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Our Team
Edmonton Office
Denise Campbell-Scherer, MD, PhD, CCFP, FCFP
ASSOCIATE DEAN, LIFELONG LEARNING AND PHYSICIAN LEARNING PROGRAM
Dr. Denise Campbell-Scherer is a Professor in the Department of Family Medicine, and the Associate Dean of the Office of Lifelong Learning and Physician Learning Program at the University of Alberta. She is Co-Lead of the Physician Learning Program, and Co-Chair of the CPD Provincial Network. She completed Medical School at the University of Toronto in 2000 and her residency in family medicine at McMaster University. She has worked in rural Northern Canada, the University of Michigan, and the University of Alberta as a family physician, with extensive experience in residency education. With a background in evidence-based clinical practice, she has been active internationally in education of multidisciplinary learners and is a past Associate Editor of BMJ, Evidence-Based Medicine (http://ebm.bmj.com).
Dr. Campbell-Scherer’s research focuses on innovations to transform clinical practice which result in change of benefit to patients, providers and the healthcare system. She heads an interdisciplinary research group, the Illuminate Lab, as well as the 5As Team Program, which aims to improve the primary care of patients living with obesity. In addition, she has been an active co-lead and co-investigator on several large national and provincial research grants including BETTER, BETTER2, and BETTERWISE projects (www.better-program.ca) that are seeking to transform primary prevention and screening of multiple conditions in diverse regions of Canada.
Dr. Denise Campbell-Scherer is a Professor in the Department of Family Medicine, and the Associate Dean of the Office of Lifelong Learning and Physician Learning Program at the University of Alberta. She is Co-Lead of the Physician Learning Program, and Co-Chair of the CPD Provincial Network. She completed Medical School at the University of Toronto in 2000 and her residency in family medicine at McMaster University. She has worked in rural Northern Canada, the University of Michigan, and the University of Alberta as a family physician, with extensive experience in residency education. With a background in evidence-based clinical practice, she has been active internationally in education of multidisciplinary learners and is a past Associate Editor of BMJ, Evidence-Based Medicine (http://ebm.bmj.com).
Dr. Campbell-Scherer’s research focuses on innovations to transform clinical practice which result in change of benefit to patients, providers and the healthcare system. She heads an interdisciplinary research group, the Illuminate Lab, as well as the 5As Team Program, which aims to improve the primary care of patients living with obesity. In addition, she has been an active co-lead and co-investigator on several large national and provincial research grants including BETTER, BETTER2, and BETTERWISE projects (www.better-program.ca) that are seeking to transform primary prevention and screening of multiple conditions in diverse regions of Canada.
Karen Hunter, MBA, PhD
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Dr. Karen Hunter joined the PLP as the Managing Director of the Edmonton office in July 2018. She first worked as a financial analyst and senior business analyst in industry, was a management professor, and moved over to academic administration in 2015. Since then, she has served as an Assistant Chair (Administration) and as an Operations Director at a UofA medical research institute. She holds undergraduate degrees in behavioural neuroscience and finance. She completed her graduate work at the University of Alberta, including an MBA (2003), and a PhD (2011) in Organizational Behaviour and Human Resource Management.
Dr. Karen Hunter joined the PLP as the Managing Director of the Edmonton office in July 2018. She first worked as a financial analyst and senior business analyst in industry, was a management professor, and moved over to academic administration in 2015. Since then, she has served as an Assistant Chair (Administration) and as an Operations Director at a UofA medical research institute. She holds undergraduate degrees in behavioural neuroscience and finance. She completed her graduate work at the University of Alberta, including an MBA (2003), and a PhD (2011) in Organizational Behaviour and Human Resource Management.
Donna Manca, MD, CCFP, FCFP, MCISc
MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Dr. Donna Patricia Manca is a Professor and the Director Quality Improvement in the Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta. Her research interests include practice based learning and research networks, implementation science, cancer and chronic disease prevention, screening, and management.
