Council Election Candidates

Practice discipline: Anesthesiology

Practice location: Red Deer

What are some highlights from your professional background and experience? 

• I am an anesthesiologist with a deep interest in innovation and the future of health care.
• In 2014, I co-founded a biotech company that applied artificial intelligence to drug discovery and development—at a time when AI in medicine was still in its infancy. This early work reflects my long-standing commitment to bridging medicine, innovation, and technology to drive meaningful change in patient care.
• I am equally passionate about public service and global health. I have volunteered and worked to provide services to Indigenous communities in Manitoba and have participated in international medical missions, most recently in Guatemala. These experiences have reinforced my belief in equity, access and compassion as essential pillars of our profession.
• As a CPSA Councillor, I would like to help shape regulatory frameworks that help support innovation while ensuring patient safety and access.

What is your reason for running? 

I am running for Council because I see this as an opportunity to give back to our profession and help shape its future. Health care is evolving rapidly, and it is essential that we develop smart, sustainable regulatory frameworks that protect patients while also enabling innovation and new models of care. I am eager to contribute my perspective as both a clinician and an innovator, and to learn more about policy and regulation so that I can help bridge the gap between frontline practice, emerging technologies, and thoughtful governance.

Which competency or attribute do you feel you most represent? Provide a brief description of why. 

I believe I most represent Strategic and Inclusionary Leadership. Founding an AI-based biotech taught me to think ahead, anticipate change, and prepare for the future. As both a clinician and innovator, I bring a broad perspective that connects patient care, technology, and regulation. My volunteer work in Indigenous communities and on international medical missions has reinforced the importance of equity and listening to diverse voices. I believe strong leadership means creating space for all perspectives, ensuring that innovation benefits patients across the system. I aim to combine a forward-looking mindset with inclusivity, building regulatory frameworks that are practical, patient centered and responsive.

CPSA’s mandate focuses on protecting and serving the public. How would you contribute to this as a Councillor? 

I see protecting and serving the public as the foundation of our profession’s social contract. As a Councillor, having worked in rural communities, I would bring both clinical and innovative perspectives to ensure regulatory decisions remain rooted in patient safety, equity and access. By listening carefully to diverse voices, asking thoughtful questions, and prioritizing transparency, I would help Council craft policies that safeguard the public and build trust in the profession. Above all, I would contribute a commitment to patient-centered care, a forward-looking mindset and the willingness to collaborate with colleagues to ensure CPSA continues to protect Albertans while enabling a sustainable, evolving healthcare system.

What else would you like your colleagues to know about you? 

I approach my work with openness, energy, and a genuine desire to learn. I value collaboration and believe some of the best solutions come from bringing diverse perspectives together. Having worked across Canada, including in rural communities, I understand the different realities physicians face and the need for balanced, practical regulation. With the healthcare landscape changing rapidly, I believe my background in clinical care, innovation, and policy interest positions me well to help Council navigate these shifts while keeping patient safety and access at the center.

Practice discipline: Family medicine

Practice location: Edmonton, Kensington Clinic

What are some highlights from your professional background and experience? 

• With over 20 years of medical practice, I bring a wealth of international experience, having worked in Nigeria, Botswana, the UK and now Canada. This breadth of practice across health systems has strengthened my adaptability and resilience and given me a deep understanding of delivering compassionate, culturally-sensitive care to diverse populations.
• A 2nd highlight of my career has been leadership in medical education. I served as a GP Programme Director, Clinical Supervisor, GP Trainer and GMC PLAB Examiner in the UK, and now continue this work as a Clinical Lecturer at the University of Alberta. Supporting and mentoring future physicians is something I value deeply.
• A 3rd highlight is governance and community service. I have chaired committees and served on health, cultural and charitable boards. My contributions have been recognized through national awards and international presentations on diversity and leadership. These roles have honed my commitment to equity and fairness.

What is your reason for running? 

I am running for Council to support CPSA regulated members (physicians and physician assistants) while ensuring safe, equitable, high-quality care for patients. With international experience across four countries and a proven track record as a Medical Educator, I will bring fairness, advocacy and creativity to the CPSA Council, shaping policies that protect the public, foster trust and empower regulated members to thrive.

