clinical reasoning and review the presentations and conditions encountered across primary care.
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Yes. NP Circle is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. This activity is designated for 21.0 ANCC contact hours, including approximately 9.0 pharmacology hours. ANCC contact hours are accepted by the AANP Certification Board for NP recertification.
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Yes. Registration remains open throughout the year. New registrants receive access to the full 14-session curriculum library, including all past recordings and calendar invites for upcoming live dates.
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Yes. Every session is recorded and uploaded to your dashboard for on-demand learning.
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No. While the content is tailored for NPs, the series is open to all clinicians interested in strengthening their primary care expertise.
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NP Circle is founded and led by NPs. Our team plans, reviews, and moderates every program, with needs assessments guiding the topics we cover and the clinical questions we address.
We bring together expert NPs, physicians, pharmacists, and other specialists so learners can benefit from the depth of knowledge and clinical experience across disciplines. Faculty are selected for their topic expertise, teaching ability, and the practical value they bring to NP practice.
Interested in teaching with us? Apply here.
Platinum Supporters
Thank you for supporting evidence-based education for NPs.
Additional supporters will be announced soon.
Learn with primary care clinicians across North America
$249 for all 14 sessions
Registration is still open and includes every past recording. Prices shown in CAD. USD pricing available at checkout.

