GENERAL INFORMATION
The OAG International Symposium on Liver and IBD and Key GI Meetings Review is now in its 19th year and will be held in-person at Queen’s Landing Hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario on May 29-31, 2026. We are so pleased to be back in the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake again this year. We are set to enjoy this quaint town, and our Symposium venue for the many offerings they offer us. We can avail ourselves of the best of both worlds - taking in and enjoying the elements and making it a great learning environment for all.
This year our Symposium has been extended to a full-day session and is designed to offer riveting scientific talks given by engaging, high-calibre speakers that will be sure to hold your attention. The ever-popular industry sponsored Short Snapper Sessions are back, and we hope you will find them informative. And as always, the goal is for our delegates to take what they have learned back to their respective clinics/practices.
Our Symposium mobile app is interactive so plan to take some time to download it, visit with our sponsors, and have some fun while participating in our Gamification Mystery Box draw!
As always, we have coupled this scientific program with a unique social program that will bring some togetherness and collegiality among friends and colleagues. Our President’s Dinners are mutually beneficial events as they allow us to meet and greet with our industry partners, sponsors and gastroenterology colleagues alike to learn about the emerging trends in the industry. Dr. Bollegala always has the right prescription that will allow you to feel better before you leave! Plan to attend!
OUR OAG BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE
President
Dr. Daniel Green, Oshawa, ON Past President
Dr. Emily Ching, Burlington, ON Vice President
Dr. Natasha Bollegala, Toronto, ON Treasurer
Dr. Lee Roth, Toronto, ON Secretary
Dr. Mohammad Yaghoobi, Hamilton, ON
DIRECTORS
Dr. Brian Chan, Scarborough, ON Dr. Morven Cunningham, Toronto, ON Dr. Kyle Fortinsky, Barrie, ON
Dr. Keith McIntosh, London, ON Dr. Ilan Medad, Toronto, ON
Dr. David Morgan, Hamilton, ON Dr. Imran Rasul, Mississauga, ON Dr. Scott Shulman, North Bay, ON
Dr. Laura Targownik, Toronto, ON
Dr. Elaine Yeung, Scarborough, ON
2025 - 2026 ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
Dr. Natasha Bollegala, Toronto, ON, Symposium Chair
Dr. Daniel Green, Oshawa, ON, President
Dr. Anshul Arora, London, ON
Dr. Brian Chan, Scarborough, ON
Dr. Morven Cunningham, Toronto, ON
Dr. Vivian Huang, Toronto, ON
Dr. Jeff McCurdy, Ottawa, ON
Dr. Cassandra Townsend, London, ON
Dr. Elaine, Yeung, Scarborough, ON
Ms. Melonie Hart, Markham, ON
CONTACT US
Ontario Association of Gastroenterology 2800 14th Avenue, Suite 210, Markham, Ontario L3R 0E4
Tel: (416) 494-7233 | Toll Free: 1-866-560-7585 | Fax: (416) 491-1670 Email: info@gastro.on.ca | Website: www.gastro.on.ca
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
On behalf of the Ontario Association of Gastroenterology (OAG), I invite you to join us in the heart of wine country for our 19th Annual Liver and IBD Symposium. Now in our second year back in Niagara-on the-Lake, we have curated a program even more exciting and clinically relevant than the last. This exceptional event is a testament to the hard work of our Meeting Chair, Natasha Bollegala and Organizing Committee, whose dedicated planning has ensured a high-caliber experience for every attendee.
This year’s event features an excellent faculty joining us from across the country and from across the ocean. Our esteemed Keynote Speakers will address the most critical topics of our everyday practice, providing you with the insights necessary to maintain excellence in patient care.
Don’t miss this opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and elevate your expertise in one of Ontario’s most beautiful settings. Register today!
With warm regards,
ONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF
Daniel Green
GASTROENTEROLOGY
Daniel Green, MD, FRCPC President and Symposium Chair
HOTEL INFORMATION
HOTEL INFORMATION
Visit the OAG website @ gastro.on.ca/events to register and make your hotel reservations.
Queen's Landing
155 Byron Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0
Tel: (905) 468-2195
Queen’s Landing Hotel was built in 1990, and its architecture reflects the Georgian Era, with Neoclassical elements like the exterior Venetian windows and heavy pediments. Inside, you’ ll find marble flooring, epic murals, brilliant stained-glass ceilings, and a romantic sweeping staircase. And when you step outside, you’ll see panoramic views of the harbour and Niagara River.
With 140 updated guest rooms, spacious meeting facilities, and five-star Tiara Restaurant and Bacchus Lounge, our grand hotel mixes modern boutique chic rooms with Old World elegance and history.
MOBILE APP
Watch your inbox for the launch of our Symposium Mobile App!