Which competency or attribute do you feel you most represent? Provide a brief description of why. 

The competency I best represent is Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). This has been central to my clinical practice, leadership and governance roles. I have chaired DEI committees, delivered workshops on culture and equity and published research on diversity in medical leadership, presenting my work nationally and internationally. Through my roles as a GP Trainer, Lecturer and board member for health and cultural organizations, I have seen how inclusive approaches improve collaboration, decision-making and outcomes. As a CPSA Councillor, I would bring this perspective to ensure regulation reflects the diversity of Albertans and CPSA regulated members, and that fairness and equity remain at the heart of our policies.

CPSA’s mandate focuses on protecting and serving the public. How would you contribute to this as a Councillor? 

CPSA’s mandate to protect and serve the public resonates deeply with me. With two decades of frontline medical experience across four countries, I have built resilience and adaptability while advocating for compassionate, culturally-sensitive care that honours diversity. As a CPSA Councillor, I would draw on my proven leadership as a senior medical educator and my governance roles on health and cultural boards to shape fair, accountable policies that protect patients, foster public trust and support regulated members to deliver the highest standards of care.

What else would you like your colleagues to know about you? 

Beyond clinical and leadership roles, I am an artist and creative thinker who sees challenges as opportunities for growth. My background in art, design and public speaking has sharpened my ability to communicate, inspire and approach problems from fresh angles. I am also passionate about strength training, reflecting discipline and personal growth. I never shy away from respectful conflict and believe it can spark innovation and stronger outcomes. As a CPSA Councillor, I would bring creativity, courage, empathy and diplomacy while staying deeply committed to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Practice discipline: Radiation Oncology

Practice location: Edmonton

What are some highlights from your professional background and experience? 

• I have a diverse background and have been involved in many adventures during my career.
• I am trained in both law and medicine. In the past I have worked as a family physician doing locums in Northwest Territories and Edmonton, but I have spent most of my medical career as a Radiation Oncologist working initially for a short time in Calgary, Texas and Florida, and for the last 25 years in Edmonton at the Cross Cancer Institute. I am a senior consultant in my department and I currently maintain a busy clinical practice.
• I recently completed my position as Councillor with the Canadian Medical Protective Association where I gained a significant wealth of knowledge about overseeing a successful medical organization.

What is your reason for running?

I have multiple skills to be an excellent CPSA Councilor. I feel giving back to the profession is a way to show appreciation for all the hard work that physicians do. This position also provides the opportunity for continued learning, which is an important facet of everyone’s personal and professional development.

Which competency or attribute do you feel you most represent? Provide a brief description of why. 

Strategic Leadership is what I would most represent. There are several competencies and attributes that make me a suitable candidate for the CPSA Council. I have significant experience in governance, strategic planning, bylaw reviews, leadership, communication, with some modest financial and political acumen, and with my legal background I am quite familiar with legislation, regulations and other legal requirements. But it is the Integrity that we uphold to our profession and the public that I feel is important to successful self-governance.

CPSA’s mandate focuses on protecting and serving the public. How would you contribute to this as a Councillor? 

I feel physicians and the public have a common goal for the delivery of safe medical care, and I believe that CPSA’s oversight of the profession is crucial to the continued achievement of this goal. I will exercise my fiduciary duty to the CPSA and the public with appropriate oversight and guidance, upholding high standards of integrity and accountability.

What else would you like your colleagues to know about you? 

I believe that involvement in the community and keeping active in sport helps maintain balance in one’s life. I have volunteered over the years with various sports clubs and schools in the Edmonton area, and I am currently involved in competitive swimming. I also enjoy skiing, running and traveling.

Practice discipline: Family medicine

Practice location: Edmonton

What are some highlights from your professional background and experience? 

