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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
Thomas Raedler, MD
ASSOCIATE DEAN, CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & PHYSICIAN LEARNING PROGRAM
From 1984 until 2007, Dr. Thomas Raedler studied, trained and worked at the Ludwig-Maximilians-University (Munich, Germany), the Technical University of Munich (Munich, Germany), St. Elizabeth's Medical Center of Boston (Boston, USA), the National Institute of Mental Health (Bethesda, USA) and the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (Hamburg, Germany).
Since April 2007, he has been working as an associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry in the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary. Dr. Raedler currently provides outpatient services at Foothills Medical Centre through the Early Psychosis Intervention Program. He also runs two clinics at Pathways to Housing, a housing first program that focuses on severely mentally ill clients with a long history of homelessness.
Dr. Raedler currently serves as medical director of the Mental Health Clinical Trials Unit (MHCTU) and CPD-director for the Department of Psychiatry in the Cumming School of Medicine. On January 1, 2020, he was appointed site-chief for the Department of Psychiatry at Foothills Medical Centre. Since January 1, 2022, he has been serving as associate dean CME&PD in the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary. He is also the former president of the Alberta Psychiatric Association and past president of the Board of the Schizophrenia Society of Alberta.
From 1984 until 2007, Dr. Thomas Raedler studied, trained and worked at the Ludwig-Maximilians-University (Munich, Germany), the Technical University of Munich (Munich, Germany), St. Elizabeth's Medical Center of Boston (Boston, USA), the National Institute of Mental Health (Bethesda, USA) and the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (Hamburg, Germany).
Since April 2007, he has been working as an associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry in the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary. Dr. Raedler currently provides outpatient services at Foothills Medical Centre through the Early Psychosis Intervention Program. He also runs two clinics at Pathways to Housing, a housing first program that focuses on severely mentally ill clients with a long history of homelessness.
Dr. Raedler currently serves as medical director of the Mental Health Clinical Trials Unit (MHCTU) and CPD-director for the Department of Psychiatry in the Cumming School of Medicine. On January 1, 2020, he was appointed site-chief for the Department of Psychiatry at Foothills Medical Centre. Since January 1, 2022, he has been serving as associate dean CME&PD in the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary. He is also the former president of the Alberta Psychiatric Association and past president of the Board of the Schizophrenia Society of Alberta.
Kelly W. Burak, MD, FRCPC, MSc(Epid)
ASSISTANT DEAN, CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & PHYSICIAN LEARNING PROGRAM
Dr. Kelly Burak received his Bachelor of Science (Biology), MD and Internal Medicine training at the University of Saskatchewan before completing training in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the University of Calgary and a fellowship in Liver Transplantation at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. In 2005, Dr. Burak was awarded his Master of Science in Epidemiology from the University of Calgary, and in 2012 he obtained a Graduate Certificate in Clinical Education from Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia.
Dr. Burak is a professor in the Cumming School of Medicine and is cross-appointed in the Departments of Medicine and Oncology and the Divisions of Gastroenterology & Hepatology and Transplant Medicine, where he serves as the scientific director of the Transplant Wellness Program. Dr. Burak has more than 100 peer-reviewed publications, which include several clinical practice guidelines. He has a passion for medical education and has won a number of awards, including the 2020 Canadian Association for the Study of the Liver Education Award and the 2021 Medical Council of Canada Outstanding Achievement Award for an Assessment of Clinical Competence (received with Dr. Lara Cooke and the PLP team).
Dr. Burak served as the associate dean of Continuing Medical Education & Professional Development and the co-lead of PLP at the University of Calgary from 2017 to 2021 and rejoined the PLP team in Calgary in January 2023 as the assistant dean.
Dr. Kelly Burak received his Bachelor of Science (Biology), MD and Internal Medicine training at the University of Saskatchewan before completing training in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the University of Calgary and a fellowship in Liver Transplantation at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. In 2005, Dr. Burak was awarded his Master of Science in Epidemiology from the University of Calgary, and in 2012 he obtained a Graduate Certificate in Clinical Education from Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia.