Organizing and enjoying your time at the OAG 19th Annual International Symposium on Liver and IBD... and Key GI Meetings Review has just become more convenient with our Mobile App. The App is your resource for all the information pertaining to the Symposium. View the program, bookmark sessions, make notes for your personal schedule, and learn about the speakers and sponsors. Log in to the app ahead of the Symposium to familiarize yourself with the event and all that is planned.
Watch your inbox for the launch of our Symposium Mobile App. You will need it as we are paperless.
WELCOME MESSAGE
MESSAGE FROM THE SYMPOSIUM CHAIR
Dear Colleagues,
We look forward to welcoming you to the 2026 Ontario Association of Gastroenterology (OAG) Liver and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Symposium in beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake.
This weekend will be an exciting opportunity to combine novel developments in the areas of research, clinical guidelines and expert opinion, all with common goal of advancing the interests of practicing gastroenterologists and patient care.
We have a robust symposium platform with national and international experts presenting and have planned a comprehensive review of major meeting highlights.
Of course, we have a fabulous opportunity to dine under the stars in a vineyard while enjoying a rare opportunity to network with your provincial colleagues.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Warm regards,
ONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF GASTROENTEROLOGY
Natasha
Natasha Bollegala, BSc. (Hons), MD, MSc., FRCPC Vice President and Symposium Chair
PROGRAM
PROGRAM AT A GLANCE
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm Registration
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2026 ROOM
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm President’s Welcome Dinner
SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2026
7:00 am - 3:30 pm Registration
7:00 am - 9:30 am Breakfast UNACCREDITED PROGRAM
7:30 am - 8:30 am Industry Short Snapper Sessions - Part 1
7:30 am – 7:45 am From Curiosity to Clinic: Practical Intestinal Ultrasound (IUS) for the Busy Gastroenterologist Speaker: Dr. Zane Gallinger
Sponsored by:
7:45 am – 8:00 am Beyond the Plaques: IL-23, TNF-Induced Psoriasis, and Co Management of PsO/IBD Patients
Sponsored by:
Speaker: Dr. Mohannad Abu-Hilal
8:00 am – 8:15 am Going Deep: Deciphering Disease Clearance in UC Speaker: Dr. Rocio Sedano
Sponsored by:
8:15 am – 8:30 am Question and Answer Period
Moderator: Dr. Elaine Yeung
MORNING SOCIAL EVENTS
8:30 am - 9:00 am Companion and Children’s Program [Meet at bike venue]
8:30 am - 12:00 pm Guided Bike Tour and Wine/Cider Tasting
11:30 am - 12:00 pm Arrive at Queen’s Landing Hotel
ACCREDITED PROGRAM
8:40 am - 8:50 am Welcome and Opening Remarks
Speakers: Dr. Daniel Green, MD, FRCPC Dr. Natasha Bollegala, Hon BSc., MD, MSc., FRCPC LIVER
8:50 am - 9:10 am Pruritis for Cholestatic Liver Disease
Speaker: Dr. Julie Tan
9:10 am - 9:30 am Hepatitis B Speaker: Dr. David Wong
9:30 am - 9:50 am Work-up of Incidentally Identified Liver Lesions
Speaker: Dr. Sergio Rangel Suarez
9:50 am - 10:10 am Question and Answer Period
Moderator: Dr. Morven Cunningham
PROGRAM
PROGRAM AT A GLANCE
SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2026 CONTINUED ROOM
10:10 am – 10:40 am Nutrition Break
IBD
10:40 am – 11:20 am KEYNOTE ADDRESS #1: Fatigue in IBD: How to investigate and how to treat?
Speaker: Dr. AIlsa Hart (VIRTUAL PRESENTATION)
11:20 am – 11:40 am Can we de-escalate therapies in IBD?
Speaker: Dr. John Marshall
11:40 am – 12:00 pm When do we Operate in IBD?
