Shine A Light

Dr. Olubukola Maxwell strongly believes that prevention is key to a healthy community. As a family physician in Grande Prairie, she’s well positioned to help her patients focus on health promotion as part of their everyday lives. 

The patient who nominated Dr. Maxwell certainly appreciates her:

“I believe my family doctor is the epitome of what a physician should be in Alberta. She is professional, yet empathetic. Knowledgeable, kind and compassionate. She takes the time to listen, and then she shares her wisdom and direction. She makes appropriate referrals, informing me of what to expect /next steps so I feel like a partner in my care.” 

"What sets her apart aside from these excellent qualities is her accountability and devotion. She has personally called me after 8 p.m. at night on three separate occasions, following up on results after putting in a full day in clinic. I do not know how she sustains this level of service. I would so very much appreciate it if she could be recognized for her outstanding service.”

“On a personal note, she is the reason I have received early diagnosis and referral for treatment of breast cancer. She is changing and saving lives one patient at a time, for which I am eternally grateful.”

Learn more about Dr. Maxwell’s approach to family medicine in her Shine A Light profile (Alberta Doctors' Digest, May/June 2024).

Dr. Mohammed Mosli comes from a long line of physicians. Although he initially planned to become a surgeon like his father, his career path took an unexpected turn that led him to specialize in public health and preventive medicine with a special interest in addiction health. His focus has increasingly been on caring for vulnerable populations. 

A colleague felt Dr. Mosli’s care for these populations deserves to be showcased:

“I am nominating Dr. Mosli for the Shine A Light because he has such a passion for caring for the vulnerable population. Dr. Mosli is a public health and preventive medicine specialist who has dedicated his practice to helping those who suffer from pain, substance use disorders and mental health. He spends as much time as necessary with his patients and builds lasting relationships with those who do not have many positive people in their lives.”

“Dr. Mosli has partnered with different community partners to help expand the medical neighbourhood for these people and because of this, patients are being tested and treated for STBBIs when they would normally go undiagnosed; homeless individuals are becoming sober, getting approved for financial assistance, connecting back with their families and having more stability in their health and their lives. Dr. Mosli sees past the external picture of his patients and gets to know them as the individuals that they are and helps them to be the people that they can be. He connects them to the proper resources that they need so that they do not fall through the cracks of the system.”

“Dr. Mosli deserves to be recognized for the work that he is doing to help that many patients in his practice. I have seen him walk the streets to just say ‘hi’ and share a smile with many of the homeless and see if he can help them in any way. Truly inspirational.”

Read Dr. Mosli's Shine A Light profile to hear what he had to say about his work.

Dr. Cathy Horsman, a family physician in Medicine Hat, demonstrates the kind of commitment to her patients that makes them feel like they are a priority.

In his nomination letter, James describes how Dr. Horsman called him every other day while he was hospitalized and followed his test results closely. She also referred him to a U of A blood pressure study and kept up with his care while on holidays, contacting the study group to ensure he did not miss the opportunity just because she was away.

“Dr. Horsman obviously really cares about each and every patient that she provides care for. We love her and will be broken-hearted when she retires; we will never find another doctor with her knowledge and compassion! She is the very best physician in all of Alberta, maybe the country!”

Read more about Dr. Horsman in her Shine A Light profile.

Losing a loved one is painful, whether it happens suddenly or it is expected. Either way, the kindness and compassion of the medical professionals surrounding you can help make a difficult time a bit easier. 

Dr. David Sessford is a family physician in Vulcan, Alberta. The family of one of his patients was exceptionally grateful for the care he provided to their mother in her final days. The family noted Dr. Sessford exemplified unwavering compassion, expertise and empathy throughout the family's journey, and it was clear to them that “Dr. Sessford was not just a medical professional, but a true guardian of human dignity.” 

“Dr. Sessford displayed remarkable communication skills, making complex medical details accessible to us and enabling us to make informed decisions. In those challenging moments, Dr. Sessford provided unwavering support, both physically and emotionally. His presence brought comfort, his expertise reassured us, and his profound kindness gave solace. Our family felt seen, heard and respected.”