Dr. Burak is a professor in the Cumming School of Medicine and is cross-appointed in the Departments of Medicine and Oncology and the Divisions of Gastroenterology & Hepatology and Transplant Medicine, where he serves as the scientific director of the Transplant Wellness Program. Dr. Burak has more than 100 peer-reviewed publications, which include several clinical practice guidelines. He has a passion for medical education and has won a number of awards, including the 2020 Canadian Association for the Study of the Liver Education Award and the 2021 Medical Council of Canada Outstanding Achievement Award for an Assessment of Clinical Competence (received with Dr. Lara Cooke and the PLP team).
Dr. Burak served as the associate dean of Continuing Medical Education & Professional Development and the co-lead of PLP at the University of Calgary from 2017 to 2021 and rejoined the PLP team in Calgary in January 2023 as the assistant dean.
Eliana Castillo, MD, FRCPC, MHSc (public health)
MEDICAL DIRECTOR - QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
Dr. Eliana Castillo has over 20 years of experience providing medical care for hard-to-reach populations and pregnant individuals in the setting of medical or infectious diseases. Her journey as a clinician through the quality improvement continuum opened her eyes to the realities front-line clinicians face when addressing a care gap in their clinical practice; this motivated her to join PLP in 2023 as a QI Medical Director to support the CPD Network.
Dr. Castillo’s academic and leadership work aims to close the gap between what we know helps parents and babies live healthily and what happens in everyday clinical practice. She has served as the Calgary Zone Clinical Knowledge Content & Management lead for Medicine, as a reviewer for Alberta's maternal mortality working group and sits on the Maternal-Child-Newborn and Youth Strategic Clinical Network Steering Committee (MNCY SCN).
Dr. Castillo’s research uses implementation science and participatory action research methods to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pregnant and breastfeeding individuals, what patients and their practitioners need to engage in vaccination in pregnancy conversations, and co-designing and implementing a system for Alberta's families, practitioners and decision-makers to readily visualize the impact of vaccinations during pregnancy and breastfeeding. She holds CIHR, PHAC, CIRN and the Calgary Health Foundation's funding.
Dr. Castillo holds advisory roles at a national level with the National Advisory Committee for Immunization, the Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists of Canada and the Canadian Association for Immunization Research, Evaluation and Education. She is also a Clinical Associate Professor in the Departments of Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases at the University of Calgary.
Dr. Eliana Castillo has over 20 years of experience providing medical care for hard-to-reach populations and pregnant individuals in the setting of medical or infectious diseases. Her journey as a clinician through the quality improvement continuum opened her eyes to the realities front-line clinicians face when addressing a care gap in their clinical practice; this motivated her to join PLP in 2023 as a QI Medical Director to support the CPD Network.
Dr. Castillo’s academic and leadership work aims to close the gap between what we know helps parents and babies live healthily and what happens in everyday clinical practice. She has served as the Calgary Zone Clinical Knowledge Content & Management lead for Medicine, as a reviewer for Alberta's maternal mortality working group and sits on the Maternal-Child-Newborn and Youth Strategic Clinical Network Steering Committee (MNCY SCN).
Dr. Castillo’s research uses implementation science and participatory action research methods to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pregnant and breastfeeding individuals, what patients and their practitioners need to engage in vaccination in pregnancy conversations, and co-designing and implementing a system for Alberta's families, practitioners and decision-makers to readily visualize the impact of vaccinations during pregnancy and breastfeeding. She holds CIHR, PHAC, CIRN and the Calgary Health Foundation's funding.
Dr. Castillo holds advisory roles at a national level with the National Advisory Committee for Immunization, the Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists of Canada and the Canadian Association for Immunization Research, Evaluation and Education. She is also a Clinical Associate Professor in the Departments of Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases at the University of Calgary.
Lori Humphrey Clements
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Katrina Nicholson, MB, ChB, MD, CCFP, FCFP
MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Dr. Katrina (Tina) Nicholson is a UK-trained family practitioner who settled in Cochrane, Alberta in 2006. She joined PLP in 2015, which has allowed her to bring two of her career focuses, medical education and best practices, together to promote continuing professional development.
Dr. Nicholson has been an active member in the development of the My Practice Improvement (MyPI) tool, a dynamic new online practice improvement tool for physicians created in collaboration with PLP and the Cumming School of Medicine’s (CSM) Office of Continuing Medical Education & Professional Development (CME&PD), and is keen to see this tool evolve to become a practical support for all clinicians in their QI projects.
