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Armand AalamianArmand Aalamian, MDCM, CCFP, FCFP
Executive Director, Learning, Canadian Medical Protective Association 

Dr. Armand Aalamian is the Executive Director of Learning at the Canadian Medical Protective Association. He has extensive experience in supporting and advancing medical education. He spent two decades with McGill University’s Faculty of Medicine as an associate professor, where he held numerous leadership positions, including Associate Dean of Postgraduate Medical Education, Director of Development of New Family Medicine Residency Teaching Sites, Assistant Dean of Postgraduate Resident Affairs, and Director of the Family Medicine Program. 

 

Jennie AitkenJennie Aitken, MA, MADR
Director, Medical Staff Quality & Improvement, Island Health 

Ms. Jennie Aitken works with emerging physician leaders across Canada as an educator, team builder and (to the dismay of her colleagues) an "idea-generating machine" that is constantly looking to the next big opportunity to affect positive change. She holds Masters Degrees in [Medical] History (Queen's University) and Dispute Resolution (University of Victoria) and has advanced training in change management, team building, leadership development, quality improvement and large group facilitation.

 

Katie AlexanderKatie Alexander
Lead, Quality Improvement and Patient Safety, Indigenous Health team, Fraser Health 

Katie Alexander is the lead for quality improvement and patient safety with the Indigenous Health team at Fraser Health. She is a first-generation settler of Ashkenazi Jewish and Welsh descent, who is a mother to two boys. Ms. Alexander worked within an Indigenous community for over a decade before joining Fraser Health as a health director. Her passion is supporting the work of decolonizing healthcare with an Indigenous sovereignty lens and promoting the work of reconciliation through systems change. 

 

Carolina AlmeidaCarolina Almeida
Virtual Facilitation and Good Talks 

Carolina Almeida is a seasoned Group Facilitator and Coach with over two decades of experience in human development. Her work spans social projects, corporate environments, and personal coaching. Her expertise is anchored in the Enneagram and Anthroposophy, two frameworks that have shaped her approach to personal growth, systemic thinking, and meaningful conversations. Carolina leverages these insights to create transformative experiences for the individuals and teams she works with. 

 

BainesDr. Andie Bains, MD, CCFP

Dr. Andie Bains is a family physician who has practiced longitudinal family medicine in Calgary for 10 years. She has also worked on various projects in Alberta to advance the patient medical home model and team-based care. Through her work with the Alberta Medical Association, Andie has coached her peers on the topic of burnout prevention and management.

 

 

 

Atussa BehnamAtussa Behnam-Shabahang
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Indigenous Health Department, Fraser Health 

Atussa Behnam-Shabahang is a Clinical Nurse Specialist in the Indigenous Health Department at Fraser Health Authority. She is a first-generation settler, born in Europe and is of Persian ancestry. With a background in critical care nursing and expertise in informatics and quality improvement, Ms. Behnam-Shabahang is dedicated to advancing nursing practice within multidisciplinary teams in the Indigenous health context. 

 

 

Callie BlandCallie Bland, BSc, BSN, CPCC, PCC

Callie Bland is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC), Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coach Federation, and a Registered Nurse. Ms. Bland began her facilitation journey at Doctors of BC in the Physician Health Program and now facilitates workshops for physicians and healthcare groups on a weekly basis. She also leads strategic planning sessions for healthcare organizations. 

 

 

Alexis BotkinAlexis Botkin, MD, FRCPC
Medical Consultant for Physician and Medical Learner Health, Doctors Manitoba

Dr. Alexis Botkin is a community dermatologist and Medical Consultant for Physician and Medical Learner Health at Doctors Manitoba. She previously served as a board member at Doctors Manitoba and served on the Physician Health and Wellness Committee, Administrative Burden Task Force, and the Governance and Human Resources Committee. Dr. Botkin has been actively engaged in supporting her peers through the challenges and changes affecting the medical profession in Manitoba, advocating for the wellness of medical learners, practicing physicians, retired physicians, and those requiring leave from their work.

