At Ruth Ruttan & Assoc., 25 years of conferences is a really Big deal! Join us as we celebrate our 25th conference!
Why Should you Attend The 25th Ruth Ruttan Multidisciplinary Footcare Conference?
Here are 5 reasons why…
- Participate in a multidisciplinary approach to holistic footcare management.
- Maximize your awareness of services and products.
- Expand your knowledge in a highly specialized field that is expeditiously growing.
- Network with key opinion leaders focused on the health of the lower extremities.
- Build brand awareness and relationships with colleagues.
Details will be updated on our website as they become available! Don’t miss out!
Speakers
Pathophysiology and Treatment Options for Ulcers due to Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) and Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFUs)
Dr. Michael Stacey, MBBS, FRACS
With more than 30 years’ experience as a vascular surgeon, Dr. Stacey continues his clinical work in vascular surgery at Hamilton Health Sciences and is a consultant for hospitals and biomedical companies in clinical practice, research, and physician leadership.
Originally from Australia, Dr. Stacey has established active research programs in wound healing in both Australia and Canada. He is the lead of the Canadian Consensus Statement on the management of Venous Leg Ulcers. He previously established a multidisciplinary diabetic foot ulcer clinic and a venous leg ulcer clinic in Australia and is working to establish similar clinics in Canada.
Dr. Stacey’s presentation will review the pathophysiology of DFUs and PAD ulcers and how these both lead to impaired microcirculation and an impaired healing process. The principles of standard treatments to improve microcirculation and wound healing for these wounds will be covered, including a new approach using muscle pump activation to improve microcirculation and to improve wound healing.
Gout – A Practical Overview
Dr. Timothy Kwok, MD MSc FRCPC
Dr. Kwok is a rheumatologist based at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and the University of Toronto. His research program focuses on gathering evidence using real-world and EMR data to improve the quality of care delivered to patients with gout. Dr. Kwok’s presentation will cover the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, co-morbidities, and general management of gout. He will specifically focus on practical approaches and tips to identify gout from a wound care perspective.
Rethinking Osteoarthritis: From Wear-and-Tear to Comprehensive Joint Health
Dr. Tom Appleton, MD, PhD, FRCPC
Tom is passionate about rheumatology research, communication, and clinical care. He speaks all over the world on osteoarthritis, rheumatology, and digital health. Tom is Division Head of Rheumatology at St. Joseph’s Health Care London and Western University. He founded the Western Ontario Registry for Early Osteoarthritis (WOREO) Knee Study and the Synovial Translational Biology Laboratory at Western. As a clinician scientist, his research focuses on the resolution of inflammation in osteoarthritis and other forms of arthritis. Tom is a past director of the Ontario Rheumatology Association (ORA) and past chair of the Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA) Scientific Committee. He now serves as is an advisor to Arthritis Society Canada and as chair of the ORA Informatics Committee.
This presentation will explore the evolution of our understanding of osteoarthritis (OA), moving beyond the traditional “wear-and-tear” narrative toward a more nuanced view of OA as a complex, whole-joint disease. The session will also emphasize modern, evidence-based management strategies that focus on risk reduction, early intervention, and maintaining joint function—providing allied health professionals with practical insights for delivering holistic, patient-centered care.
We will examine historical perspectives and highlight key advances that have reshaped our understanding of OA pathophysiology, including the roles of inflammation, biomechanics, and joint organ preservation.
The Role of Physiotherapy in Foot Arthritis
Cynthia Roberts, PT
Cynthia Roberts is a Physiotherapist with over 24 years of experience who has been at Arthritis Society Canada since 2019 as a part of the Arthritis Rehabilitation and Education Program. She has worked in private practice at Canada’s National Ballet School and private home care. She has also facilitated labs on arthritis assessment and management for students at McMaster University.
Cynthia will give a brief overview of the key differences between the common types of arthritis. She will share the importance of exercise including range of motion, stretching, strengthening and balance. Activity modification may be necessary along with gait aids to protect some joints. Classic interventions of heat/ice, weight management and nutrition will also be discussed.
Arthritis & The Foot: Footwear Solutions
Samantha Ralph, C. Ped (C)
Samantha is a Canadian Certified Pedorthist with BioPed Footcare. She has been practicing at clinics across the greater Toronto area for the past 12 years. Samantha has managed multidisciplinary lower limb clinics and owns her own wellness business. Being a former high level athlete, she understands the need for optimal, pain-free movement. She strives to give her patients the best possible treatment to allow them to get back to all their favourite activities.