Dr. Nicolson’s area of clinical interest includes child and youth mental health, especially ADHD, and she is part of the teaching faculty for The REACH Institute in New York and CanREACH Alberta—promoting post-residency training for community clinicians in this area. She is also a board member for the Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance (CADDRA) and promotes collaborative supports for community patients as a physician champion in her PCN. Dr. Nicholson has also been a core member of the Kidney Health Strategic Clinical Network, helping to develop support tools and pathways for patients and physicians. She has also been involved in gynaecology, urology, gastroenterology and respiratory pathway development work.
Dr. Katrina (Tina) Nicholson is a UK-trained family practitioner who settled in Cochrane, Alberta in 2006. She joined PLP in 2015, which has allowed her to bring two of her career focuses, medical education and best practices, together to promote continuing professional development.
Dr. Nicholson has been an active member in the development of the My Practice Improvement (MyPI) tool, a dynamic new online practice improvement tool for physicians created in collaboration with PLP and the Cumming School of Medicine’s (CSM) Office of Continuing Medical Education & Professional Development (CME&PD), and is keen to see this tool evolve to become a practical support for all clinicians in their QI projects.
Dr. Nicolson’s area of clinical interest includes child and youth mental health, especially ADHD, and she is part of the teaching faculty for The REACH Institute in New York and CanREACH Alberta—promoting post-residency training for community clinicians in this area. She is also a board member for the Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance (CADDRA) and promotes collaborative supports for community patients as a physician champion in her PCN. Dr. Nicholson has also been a core member of the Kidney Health Strategic Clinical Network, helping to develop support tools and pathways for patients and physicians. She has also been involved in gynaecology, urology, gastroenterology and respiratory pathway development work.
Douglas Woodhouse, MD, BScEng, CCFP
MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Douglas Woodhouse is a physician-engineer with expertise in Lean, Theory of Constraints, Statistical Process Control and Change Management who works with healthcare teams to improve clinical processes. Douglas has a degree in mechanical engineering and has worked as a process engineer in electronics manufacturing. He obtained his medical degree at Queen's University and trained as a family physician at the University of Alberta. He has worked as a hospitalist, emergency physician and currently works in primary care. Douglas is a medical director at the Alberta Physician Learning Program supporting data-driven process improvement projects and holds an academic appointment at the University of Calgary.
Douglas Woodhouse is a physician-engineer with expertise in Lean, Theory of Constraints, Statistical Process Control and Change Management who works with healthcare teams to improve clinical processes. Douglas has a degree in mechanical engineering and has worked as a process engineer in electronics manufacturing. He obtained his medical degree at Queen's University and trained as a family physician at the University of Alberta. He has worked as a hospitalist, emergency physician and currently works in primary care. Douglas is a medical director at the Alberta Physician Learning Program supporting data-driven process improvement projects and holds an academic appointment at the University of Calgary.
Oliver David, MD
MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Dr. Oliver David is a family physician working in Southeast Calgary. Previously, he was the medical director of the Mosaic Primary Care Network and primary care specialty integration lead for Calgary Zone Primary Care Networks. Dr. David also holds an advisory role with the Health Quality Council of Alberta on their panel reports and steering committee. In addition, he is the primary care lead with the Alberta Surgical Initiative for orthopedics in the Calgary Zone.
Dr. David is a champion for the patient-centred medical home and team-based care. He’s passionate about quality improvement and resource optimization.
Dr. Oliver David is a family physician working in Southeast Calgary. Previously, he was the medical director of the Mosaic Primary Care Network and primary care specialty integration lead for Calgary Zone Primary Care Networks. Dr. David also holds an advisory role with the Health Quality Council of Alberta on their panel reports and steering committee. In addition, he is the primary care lead with the Alberta Surgical Initiative for orthopedics in the Calgary Zone.
Dr. David is a champion for the patient-centred medical home and team-based care. He’s passionate about quality improvement and resource optimization.
Jennifer Thull-Freedman, MD, MSc
MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Dr. Jennifer Thull-Freedman is a pediatric emergency physician at the Alberta Children's Hospital and a clinician investigator in quality improvement in the Departments of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine at the University of Calgary. She leads, supervises and collaborates in multiple quality improvement initiatives, and she enjoys sharing her passion for QI with others through project collaboration, teaching and mentorship.