Dr. Sessford talks about his practice in his Shine A Light profile.

When a patient is referred to maternal fetal medicine, they are understandably anxious. It usually means the pregnancy has complications and is considered high risk. Sometimes that means the specialists in this field are disclosing difficult news about the pregnancy, especially when the fetal prognosis is guarded or life limiting.

Dr. Sue Chandra, maternal fetal medicine specialist, sees patients at the Lois Hole Hospital for Women in Edmonton. She’s also an associate professor in the U of A department of obstetrics and gynecology. She was nominated for recognition by a physician she mentored, who feels Dr. Chandra’s compassion toward her patients inspires others.

“Dr. Sue Chandra is an outstanding maternal fetal medicine specialist, and this is demonstrated on a daily basis when she sees the most complex obstetrical patients in Edmonton (+catchment area). Her patients often comment on how compassionate and informative she is, and this is especially important given most of these patients are sent to MFM due to their high-risk pregnancies. MFM are often the specialists who diagnose and have to disclose some of the most difficult news to their patients (for example, a diagnosis of a complex fetal condition or and sometimes lethal anomalies), but Dr Chandra always delivers the news with empathy and compassion. She is truly an inspiration to those around her and a role model to her trainees. One would only aspire to be like her one day and help train a new generation of physicians who are just as compassionate and passionate as her!”

Learn more about Dr. Chandra and her work in her Shine A Light profile (Alberta Doctors' Digest, November/December 2023).

Skills plus compassion - The backbone of an exemplary practice

It’s not easy to live with pain. One patient was facing his third back surgery when he met Dr. Fred Nicholls. This time, the surgery changed his life.

“It is absolutely impossible to describe the bitter pre-op pain I was experiencing. Not only was it affecting me physically, but it was also seriously affecting my mental health. I was a medic, paramedic and trauma nurse for over 40 years and have seen the good, bad and the ugly. My wife (who also worked in health care for 35 years) and I were astounded after meeting Dr. Nicholls.

“He had a very high rating as a back surgeon, but what took us by surprise was Dr. Nicholls’ demeanour. Dr. Nicholls is one of the most empathetic, kind and gentle men I have ever met. His explanations were clear and concise. I was never rushed with appointments, and his surgical skills were second to none. Dr. Nicholls gave me a new lease on life as I can finally function again!

“I don’t know how I would have managed pre-op if not for Dr. Nicholls. I cannot think of anyone who deserves Shine A Light recognition more than he.”

Dr. Nicholls is a clinical assistant professor with the department of surgery, division of orthopaedic surgery, at the U of C, and the Fellowship Director of the combined spine program. A childhood experience influenced his path to medicine. Let’s learn more about what inspired his career choice.

Learn more about Dr. Nicholls and his work in his Shine A Light profile (Alberta Doctors' Digest, May-June 2023).

A light for her colleagues, patients and the health system

One of the greatest compliments a person can give another is to suggest that they be a leader. Dr. Annette Begalke, by all accounts, is an exceptional family physician – the kind our health system needs – and she has made a big impression on her patients and colleagues alike.

One of her colleagues wanted to highlight the exceptional work that Dr. Begalke does every day.

“Dr. Begalke is the epitome of the family physician. She works relentlessly for her patients. Her standards of care and professionalism are exceptional. Her goals are evident in every action she takes – to be a patient advocate, to care for both the patient in the context of their family and social circumstance. To go above and beyond is a phrase ideally suited to her work ethic. 

"She singularly makes a difference to her patients’ well-being. In a system where teams are what we strive for, she has the capacity to see what is needed and deliver for her patient, even when the health care team is scant. She does this with a warm heart, impeccable clinical acumen and the ability to be the greatest asset to her team. 

“When I consider what the health care system needs, Dr. Begalke comes immediately to mind. She cares for innumerable patients with the highest complexity, provides for needs that the system will overlook and relentlessly navigates the system for her patients’ best interests. Her kindness to colleagues and the ability to see through the health care system and navigate it for her patients is exceptional. The drive she has is an inspiration to all colleagues who come in contact with her. 