Dr. Manca became acutely aware that family physicians need to seek answers to their questions to improve their practice; however they are isolated in their practices. Family physicians lack good sources of information and lack the infrastructure to engage in practice improvement and research. She saw learning and research networks as a method to improve knowledge exchange between policy, research and practice. She is the Director of the Northern Alberta Primary Care Research Network (NAPCReN), a network contributing data to the Canadian Primary Care Research Network (CPCSSN). NAPCReN extracts information from Electronic Medical Records, cleans and structures the information for the purpose of quality improvement, surveillance and research. Participating physicians receive individualized chronic disease feedback reports on the quality of their care as compared to their peers.
Dr. Manca received the 2011 Alberta College of Family Physicians Recognition of Excellence Award for commitment to furthering primary care, community practice-based research, and she contributed to the implementation of privacy and information security system for the Canadian Primary Care Sentinel Surveillance Network which obtained the international association of privacy professionals 2013 privacy innovation award. Dr. Manca is also one of the co-founders of the BETTER Program (https://www.better-program.ca/ ), an effective, evidence based approach to chronic disease prevention and screening. Developing the program involved bringing together clinicians, policy makers, researchers and patients on projects aimed to improve chronic disease prevention. Implementation of meaningful findings into practice involved: clinical engagement; conduct of research and evaluation; blending of clinical practice guidelines to develop care pathways; and translation and dissemination of findings to various groups.
Dr. Donna Patricia Manca is a Professor and the Director Quality Improvement in the Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta. Her research interests include practice based learning and research networks, implementation science, cancer and chronic disease prevention, screening, and management.
Dr. Manca became acutely aware that family physicians need to seek answers to their questions to improve their practice; however they are isolated in their practices. Family physicians lack good sources of information and lack the infrastructure to engage in practice improvement and research. She saw learning and research networks as a method to improve knowledge exchange between policy, research and practice. She is the Director of the Northern Alberta Primary Care Research Network (NAPCReN), a network contributing data to the Canadian Primary Care Research Network (CPCSSN). NAPCReN extracts information from Electronic Medical Records, cleans and structures the information for the purpose of quality improvement, surveillance and research. Participating physicians receive individualized chronic disease feedback reports on the quality of their care as compared to their peers.
Dr. Manca received the 2011 Alberta College of Family Physicians Recognition of Excellence Award for commitment to furthering primary care, community practice-based research, and she contributed to the implementation of privacy and information security system for the Canadian Primary Care Sentinel Surveillance Network which obtained the international association of privacy professionals 2013 privacy innovation award. Dr. Manca is also one of the co-founders of the BETTER Program (https://www.better-program.ca/ ), an effective, evidence based approach to chronic disease prevention and screening. Developing the program involved bringing together clinicians, policy makers, researchers and patients on projects aimed to improve chronic disease prevention. Implementation of meaningful findings into practice involved: clinical engagement; conduct of research and evaluation; blending of clinical practice guidelines to develop care pathways; and translation and dissemination of findings to various groups.
Rose Yeung, MD, FRCPC, MPH
MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Dr. Rose Yeung is a clinical endocrinologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Alberta, Canada. Her research interests include diabetes, quality improvement in healthcare, and implementation science.
Dr. Yeung is a member of the Alliance for Canadian Health Outcomes Research in Diabetes, and is collaborating with Dr. Padma Kaul to examine the effects of ethnicity on gestational diabetes, which was recognized by the American Diabetes Association with the Vivian Fonseca Scholar Award in 2015. She has led the co-creation of an educational website diabetes-pregnancy.ca , involving women affected by diabetes in pregnancy as well as front line health care providers. She is working on co-creating improved care in endocrine and diabetes care with patients and other healthcare providers, and supporting other quality improvement and implementation science projects as the Medical Director for the Office of Lifelong Learning at the University of Alberta.
Dr. Yeung is passionate about patient education and empowerment, co-founding the Edmonton Zone Diabetes Resources Review Committee. She values broad community engagement, and is the 2018-2019 Chair for the Edmonton Area Professional Section of Diabetes Canada, and is a Core Committee Member of the Alberta Diabetes, Obesity, and Nutrition Strategic Clinical Network. She is also a board member of the Type 1 Diabetes Think Tank Network, a consortium that brings together patients and health care providers to break down communication barriers and inform more humanistic practice.