Dr. Thull-Freedman is a member of the editorial boards of the Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine and Hospital Pediatrics. She received her pediatric and pediatric emergency medicine training through Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and Northwestern University in Chicago, and she completed additional training in quality improvement through the University of Toronto, Cincinnati Children's Medical Center and the VA Quality Scholars Program.
Dr. Jennifer Thull-Freedman is a pediatric emergency physician at the Alberta Children's Hospital and a clinician investigator in quality improvement in the Departments of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine at the University of Calgary. She leads, supervises and collaborates in multiple quality improvement initiatives, and she enjoys sharing her passion for QI with others through project collaboration, teaching and mentorship.
Dr. Thull-Freedman is a member of the editorial boards of the Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine and Hospital Pediatrics. She received her pediatric and pediatric emergency medicine training through Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and Northwestern University in Chicago, and she completed additional training in quality improvement through the University of Toronto, Cincinnati Children's Medical Center and the VA Quality Scholars Program.
Sonia Butalia, MD, FRCPC, MSc
MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Dr. Sonia Butalia is a clinician-scientist in the Departments of Medicine and Community Health Sciences at the University of Calgary. Her research interests are in innovative tools and strategies to improve diabetes and other cardiovascular risk factors in the community.
Dr. Butalia is the recipient of awards from Diabetes Canada (2018), Hypertension Canada (2020, team award), the Department of Medicine (2021), the Libin Cardiovascular Institute (2021) and is the recipient of the Diabetes Canada/CIHR Young Scientist Award (2022). Her award-winning program of work importantly engages and is informed by people (i.e., patient partners), health care providers and decision makers. She is a co-author of several national guidelines on diabetes and high blood pressure (i.e., hypertension) and has contributed to several textbooks. She also teaches at the University of Calgary’s medical school, supervises graduate and medical trainees, and was awarded a Gold Star Resident Teaching Award for her contributions.
Dr. Sonia Butalia is a clinician-scientist in the Departments of Medicine and Community Health Sciences at the University of Calgary. Her research interests are in innovative tools and strategies to improve diabetes and other cardiovascular risk factors in the community.
Dr. Butalia is the recipient of awards from Diabetes Canada (2018), Hypertension Canada (2020, team award), the Department of Medicine (2021), the Libin Cardiovascular Institute (2021) and is the recipient of the Diabetes Canada/CIHR Young Scientist Award (2022). Her award-winning program of work importantly engages and is informed by people (i.e., patient partners), health care providers and decision makers. She is a co-author of several national guidelines on diabetes and high blood pressure (i.e., hypertension) and has contributed to several textbooks. She also teaches at the University of Calgary’s medical school, supervises graduate and medical trainees, and was awarded a Gold Star Resident Teaching Award for her contributions.
Selena Au, MD, MSc
ASSOCIATE MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Dr. Selena Au joined PLP in 2019. She is also the medical director of quality improvement and patient safety within the Department of Critical Care Medicine (DCCM) in the Cumming School of Medicine. In this role, she has co-chaired the DCCM Quality Assurance Committee, working with AHS patient safety leads to review clinically serious adverse events for continuous improvement of clinical care. Safety learnings are shared through re-designed zonal mortality working groups she facilitates. Dr. Au also delivers QI and patient safety curriculum to the DCCM fellows through annual symposium academic days and, recognizing that the heart of high-quality care involves active partnership with patients and family members, led a research program to design and publish a toolkit to guide best practices for family participation in ICU rounds.
Born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, Dr. Au completed her undergraduate studies in biopsychology and received her medical degree from the University of British Columbia (2007). She then pursued internal medicine (2010) and later critical care medicine (2012) at the University of Calgary. With a passion for advancing high quality patient-centered care, Dr. Au obtained her Master’s in Quality Improvement and Patient Safety from the University of Toronto. She finds inspiration every day from her talented and forward-thinking colleagues within the DCCM and ICU teams at Peter Lougheed Centre and South Health Campus where she practices.
Dr. Selena Au joined PLP in 2019. She is also the medical director of quality improvement and patient safety within the Department of Critical Care Medicine (DCCM) in the Cumming School of Medicine. In this role, she has co-chaired the DCCM Quality Assurance Committee, working with AHS patient safety leads to review clinically serious adverse events for continuous improvement of clinical care. Safety learnings are shared through re-designed zonal mortality working groups she facilitates. Dr. Au also delivers QI and patient safety curriculum to the DCCM fellows through annual symposium academic days and, recognizing that the heart of high-quality care involves active partnership with patients and family members, led a research program to design and publish a toolkit to guide best practices for family participation in ICU rounds.
