Series: CVFP Health Team
Training Tomorrow’s Family Physicians
We are Proud of our Role as a Teaching Clinic
The CVFP family physician development program continues to build and develop competent and capable, much needed family doctors. This ongoing involvement in physician development guides newly qualified medical graduates through the challenges of providing high-quality and efficient primary care in Alberta. But this is not just about training; resident doctors are an important part of our CVFP community. They help to provide the care our CVFP patients receive as a vital part of our team and we are grateful for their skills, new experiences and compassion.
Training Tomorrow’s Family Physicians
In June 2024, several more CVFP trained family medicine residents graduated as full-fledged family doctors for Alberta. Graduation this year also included a trainee from outside of CVFP who suffered some challenges that were successfully overcome under the guidance of our Medical Director, Dr. Janet Reynolds.
“I am ever thankful to our talented residents who continue to add capacity,
experience and enthusiasm to our CVFP community. Their dedication to family
medicine is a valuable contribution to our health home, helping to make it
stronger now and in the future.”
Dr. Ian Johnston, CVFP Family Physician & Teaching Lead
Meet our Newest Residents Joining CVFP in July 2024
Dr. Christy Chong
CVFP coach: Dr. Reid McLeanWiest
“I was born and raised in Calgary and completed a master’s degree in Health Services Research at the University of Calgary, focusing on the continuity of care among primary care providers and patients with chronic diseases.
Driven by a passion for family medicine, I pursued medical school at the University of Calgary. I am excited to train at CVFP to become a comprehensive, compassionate and patient-centered family physician.”
Dr. Negar Heidari
CVFP coach: Dr. Ingunn Benediktsson
“I completed undergraduate studies in Cellular, Molecular and Microbial Biology at the University of Calgary. During my time there, I had the privilege of volunteering with Alberta Health Services (AHS), working with seniors hospitalized at the Rockyview General Hospital where rewarding interactions with patients reinforced my passion for medicine. Post bachelor’s degree, I worked in child and adult education within the educational technology sector and at Mount Royal University.
Through this work, I gained a deeper appreciation for working with individuals across various stages of life and the importance of clear communication in imparting information. I subsequently completed a medical degree at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. After a rewarding experience in Edmonton, I am excited to return to Calgary, the city that I proudly call home after being welcomed as a first-generation immigrant. I look forward to cultivating enriching connections with patients and serving the community that has supported me so much.”
Dr. Bronwyn Hildebrand
CVFP coach: Dr. Lynne Gillis
“I am a first-year family medicine resident who recently graduated from the University of Calgary. Before entering medicine, I completed a Bachelor of Health Sciences and gained valuable experience working as an addictions counsellor.
I am a Métis Cree physician who is a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta and a descendant of the Papaschase First Nation. I pursue my passion for Indigenous health through reconciliatory Indigenous health research and involvement with the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada Indigenous Health Committee.”
Dr. Sandra Kadhim
CVFP Coach: Dr. Karyn Richardson
“I was born and raised in Calgary and completed both a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Doctor of Medicine from the University of Calgary. I am very passionate about mental health; my extra-curriculars revolve around stigma reduction and my research involves investigating neurobiological underpinnings of mental health disorders and comorbidities associated with mental health conditions. I am excited to be part of CVFP and hope to serve the community that helped raise me.”
Dr. Haris Malik
CVFP coach: Dr. Kathleen Young
“I received undergraduate, graduate and medical degrees from the University of Calgary with the bulk of my research in the realm of neuroregeneration and traumatic brain injury, including publications on concussions, post-concussion syndrome and post-traumatic seizures. I am looking forward to my residency at CVFP as part of my commitment to providing compassion, care and empathy for patients whom I am able to serve in their health journeys. As a first-generation immigrant raised in Alberta, I am excited to give back to the community that has given me so much.”
Dr. Regan Wright
CVFP coach: Dr. Wendy Stefanek
“I was born and raised in Calgary Alberta, growing up playing hockey and spending time climbing and backpacking in the Rocky Mountains with friends and family. I moved to Edmonton to attend the University of Alberta where I played varsity hockey for the Pandas for five years and earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. I also completed medical school at the University of Alberta where my passion for family medicine was cemented.
Throughout medical school, I was involved with research focussing on clinical neurosciences and the integration of Indigenous healing practices and ways of knowing with western scientific methods. During my clerkship, I found myself drawn to many areas within medicine but above all I had a desire to make connections with patients and to develop meaningful relationships. I am excited to learn and grow alongside the team at CVFP and to return home to Calgary and the Rocky Mountains.”
Dr. Waseem Zakour
CVFP coach: Dr. Ian Johnston
“I am thrilled to join the CVFP team and look forward to building meaningful connections with the community and colleagues. I pursued a medical education with a focus on general surgery, completing training in this field. Subsequently, I worked as a surgical assistant in Red Deer where I gained invaluable hands-on experience with surgical skills that I will bring to my future practice. Currently, I am broadening my expertise by enrolling in a Master’s program in Family and Community Medicine.
My journey in medicine has reinforced my belief in the importance of holistic patient care. I am committed to addressing all aspects of a patient's health, recognizing that true wellness cannot be achieved through fragmented care. This philosophy drives my passion for family medicine.”