Dr. Rose Yeung is a clinical endocrinologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Alberta, Canada. Her research interests include diabetes, quality improvement in healthcare, and implementation science.
Dr. Yeung is a member of the Alliance for Canadian Health Outcomes Research in Diabetes, and is collaborating with Dr. Padma Kaul to examine the effects of ethnicity on gestational diabetes, which was recognized by the American Diabetes Association with the Vivian Fonseca Scholar Award in 2015. She has led the co-creation of an educational website diabetes-pregnancy.ca , involving women affected by diabetes in pregnancy as well as front line health care providers. She is working on co-creating improved care in endocrine and diabetes care with patients and other healthcare providers, and supporting other quality improvement and implementation science projects as the Medical Director for the Office of Lifelong Learning at the University of Alberta.
Dr. Yeung is passionate about patient education and empowerment, co-founding the Edmonton Zone Diabetes Resources Review Committee. She values broad community engagement, and is the 2018-2019 Chair for the Edmonton Area Professional Section of Diabetes Canada, and is a Core Committee Member of the Alberta Diabetes, Obesity, and Nutrition Strategic Clinical Network. She is also a board member of the Type 1 Diabetes Think Tank Network, a consortium that brings together patients and health care providers to break down communication barriers and inform more humanistic practice.
Lynora Saxinger, MD, FRCPC, CTropMed
MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Dr. Lynora Saxinger is an infectious diseases physician, whose pre- COVID work focused on antimicrobial stewardship and resistance, with evolving work in evidence synthesis, knowledge translation and science communication to the public through traditional and social media.
During the pandemic, she elected to develop a public-facing role in combating disinformation. She was co-chair of Alberta Health Services’ former COVID-19 Scientific Advisory Group and medical lead of Antimicrobial Stewardship for Northern Alberta with Alberta Health Services. Current roles that inform her work with PLP include development of broader clinical evidence synthesis support for health system practice, working with the Surgical SCN to reduce operative infection, liasing with the CPSA in antibiotic data utilization, and starting a Fellowship in Journalism and Health Impact at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health to optimize public engagement and communication. She is Professor of Medicine at the University of Alberta.
Dr. Lynora Saxinger is an infectious diseases physician, whose pre- COVID work focused on antimicrobial stewardship and resistance, with evolving work in evidence synthesis, knowledge translation and science communication to the public through traditional and social media.
During the pandemic, she elected to develop a public-facing role in combating disinformation. She was co-chair of Alberta Health Services’ former COVID-19 Scientific Advisory Group and medical lead of Antimicrobial Stewardship for Northern Alberta with Alberta Health Services. Current roles that inform her work with PLP include development of broader clinical evidence synthesis support for health system practice, working with the Surgical SCN to reduce operative infection, liasing with the CPSA in antibiotic data utilization, and starting a Fellowship in Journalism and Health Impact at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health to optimize public engagement and communication. She is Professor of Medicine at the University of Alberta.
Dr. Lee Green, MD, MPH
MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Dr. Lee Green is a practicing family physician and health services researcher at the University of Alberta, where he is Professor and immediate past Chair of the Department of Family Medicine. He is also Professor Emeritus on active status at the University of Michigan, where he is appointed to the Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation. Dr Green’s primary research interest is transformational change in primary care. He has pioneered the adaptation of cognitive science and systems engineering tools such as Cognitive Task Analysis to the study of primary care delivery, teamwork, and the Medical Home model. Related interests are the cognitive and human factors issues in use of information technology in practice, the transformation to systems-based primary care, practice guidelines development and implementation, chronic disease management, and the issues of conducting research in real-world practice settings (practice-based research networks).
Dr. Lee Green is a practicing family physician and health services researcher at the University of Alberta, where he is Professor and immediate past Chair of the Department of Family Medicine. He is also Professor Emeritus on active status at the University of Michigan, where he is appointed to the Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation. Dr Green’s primary research interest is transformational change in primary care. He has pioneered the adaptation of cognitive science and systems engineering tools such as Cognitive Task Analysis to the study of primary care delivery, teamwork, and the Medical Home model. Related interests are the cognitive and human factors issues in use of information technology in practice, the transformation to systems-based primary care, practice guidelines development and implementation, chronic disease management, and the issues of conducting research in real-world practice settings (practice-based research networks).
