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FFYFP Committee

Here to Support Our Peers Entering Practice

The First Five Years in Family Practice (FFYFP) Committee supports family physicians in their first five years of practice and family medicine residents’ transition into practice. The Committee acts as a resource to the ACFP for those in the early stages of their career. Consisting of family physician members from various communities throughout Alberta, the FFYFP Committee aims to specifically focus on areas that are important to family physicians in their first five years of practice. Our mandates include:

  • To raise awareness of the ACFP’s programs, products, and services amongst family physicians in their first five years of practice
  • To provide a leadership opportunity for family physicians in their first five years of practice
  • To develop programs and/or resources targeting the needs of family physicians in their first five years of practice
  • To periodically survey family physicians in the first five years of practice to determine issues important to them
  • To regularly communicate with family physicians in their first five years of practice via website, email, Facebook page, Twitter, and other media as required
  • Through the ACFP FFYFP representative, bring issues affecting family physicians in their first five years of practice to the attention of the national Membership Advisory Committee (MAC) and the CFPC
  • To serve as a resource for the ACFP Board Representative to CFPC’s MAC, and other areas within the CFPC, whenever the opinions of family physicians in their early years in practice are sought

Join the FFYFP Team

The FFYFP is looking for new faces to join the committee! The call is open to all those who are ready and willing to bring their practice perspectives, especially those from rural practice settings, and/or to share their diverse regional voice to the group (e.g., North, Central, Edmonton, and/or South Zones) are most welcome to become a committee member. Network, learn, and grow with your early career peers. Submit your interest today!

We are recruiting for the following positions:

  • Up to two Members-at-Large

How to Apply

Email your application to governance@acfp.ca. Please include a letter of interest (250 words max) and a summary of your experience or a copy of your CV.

Committee Members

  • Dr. Amanda Wang (Chair), Calgary 
  • Dr. Hania Aamer, Calgary
  • Dr. Perrin Michalyshyn, Edmonton
  • Dr. Brandon Ng, Calgary
  • Dr. Sierra Tamminen, Calgary
  • Dr. Nathan Turner, Edmonton
  • Dr. Kristina Quan, Calgary
Amanda Wang
Chair
Hania Aamer
Resident Representative
Perrin Michalyshyn
Member-at-Large
Brandon Ng
Resident Representative
Sierra Tamminen
Member-at-Large
Nathan Turner
Member-at-Large
Kristina Quan
Member-at-Large

Terms of Reference

The First Five Years in Family Practice (FFYFP) Committee is an operational committee of the ACFP.

Purpose

This Committee supports family physicians in their first five years of practice and family medicine residents’ transition into practice and acts as a resource to the ACFP for those in the early stages of their career.

Dr. Amanda Wang

My name is Amanda Wang and I am in my third year of practice in Calgary, but as a born and raised Edmontonian, I will still forever be an Oilers fan. I enjoy a varied practice including urgent care work as well as a focus medical education. And like any millennial dog parent, I will utilize any opportunity to show photos of my adorable retriever Archie (who on occasion makes an appearance in clinic to the joy of all dog-loving patients).

Why are you volunteering to serve on this committee?
I am excited to be involved! I have now been in practice for a few years and hope to help give back to the FFYFP committee and to our profession by helping others in often what is a somewhat vulnerable and potentially difficult transition into the real world. There are so many facets to consider outside of the clinical expertise we have gathered through training, and I hope to help us lead our fellow colleagues and help reduce some of the load as they settle in to their careers. I certainly am grateful for this committee as it was personally helpful during my transition to staff. I also have an interest in medical education so am looking forward to helping us with CME.

What about the ACFP’s work do you find most valuable?
The ACFP is a great voice for family physicians and provides a variety of invaluable resources to us. It serves us well to practice gratitude for the ACFP; we often don’t have time to stop and think just how much work it is to for the ACFP to advocate for us and to create CME. Thanks ACFP!

Dr. Hania Aamer

My name is Hania Aamer and I am a first-year Family Medicine resident at the University of Calgary. I completed my MD at the University of Calgary and my undergrad at the University of Alberta. I’m enthusiastic about advocating for Family Medicine among my peers, and I’m eager to contribute to teaching in this field and spearheading positive changes for early-career family physicians. In my free time, I enjoy watching the latest movies in the cinema and exploring new restaurants around the city!

Why are you volunteering to serve on this committee?
I’m thrilled to be joining the FFYFP Committee as I am eager to take on a leadership role in order to provide guidance to fellow early career family physicians. I truly believe in the value of a supportive network and I hope that I can contribute to this in a positive way. My passion lies in highlighting the critical role family medicine plays in holistic healthcare and community well-being. This committee offers a fantastic platform to champion these values and make a lasting impact.

What about the ACFP’s work do you find most valuable?
What I value most about the ACFP is its unwavering advocacy for family doctors. It not only recognizes the invaluable contributions of family physicians, but also actively seeks to create opportunities for connections, networking, and furthering medical education. Having had the privilege of sitting on the board during medical school, I gained profound insight into the opportunities that ACFP provides. This experience solidified my appreciation for the ACFP’s dedication to supporting and empowering family doctors throughout their careers and motivated me to continue working with ACFP.

Dr. Perrin Michalyshyn

Hi, I’m Perrin. I completed medical school at the UofA, took a trip down the QE2 for family medicine residency at the UofC, and returned home to Edmonton to start practicing in 2023. My current practice involves outpatient clinics at a Francophone health centre and long term care work on the side.

