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.

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.

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.

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. 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 make have not gone unnoticed; she was nominated by a colleague who admires her dedication to her work.

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.

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.

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!

In the January-February 2021 edition of Alberta Doctors’ Digest, we proudly Shine A Light on Drs. Wendy Sligl, Duncan Mackey, Trevor Bernhardt and Kristen Hemrick

10 family physicians nominated for recognition by the AMA's Shine A Light program: 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; and Dr. Wikus Venter - Calgary (nominated twice).

Dr. Joni McNeely's approach to medicine is to think of the patient in terms of three things: how they live (their housing, access to food, etc.); how they love (their relationships and safety); and how they do (employment, education, access to recreation).

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.

Dr. Francesco Mosaico’s main desire is that “the light be shone upon” the comprehensive health care provided by Edmonton's Boyle McCauley Health Centre.

"My patients are the favorite part of my work. I value the many wonderful relationships I've built over the years, caring for patients and their families." - Dr. Lori Lobay

"I love the science of medicine and the privilege it affords me to serve people from all walks of life. Moreover, I enjoy the endless mental stimulation I get from my day-to-day work. It is a career that challenges me to learn continuously." - Dr. Mzikayise Tshatshela

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!

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. Setorme Tsikata, Edmonton family physician, was nominated for Shine A Light recognition by a patient who describes her as a dedicated physician, who, even when far away from the office, attends diligently to her patients.

“The heart is such a cool organ!” Meet the physician who said that: Dr. Sayeh Zielke, a Lethbridge cardiologist. When she isn’t helping her many cardiac patients in southern Alberta, Dr. Zielke is dedicated to bringing cardiac catheterization services to Lethbridge. She is equally committed to educating people about non-medical ways to prevent lifestyle-related cardiac issues, and has written a book: “One Heart, Five Habits.”