“Dr. Begalke is humble and quiet, but she has the most amazing mind that offers practical and innovative solutions to health care quandaries, and it would be to the medical profession and the health care system’s benefit to see her in leadership, when her very full life as a doctor, wife, mother, daughter and friend will allow. To consider her as a mentor is my most humble privilege. 

“I nominate Dr. Begalke for this Shine A Light award most sincerely and enthusiastically.”

Dr. Begalke follows in the footsteps of her grandfather – a path that allows her to care for patients in all stages of their lives.

Learn more about Dr. Begalke and her work in her Shine A Light profile (Alberta Doctors' Digest, May-June 2023).

A light during a difficult time

The first thing Jude said about Dr. Trevor Steve is that he has a wicked sense of humour. Well, people say laughter is the best medicine. In Jude’s case, she also needed Dr. Steve’s expertise as a neurologist, and she credits him with saving her life.

Dr. Steve is an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology at the U of A. Jude first met Dr. Steve three years ago when she was admitted to the ICU following a seizure she had in her home. He diagnosed her epilepsy and has been providing her follow-up care since.

“Dr. Steve is warm, kind, attentive and knowledgeable. He looks you straight in the eye and listens to you. I owe him everything,” says Jude.

As if the epilepsy was not enough to handle, Jude then lost her husband of 54 years. She credits Dr. Steve and his team for helping her deal with that loss on top of her health issues. “He was very sympathetic during a rough time in my life, and he has greatly improved my quality of life by helping me manage my epilepsy. Dr. Steve is Shine A Light.”

Get to know a little more about Dr. Steve by reading his Shine A Light profile (Alberta Doctors' Digest, March-April 2023).

Going the extra mile

Dr. Cecile Phan is an associate clinical professor with the Division of Neurology at the U of A. She goes above and beyond for both her patients and colleagues, providing quality care to patients and support to physicians.

The extra efforts Dr. Phan makes have not gone unnoticed; she was nominated by a colleague who admires her dedication to her work.

Here is her nomination letter:

“Dr. Phan is an unbelievably hardworking and diligent neurologist. In clinic, she goes above and beyond for her patients. She will spend a great deal of time after her clinic is finished to ensure that cases and orders are properly reviewed. I have witnessed her calling multiple specialists to acquire imaging and special investigations for her patients, which can sometimes take a great deal of tenacity and patience. She is extremely knowledgeable and has much clinical experience which she applies to every single patient. 

She is an admirable colleague to work alongside. During her neurology hospital service sessions, she takes a highly collaborative approach as team leader, which I believe benefits her team and her patients’ care. She is very organized and ensures she reviews the hospital charts of each of her patients very thoroughly. This provides her with insight into their medical challenges and allows her to identify important clinical contexts that others have often overlooked, which results in better patient care.

She also helps run a specialist multidisciplinary neuromuscular clinic, which longitudinally follows neurology patients. This clinic is very important for continuity of care for patients with complex medical comorbidities and aids in quality of care by ensuring the changing needs of these patients are consistently reviewed. It can be difficult to coordinate multiple specialists for a single clinic day, but Dr. Phan is dedicated to ensuring this clinic runs smoothly. 

Even though Dr Phan works tirelessly in her job, she advocates for self-care for her physician colleagues. This is an often under recognized area but a very important aspect for physicians to identify and promote among themselves. By ensuring physician self-care is respected, it reduces the risk of burn-out, allows for improved patient care, and provides a more robust health care system.”

Learn more about Dr. Phan and her work in her Shine A Light profile (Alberta Doctors' Digest, January-February 2023).

Taking time with patients

In the busy health care system, specialists feel the pressures of so many patients waiting to access care. With such hectic schedules, it’s no doubt difficult to present a calm and unhurried face to patients.

One patient wants to applaud her gastroenterologist, Dr. Farhad Peerani, Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology at the U of A, for being a calm presence in her long and difficult health journey.