Why are you volunteering to serve on this committee?
Having relied on many of the FFYFP committee’s resources during my own transition to practice, I am keen to give back! Near peer guidance and mentorship is extremely valuable but often hard to come by. I hope to help expand the FFYPF committee’s reach and scope to support the varied needs of early career family doctors across the province.

What about the ACFP’s work do you find most valuable?
The ACFP plays a crucial role in validating and defending the importance of family doctors in the larger medical system, and advocating for structural changes that will optimize patient outcomes within primary care. Beyond advocacy, it also provides high quality, easy to access CME applicable for all levels of practice experience.

Dr. Brandon Ng

My name is Brandon and I am currently a PGY-1 Family Medicine Resident at the University of Calgary. Having completed my medical school education at the University of British Columbia and my undergraduate degree at McMaster University, I have a special interest in medical education, resident wellness, and quality improvement. Outside of medicine, you’ll likely find me exploring and hiking the many beautiful trails that the Rockies have to offer with my partner and our golden retriever!

Why are you volunteering to serve on this committee?
I am excited to be a part of the FFYFP Committee as I am eager to contribute to my community and help others engage with the robust support structures available for trainees and early-career physicians. Reflecting on my own journey, from being a new medical student to now transitioning into a new resident, I recognize the crucial role that support and guidance play. I am keen to extend similar support to my peers, assisting them as they navigate the unique challenges and opportunities that come with the early years of a career in family medicine.

What about the ACFP’s work do you find most valuable?
As a family medicine resident, I greatly value the ACFP’s high-quality educational resources and commitment to continuing medical education. These resources help me navigate the landscape of family medicine in Alberta and are an essential part of my ongoing learning and professional development.

Dr. Sierra Tamminen

My name is Dr. Sierra Tamminen, and I’m a 2020 graduate of the University of Alberta Family Medicine Residency program. I have since moved back to Calgary, where I grew up, and where I completed medical school. Currently, I’m locuming for the South Health Campus Hospitalist group. My special interests also include medical education, mentorship, and financial literacy. Outside of medicine, I love playing basketball, hiking and camping in the mountains, and trying new activities.

Why are you volunteering to serve on this committee?
I’m excited to be a member of the FFYFP Committee because I love to be involved in the community. Throughout my career so far, I have greatly enjoyed and have been encouraged by the work of the FFYFP Committee, and I’m looking forward to working with this wonderful team.

What about the ACFP’s work do you find most valuable?
Through CME, leadership, and advocacy for our profession, the ACFP plays a significant role in supporting family physicians across the spectrum of our careers. I am honoured to be a part of the ACFP.

Dr. Nathan Turner

I’m Dr. Nathan Turner. I grew up in Calgary and completed medical school and family medicine residency in Edmonton which I now call home. I love family medicine for the relationships I get to develop with patients and the breadth of practice. Outside of medicine I enjoy board games, camping and spending time with my wife and three young kids.

Why are you volunteering to serve on this committee?
I wanted to join the FFYFP committee because I appreciated the help and advice they provided as a resident and want to help my fellow new in practice family doctors with the transition. I had the pleasure to serve as the U of A resident liaison on the ACFP board and believe strongly in the mission and work of the ACFP.

What about the ACFP’s work do you find most valuable?
The ACFP plays such a huge role in encouraging excellence in family medicine in Alberta, from high quality and unbiased CME to community and supports for family physicians at all stages of their careers. I appreciate the vision and leadership of the organization and all that it means for family doctors in Alberta.

Dr. Kristina Quan

I’m Dr. Kristina Quan. I finished my Bachelor of Science in New York City prior to completing medical school and my Family Medicine Residency at the University of Alberta. I am currently working at a community clinic and assisted living in Calgary. Outside of work, I will be found on the golf course.

Why are you volunteering to serve on this committee?
I volunteered to be a member of the FFYFP Committee because I am very passionate about teaching and mentorship. I am excited to be part of a team to help other physicians with their transition into practice.

What about the ACFP’s work do you find most valuable?
In a profession driven by innovation, the ACFP provides many opportunities for evidenced based CME and continuing education. I value the strong sense of community and advocacy that the ACFP provides for family doctors at all stages of their career. I am excited to be part of a great organization!

My name is Smitha Yaltho and I feel privileged to work as a family physician. Why? I believe that being a family physician has been the best job any physician can hope to have. I have personally grown in my own abilities and skill-sets with diverse opportunities in ambulatory practice, acute care and work in Facility Living.  Working in primary care has been exciting and has also afforded me tremendous opportunities for growth while still remaining stimulating in its complexity.  I believe that Family physicians are trusted partners in patient care –  every step of the way. 

Why are you volunteering to serve on this committee?
I currently have an interest in Physician Leadership and  trauma informed care.  I have served as a director with the Board of Directors with the Edmonton North PCN, Edmonton’s largest PCN. Thereafter, I have worked as the Director of Medical Services with CapitalCare (also based in Edmonton) for almost 6 years. It is my express wish that my contribution on the ACFP board of directors will highlight the excellence of family medicine that exists right here and now within the Alberta health care system. 

What about the ACFP’s work do you find most valuable?
Ability to highlight and further support the excellence of primary care right here in Alberta.