FAQ
What is the St. Paul’s Hospital CME Conference for Primary Care?
St. Paul’s Hospital CME Conference for Primary Care (SPH CME) is Canada’s second-largest annual conference for family physicians and primary care providers. This conference offers a valuable opportunity to refresh your knowledge about primary care medicine and revitalize your enthusiasm for the field. The conference provides an evidence-based review of practical information and new trends and discusses controversial topics useful for primary care clinicians practicing in urban or rural areas. Additionally, SPH CME features workshops and activities aimed at clinician wellness, an extensive Exhibit Hall, and social events that allow attendees to recharge and network with peers and colleagues.
Who attends the SPH CME Conference?
Physicians, residents, international medical graduates, nurses, nurse practitioners, and other primary care providers and professionals.
When and where is the 2025 SPH CME taking place?
November 18 – 21, 2025, Vancouver, BC.
What is the main focus of the 2025 SPH CME Conference?
This year, the educational activities will focus on providing a comprehensive review on Cardiology, Geriatrics, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Therapeutics & Investigations, Psychiatry & Behavioural Medicine, Oncology & Palliative Care, and Paediatrics & Gynaecology.
What is the history of the conference?
The conference originally began in 1954, with an attendance of 135 individuals and talks lasting 1.5 days in the basement of St. Paul’s Hospital. Over the years, attendance grew to around 500, prompting a move to the Hotel Vancouver. As numbers continued to climb and reached 1,000, the venue shifted to the East Building of the Vancouver Convention Centre. Today, with an attendance exceeding 1,600 participants (In-Person & Virtual), the conference is being held at the Vancouver Convention Centre West, featuring talks that span over four days.
What is new this year?
In the spirit of inclusivity and collaboration, we have updated the name of our event to the St. Paul’s Hospital CME Conference for Primary Care, removing the word “Physicians” to better reflect the diverse group of colleagues we welcome each year. Refreshed look is being introduced for the conference website, along with a newly designed icon that embodies the spirit of our event. This symbol incorporates:
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the Rod of Asclepius representing medicine
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a book symbolizing education
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a tree signifying knowledge and family
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a circle embodying community
These elements, together with our guiding themes — LEARN ~ RESTORE ~ COMMUNITY ~ CONNECT ~ MENTOR — capture the values and direction we continue to embrace.
Accessibility & special needs
Please indicate any accessibility needs or dietary restrictions during your online registration. Vegetarian options will be available at all meals and events.
Registration
How do I register for SPH CME?
Registration is available online, with Visa and Mastercard accepted. To join our registration distribution list and receive updates each year, please email registration@stpaulscme.org
What is the Main Lecture Series registration fee?
Register by August 31, 2025 | Register September 1 - October 31, 2025 | Register November 1 - 14, 2025 | |
MD/Ph.D/DO/NP In-Person / *Virtual | $995 | $1,095 | $1,195 |
Family Practice Residents In-Person / *Virtual (Limited spots available. First come, first served. Refer to registration information below) | $450 | $500 | $550 |
Optional Learning Sessions: In-Person Monday Dermoscopy Workshop: $450
Small Group Lunch Workshops: $40 each
How do I find my registration receipt?
SPH CME receipts are emailed from registration@stpaulscme.org immediately upon registration. Please check your inbox and/or junk folder. If you need it resent, please email registration@stpaulscme.org
What is your cancellation policy?
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
SPH CME 2025 Cancellation Policies for Main Lecture Series:
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Cancel by October 28th for a full refund, less a $150 processing fee. Cancellation must be received in writing.
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Cancel after October 28th – registration fees are fully non-refundable.
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Substitutions are Welcome – No processing fee applies. Registration details must be provided in writing to the CME Conference Office by November 10th to accommodate the name change. Note that the original confirmed registration type/format cannot be changed.
Changes in registration type/format from In-Person to Virtual:
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A processing administrative fee of $100 will apply.
The SPH CME is not responsible for travel, hotel, or any other expenses that attendees may incur in connection with a cancellation or changes to their attendance type/format.
SPH CME 2025 Cancellation Policy for Optional Learning Sessions:
Dermoscopy – Monday Workshop
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Cancel by October 28th a full refund will be made less a processing fee of $75.
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Cancel after October 28th – registration fees are fully non-refundable.
Small Group Lunch Workshops:
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Cancel by October 28th a full refund will be made less a processing fee of $25.
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Cancel after October 28th – registration fees are fully non-refundable.