Born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, Dr. Au completed her undergraduate studies in biopsychology and received her medical degree from the University of British Columbia (2007). She then pursued internal medicine (2010) and later critical care medicine (2012) at the University of Calgary. With a passion for advancing high quality patient-centered care, Dr. Au obtained her Master’s in Quality Improvement and Patient Safety from the University of Toronto. She finds inspiration every day from her talented and forward-thinking colleagues within the DCCM and ICU teams at Peter Lougheed Centre and South Health Campus where she practices.
Brenna Murray, MPH, PMP
TEAM LEAD
Brenna joined PLP in 2017 as a Project Manager and became the Team Lead in 2023. Brenna has worked with physicians and teams in many areas of Alberta’s health care system, including acute care, women’s health, primary care and seniors’ health. As Team Lead, Brenna oversees PLP’s portfolio of projects. Prior to joining PLP, Brenna held roles in quality improvement and patient safety with the Ministry of Health, Government of Saskatchewan. She has a Bachelor of Arts from McGill University and a Master of Public Health from Simon Fraser University. In 2020, Brenna received the Project Management Professional (PMP) designation.
Brenna joined PLP in 2017 as a Project Manager and became the Team Lead in 2023. Brenna has worked with physicians and teams in many areas of Alberta’s health care system, including acute care, women’s health, primary care and seniors’ health. As Team Lead, Brenna oversees PLP’s portfolio of projects. Prior to joining PLP, Brenna held roles in quality improvement and patient safety with the Ministry of Health, Government of Saskatchewan. She has a Bachelor of Arts from McGill University and a Master of Public Health from Simon Fraser University. In 2020, Brenna received the Project Management Professional (PMP) designation.
Sampson Law, MSc
PROJECT MANAGER
Sampson joined PLP in 2016 and is currently a health care professional project manager. He oversees provincial projects in the areas of critical care medicine and appropriate prescribing practices for seniors. Sampson has knowledge and expertise in knowledge translation, healthcare quality improvement, and using physician practice data to inform improvement and education opportunities.
Before joining PLP, Sampson obtained an MSc from the University of Alberta and is working towards a PhD in Health Services Research at the University of Calgary. He has held roles producing research technologies for biomedical research and medical therapeutics and has established and managed a high-level biosafety containment research facility.
Sampson joined PLP in 2016 and is currently a health care professional project manager. He oversees provincial projects in the areas of critical care medicine and appropriate prescribing practices for seniors. Sampson has knowledge and expertise in knowledge translation, healthcare quality improvement, and using physician practice data to inform improvement and education opportunities.
Before joining PLP, Sampson obtained an MSc from the University of Alberta and is working towards a PhD in Health Services Research at the University of Calgary. He has held roles producing research technologies for biomedical research and medical therapeutics and has established and managed a high-level biosafety containment research facility.
Diane Duncan, BSc Pharm, PMP, MEd (c)
PROJECT MANAGER
Aaron Peterson, BSc
PROJECT MANAGER
Aaron joined PLP in 2017 as a project manager. He comes from a background in mental health research and previously worked at the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education as a clinical research coordinator on studies focused on schizophrenia and depression. Aaron holds a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from the University of Calgary and certification in conducting patient oriented clinical trials.
Aaron joined PLP in 2017 as a project manager. He comes from a background in mental health research and previously worked at the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education as a clinical research coordinator on studies focused on schizophrenia and depression. Aaron holds a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from the University of Calgary and certification in conducting patient oriented clinical trials.
Nathan Solbak, MSc, PMP
PROJECT MANAGER
Nathan joined PLP in 2019 and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) with the Project Management Institute. He has played a key role in projects involving pediatrics, anesthesiology, rheumatology and radiology and has experience and expertise in project design and evaluation, knowledge translation and implementation science.
Nathan has undergraduate degrees in Cell Biology (University of Alberta), Kinesiology (University of Calgary) and a Master’s degree in Biomechanics (University of Calgary). He is currently a PhD student in the Health Quality program at Queen’s University. His thesis is focused on the sustainability of quality improvement initiatives and evaluation of strategies to ensure patient care and quality outcomes are maintained long-term.