• I am an internationally trained physician with over 20 years of clinical practice experience. I currently serve as Medical Director and Family Physician at PrimeCare Clinic of Terwillegar in Edmonton, and as an Associate Clinical Professor of Family Medicine at the University of Alberta.
• I earned my medical degree in Nigeria, where I completed postgraduate training and worked as an Obstetrician and Gynecologist before relocating to Canada. For over a decade in Canada, I have practiced as a Family Physician across rural, urban and Indigenous communities, providing care in family practice, rural ER, long-term care, obstetrics and surgical care.
• I am a clinical researcher and also serve as a CPSA Assessor for the Practice Ready Physicians in Alberta.
• I have also held leadership roles as a member and chair of various professional, hospital and regional health committees. These roles have deepened my understanding of healthcare systems, policy, advocacy and physician leadership.

What is your reason for running? 

I want to be a CPSA Councillor because of my strong commitment to uphold professional standards, ensure patient safety and support ethical, high-quality medical care. With over 20 years of clinical and leadership experience in various clinical settings with diverse teams, I bring a strong understanding of frontline challenges and collaborative solutions. I am passionate about fostering physician wellness, innovation and inclusive decision-making. Serving on the Council will allow me to contribute meaningfully to policies that reflect the values and needs of both the profession and the public.

Which competency or attribute do you feel you most represent? Provide a brief description of why. 

While I value all key competencies and attributes of Councillors, I most strongly identify with Integrity and Accountability. Throughout my career, I have consistently prioritized ethical decision-making, transparency and responsibility in both individual and collaborative settings. When managing complex professional challenges or participating in governance roles, I have always believed that trust is earned and maintained through consistent, principled action. I have consistently demonstrated accountability, not only to policies and regulations but also to the broader public interest, ensuring that decisions are made fairly, with long-term impact in mind. I believe this competency is foundational to effective leadership and public service approach would always center on serving Albertans and reviewing decisions to ensure that they truly protect and serve the public.

CPSA’s mandate focuses on protecting and serving the public. How would you contribute to this as a Councillor? 

As a Councillor, I would support CPSA’s mandate by ensuring that all decisions are strategically grounded in the public interest, while focusing on patient safety, ethical care and accountability. I would bring a balanced, independent perspective that would promote transparency, fairness and evidence-based regulation. I remain committed to upholding public trust, advancing equity and inclusion in health care, and supporting high standards of medical professionalism. I believe that effective regulation depends on thoughtful governance, continuous improvement and strong physician engagement. My approach would always center on serving Albertans and reviewing decisions to ensure that they truly protect and serve the public.

What else would you like your colleagues to know about you? 

I am married to a physician colleague and we have 3 children. I like teaching and medical research. Outside of work, I love biking, watching movies, playing board games, basketball and travelling.

Practice discipline: Family medicine

Practice location: Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta

What are some highlights from your professional background and experience? 

• Over the last 15 years, I have served Alberta as a physician, leader and advocate, blending frontline care with governance, innovation and mentorship. My journey began in rural as Community Medical Director, where I learned adaptability and advocacy in resource-limited settings.
• As Physician Lead for SSPCN, I guided physician engagement, patient access and crisis navigation during COVID, later establishing a Quality and Evaluation committee. I have held key roles in the Edmonton Zone PCN Committee, including Chair of Finance and Audit and Interim Physician Lead Executive, restructuring governance while safeguarding patient care.
• An early adopter of AI, I integrate technology to improve efficiency and outcomes.
• As a Black minority physician and International Medical Graduate, I have overcome barriers with resilience and now mentor others facing similar challenges.
• My solo practice, recognized with the 2024 Community Outreach Award, exemplifies a patient medical home model.

What is your reason for running? 

To ensure that every voice—including those of frontline, rural and minority physicians—is heard, as a supported professional is better equipped to serve the public faithfully and safely. Patients’ concerns are best addressed when they are heard through well-designed channels and responded to in a timely and empathetic manner.

Which competency or attribute do you feel you most represent? Provide a brief description of why. 

Integrity is the attribute that most defines my leadership and professional journey. As SSPCN Chair and later Interim Physician Lead Executive for the Edmonton Zone PCN Committee, I consistently placed the public interest above personal gain—ensuring resources were directed to patient care, safeguarding confidentiality and building trust through transparency. My humanity, shaped by rural frontline practice, deepened my empathy and respect for patients and colleagues. Strategic leadership, strengthened by advanced training in AI, health economics and governance, equips me to guide complex reforms with vision. With added competencies in finance, technology and HR, I bring integrity, compassion and teamwork to support the College’s mandate.