Her nomination letter describes a warm and compassionate physician who clearly cares about his patients.

“Dr. Farhad Peerani has been a most compassionate, gentle, attentive and learned gastroenterologist for me. When I was finally sent to Dr. Peerani for health care, he wondered why I hadn't taken myself to the hospital by this point in time with the symptoms I was displaying. That began my close-to-4 years under his care.”

“He has listened well to my questions and comments and has always been willing to explain things more than once when I had concerns. If I wanted a deeper explanation, he always respected my need for that. He never made me feel that I was wasting his time with my rehashing of salient points. A request from me for a phone call back was always respected. Because of this transparency in his communication with me, I have flourished under this good doctor's care.”

“Although he must be an extremely busy man, what with all his roles as gastroenterologist, researcher, professor, father and husband, to name the ones of which I am aware, he was always calm and unhurried in his dealings with me.” 

“When I sit in my oncology clinic receiving my infusion, I have listened to some patients complain about the poor communication they have with their own specialists. I always tell them what a gentleman ... kind, patient and thoughtful, I have been blessed to find in Dr. Peerani.”

“It is now time for me to move on to another gastroenterologist, and I will miss this blessing that was bestowed upon me the day my path crossed with Dr. Farhad Peerani's. In this day and age where one hears of the stress our health care is under, I would like to shine a light upon a man who has followed his calling with such professionalism and humbleness. Dr. Farhad Peerani is a true leader!”

Continue reading Dr. Peerani's Shine A Light profile (Alberta Doctors' Digest, November-December 2022)

A light for cancer patients

Physicians are used to providing the care, so when the physician becomes the patient, they have a unique perspective on the health care system and those working within it.

Recently, a physician found herself battling thyroid cancer and was referred to Dr. Shamir Chandarana, a surgeon with the section of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery (U of C), for treatment. While the patient wishes to maintain her privacy, she was compelled to ensure Dr. Chandarana was recognized for the excellent care he provided.

Here are some excerpts from her nomination letter:

“Dr. Chandarana is skilled at his work as he has performed a complex surgery with utmost diligence, precision and competence. Not only is his technical knowledge commendable, his kind and empathic bedside manner really is the icing on top. He has always taken the time to listen, provided his professional opinion, been open to hearing my thoughts, showed empathy in my situation and treated me like I matter. He brings humanness in surgery by relating at the level of the patient. Dr. Chandarana explained the risks and benefits of the surgery he performed and then followed up closely, addressing things as they came along. He was diligent in setting up follow up and physiotherapy post surgery and did not rush me out despite the capacity pressures in our overburdened healthcare system. He adjusted his schedule to provide me with care that best suited my needs. Dr. Chandarana put me before anything else and that’s what made all the difference for me. He embodies the attributes of a great physician - an empathic communicator, an advocate, a leader, a collaborator, and a medical expert.”

Continue reading Dr. Chandarana's Shine A Light profile (Alberta Doctors' Digest, July-August 2022)

The AMA Shine A Light  program is an opportunity for patients and colleagues to recognize and celebrate member physicians who are “making a difference through their everyday dedication to their patients.”

Recently finished her residency and a new family physician at Edmonton’s Nova Medical Clinic, Dr. Neha Chadha made a lasting impression on, and has a fan-for-life in, the patient who nominated her in June for recognition by the Shine A Light program. 

In her nomination, Paula describes how, as a new doctor, Dr. Chadha took on Paula as a patient, “complicated health portfolio … complex care plan … the ever-changing scenarios of autoimmune disease…” and all!

“As a former health care professional in acute care, I understood my own health portfolio very well, but of course required a GP that would be willing to learn along with me, provide deeper insight for me and treatment plans, as well as be an advocate for me,” says Paula.

“Dr. Chadha has far surpassed my greatest expectations in terms of her excellent care, prompt and accurate referrals, and consistent monitoring of my health condition. She has gone far beyond what we would typically call a ‘good patient advocate,’” Paula adds. “Even my specialists have remarked on what an excellent GP I have.”