 

AmandaAmanda Brisebois, MD, FRCPC, FACP, AoDI, ACC (ICF), CEC, MMgmt (IMHL), Med.
GIM/Palliative Clinical Professor University of Alberta, Physician Advisor Zone Medical Staff Associations 

Dr. Amanda Brisebois is a Wellness, Healthcare and Executive Coach and mediator. Her leadership specialty is helping practitioners and teams find opportunity through conflict and creating successes through team playbooks. Dr. Brisebois is a multi-award-winning teacher, has been a keynote speaker at many international events and is a published author in her fields of expertise. 

 

 

Phil Cady, DSocSci
LEADS Refresh Post-Doctoral Research Fellow

Dr. Phil Cady has over 25 years in leadership development, following his career in the Canadian Forces Health Services. He is an Adjunct Professor at Royal Roads University, faculty member at Canada’s Physician Leadership Institute, and a guest lecturer at the University of Bahrain. Dr. Cady holds a Doctor of Social Sciences degree in complexity science and health systems leadership. He has coached over 1,000 teams, designed leadership programs, and consulted on system leadership for various organizations worldwide. Dr. Cady is a certified practitioner in several leadership and organizational performance methods.

 

Jody CarringtonJody Carrington, PhD
Carrington Practice

Jody Carrington is a dynamic speaker and champion for authentic human connection. With over 20 years of experience, she empowers individuals and teams through her honest, engaging, and often hilarious approach. As founder of the Carrington Practice, she helps clients navigate complex, people-centered challenges. She has written three best-selling books and hosts the widely celebrated podcast Everyone Comes from Somewhere.

 

 

Ming KaMing-Ka Chan, MD, MHPE, FRCPC
Director, Office of Leadership Education, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Winnipeg 

Dr. Ming-Ka Chan, 陳明嘉 is a Chinese immigrant, grateful to be on Treaty 1 Territory and homeland of the Métis Nation. She is a professor, clinician educator and coach focused on leadership education and social justice. Her affiliations include Sanokondu, Equity in Health Systems Lab, Canadian Health Leadership Network, and World Health Leadership Network. Dr. Chan teaches for the Canadian Leadership Institute for Medical Education programs and is the Canadian Association for Medical Education President.

 

 

CrabtreeMarilyn Crabtree, MD, CCFP, FCFP
Clinical Lead, Great River Ontario Health Team 

Dr. Marilyn Crabtree is a family physician with 35 years’ experience in comprehensive, rural family medicine, including inpatient services, obstetrics, long-term care and palliative care. Her physician leadership has evolved over the past 15 years at the clinic and hospital level until shifting to system level primary care leadership at the Great River Ontario Health Team in 2021. Dr. Crabtree holds additional roles as a primary care leader in several regional and provincial programs in Ontario. 

 

 

Diane de Champs MeschinoDiane de Camps Meschino, BSc(H), MD, FRCPC
Founder Reproductive Life Stages Programme, Women’s College Hospital 

Dr. Diane Meschino (mixed heritage, Treaty 13) leads eco-justice based initiatives for Climate Change-Healthcare adaptation and resilience. As an Associate Professor, Artist and Educator she focuses on healthcare leadership, system transformation, planetary health, gender, equity, justice and power. Dr. Meschino founded programs for underserved vulnerable mental health populations. Her affiliations include Sanokondu, RCPSC Planetary Health and International Leadership Education, CPSO, World Health Leadership Network, Leadership Advisor-Canadian Coalition of Green Health Care and Circle of Advisors-Green Technology Education Centre. 

 

Raymond Dong, MD, ABIM, FRCPC
Executive Medical Director for Practice Improvement and Medical Staff Services, Fraser Health 

Dr. Raymond Dong is a highly experienced cardiologist with a 35-year career. Based at Surrey Memorial Hospital within Fraser Health Authority, he currently serves as the Executive Medical Director for Practice Improvement and Medical Staff Services. A dedicated advocate for quality improvement, Dr. Dong is a faculty member and alumnus of the Physician Quality Improvement (PQI) program and a graduate of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Improvement Advisor Program and the CQO Professional Development Course. 