Khalid Aziz, MBBS, BA, MA, MEd(IT), FRCPC
MEDICAL DIRECTOR - QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
Khalid Aziz is Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and Medical Director (Quality Improvement) in the Office of Lifelong Learning at University of Alberta, Edmonton Alberta. He is also a staff neonatologist in the Edmonton Neonatal Program and Stollery Children’s Hospital, Edmonton since 2007.
He is a graduate of Guy’s Hospital Medical School, London University and received his BA Hons and MA in Neurophysiology from Cambridge University. He completed his Family Practice training in the United Kingdom before training in Pediatrics in Harrow and Oxford, England. He completed his training as a neonatologist in Edmonton, Alberta and subsequently worked as a general pediatrician in Lethbridge, Alberta (1993-6). From 1996-2007, he was a neonatologist at the Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, on faculty at Memorial University (where he received his MEd (Information Technology).
Dr. Aziz’s academic interests lie in interprofessional medical education and knowledge translation. He is editor of the EPIQ quality improvement workshop for Canadian NICUs and is a member of the Canadian Neonatal Foundation Board (a registered Canadian charity). His interests in Global Health have taken him to India, China, and Ethiopia where he has worked on projects in neonatal resuscitation, stabilization, quality improvement, and Kangaroo Mother Care.
Khalid Aziz is Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and Medical Director (Quality Improvement) in the Office of Lifelong Learning at University of Alberta, Edmonton Alberta. He is also a staff neonatologist in the Edmonton Neonatal Program and Stollery Children’s Hospital, Edmonton since 2007.
He is a graduate of Guy’s Hospital Medical School, London University and received his BA Hons and MA in Neurophysiology from Cambridge University. He completed his Family Practice training in the United Kingdom before training in Pediatrics in Harrow and Oxford, England. He completed his training as a neonatologist in Edmonton, Alberta and subsequently worked as a general pediatrician in Lethbridge, Alberta (1993-6). From 1996-2007, he was a neonatologist at the Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, on faculty at Memorial University (where he received his MEd (Information Technology).
Dr. Aziz’s academic interests lie in interprofessional medical education and knowledge translation. He is editor of the EPIQ quality improvement workshop for Canadian NICUs and is a member of the Canadian Neonatal Foundation Board (a registered Canadian charity). His interests in Global Health have taken him to India, China, and Ethiopia where he has worked on projects in neonatal resuscitation, stabilization, quality improvement, and Kangaroo Mother Care.
Ginetta Salvalaggio, MD, MSC, CCFP (AM)
MEDICAL DIRECTOR - HEALTH EQUITY, URBAN UNDERSERVED
Dr. Ginetta Salvalaggio is a Professor with the University of Alberta Department of Family Medicine, and the Associate Scientific Director of the Inner City Health and Wellness Program. She received her degree in Medicine from the University of Alberta and completed a family practice residency in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Initially practicing as a rural locum, she eventually returned to Edmonton to establish a family practice. Dr. Salvalaggio joined the Department of Family Medicine in 2007. She has also completed a Masters of Science in Population Health through the University of Alberta School of Public Health. Her academic interests are focused on social accountability, patient and community engagement, and health services for urban underserved populations.
Dr. Ginetta Salvalaggio is a Professor with the University of Alberta Department of Family Medicine, and the Associate Scientific Director of the Inner City Health and Wellness Program. She received her degree in Medicine from the University of Alberta and completed a family practice residency in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Initially practicing as a rural locum, she eventually returned to Edmonton to establish a family practice. Dr. Salvalaggio joined the Department of Family Medicine in 2007. She has also completed a Masters of Science in Population Health through the University of Alberta School of Public Health. Her academic interests are focused on social accountability, patient and community engagement, and health services for urban underserved populations.