“She is kind and empathetic, and she is not afraid to learn or say, ‘Let me look into this and get back to you,’” Paula continues. “She is professional in every sense of the word, yet so well-balanced with being a human and being able to relate to her patients.”

“She’s broken the mold.”

“With our current provincial cutbacks, I thought it time to voice how much GPs such as Dr. Chadha are needed in our health care system. Dr. Chadha is a physician who makes all the difference in the quality of my life in so many ways,” she says. “I would like to ‘Shine A Light’ on this very special physician who gives of herself every day to improve her patients’ quality of life!” 

Continue reading Dr. Chadha's Shine A Light profile (Alberta Doctors' Digest, September-October 2021)

Pictured left to right: Drs. Wendy Sligl, Duncan Mackey and Kristen Hemrick

In the January-February 2021 edition of Alberta Doctors’ Digest, we proudly Shine A Light on:

• Dr. Trevor Bernhardt: A supportive leader and an exceptional teammate
• Dr. Kristen Hemrick: A “very special practitioner” with a “kind, caring manner”
• Dr. Duncan Mackey: Treating patients like family – the kind of doctor you want on your side
• Dr. Wendy Sligl: Heart and soul, skill and dedication

While the majority of nominations for AMA’s Shine A Light program come from patients nominating their physicians, the program is also an opportunity for health care professionals to shine a light on and pay tribute to an outstanding physician colleague who they work(ed) or train(ed) with or have been under the care of.

With this first feature of the new year, the Shine A Light program recognizes four physicians, two of whom were nominated by health care colleagues and two by patients.

Continue reading this Shine A Light profile (Alberta Doctors' Digest, January-February 2021)

In the November-December 2020 edition of Alberta Doctors' Digest, the AMA proudly Shines A Light on 10 family physicians.

We knew we had amazing doctors … your patients think so too!

Eleven patients nominated their family physicians from June 30 to August 4 – and one physician nominated a colleague – for recognition by the AMA’s Shine A Light program.

This large number of nominations over a period of two months has necessitated a change in our usual Shine A Light format, which has been to individually profile nominated physicians. However, to promptly share the news of this summer’s many thoughtful and heartfelt SAL nominations – and because we could all really use some positive, uplifting news – we’ve elected to write one article about all 10 of these outstanding physicians (one physician was nominated twice) and why their patients (and colleague) wanted these doctors recognized and thanked for their endlessly unselfish service.

The following family physicians were nominated for recognition by Shine A Light:

• Dr. Sanjeev Bhatla - Calgary
• Dr. Michelle Dion - Sherwood Park
• Dr. Heidi Fell - Calgary
• Dr. Tulika Karan - Calgary
• Dr. Lai Man Ma - Edmonton
• Dr. Peter Mah - Red Deer
• Dr. Patricia Pawaroo - Calgary
• Dr. Andrea Scott - Edmonton
• Dr. Nasreen Sheik - Calgary
• Dr. Wikus Venter - Calgary (nominated twice)

Continue reading this Shine A Light profile (Alberta Doctors' Digest, November-December 2020)

In the July-August 2020 edition of Alberta Doctors' Digest, the AMA proudly Shines A Light on Dr. Joni McNeely.

Beyond the walls of the office

When a patient comes to Gleichen, Alberta family physician Dr. Joni McNeely with a health concern, she knows that there’s a backstory to most, if not all, matters of physical and mental health. As much as possible, Dr. McNeely strives to “make that connection between a person’s health, their circumstances and their community.”

“Often, doctors try to support patients to build capacity on a personal health level,” says Dr. McNeely. “I think it’s important to go beyond the walls of the office, to the community and other systems that affect people’s health. Healthy communities create healthy people.”

Judging by her nomination by a patient for recognition by the AMA’s Shine A Light program, it’s evident that the people of Gleichen and the surrounding southeastern Alberta communities feel justifiably grateful to have a physician like Dr. McNeely. In the nomination, one of her long-time patients says, “She has been a jewel in this locality as a solitary practitioner, serving both the surrounding rural farming communities and the Siksika Indigenous nation in a very caring, competent and capable manner.”