Nathan joined PLP in 2019 and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) with the Project Management Institute. He has played a key role in projects involving pediatrics, anesthesiology, rheumatology and radiology and has experience and expertise in project design and evaluation, knowledge translation and implementation science.
Nathan has undergraduate degrees in Cell Biology (University of Alberta), Kinesiology (University of Calgary) and a Master’s degree in Biomechanics (University of Calgary). He is currently a PhD student in the Health Quality program at Queen’s University. His thesis is focused on the sustainability of quality improvement initiatives and evaluation of strategies to ensure patient care and quality outcomes are maintained long-term.
Sarah Seymour, BScHK, BScN, RN
PROJECT MANAGER
Sarah is a registered nurse and holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Health Science in Human Kinetics. Sarah is passionate about health and wellness and has 10 years of experience in frontline patient care.
Throughout her journey of working in primary and tertiary care, she began to take an interest in supporting healthcare providers with quality improvement. She joined the Physician Learning Program in 2022 as a healthcare project manager wanting to support healthcare providers in improved patient outcomes from the system level. As a project manager, Sarah brings her frontline experience and critical thinking to support various PLP projects—primarily in Critical Care.
Sarah is a registered nurse and holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Health Science in Human Kinetics. Sarah is passionate about health and wellness and has 10 years of experience in frontline patient care.
Throughout her journey of working in primary and tertiary care, she began to take an interest in supporting healthcare providers with quality improvement. She joined the Physician Learning Program in 2022 as a healthcare project manager wanting to support healthcare providers in improved patient outcomes from the system level. As a project manager, Sarah brings her frontline experience and critical thinking to support various PLP projects—primarily in Critical Care.
Maria Restrepo, MSc
PROJECT MANAGER - INTERNAL QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AND STANDARDS
Maria joined PLP in 2016 and supports the team with effective project life cycle management. She has over 18 years of project management and strategic planning experience and is passionate about social responsibility and sustainability, risk and change management, quality improvement processes and defining strategies to support high-risk decisions. Maria holds a Graduate Diploma in Environmental Engineering and a Master of Environmental Management and Sustainability from Colombia.
Maria joined PLP in 2016 and supports the team with effective project life cycle management. She has over 18 years of project management and strategic planning experience and is passionate about social responsibility and sustainability, risk and change management, quality improvement processes and defining strategies to support high-risk decisions. Maria holds a Graduate Diploma in Environmental Engineering and a Master of Environmental Management and Sustainability from Colombia.
Johanna Blaak, MSc
HUMAN-CENTRED DESIGN LEAD
As Human-Centred Design Lead, Johanna works on a wide variety of data-driven quality improvement projects, where she focuses on creating solutions that prioritize the needs of our physicians and nurses on the ground.
Johanna completed her Master of Science in Engineering Healthcare Technology at Tallinn Technical University in Estonia and her Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design Engineering at the University of Twente in the Netherlands. Throughout her studies and subsequent work, she has specialized in and is passionate about human-centred design and how it pertains to medical devices, including software as medical devices. She has a special interest in the impact of human-centred design and interdisciplinary collaboration when applied to data-driven quality improvement and knowledge products.
As Human-Centred Design Lead, Johanna works on a wide variety of data-driven quality improvement projects, where she focuses on creating solutions that prioritize the needs of our physicians and nurses on the ground.
Johanna completed her Master of Science in Engineering Healthcare Technology at Tallinn Technical University in Estonia and her Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design Engineering at the University of Twente in the Netherlands. Throughout her studies and subsequent work, she has specialized in and is passionate about human-centred design and how it pertains to medical devices, including software as medical devices. She has a special interest in the impact of human-centred design and interdisciplinary collaboration when applied to data-driven quality improvement and knowledge products.
Ashleigh Jensen, BCMM
HUMAN-CENTRED DESIGNER
Ashleigh joined PLP in 2019 and applies her information design expertise to health care quality improvement projects. She draws from design methodologies to make sense of complex medical practice data while collaborating with healthcare professionals to design and deliver tools and resources that facilitate continued practice improvement.
Ashleigh holds a Journalism Diploma from SAIT Polytechnic and a Bachelor of Communication – Information Design from Mount Royal University.
