UBC panel examines how academic institutions can reduce stigma of drug use

Dr. Parhar, a family physician and Executive Associate Dean of Clinical Partnerships and Professionalism at UBC's faculty of medicine, said the issue of stigma is something that comes up all the time when he's treating patients, and can be a barrier to effective treatment.

"I often think in my practice, 'Are patients not telling me about their substance use patterns or am I not asking the right questions?'" he told Stephen Quinn, host of CBC's The Early Edition.

"That's why I'm really keen to get input and learn from the real experts — those living with this illness, those that are affected, family members, frontline workers."