Gary P. Ernest MD, CCFP, FCFP, MBA
Assistant Professor, Family Medicine, Dalhousie University 

Dr. Gary Ernest is a seasoned rural family physician and physician leader, who has taught medical learners for over 40 years. He has held leadership positions at local, regional, provincial and national levels, including President of Doctors Nova Scotia. In 2023 he was awarded the QEII Platinum Jubilee Medal for service to physicians and the public. Dr. Ernest is in the final year of his Doctorate in Business Administration. His research interests are physician burnout and leadership. 

Mamta Gautam, MD, MBA, FRCPC, CPDC, CCPE, CPE
Dept of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, President and CEO, PEAK MD Inc.  

Dr. Mamta Gautam is an internationally renowned psychiatrist, consultant, certified coach, author and speaker. A trailblazer in the field of physician well-being, she is known as the “The Doctor’s Doctor”.  Her work focuses on physician well-being and physician leadership. A respected medical leader in Canada, she is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards for her innovative work in physician health and has been awarded Distinguished Fellowships in both the Canadian and American Psychiatric Associations. 

 

 

Holly HarrisHolly Harris, MA
Research Coordinator, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health 

Holly Harris is a Research Coordinator at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and is pursuing a PhD in Gender, Feminist, and Women’s Studies at York University. She is a research professional specializing in lived-experience engagement, co-production and participatory-action research. Ms. Harris draws on her lived experiences with the mental health system and her Master’s in Critical Disability Studies to ensure that diverse perspectives, including those with lived experience, are meaningfully incorporated into health research and education.  

 

 

Lissa HoneyLiisa Honey, MD, FRCSC
Director, Safe Medical Care Learning, Canadian Medical Protective Association 

Dr. Liisa Honey is the Director of Safe Medical Care Learning at the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA). Prior to joining the CMPA, she served as Department Chief, Medical Director and active member of the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Queensway Carleton Hospital in Ottawa. She completed a Master’s certificate in Physician Leadership Development through the Schulich School of Business, as well as the Quality Improvement and Patient Safety program through the Telfer School of Business. 

Dr JamesKeleigh James, MD, CCFP, FCFP
Special Advisor, Physician Support and Wellness 

Dr. Keleigh James completed her medical training at the University of Manitoba and has a Masters in Medical Education from the University of Dundee. As a family physician, the most meaningful part of her clinical practice is caring for equity-denied patient populations, including work with Indigenous Peoples in northern communities. She has held various positions at the University of Manitoba and at the University of Ottawa, with interests in curriculum development, improving patient access to French-language healthcare, and learner well-being. She joined the Canadian Medical Protective Association in 2019, where she works in Physician Support and Wellness. 

 

Maria KangMaria Kang, MD. FRCPC
Medical Director, Workforce Stabilization & Recruitment, Island Health 

Dr. Maria Kang has practiced in Victoria since 2008. She began her medical training in Winnipeg and completed her pediatric residency at Alberta Children's Hospital and BC Children's Hospital. Alongside her community practice, she holds positions within Island Health's Department of Pediatrics and is currently the Medical Director of Workforce Stabilization & Recruitment. Dr. Kang advocates for physician wellbeing and supports her colleagues in this important work. 

Amanda LaBoucaneAmanda LaBoucane 
Executive Director, Indigenous Health, Fraser Health 

Amanda LaBoucane is a Métis citizen born and raised on Coast Salish lands and a mother of two strong Métis – Ojibwe daughters. The importance of preserving cultural teachings and traditions into all aspects of daily life inspires Ms. LaBoucane to drive the critical work of embedding Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility into healthcare. She currently serves as the Executive Director for Indigenous Health within Fraser Health and is a leader who not only understands but demonstrates that transforming the healthcare system to address Indigenous specific racism requires strength, determination, political acumen, kindness and heart. 