Ashleigh joined PLP in 2019 and applies her information design expertise to health care quality improvement projects. She draws from design methodologies to make sense of complex medical practice data while collaborating with healthcare professionals to design and deliver tools and resources that facilitate continued practice improvement.
Ashleigh holds a Journalism Diploma from SAIT Polytechnic and a Bachelor of Communication – Information Design from Mount Royal University.
Geer Ma, MEng
SOFTWARE DEVELOPER
Geer joined PLP in 2023 as a Software Developer. In his role, he applies his technical expertise to create tools and applications that impact the healthcare industry. His relevant skillset in this field includes full-stack web development using modern technologies such as React, node.js/Express, Java Spring Boot and data pipeline automation using Python and SQL. Geer holds a Master of Software Engineering from the University of Calgary.
Geer joined PLP in 2023 as a Software Developer. In his role, he applies his technical expertise to create tools and applications that impact the healthcare industry. His relevant skillset in this field includes full-stack web development using modern technologies such as React, node.js/Express, Java Spring Boot and data pipeline automation using Python and SQL. Geer holds a Master of Software Engineering from the University of Calgary.
AHS Staff - Data Analysts
Brock Setchell
ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES – SENIOR ANALYST
Brock supports the compilation, verification, analysis and dissemination of data to support PLP projects. Additionally, he works with internal and external stakeholders to define data requirements and helps identify administrative databases to be used.
Brock has over 10 years of experience in data analysis and reporting in the private sector and the healthcare system. He has contributed to strategic planning and brand growth for industry leaders in agriculture and oil and gas in Alberta. He has also contributed to Strategic Clinical Networks and clinical pathway development within Alberta Health Services. Brock is passionate about data analysis and is motivated by a personal drive to improve our healthcare system through careful analysis and actionable results.
Brock supports the compilation, verification, analysis and dissemination of data to support PLP projects. Additionally, he works with internal and external stakeholders to define data requirements and helps identify administrative databases to be used.
Brock has over 10 years of experience in data analysis and reporting in the private sector and the healthcare system. He has contributed to strategic planning and brand growth for industry leaders in agriculture and oil and gas in Alberta. He has also contributed to Strategic Clinical Networks and clinical pathway development within Alberta Health Services. Brock is passionate about data analysis and is motivated by a personal drive to improve our healthcare system through careful analysis and actionable results.
Laurel Collier, BSc, BA
ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES – SENIOR ANALYST
Laurel joined PLP in 2023 as a Senior Analyst with Alberta Health Services. She has over ten years of experience as an analyst working with government, not-for-profit and post-secondary education. Laurel holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Calgary.
Laurel joined PLP in 2023 as a Senior Analyst with Alberta Health Services. She has over ten years of experience as an analyst working with government, not-for-profit and post-secondary education. Laurel holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Calgary.
Charlene Feuffel, CHIM
ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES – HEALTH INFO MANAGEMENT ANALYST
Charlene supports the collection, verification, analysis and reporting of data from different internal and external data sources to support projects within the PLP Edmonton Office. Additionally, she assists in identifying and interpreting the appropriate ICD-10-CA/CCI classification codes from abstracted health records in accordance with national and provincial coding standards.
Charlene has over 10 years of data analysis and data reporting experience in Quality and Healthcare Improvement with Alberta Health Services, University of Alberta Hospital, and the former Capital Health Region. Charlene is a certified Health Information Management Professional with the Canadian Healthcare Association (HealthCareCAN) and an active member of the Canadian Health Information Management Association (CHIMA). Additionally, Charlene received the 2008 REACH Award for Quality and Safety as a team member recognition of Excellent and Achievement in Capital Health.
Charlene supports the collection, verification, analysis and reporting of data from different internal and external data sources to support projects within the PLP Edmonton Office. Additionally, she assists in identifying and interpreting the appropriate ICD-10-CA/CCI classification codes from abstracted health records in accordance with national and provincial coding standards.
Charlene has over 10 years of data analysis and data reporting experience in Quality and Healthcare Improvement with Alberta Health Services, University of Alberta Hospital, and the former Capital Health Region. Charlene is a certified Health Information Management Professional with the Canadian Healthcare Association (HealthCareCAN) and an active member of the Canadian Health Information Management Association (CHIMA). Additionally, Charlene received the 2008 REACH Award for Quality and Safety as a team member recognition of Excellent and Achievement in Capital Health.
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