Dr. David Ross, MD, PhD
MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Originally from the U.S., Dr. Ross moved to Edmonton in 2023 to take on the role of Department Chair in Psychiatry at the U of A. His primary academic focus is on the design, implementation, and dissemination of innovative educational resources. Much of this work has been through the National Neuroscience Curriculum Initiative, the goal of which is to help integrate cutting-edge neuroscience into psychiatry. With an initial focus on residency training, this work has increasingly branched out to continuing professional development (across disciplines) and direct public outreach and engagement.
Originally from the U.S., Dr. Ross moved to Edmonton in 2023 to take on the role of Department Chair in Psychiatry at the U of A. His primary academic focus is on the design, implementation, and dissemination of innovative educational resources. Much of this work has been through the National Neuroscience Curriculum Initiative, the goal of which is to help integrate cutting-edge neuroscience into psychiatry. With an initial focus on residency training, this work has increasingly branched out to continuing professional development (across disciplines) and direct public outreach and engagement.
Puneeta Tandon, MD, FRCPC, MSc (Epi)
MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Dr. Tandon is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Alberta, Director of the Cirrhosis Care Clinic, Transplant Hepatologist and lead of the Cirrhosis Care Alberta quality improvement program. Her research interests include cirrhosis related complications, exercise, nutrition and mental wellness therapy, and the use of digital technology (connect care, digital health apps) as a knowledge translation tool.
Dr. Tandon has contributed to numerous guidelines in the area of cirrhosis care, and has led clinical implementation projects for cirrhosis quality improvement. She has been recognized by her peers and students with awards in research and teaching. It is her career goal to provide wholistic, interdisciplinary, evidence based, patient-centered care through education, empowerment, engagement and team-work.
Dr. Tandon is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Alberta, Director of the Cirrhosis Care Clinic, Transplant Hepatologist and lead of the Cirrhosis Care Alberta quality improvement program. Her research interests include cirrhosis related complications, exercise, nutrition and mental wellness therapy, and the use of digital technology (connect care, digital health apps) as a knowledge translation tool.
Dr. Tandon has contributed to numerous guidelines in the area of cirrhosis care, and has led clinical implementation projects for cirrhosis quality improvement. She has been recognized by her peers and students with awards in research and teaching. It is her career goal to provide wholistic, interdisciplinary, evidence based, patient-centered care through education, empowerment, engagement and team-work.
Piush Mandhane, MD, PhD, FRCPC
MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Dr. Piush Mandhane is a Professor in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Department of Pediatrics, at the University of Alberta. His research focuses on pediatric health, child development, and epidemiology. He is also one of the five principal investigators for the CHILD cohort study and the CHILD study Edmonton site lead. His main area of research is on the impact of childhood sleep and sleep disruption on learning, growth and development. More recently, Dr. Mandhane was appointed as the Medical Director for Pediatrics for the Physician Learning Program and the Senior Medical Director for the Alberta Health Services (AHS) Child Health Program for Improvement Implementation Network (PIN).
Dr. Piush Mandhane is a Professor in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Department of Pediatrics, at the University of Alberta. His research focuses on pediatric health, child development, and epidemiology. He is also one of the five principal investigators for the CHILD cohort study and the CHILD study Edmonton site lead. His main area of research is on the impact of childhood sleep and sleep disruption on learning, growth and development. More recently, Dr. Mandhane was appointed as the Medical Director for Pediatrics for the Physician Learning Program and the Senior Medical Director for the Alberta Health Services (AHS) Child Health Program for Improvement Implementation Network (PIN).
Darren Lau, MD, PhD
MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Darren Lau (MD / PhD) is a general internal medicine and diabetes physician, as well as a clinical epidemiologist, at University of Alberta Hospital and Kaye Edmonton Clinic. His primary focus is, broadly speaking, measuring and improving the outcomes of diabetes care. This has taken the form of studies to examine and improve the use of newer diabetes medications with heart and kidney benefits, and a randomized trial examining the effectiveness of continuous glucose monitoring. Presently, he holds funding from Alberta Innovates's Partnership for Research and Innovation in Health Systems (PRIHS) program, in partnership with the Okaki Diabetes Virtual Care Clinic, to help deliver and evaluate a novel model of virtual diabetes care tailored for Indigenous rural individuals and communities.