Describing how Dr. McNeely “acted quickly and decisively” to oversee diagnosis and treatment of “an aggressive and rare form of cancer 20 years ago,” the patient adds,” My family and I have always been grateful for Dr. McNeely’s exceptional care, which she has provided to us with love and attention. She is a remarkable woman!”

Continue reading Dr. McNeely's Shine A Light profile (Alberta Doctors' Digest, July-August 2020)

In the March-April 2020 edition of Alberta Doctors' Digest, the AMA proudly Shines A Light on Dr. Remo Panaccione.

Technology, science and research … But above all, the patient

Described as “a true patient advocate” and “a very thoughtful and conscientious physician,” Dr. Remo Panaccione credits what he has learned from his patients through the years for helping him be a better doctor.

A wearer of many lab coats, Dr. Panaccione is a gastroenterologist at the Foothills Medical Centre; a professor of medicine at the University of Calgary; Director of the U of C’s Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinic; Director of GI Research; and Director of Admissions, Cumming School of Medicine.

“I think telemedicine is the future,” says Dr. Panaccione, adding, “Our nurses do quite a bit of telemedicine through the IBD clinic. We are also working with five other IBD clinics across the country on a large study (funded by Crohn’s Colitis Canada) of the application of telemedicine to the IBD patient population,” he continues.

Nominated for recognition by the AMA’s Shine A Light program by colleague Dr. Rabiya Jalil (family physician and Medical Director, AIMG Program; and Associate Director of Admissions, Cumming School of Medicine), Dr. Panaccione discovered his interests in gastroenterology from an early mentor, and his desire to delve into further research into IBD with a subsequent mentor.

Continue reading Dr. Panaccione's Shine A Light profile (Alberta Doctors' Digest, March-April 2020)

In the March-April 2020 edition of Alberta Doctors' Digest, the AMA proudly Shines A Light on Dr. Francesco Mosaico.

A doctor exactly where he wants to be

A somewhat reluctant nominee for the AMA’s Shine A Light program, Dr. Francesco Mosaico’s main desire is that “the light be shone upon” the comprehensive health care provided by the entire staff of Boyle McCauley Health Centre to their valued patients, made up largely of marginalized populations.

“It takes a team!” stresses Dr. Mosaico, Medical Director of BMHC, the only non-profit, community-owned and -operated health centre in the greater Edmonton area. The BMHC provides crucial, person-centered, primary health services to vulnerable Edmontonians with complex needs who face multiple barriers to health services access. Those barriers include poverty, homelessness, mental health, multiple addictions and social isolation.

Continue reading Dr. Mosaico's Shine A Light profile (Alberta Doctors' Digest, March-April 2020)

In the January-February 2020 edition of Alberta Doctors’ Digest, the AMA proudly Shines A Light on Dr. Lori Lobay.

Physician sees many changes in rural medicine

Born and raised in small town Alberta, Dr. Lori Lobay is a rural general practitioner and has been, for 35 years.

Born in Smoky Lake and delivered by her father (because the doctor from Vilna did not make it in time), Lori always planned to work rurally. Lori’s father, Dr. Fred Lobay, was Smoky Lake’s lone physician for several decades, during which he cared for the residents of Smoky Lake and also the nearby Indigenous Cree population and Hutterite communities. 

As a small-town doctor in rural Alberta, travelling country roads at all hours during snowstorms was a matter of course for Dr. Fred Lobay. Often with family in tow, he delivered babies and administered anesthetics for the town and neighboring communities. Dr. Lobay passed on his love and dedication as a country doctor to his daughter, Lori.

In a memoriam article (Edmonton Journal, September 14, 2013; written by Keith Gerein) dedicated to her father upon his death August 25, at age 89, Lori commented: “He was a hard-working, uncomplaining, humble sort of fella who really loved his job and the community.” 

