Watch this video to learn about the different ways to manage your Crohn’s and colitis and to navigate conversations with your healthcare providers.
You will have the opportunity to hear about how managing your symptoms, finding the right medication, taking care of your mental health, and maintaining a healthy routine play a role in taking control of your inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Find out about how healthcare providers keep track of your well-being during medical visits and receive practical tips for monitoring your health at home.
Get advice and resources to prepare for your medical appointments, initiate meaningful conversations with your healthcare team, and make changes to your management plan.
Expert Speakers:
Dr. Ian Epstein
Dr. Ian Epstein, MD, FRCPC, is a prominent gastroenterologist and Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He serves as the interim co-division head of the Division of Digestive Care & Endoscopy at Dalhousie and Nova Scotia Health, where he leads clinical services focused on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), functional bowel disorders, and endoscopy. Dr. Epstein has been practicing since 2009, following his graduation from Dalhousie Medical School in 2004 and completion of internal medicine and gastroenterology training at the same institution.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Epstein is deeply involved in medical education. He served as Program Director for Dalhousie’s Internal Medicine Residency Training Program from 2013 to 2023, where he played a key role in implementing competency-based medical education. He currently holds the position of Associate Dean of Professional Affairs in the Faculty of Medicine and serves as Vice Chair of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada’s Internal Medicine Specialty Committee.
Dr. Epstein's contributions to gastroenterology and medical education have been recognized nationally. He received the 2018 Physician of the Year Award from Crohn’s and Colitis Canada for his dedication to improving IBD care.
Barbara Currie
Barbara Currie, MN, RN-NP, is a seasoned Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Nurse Practitioner at the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Since beginning her practice in 2006, she has been instrumental in advancing patient-centered care for individuals with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Her clinical interests encompass pediatric-to-adult care transitions, senior care, and improving access for marginalized communities. As a founding member of the Canadian IBD Nursing Group (CANIBD), Barbara has contributed to national initiatives, including the development of the IBD Conversation Guide. Her dedication was recognized in 2019 when she received Crohn’s and Colitis Canada’s IBD Nurse of the Year Award. Barbara is also a strong advocate for inclusive healthcare, focusing on creating supportive environments for gender-diverse patients.
Speaker with lived experience
Neetisha Lala
Neetisha Lala is an IBD advocate and volunteer from Ontario who has lived with inflammatory bowel disease since age 18. After years of managing a severely active and often invisible illness, she achieved disease control in 2018 and immediately turned her focus to supporting others facing similar challenges. Neetisha has volunteered with Crohn’s and Colitis Canada as a dedicated participant in their annual Gutsy Walk and as a Gutsy Support volunteer, where she provides peer mentorship and practical guidance to newly diagnosed individuals. Through her ongoing involvement, championing awareness of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and promoting patient-centered support, Neetisha hopes to empower fellow IBD patients across Ontario to navigate their own journeys with confidence.