Darren Lau (MD / PhD) is a general internal medicine and diabetes physician, as well as a clinical epidemiologist, at University of Alberta Hospital and Kaye Edmonton Clinic. His primary focus is, broadly speaking, measuring and improving the outcomes of diabetes care. This has taken the form of studies to examine and improve the use of newer diabetes medications with heart and kidney benefits, and a randomized trial examining the effectiveness of continuous glucose monitoring. Presently, he holds funding from Alberta Innovates's Partnership for Research and Innovation in Health Systems (PRIHS) program, in partnership with the Okaki Diabetes Virtual Care Clinic, to help deliver and evaluate a novel model of virtual diabetes care tailored for Indigenous rural individuals and communities.
Daniel Moreno De Luca, MD, MSc
PHYSICIAN LIAISON
Dr. Moreno De Luca completed his medical degree in 2005 at the Universidad Industrial de Santander in Bucaramanga, Colombia, after which he completed a master’s in neuroscience at the Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Sorbonne Universités in Paris, France. Dr. Moreno De Luca did a postdoctoral fellowship in neurogenetics at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, and then completed his clinical psychiatry residency at Yale University, his Fellowship in Bioethics at Harvard Medical School, and his child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship training at Brown, where he has been an assistant professor of psychiatry and human behaviour since 2018. Throughout that same period, he was also the clinical director of the Bradley Hospital’s Genomic Psychiatry Consultation Service and an attending child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist at the Verrecchia Clinic for Children with Autism and Developmental Disabilities.
In his new role as the CASA Research Chair at the University of Alberta, Alberta Health Services and CASA Mental Health, Dr. Moreno De Luca focuses on the impact of genetic variation on brain disorders and how to use his discoveries to enhance patient care. Along with his Precision Medicine in Autism (PRISMA) team, and in close collaboration with the community he serves, he aims to contribute to genomically informed interventions and precision medicine solutions based on his research into the genetic underpinnings of autism and other neuropsychiatric conditions. The work of our PRISMA group is only possible as a team effort, and we have the privilege of having a great team, among them Jack Biederman, our Research Assistant, Molly Goldman, our genetic counselor, Silvana Guerrero, our marketing coordinator, Carrie Best, our research coordinator, and Julia Katz, our child psychiatry & ASD fellow.
Dr. Moreno De Luca completed his medical degree in 2005 at the Universidad Industrial de Santander in Bucaramanga, Colombia, after which he completed a master’s in neuroscience at the Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Sorbonne Universités in Paris, France. Dr. Moreno De Luca did a postdoctoral fellowship in neurogenetics at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, and then completed his clinical psychiatry residency at Yale University, his Fellowship in Bioethics at Harvard Medical School, and his child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship training at Brown, where he has been an assistant professor of psychiatry and human behaviour since 2018. Throughout that same period, he was also the clinical director of the Bradley Hospital’s Genomic Psychiatry Consultation Service and an attending child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist at the Verrecchia Clinic for Children with Autism and Developmental Disabilities.
In his new role as the CASA Research Chair at the University of Alberta, Alberta Health Services and CASA Mental Health, Dr. Moreno De Luca focuses on the impact of genetic variation on brain disorders and how to use his discoveries to enhance patient care. Along with his Precision Medicine in Autism (PRISMA) team, and in close collaboration with the community he serves, he aims to contribute to genomically informed interventions and precision medicine solutions based on his research into the genetic underpinnings of autism and other neuropsychiatric conditions. The work of our PRISMA group is only possible as a team effort, and we have the privilege of having a great team, among them Jack Biederman, our Research Assistant, Molly Goldman, our genetic counselor, Silvana Guerrero, our marketing coordinator, Carrie Best, our research coordinator, and Julia Katz, our child psychiatry & ASD fellow.