It is evident, based on the description provided by Dr. Alison Clarke in her nomination of Lori for recognition by the AMA’s Shine A Light program, that Lori only planned to do what she knew, providing care with compassion while dedicating herself to her patients and community.

Continue reading Dr. Lobay's Shine A Light profile (Alberta Doctors’ Digest, January-February 2020) 

In the November-December 2019 edition of Alberta Doctors’ Digest, the AMA proudly Shines A Light on Dr. Mzikayise Tshatshela.

New physician to Chestermere, Alberta, is patient’s “Shining Star”

Dr. Mzikayise Tshatshela admits that he’s sacrificed a bit of excitement and diversity in his practice of medicine since coming to Canada from South Africa in 2012. But the benefits of the Canadian public health care system – particularly in terms of patient access – outweigh the unpredictable, under-resourced system in South Africa.

During his three and a half years as a physician in South Africa, Dr. Tshatshela says that he “worked exclusively in public hospitals and clinics. So I saw and treated many more infectious diseases … and lots of trauma. Medicine there was very hands-on,” he continues. “GPs do minor surgeries, appendectomies … many procedures that GPs here have to be supervised for. We worked closely with specialists in South Africa out of necessity.”

Just over a year ago, Dr. Tshatshela brought his invaluable South Africa experience, along with experience from six years practicing in Saskatchewan, to his position as a family physician at Chestermere’s LakeMed Clinic.

No doubt his exposure to, and treatment of, such a range of illnesses and injuries plays a role in Dr. Tshatshela’s treatment of patients, one of whom credits his keen sense of observation and commitment to her care with ultimately tying a very subtle symptom to an accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.

“He’s my shining star,” Dr. Tshatshela’s patient commented in her nomination of him for the AMA’s Shine A Light program. “His compassion and ongoing support are beyond what any other doctor has demonstrated.”

Continue reading Dr. Mzikayise Tshatshela's Shine A Light profile (Alberta Doctors’ Digest, November-December 2019)

In the September-October 2019 edition of Alberta Doctors’ Digest, the AMA proudly Shines A Light on Dr. Gregg Robinson.

Rural Alberta physician’s career-spanning dedication to the patients of Rocky Mountain House

You need only to read the adjectives and phrases of highest praise applied to Dr. Gregg Robinson by his Shine A Light nominator and colleague, Dr. Kim Rogers, to know that Dr. Robinson is not only worthy of the program’s recognition, but he’s someone we want to get to know better!

Invaluable

Dr. Robinson has worked as the sole GP-Surgeon in Rocky Mountain House for most of the past 30 years. “He has been invaluable for the ongoing, thriving obstetrical and anesthesia program, too,” says Dr. Rogers.

Dedicated, committed

Dedicated to and respectful of his field and his patients, Dr. Robinson has “stayed current on surgical and endoscopic training and advancements for rural surgery,” Dr. Rogers adds.

“In times when it has seemed that help (in terms of another surgeon) has been on the horizon, Dr. Robinson has gracefully offered mentorship to new recruits,” continues Dr. Rogers. “And when tragedy or circumstance has left him as the only surgeon again, he has gracefully taken back up the torch to provide an invaluable service to his community.”

This grace and dedication have carried Dr. Robinson through times of great adversity, including challenges with his own health.

Continue reading Dr. Gregg Robinson's Shine A Light profile (Alberta Doctors’ Digest, September-October 2019)

In the September-October 2019 edition of Alberta Doctors’ Digest, the AMA proudly Shines A Light on Dr. Daisy Fung.

Edmonton physician’s unshakeable commitment to patients

Dr. Daisy Fung is a family physician at the Palisades Medical Clinic in Edmonton and an Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, at the University of Alberta. She was nominated for recognition by the AMA’s Shine A Light program by fellow family physician Dr. Dinesh Witharana.

Dr. Witharana describes Dr. Fung as “an extremely committed family physician” who is compassionate and empathetic. He notes her dedication to sincerely caring for her patients and to providing them all required health care services, regardless of their ability, or inability, to pay.