Speaker: Dr. Mantaj Brar
12:00 pm – 12:20 pm Question and Answer Period
Moderator: Dr. Cassandra Townsend
12:20 pm – 1:20 pm Lunch
IBD
1:20 pm - 1:55 pm KEYNOTE ADDRESS #2: How to Manage IBD Therapies with or after Cancer
1:55 pm - 2:30 pm
Speaker: Dr. Jordan Axelrod
KEYNOTE ADDRESS #3: Obesity in IBD
Speaker: Dr. Deepak Parakel
2:30 pm - 2:55 pm Question and Answer Period
Moderator: Dr. Vivian Huang
2:55 pm – 3:00 pm Closing Remarks
Speaker: Dr. Natasha Bollegala, Hon BSc., MD, MSc., FRCPC
EVENING SOCIAL EVENTS
6:00 pm - 11:00 pm Registration Open
5:00 pm - 11:00 pm Children’s Program: Dinner & A Movie
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Bus Departs @ 5:30 pm Sharp for Winery
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Cocktail Reception (in between the vines)
7:00 pm - 11:00 pm President’s Gathering: Vintage Escapade
SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2026
7:30 am - 12:30 pm Registration Open
7:30 am - 9:30 am Breakfast
UNACCREDITED PROGRAM
7:30 am - 8:30 am Industry Short Snapper Sessions - Part 2
7:30 am – 7:45 am Back to the Future of IBD
Speaker: Dr. Jason Reinglas Sponsored by:
PROGRAM
PROGRAM AT A GLANCE
SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2026 CONTINUED
7:45 am – 8:00 am Vaccines before Biologics: What Every IBD Provider Should Know
Sponsored by:
Speaker: Dr. Cara Pray
8:00 am – 8:15 am Question and Answer Period
Moderator: Dr. Daniel Green, MD, FRCPC
ACCREDITED PROGRAM
8:40 am - 8:45 am Opening Remarks
Speaker: Dr. Natasha Bollegala, Hon BSc., MD, MSc., FRCP
IBD/LIVER
8:45 am – 9:30 am Case Presentations (Interactive):
Speakers: Dr. Deepak Parakel
Dr. David Wong
Dr. Sanjay Murthy
Moderator: Dr. Jeff McCurdy
IBD
9:30 am – 10:05 am KEYNOTE ADDRESS #4– Dysplasia and Neoplasia in IBD
Speaker: Dr. Sanjay Murthy
10:05 am – 10:20 am Question and Answer Period
Moderator: Dr. Jeff McCurdy
10:20 am – 10:50 am Nutrition Break
POST DDW
10:50 am – 11:10 am Key Abstracts on IBD
Speaker: Dr. Cassandra Townsend
11:10 am – 11:30 am Key Abstracts in Therapeutic Liver
Speaker: Dr. Nashla Hamdan Perez
11:30 am – 11:50 am Key Abstracts in Therapeutic Endoscopy
Speaker: Dr. Daniel Low
11:50 am – 12:10 pm Key Abstracts in General GI
Speaker: Dr. Mandip Rai
12:10 pm – 12:30 pm Question and Answer Period
Moderator: Dr. Suraj Sharma
12:30 pm – 12:40 pm Closing Remarks
Speaker: Dr. Natasha Bollegala, Hon BSc., MD, MSc., FRCPC
ROOM
PROGRAM
SYMPOSIUM LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. To provide a comprehensive update on topics pertaining to inflammatory bowel disease and hepatology.
2. To bridge the gap between research, guidelines and clinical care through education.
3. To review the highlights from recent international conferences such as Digestive Diseases Week, European Crohn’s and Colitis Organization, American Association of the Study of Liver Diseases etc.
4. To provide gastroenterologists an opportunity to network with colleagues and field experts to advance the interests of patient care.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
This event is an accredited group learning activity (Section 2) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) and approved by the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology.
CANMEDS ROLES
Through this program the CanMEDS roles of medical expert, communicator, collaborator, leader, scholar and professional will be covered.
THINGS TO DO AROUND TOWN
Best known as Canada’s Niagara wine region, a visit to Niagara-on-the-Lake isn’t complete without touring a local winery. If you’re sipping your way through town, you might also try one of the craft breweries and distilleries in the area.
This quaint village also offers many outdoor activities, including great guided and self-guided cycling tours. Experience charming old-world architecture and a wealth of history at Fort George National Historic Site. View the Niagara River, Fort Niagara and New York State from the iconic gazebo at Queen’s Royal Park in downtown Niagara-on-the-Lake. And don’t forget the iconic Shaw Festival Theatre! Check out the attractions here.
PRESIDENT’S WELCOME DINNER
Join us for an evening with sumptuous food and drinks at your leisure!
Dress code: SMART Casual
QUEEN’S LANDING HOTEL | NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ON FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2026 • 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
OAG GAMIFICATION
Mystery Box
RULES:
Open to OAG member Symposium registrants only!
SECRET GAMIFICATION WORDS will be scattered throughout the mobile app, within instructional e-mails, sponsor videos in the mobile app, at sponsor booths and during presentations. When you find a Gamification word, simply type the word into the Gamification section of the mobile app to earn points. Top two Point Leaders win a Mystery Box!
Draw will take place at the Closing Remarks on Sunday.
There are two prizes! You must be present to win!
VISIT OUR SPONSORS
Delegates are encouraged to visit the sponsors in the Exhibit Hall and view the latest developments in the field.