Nonsikelelo Mathe, PhD
SCIENTIFIC DIRECTOR
Dr Mathe is Senior Projects Officer for the Physician Learning Program. Dr Mathe received her Ph.D in Cardiovascular Physiology from Brunel University in the UK, and postdoctoral training in Nutritional Epidemiology and Chronic Disease Epidemiology from the UofA. As a Senior research scientist, Dr Mathe’s research has focused her research on understanding the role of lifestyle factors in the development and progression of chronic diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. Currently, she leads multiple projects aimed at creating actionable clinical information that engages physicians, patients, and health system partners in co-creating sustainable solutions to advance practice and patient care.
This work has also recently expanded to include health equity and research in autism. Dr Mathe is the first Canadian Atlantic Fellow in Health Equity.
Dr Mathe is Senior Projects Officer for the Physician Learning Program. Dr Mathe received her Ph.D in Cardiovascular Physiology from Brunel University in the UK, and postdoctoral training in Nutritional Epidemiology and Chronic Disease Epidemiology from the UofA. As a Senior research scientist, Dr Mathe’s research has focused her research on understanding the role of lifestyle factors in the development and progression of chronic diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. Currently, she leads multiple projects aimed at creating actionable clinical information that engages physicians, patients, and health system partners in co-creating sustainable solutions to advance practice and patient care.
This work has also recently expanded to include health equity and research in autism. Dr Mathe is the first Canadian Atlantic Fellow in Health Equity.
Nandini Desai, BSc (Hons), BScPharm, CDE
CLINICAL LIAISON
Nandini Desai joined PLP in Jan 2019 as a Clinical Liaison. In the past, she worked as a Clinical Pharmacist with the Primary Care Network and in retail. She graduated in Biochemistry from University of Manchester in 1979 and as a Pharmacist from the University of London in 1984. She was certified as a Diabetes Educator in 2005. Nandini’s current job involves engaging with physicians and teams to promote the mission and vision of PLP by organizing data driven, actionable educational programs.
Nandini Desai joined PLP in Jan 2019 as a Clinical Liaison. In the past, she worked as a Clinical Pharmacist with the Primary Care Network and in retail. She graduated in Biochemistry from University of Manchester in 1979 and as a Pharmacist from the University of London in 1984. She was certified as a Diabetes Educator in 2005. Nandini’s current job involves engaging with physicians and teams to promote the mission and vision of PLP by organizing data driven, actionable educational programs.
Melanie Heatherington, MEd
EDUCATIONAL SPECIALIST
Melanie Heatherington joined PLP in September of 2017 as an Education Specialist. Prior to joining PLP, she worked as a Research Coordinator with Dr. Campbell-Scherer's 5As Team Program to improve obesity prevention and management in primary care. She holds a Master's Degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Alberta.
Melanie Heatherington joined PLP in September of 2017 as an Education Specialist. Prior to joining PLP, she worked as a Research Coordinator with Dr. Campbell-Scherer's 5As Team Program to improve obesity prevention and management in primary care. She holds a Master's Degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Alberta.
Jordan Tate, BDes
HUMAN-CENTRED DESIGNER
Jordan holds a Bachelors in Communication and Visual Design. Possessing a strong background in visual art and significant knowledge of computer science and technology, design became a natural way of breathing and expression. A human-centred designer Infatuated with understanding, design research provides engaging, explorative participatory and collaborative methods to understanding complex issues and user problems within context then challenging and testing resultant understanding/concepts with critical inquires and user testing to improve implementation. Jordan remedies his hamlet syndrome with drawing, photography and copious amounts of vanilla milkshakes.
Jordan holds a Bachelors in Communication and Visual Design. Possessing a strong background in visual art and significant knowledge of computer science and technology, design became a natural way of breathing and expression. A human-centred designer Infatuated with understanding, design research provides engaging, explorative participatory and collaborative methods to understanding complex issues and user problems within context then challenging and testing resultant understanding/concepts with critical inquires and user testing to improve implementation. Jordan remedies his hamlet syndrome with drawing, photography and copious amounts of vanilla milkshakes.
Eric Wiedenman, PhD, MPH
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE - IMPLEMENTATION SCIENCE
Eric Wiedenman is an implementation scientist with the Physician Learning Program at the University of Alberta. While in southern Illinois, Eric managed and implemented a NIH-funded grant aimed at improving the physician and emotional health of young people through school-based and community interventions. Eric served on the board of health for Jackson County, IL, USA for two years while in southern Illinois, advising county health department. Eric also assisted with an after-school NGO program in Washington, D.C., working with them to establish an evaluation of their programs.