 

Catherine Loughlin, PhD
Jodrey Chair in Business and Society, Dalhousie University 

Dr. Catherine Loughlin is an I/O Psychologist holding the Jodrey Chair in Business and Society at Dalhousie University in Canada. Previously she was Associate Dean of Research and a Canada Research Chair studying links between leadership, health and performance, particularly in high reliability organizations. Her SSHRC & CIHR funded research focusses on creating healthy leadership systems in organizations to reduce toxic behaviour and burnout. She coaches senior leaders and has coordinated change initiatives across sectors. 

 

Andrea LumAndrea Lum, MD, FRCPC, CCPE, FCAR
Vice Dean, Faculty Affairs, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University

Dr. Andrea Lum is a clinical academic physician leader with over two decades of experience. She earned the Canadian Certified Physician Executive (CCPE) credential in 2012. A radiologist since 1989, she has held key leadership roles at Western University, including Chair and City-Wide Chief of Medical Imaging and Vice Dean Clinical Faculty Affairs. Dr. Lum has served on multiple boards, including the CPSO and Royal College Foundation. Recognized for her contributions, she received the CAR Gold Medal (2021) and the Joint LHSC & SJHC Medical Advisory Award (2022).

 

David MacLeanDavid MacLean
President, MacLean Group

David MacLean is an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker and author. He is a Master Chair for The Executive Committee Canada (TEC) where he equips CEOs, entrepreneurs and executives to grow their leadership and enhance their lives. David is passionate about facilitating an awakening of heart-based leadership and speaks widely and writes extensively on the principles of Wholehearted Leadership. He has taken his message to 6 countries on 3 different continents. David, along with his wife and sons, embarked on a 2-year Global Educational Odyssey, travelling over 115,000 km, on over a dozen trips to over 100 destinations in 7 different countries.

 

Holly MacLean, RN, BN
Peer Support Coordinator, Doctors Manitoba 

Holly MacLean is a Registered Nurse who graduated from the University of Manitoba, where she was also a peer supporter in the former Peers: Students Helping Students program. She has worked in acute and community-based practice settings and has developed workshops for patients and clinical teams related to interdisciplinary teamwork. Ms. MacLean now works with Doctors Manitoba to help coordinate and promote peer support groups for physicians. She is completing her Master in Leadership (Health Specialization) through Royal Roads University and is partnered with Doctors Manitoba in her thesis work on physician engagement. 

 

Leah MalazdrewiczLeah Malazdrewicz, RN
Consultant, Accelerating Change Transformation Team, Alberta Medical Association

Leah Malazdrewicz is a dedicated Registered Nurse and Consultant with the Alberta Medical Association's Accelerating Change Transformation Team. She’s passionate about supporting physicians and health care teams. Leah is committed to elevating patient care in Alberta by equipping physicians with the tools, resources and guidance needed to unlock their leadership potential to impact health system transformation. Outside of her professional life, Ms. Malazdrewicz enjoys learning new things, traveling, and spending quality time with her friends and family. She’s a wife and a mom to two spirited girls and their beloved family dog.

 

Kim McintoshKim McIntosh, MD, CCFP, FCFP
Primary Care Lead, Couchiching OHT and Chief of Staff, Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital 

Dr. Kim McIntosh is a comprehensive family physician with over 20 years of clinical experience in community and hospital. She previously served as Chief of Family Medicine and Program Medical Director at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH), and in other regional roles. She currently serves as the Primary Care Physician Lead for the Couchiching Ontario Health team, as OSMH Chief of Staff and as a board member with the Ontario College of Family Physicians. 

 

 

AnneAnne McNamara, MBChB (Otago, NZ), FRACP, FRCPC, CEC

Originally from New Zealand, Dr. Anne McNamara has worked in Fraser Health as a respirologist, intensivist, and physician leader. Her leadership journey sparked a deep commitment to supporting physicians, leading her to focus on education, credentialing, and a second career in Physician Coaching. She coaches individuals, groups, presents webinars, and is passionate about facilitating interactive workshops. 