Home visits

Like a family doctor from another time, at her own expense, Dr. Fung does home visits in situations where patients are unable to get into her clinic. “She refuses to abandon her patients despite her having fluctuating coverage for care of her own children,” adds Dr. Witharana. Tight resourcing in the clinic necessitates that Dr. Fung, currently on maternity leave, continues to cover her patients at home and occasionally in the office, sometimes with her babies in tow.

Dr. Witharana is moved and inspired by his colleague’s unshakeable commitment to her patients and to family medicine. “She truly represents hope for the future of a generation of physicians,” he says. “Often the new generations of physicians are accused of working less. Daisy demonstrates that this generation is still committed to excellent care of patients.”

Continue reading Dr. Daisy Fung's Shine A Light profile (Alberta Doctors’ Digest, September-October 2019)

In the July-August 2019 edition of Alberta Doctors’ Digest, the AMA proudly Shines A Light on Dr. Setorme Tsikata.

Finding fulfillment in treating the whole patient

A grateful patient nominated Dr. Setorme Tsikata, a family physician practicing in Edmonton's Wolf Willow Medical Clinic, for recognition by the AMA's Shine A Light program.

In her nomination, Dr. Tsikata’s patient expressed gratitude for her doctor’s actions, which she described as going “above and beyond” in many ways, including staying in close phone contact – even while Dr. Tsikata was abroad and off duty – to ensure that the patient complied with recommendations for further medical care to avoid a potentially catastrophic outcome.

Dr. Tsikata’s patient describes a dedicated physician who recommended all the necessary lab tests to help determine the cause of her illness and followed up on the tests with close analysis of the results. Even while away from the office in Chicago, Dr. Tsikata monitored the progress of her patient and contacted her regarding deteriorating test results. With the knowledge that her patient had imminent overseas travel plans, Dr. Tsikata worked within a tight timeline to arrange a long-distance referral to the ER and recommended that her patient not proceed with her travel plans.

After additional tests, the attending ER physicians confirmed Dr. Tsikata's concerns. The patient was relieved that she had acted upon Dr. Tsikata’s advice and cancelled her trip abroad, potentially averting a health care situation nobody wants to contemplate.

Subsequently, the patient has settled into a course of continuing care for her condition and is grateful to Dr. Tsikata “for her persistence, her caring and her phenomenal work attending to my health care.” She adds, “I believe she has saved my last few years in a form where I can enjoy time with my husband of 46 years, my son and grandchildren.”

Continue reading Dr. Setorme Tsikata's Shine A Light profile (Alberta Doctors’ Digest, March - April 2019)

In the March-April 2019 edition of Alberta Doctors’ Digest, the AMA proudly Shines A Light on Dr. Sayeh Zielke.

Have a heart

Lethbridge physician champions improved cardiac treatment for residents

As the sole cardiologist serving Lethbridge, Dr. Sayeh Zielke maintains a daunting clinical schedule. She is also a tireless advocate for bringing much-needed cardiac catheterization services to the community.

Currently, Lethbridge-area cardiac patients requiring this treatment must make the two-hour trek to Calgary, creating a strain on patients and their families. “Often these patients are older, and it’s hard for them to be away from home,” says Dr. Zielke. “Having a cath lab here would alleviate that stress, elevate the calibre of cardiac services we can offer and help us recruit other cardiologists.”

Hopeful but realistic

Call for cath labs

Over the past two years, Dr. Zielke has worked closely with Alberta Health Services and clinicians to explore the creation of additional cath labs. An AHS report released last October concluded both Red Deer and Lethbridge have enough demand, but it stopped short of making formal recommendations.

“We know we have robust cardio rehab services, a good imaging program and the physical space for a cath lab, but it’s a very expensive venture,” explains Dr. Zielke. “We’re hopeful, but realistic.”

Also included in the AHS report was an emphasis on cardiac prevention, an issue that is near and dear to Dr. Zielke.

Continue reading Dr. Sayeh Zielke's Shine A Light profile (Alberta Doctors’ Digest, March - April 2019)