OPEN HOURS
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2026
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm ET
SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2026
7:00 am - 9:30 am ET
10:10 am - 10:40 am ET 12:20 pm - 1:20 pm ET
SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2026
7:30 am - 9:30 am ET 10:20 am - 10:50 am ET
IN-PERSON SYMPOSIUM
president's GATHERING
Vintage Vintage
Dress code: SMART Casual
Escapade
Queen’s Landing Hotel, 155 Byron Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
SATURDAY, MAY 30 u u
2026
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM – Cocktail Reception 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM – Dinner Dance
CHATEAU DES CHARMES | 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
SECRET GARDEN SPA
(Prince of Wales Hotel)
6 Picton Street
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, L0S 1J0
Tel: 905 468 3246/1-888-669-5566
Web: www.vintage-hotels.com/prince-of-wales/ secret-garden-spa/
Relax, Rejuvenate and Restore the body and soul!!
Immerse yourself in an oasis of serenity at one of Niagara’s top spas. Our highly skilled specialists at Secret Garden Spa work their magic with relaxing spa treatments, including massage, facials, body wraps, manicures, pedicures and holistic care. Our full-service spa aesthetic is inspired by Victorian gardens with lush floral and wood accents and is designed to soothe your soul in a calming atmosphere. Check their website for services offered or contact the spa concierge who can be of assistance.
100 FOUNTAIN SPA
(Pillar and Post Inn & Spa)
48 John Street West
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0
Tel: (905) 468-2123/1-888-669-5566
Web: www.visitniagaracanada.com/do/ 100-fountain-spa-at-pillar-and-post/
Rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit at the 100 Fountain Spa at Pillar and Post, in Niagara-on-the-Lake. You will feel refreshed with the extensive range of massages, facials and body treatments at this spa. Experience bliss when you are in the hands of skilled massage therapists and skincare professionals. Spa amenities also include a hot spring pool, indoor saltwater pool and heated outdoor pool. Be sure to check out their spa menu and book today!
BOOK 100 FOUNTAIN SPA TODAY!
BOOK SECRET GARDEN SPA TODAY!
RAFFLE FOR THE “RAFFLES” CROWD!
Purchase a raffle ticket during the OAG Symposium for an opportunity to win wonderful prizes!
Investing in a child’s future is an easy task with many rewards. Not only are you helping to fight hunger in our own backyard but you will be helping to free children and their families from poverty. Your small investment in a child’s life has a powerful impact. Participate in our raffle for a chance to win a prize, to be drawn at the President's Gathering. Proceeds from this raffle will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank.
Draw will be held at the President's Gathering. [You must be present to win!] RAFFLE
# TIME TO GET SOCIAL! Join OAG on social media!
Share your experience with us this year during the OAG International Symposium on Liver and IBD Review by following us on Twitter @ontario_gastros . We will be posting all that is happening for and at the Symposium using the hashtag #IBDliver2026
Make sure you include this hashtag in your posts to stay connected!
CHILDREN’S PROGRAM
Dinner, Popcorn and a Movie
Queen's Landing Hotel
Saturday, May 30, 2026
5:00 - 6:00 pm: Registration
5:00 - 11:00 pm: Program/Activities
Featuring
• Games
• Dance Party
CHILDREN'S PROGRAM
Pre-registration is required. Open to children ages 4 - 12.
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
COMPANION & TEEN PROGRAM
COMPANION & TEEN PROGRAM - BIKE RIDE
Enjoy the Morning Bicycle Tour and Wine Tasting we have planned for you and your family on Saturday, May 30, 2026! Our fully guided Bicycle Tour and wine/cider tasting at two wineries are perfect for those looking to experience Niagara-on-the-Lake wine country and still have time in the afternoon to see some of the other sights or go to the theatre! This is the best way to start your day! And tandem bikes are available.
PRICE: $69 plus HST
AGE: 16 +
SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2026 • 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! 2026 EVENT
Annual
In-person Event
Automotive Building Exhimition Place
October 23-25, 2026
Non-Cancellation Will Cost You...
Did you know that as an OAG member, if you register for the OAG Symposium, but do not attend, your nonattendance costs the OAG approximately $1,000 (Hotel accommodation, breakfasts, dinners, nutrition breaks and administration?) The OAG office is required to give guarantees to the hotel/venue at least four (4) business days prior to the beginning of any Symposium. Therefore, by giving meal number guarantees you are included in the hotel room count and meal numbers for the entire Symposium unless you notify our office, within the time specified, that you are cancelling your registration. It is the fiduciary responsibility of the Board of Directors to ensure that the OAG’s monies are spent wisely.
The OAG has implemented a policy for Symposium delegates – it is mandatory that you provide a valid credit card number to register for the Symposium and specific events. Your credit card will not be charged unless you do not attend and neglect to notify the OAG office by the cancellation deadline (as indicated on the registration form.) The amount that will be charged to your credit card is the fee for one night’s hotel accommodation and your meals – approximately $1,000.
If you need to cancel your registration, please refer to the Symposium registration form and contact the OAG office - you will receive a cancellation number as your validation.