 

 

 

Kelly McShane, PhD, CPsych
Associate Professor, HR Management & Organizational Behaviour TMU, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario 

Dr. Kelly McShane is dedicated to interdisciplinary approaches to system transformation. She was awarded the Research Ambassador Medal (TMU) for her scholarly achievements in health and social services. She prides herself in "doing academia differently" by completing secondments, most recently as the Inaugural Workplace Civility Specialist at Southlake Hospital. As a licensed clinical and organizational psychologist, Dr. McShane serves as a consultant for delicate workplace issues, culture change and employee wellness. 

 

Shazma MithaniShazma Mithani, MD, FRCPC
Associate Clinical Professor, University of Alberta  

Dr. Shazma Mithani is an Emergency Physician in Edmonton practicing both adult and pediatric emergency medicine. Her true passion is in health education and advocacy, which stems from her work during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues today in her roles with the Canadian Medical Association, Alberta Medical Association, Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton. She is a regular guest on various traditional media platforms and podcasts. 

 

 

Fernando MurrayFernando Murray
Virtual Facilitation and Good Talks 

Fernando Murray is a seasoned Designer and Group Facilitator with over two decades of experience working across diverse sectors, including small businesses, corporations, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and community groups. He is passionate about fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration, supporting teams and communities in Brazil, Canada, the United States, and beyond.  

 

 

Dr HeatherHeather Murray, MD, MSc, FRCPC
Physician Advisor, Safe Medical Care Learning, Canadian Medical Protective Association 

Dr. Heather Murray is a Physician Advisor in the Safe Medical Care Learning department at the Canadian Medical Protective Association. She is a professor of Emergency Medicine at Queen’s and is cross-appointed to the Department of Public Health Sciences. She is also the Evidence-Based Medicine lead for the School of Medicine. Dr. Murray has authored a large number of peer-reviewed scientific papers, book chapters, editorials and commentaries. As well, she is the recipient of numerous teaching awards. 

 

Nicole NittiNicole Nitti, MD, CCFP (EM), FCFP
Primary Care Network Lead, West Toronto OHT and Chair, Ontario Primary Care Council 

Dr. Nicole Nitti is a tenured, comprehensive family physician with experience in primary and acute care sectors across rural and urban Ontario. She has expertise in addressing SDOH and health inequities through primary care and has been in several health system leadership roles in Ontario.  She is the current Lead of the West Toronto Primary Care Network and Chair of the Ontario Primary Care Council. 

 

Erica PhelpsErica Phelps, MD, FRCSC
Physician Quality Lead Maternal, Infant, Child Youth Program, Fraser Health 

Dr. Erica Phelps is a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is the Physician Advisor for the Physician Quality Improvement Program (PQI) and is the Physician Quality Lead for the Maternal, Infant Child Program in Fraser Health. She recently completed the Chief Quality Office course with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). She is passionate about empowering physicians to lead equitable and sustainable healthcare improvement in collaboration with diverse teams. 

 

 

Jodi PloquinJodi Ploquin, MSc, TIC-CWT, CHE, CCIP

Jodi Poliquin is a medical health physicist who has worked as a change leader in radiation safety, nuclear security, patient safety and physician wellness. She has been a faculty member with the Canadian Medical Association Physician Leadership Institute since 2022 and a lecturer at the University of Calgary since 2012. She has experience facilitating workshops at national and international conferences. 

Kathleen RossKathleen Ross, MD, MSc, MCFP
Faculty Physician, Quality Improvement, Fraser Health and Chair, Pathways Patient Referral Association 

Dr. Kathleen Ross is a clinically active family physician and recognized expert in physician leadership and quality improvement. She has held numerous leadership roles, including President of the Canadian Medical Association and President of Doctors of BC. She serves as Chair of the Pathways Patient Referral Association, an indispensable online clinical and referral resource for physicians in BC and the Yukon, demonstrating her commitment to advancing technology in front-line clinical care. She has received several awards for her community service and global humanitarian work. 