Eric Wiedenman is an implementation scientist with the Physician Learning Program at the University of Alberta. While in southern Illinois, Eric managed and implemented a NIH-funded grant aimed at improving the physician and emotional health of young people through school-based and community interventions. Eric served on the board of health for Jackson County, IL, USA for two years while in southern Illinois, advising county health department. Eric also assisted with an after-school NGO program in Washington, D.C., working with them to establish an evaluation of their programs.
Nicole Ofosu, BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
Nicole joined the PLP Edmonton office in 2019 as a postdoctoral fellow and progressed into the research associate position in 2021. She has a background in Public Health, with degrees in Nutrition and Food Science, Global Health and Epidemiology. She enjoys using multi/mixed-methods research and collaborating with community partners to make research outcomes practical for end-users.
Nicole joined the PLP Edmonton office in 2019 as a postdoctoral fellow and progressed into the research associate position in 2021. She has a background in Public Health, with degrees in Nutrition and Food Science, Global Health and Epidemiology. She enjoys using multi/mixed-methods research and collaborating with community partners to make research outcomes practical for end-users.
Ayesha Iqbal, Pharm-D, M-Phil (pharmacy practice), PhD
POST-DOCTORAL FELLOW
Ayesha Iqbal is a trained pharmacist with a Pharm-D, Masters in Pharmacy Practice, and a PhD in Pharmacy Practice and Policy from the UK. Her competencies include social, administrative and policy research, chronic disease and medication management, realist evaluation, implementation science, health services research, and intervention design and evaluation.
Ayesha Iqbal won the International VC Scholarship for Research Excellence at the University of Nottingham, UK, and the Future for Faculty Grant by Schlumberger Foundation for women from LMICs to pursue her doctoral degree. She attended several training courses at the University of Oxford and King’s College London in qualitative research and implementation science. Miss Iqbal received the Research Productivity Award in 2015 for outstanding research contributions in Pakistan and was also honored with the Rising Star Award in 2022 from the University of Nottingham for her extensive research contributions during her PhD. She also volunteers as a Senior Research Officer at the Commonwealth Pharmacist Association (CPA), advocating pharmacist roles in the sustainable development goals for the betterment of public health in LMICs. Miss Iqbal also has a special interest in female professional development and advocating for the right of females to education and primary health in developing countries.
Ayesha Iqbal is a trained pharmacist with a Pharm-D, Masters in Pharmacy Practice, and a PhD in Pharmacy Practice and Policy from the UK. Her competencies include social, administrative and policy research, chronic disease and medication management, realist evaluation, implementation science, health services research, and intervention design and evaluation.
Ayesha Iqbal won the International VC Scholarship for Research Excellence at the University of Nottingham, UK, and the Future for Faculty Grant by Schlumberger Foundation for women from LMICs to pursue her doctoral degree. She attended several training courses at the University of Oxford and King’s College London in qualitative research and implementation science. Miss Iqbal received the Research Productivity Award in 2015 for outstanding research contributions in Pakistan and was also honored with the Rising Star Award in 2022 from the University of Nottingham for her extensive research contributions during her PhD. She also volunteers as a Senior Research Officer at the Commonwealth Pharmacist Association (CPA), advocating pharmacist roles in the sustainable development goals for the betterment of public health in LMICs. Miss Iqbal also has a special interest in female professional development and advocating for the right of females to education and primary health in developing countries.
Badi Jabbour
PROJECT COORDINATOR
Natasia Dizak, Bcom
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Natasia has been with PLP since October 2022 and is the administrative assistant. She has achieved her Bachelor of Commerce degree, Human Resources Management diploma, and Business Management diploma all from MacEwan University.
Natasia has been with PLP since October 2022 and is the administrative assistant. She has achieved her Bachelor of Commerce degree, Human Resources Management diploma, and Business Management diploma all from MacEwan University.
Calgary Office
AHS Staff - Data Analysts
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