Samantha will review the literature and explore footwear solutions for increased comfort and function allowing those suffering with arthritis in the lower body to do more in life.
Off-the-shelf orthopedic footwear can be the difference between the reduction or worsening of pain. The importance of properly fitted shoes should not be underestimated. Samantha will explore how stack height and heel-to-toe drop are important to consider and why certain features, such as a rocker bottom sole can improve function of arthritic feet during gait.
A Nutritional Approach to Reducing Arthritis and Inflammation
Marsha Fenwick, CNP, RNCP
Marsha is a sought-after nutritionist and practitioner with over 30 years of experience in both conventional and natural healthcare. Marsha has studies at the Institute of Holistic Nutrition where she learned how the food we eat has direct effects on our bodies, specifically causing chronic inflammation and the symptoms of many diseases and illnesses.
Onychomycosis: The Challenge of Accurate Diagnosis
Dr. Irit Van-Ham, PhD
Dr. Irit Van-Ham holds a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and completed postdoctoral research at the University of Ottawa. She has extensive experience in formulation development and toxicology, having held senior leadership positions at global pharmaceutical companies and the Ontario Ministry of Health. As the Chief Technology Officer and co-founder of ToeFX Inc., Dr. Van-Ham is dedicated to advancing innovative, non-invasive treatments and diagnostics for onychomycosis.
Onychomycosis, a common fungal nail infection, requires accurate diagnosis to ensure effective treatment. However, visual diagnosis alone is often unreliable, making reliable laboratory testing essential.
In this session, Dr. Van-Ham will delve into various toenail conditions that can mimic onychomycosis. Using visual examples, she will guide attendees through the diagnostic options and introduce reliable and innovative laboratory testing shaping modern treatment approaches.
The Challenge of the Swollen Red Leg
Dr. David H. Keast, MD, CCFP, FCFP(LM)
Dr. Keast is a founding board member and Past President of the Canadian Association of Wound Care (now Wounds Canada), the founding and current Chair of the Canadian Lymphedema Framework, Secretary of the Board of Directors of the International Lymphedema Framework and President of the World Alliance for Wound and Lymphedema Care in cooperation with the World Health Organization.
He is the medical Director of the Outpatient Chronic Wound and Lymphedema Consultation Clinic at the Parkwood Institute in London.
In his presentation Dr. Keast will distinguish cellulitis from the other causes of the swollen red leg. He will discuss the risk factors of cellulitis and describe treatment and prevention approaches for cellulitis.
Lunch with Jane!
Book, chart, schedule, invoice, process payments, and run your whole practice online.
Sponsors / Exhibitors
May 30, 2025 | times: 7:30am – 5:00pm
Cost | $325.00 + HST
The Venue
Hazelton Manor
99 Peelar Road
Vaughan, Ontario
L4K 1A3
Accommodation
Courtyard by Marriott Vaughan
150 Interchange Way,
Toronto, Ontario
L4K 5P7
Phone: 1-866-239-3202
Quote: “Ruth Ruttan Conference” at time of booking.
Group Booking available until April 29th!
Become a Sponsor or Exhibitor
Celebrate with us at the 25th Ruth Ruttan Multidisciplinary Footcare Conference!
Why Attend?
Here’s Why…
❍ Contribute to essential resources that enable practitioners to meet the growing demand for Advanced Foot Health solutions.
❍ Support professional development in a rapidly expanding and specialized market.
❍ Enhance visibility and awareness of your products and services.
❍ Establish new accounts and strengthen existing relationships.
❍ Network with key opinion leaders dedicated to improving lower extremity health.
❍ Build brand awareness
Please note that opportunities are limited, and commitments will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Shoe Drive Information
Ruth Ruttan & Assoc. are excited to host a Shoe Drive for Homeless Connect Toronto!
Homeless Connect Toronto coordinates “one-stop-shop” events for individuals at-risk-of and experiencing homelessness in Toronto.
These events bring together essential resources on housing, employment, ID clinics, health care including Footcare and other services under one roof for those at risk of or experiencing homelessness in Toronto.
Each year some wonderful nurses volunteered their time to provide Footcare at these events. Visit the Homeless Connect booth at this year’s conference and find out how you can get involved!
We will be collecting gently used adult shoes & boots with a preference for closed toe shoes, running shoes, work shoes and flats. Boots will be in high demand..
Contact Information
For more information call 905-478-1977 or email ruth@ruthruttan.com