CPSA’s mandate focuses on protecting and serving the public. How would you contribute to this as a Councillor? 

As a Council member, I would dedicate myself to safeguarding patient safety, strengthening accountability, fostering equity, enabling responsible innovation and supporting physician wellness. Protecting the public is not a single act but an ongoing process of listening, adapting and leading with integrity. My approach is grounded in three principles: ensuring safe, competent and ethical care; promoting transparency and fairness in regulation; and fostering collaboration and innovation in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape. By combining strong regulation with compassion and foresight, we can ensure Albertans receive safe, ethical and high-quality care for generations to come.

What else would you like your colleagues to know about you? 

That I am approachable, collaborative, a good listener, teachable and a team player who values respect and shared responsibility. My leadership experience with SSPCN and the Edmonton Zone PCN Committee has shown me that openness and trust are the foundation of meaningful collaboration. I am a lifelong learner, adaptable to change and committed to hearing diverse voices. Above all, integrity guides every decision I make—ensuring fairness, transparency and accountability. These qualities will enable me to contribute constructively to Council deliberations.

Practice discipline: Family Medicine and Public Health and Preventive Medicine

Practice location: Family Care Clinic, East Edmonton Health Centre and the Virtual MD program at 811 Health Link

What are some highlights from your professional background and experience?

• I have been practising medicine for over 15 years.
• Following residency at the University of Alberta in Family Medicine and Public Health and Preventive Medicine, I worked as a family physician in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Colorado.
• Returning to Alberta in 2018, I spent a short time doing locum work before joining the practice at East Edmonton Health Centre Family Care Clinic.
• In 2020, I also supported the Edmonton Zone Medical Officers of Health in the COVID response, staying with the office until 2025. During this time, I was involved in the Connect Care implementation as a Medical Informatics Lead for Population and Public Health.
• I recently joined the Virtual MD team at 811 Health Link and continue to care for my patients at East Edmonton Health Centre.
• I am appointed as an Associate Clinical Professor with the Department of Family Medicine and am adjunct with the Department of Medicine, Division of Preventive Medicine, at the University of Alberta.

What is your reason for running?

I entered medicine because I wanted to help improve the health of individuals and communities at the local level, as well as at a broader systems level. Serving on Council would allow me to use and apply my diverse set of skills and experiences to contribute to furthering the mandate of the CPSA. I care about patients and recognize the significant role that physicians have in healthcare delivery and patient care. It would be a privilege to participate in upholding the medical profession through CPSA Council.

Which competency or attribute do you feel you most represent? Provide a brief description of why.

Above all, I value integrity and accountability. I hope this is reflected in my professional practice as well as how I conduct myself personally. As defined by the CPSA, integrity means keeping the greater good in mind and making principled decisions. Accountability means assuming responsibility and following through with commitments that have been made. To me, integrity and accountability are essential for creating trust. Trust is needed in all of our relationships. In medical practice, integrity and accountability are essential for the patient-physician relationship. It is needed to establish trust in the medical profession by the public. It is needed between physician colleagues and amongst the healthcare team so we can do our jobs.

CPSA’s mandate focuses on protecting and serving the public. How would you contribute to this as a Councillor?

As a specialist in Public Health and Preventive Medicine, I have an understanding of legal, political, technological and data management matters that would contribute to fulfilling CPSA’s mandate. I have experience protecting the public’s health in a regulatory role, and a robust awareness of the complexities of the healthcare system. As a family physician, I have the privilege of supporting my patients through their healthcare journeys and have direct knowledge of where improvements, if made, could have substantive impact. Finally, as technology rapidly advances in our society, I have interest in ensuring the tools we adopt are serving to benefit our society to the best of our ability.

What else would you like your colleagues to know about you?

I am certified with the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC). When living and working in the USA, I obtained certification with the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) and the American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM). I continue to maintain these certifications today. I am thankful for my wonderful husband and three children. We enjoy bike rides and playing badminton together as a family.