First, Do Nothing? When Restraint Is the Most Responsible Care - Educational Event
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Tuesday, February 10, 2026
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
EPCMS @ Pikes Peak United Way
518 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
When is doing nothing the most responsible medical decision? This EPCMS panel brings together physicians from pediatrics, emergency medicine, family medicine, and neurology to explore the clinical judgment required to choose restraint over intervention. Through real-world cases and cross-specialty perspectives, panelists will examine watchful waiting, managing uncertainty, patient expectations, and the system pressures that drive over-intervention. Designed for practicing physicians, this discussion centers on evidence-based decision-making, professional discernment, and the confidence to pause when pausing is the right call.
What you’ll take away:
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- Differentiate clinical scenarios in which watchful waiting or non-intervention is evidence-based and appropriate across pediatric, emergency, family medicine, and neurologic care settings.
- Identify strategies for communicating non-intervention decisions to patients and families in high-anxiety or high-expectation situations while maintaining trust and shared decision-making.
- Recognize system-level and cognitive pressures that contribute to over-intervention and apply clinical judgment frameworks to mitigate unnecessary testing and treatment.
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Robert P. Lam, MD, FAAEM, is a senior partner at Emergency Physician Specialists, a democratic, independent group based in Colorado Springs. As the Director of Physician Wellness for UCHealth in the Southern Region, Dr. Lam spearheads the development and execution of comprehensive wellness programs. His innovative approach includes an individual resilience curriculum, peer support, and initiatives aimed at fostering social connectedness, collegiality, and communication excellence, all designed to enhance patient and clinician experiences across Southern Colorado.Dr. Lam also serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and is the Director of Medical Education for Emergency Physician Specialists. He guides future leaders in emergency medicine with a rigorous training and education regimen. Dr. Lam’s academic journey began at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, followed by an emergency medicine residency at Truman Medical Center in Kansas City, where he developed a deep passion for emergency care.Dr. Lam has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the CU Golden Stethoscope Award for Outstanding Clinical Preceptor in Emergency Medicine. He is a sought-after speaker at national conferences, particularly on topics related to physician well-being and medical education.From 2015 to 2021, Dr. Lam founded and chaired the Wellness Committee for the American Academy of Emergency Medicine (AAEM), where he was instrumental in initiating several key programs, including a resilience curriculum at the AAEM’s annual Scientific Assembly, a resilience column in EM News, and the authorship of significant position statements. His leadership also contributed to the establishment of National Physician Suicide Awareness Day in collaboration with national emergency medicine organizations.In 2021, Dr. Lam was honored with the prestigious AAEM James Keaney Leadership Award. His ongoing contributions continue to significantly impact the field of emergency medicine, enhancing physician well-being and advancing standards in medical education and patient care.
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Dr. Bagnall knew that she wanted to be a pediatrician early in life and it has been a wonderful decision for her! She loves watching each stage of development in kids and feels it is a privilege to help children grow into healthy adults. She loves working at Iron Horse Pediatrics and feels she has found her voice for children! Dr. Bagnall's family moved from the Midwest to Colorado to enjoy the wealth of activities Colorado has to offer. When not working, she enjoys skiing, yoga, cooking and spending time with her husband and active little boy.
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My philosophy of care is rooted in the belief that primary care extends far beyond the treatment of physical ailments. I am committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care that takes into account the diverse needs, values and goals of each patient within the community I serve. I strive to foster a trusting and collaborative relationship with my patients, empowering them to actively participate in their own health care journey in addition to providing empathy, guidance and education during uncertain times. By taking the time to get a deep understanding of each patient’s medical history, preferences and goals, I can tailor treatments and interventions that are aligned with their unique needs. I want to be your trusted local family medicine physician, and I aim to empower my patients to lead healthier, happier lives within their community. I enjoy doing projects around the house, hiking, biking, going to the gym, and spending time with my dog.
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Dr. Jesal Patel is a board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist. He joined the Colorado Springs location of Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers in 2015. Dr. Patel has a strong interest in colorectal cancers. A collaborative approach to care is important to Dr. Patel’ s practice strategy. He is active on gastrointestinal, lung, head and neck, and breast cancer tumor boards, working closely with pathologists, radiologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists and other subspecialties. In presenting and consulting on cancer cases, Dr. Patel can ensure his patients benefit from the shared knowledge of multiple cancer experts in planning their treatment options. He has a true commitment to treating his patients with compassion and understanding. He strives to provide evidence-based, cutting-edge cancer treatment options to his patients.
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Dr. MacDonald is a physician with 30 years of experience in Family Medicine, Neuroscience and Clinical Research. She used to be very active as a hiker, and a skydiver, until her body started betraying her time after time. She knows firsthand what it is like to go through years of struggle and finally quit work due to Fibromyalgia. When she found the Guaifenesin Protocol, it made so much sense and she did not understand why it is so unknown in the medical community. After making remarkable recovery herself, she established a new mission to care for Fibromyalgia patients and hopes to further the cause for research in this field. Dr. MacDonald has trained under Dr. Paul St. Amand who wrote the book “What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Fibromyalgia”. Previously, she was an Integrative Medicine subject-matter expert for the military and is also trained in biofeedback and other non-drug modalities for alleviating pain and anxiety and improving sleep. She is thrilled to once again be able to take care of people and help them back to health! Dr. MacDonald offers whole-person, relationship-based, integrative medical care and rehabilitation for Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS). The medical standard of care for Fibromyalgia is uninformed about a safe and effective way to reverse the symptoms of this terrible illness. This treatment is called the Guaifenesin Protocol, as developed by Dr. Paul St. Amand. Go beyond standard approaches for symptom management and start on your path to wellness again! You deserve to be cared for by a physician who understands your illness and has personally experienced recovery on the Guaifenesin Protocol. Let’s work together to remember what “normal” is! You deserve it!
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Dinner will be provided by Modern Market Eatery with a mix of protein and vegetarian options, plus non‑alcoholic beverages including seltzer, and water.
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© 2026 El Paso County Medical Society. All rights reserved.
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