 

Anurg SaxenaDr. Anurag Saxena, MD, M.Ed., MBA, FRCP, FCAP, CHE, CCPE
Professor and Associate Dean, University of Saskatchewan 

Dr. Anurag Saxena, Professor and Associate Dean, PGME, has credentials in coaching, leadership development, analytics, LEAN and EDI. He is engaged in leadership research (with numerous peer-reviewed publications) and leadership development work at local, national and international levels through workshops and courses. He has extensive experience in governance, leadership and management including influencing change, and developing and implementing policy and strategy. Dr. Saxena brings a unique perspective that straddles academic-practitioner boundary in the leadership space. 

 

Myles Sergeant MD, FCFP, P.Eng.
Executive Director, Canadian Coalition of Green Health Care 

Dr. Myles Sergeant, a family physician with 25 years of experience, has served vulnerable populations, including those experiencing homelessness, addictions and the elderly. Dedicated to the link between health and the environment, he co-founded PEACH Health Ontario (peachhealthontario.com), Trees for Hamilton (www.treesforhamilton.ca), and the Shelter Health Network (www.shelterhealthnetwork.ca). Dr. Sergeant now serves as Executive Director of the Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care, advancing sustainable healthcare practices. 

 

 

Sophie SoklaridisSophie Soklaridis, PhD
Senior Scientist and Scientific Director, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health 

Dr. Sophie Soklaridis is a Senior Scientist and Scientific Director at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. She is an Associate Professor at the Department of Psychiatry and Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto and the Vice-Chair of Mental Health Equity and EDIIA at the Department of Psychiatry. Her scholarly foci include patients as partners in research and mental health education and the influence of power on academic medicine. 

 

Linda VaranguLinda Varangu, BSc., M.Eng.
Founding Executive Director, Senior Advisor, Climate Change, The Canadian Coalition Green Health Care 

Linda Varangu has been empowering healthcare organizations improve environmental stewardship since the 1980’s. She has led organizations and projects to reduce healthcare waste, toxic chemicals, energy and water while enhancing circular economy practices and supporting excellent care. As Senior Advisor, Climate Change at the Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care, Ms. Varangu supports the healthcare workforce prepare for and adapt to the impacts of climate change. She co-founded PEACH Health Ontario, and advises at CASCADES.

 

 

Ruth Vilayil Ruth Vilayil, MD, FRCSC
Regional Division Head Gynecology, Fraser Health 

Dr. Ruth Vilayil, a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada, led a renowned international women’s hospital in Uganda. Now Regional Division Head – Gynaecology for Fraser Health Authority and Clinical Assistant Professor at UBC, she holds certificates in physician quality improvement and leadership. Dr. Vilayil is dedicated to advancing surgical education, quality improvement with an equity lens and global health. 

 

 

Jennifer WatsonJennafer Wilson, MD
Program Medical Director for Indigenous Health, Fraser Health 

Dr. Jennafer Wilson is the Program Medical Director for Indigenous Health in Fraser Health. Her father is colonial Irish-Scottish settler. Her mother is Qualipu Mi’kmaq. She is a Mother to three beautiful children, a wife, a daughter and a sister. She is a practicing family physician and enjoys teaching medical learners. 

 

 

 

Ariella ZbarAriella Zbar, MD, CCFP, MPH, MBA, FRCPC
Executive Medical Director and Medical Health Officer, Population and Public Health, Fraser Health 

Dr. Ariella Zbar is a Public Health and Preventive Medicine specialist and graduate of the Physician Quality Improvement program. She is currently Executive Medical Director for Population & Public Health, where she leads the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, South Asian Health Institute, and the Population Health Assessment, Information, Surveillance and Evaluation teams, as well as the medical health officer group. She is also the geographic Medical Health Officer for Surrey.