I want to
Linkedin-in Facebook-f Twitter

Award Recipients

Honouring and Celebrating Our Outstanding Members

Congratulations to the 2025 ACFP Awards Recipients!

The Alberta College of Family Physicians is proud to celebrate the family physicians, family medicine residents, medical students, and clinical teams who demonstrate what “Excellence in Family Practice” truly means.

Feeling inspired? The 2025 ACFP Awards Call for Nominations is now open — Nominate a Colleague Today!

→ View Bio
Dr. Vesta Michelle Warren
2025 Family Physician of the Year
→ View Bio
Dr. Amber Jorgensen
2025 Recognition of Excellence
→ View Bio
Dr. Antonia Morris
2025 Recognition of Excellence
→ View Bio
Dr. Jasneet Parmar
2025 Recognition of Excellence
→ View Bio
Dr. Omid Pour-ahmadi
2025 Recognition of Excellence
→ View Bio
Dr. Lee Rehak
2025 Recognition of Excellence
→ View Bio
Dr. Anthony Seto
2025 Recognition of Excellence
→ View Bio
Dr. Mehwish Warsi
2025 Recognition of Excellence
→ View Bio
Dr. Megan Findlay
2025 Outstanding New Professional
→ View Bio
Dr. Amanda Wang
2025 Outstanding New Professional
→ View Bio
Dr. Stephan Guscott
2025 Family Medicine Resident Leadership
→ View Bio
Dr. Kapilan Panchendrabose
2025 Family Medicine Resident Leadership
→ View Bio
Dr. Pauwlina Cyca
2025 Family Medicine Resident Leadership
→ View Bio
Talia Campbell
2025 Student Leadership - Rising Star
→ View Bio
Erin Zader
2025 Student Leadership - Rising Star

In the Spotlight: Our 2025 Family Physician of the Year

Dr. Vesta Michelle Warren, Sundre

Our 2025 Family Physician of the Year is Dr. Vesta Michelle Warren from Sundre, Alberta. For over 25 years, she has practiced as a rural general specialist in Sundre. A clinical associate professor at the University of Calgary and at the University of Alberta and the co-owner of the Moose and Squirrel Medical clinic, Dr. Warren exemplifies what a family doctor is all about—providing exceptional care to their patients, contributing to the health and well-being of her community, and dedicating herself to the education of the next generation of family doctors. 

Learn More
→ View Bio

2025 Patient's Medical Home — Outstanding Family Award Practice

Shifa Medical Clinic, Edmonton

→ View Clinic Profile

Established in 2014, Shifa Medical Clinic has diligently served the South Edmonton community since its inception. Its team of health care professionals effectively ensures that operations run effectively and efficiently every day. A proud member of the Edmonton Southside Primary Care Network, the Shifa Medical Clinic team goes the extra mile to keep its doors open, providing extended hours for access including consistent evening and weekend coverage to meet the needs of its patients. Since adapting the PMH model of care, it has fostered team-based collaboration and has streamlined its workflows, with patients experiencing shorter wait times and more personalized, comprehensive care. 

Learn More

The Full List of This Year's Award Recipients

Family Physician of the Year

Dr. Vesta Michelle Warren, Sundre

Recognition of Excellence

Dr. Amber Jorgensen, Camrose
Dr. Antonia Morris, Calgary
Dr. Jasneet Parmar, Edmonton
Dr. Omid Pour-ahmadi, Calgary
Dr. Lee Rehak, High River
Dr. Anthony Seto, Calgary
Dr. Mehwish Warsi, Calgary

Outstanding New Professional Award

Dr. Megan Findlay, St. Albert
Dr. Amanda Wang, Calgary

Family Medicine Resident Leadership Award

University of Alberta
Dr. Stephan Guscott, Edmonton

University of Calgary
Dr. Pauwlina Cyca, Calgary
Dr. Kapilan Panchendrabose, Lethbridge

Student Leadership — Rising Star Award

University of Alberta
Talia Campbell, Sylvan Lake

University of Calgary
Erin Zader, Canmore

Patient’s Medical Home (PMH) – Outstanding Family Practice

Shifa Medical Clinic, Edmonton

Award Spotlights

The 2024 ACFP Awards recipients were honoured and celebrated at the 2025 Family Medicine Summit in Banff. They were featured in Award Spotlight videos that were shown during the Summit.

Get to know our award recipients more with these Award Spotlights, which you can also access through the ACFP’s official Youtube channel.

Feeling inspired? The 2025 ACFP Awards Call for Nominations is now open — Nominate a Colleague Today!

Award Recipients at the Family Medicine Summit

Here are photos of our 2024 ACFP Award honourees who attended the 70th Family Medicine Summit at Banff, Alberta from March 7-9, 2025. Click the button below to see more photos from the Summit.

Visit Our Flickr Page
Watch Our Presentations

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Previous Award Winners

Award Presentations

Recipient Profiles

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Dr. Vesta Michelle Warren

2025 Family Physician Of The Year

Born and raised in Claresholm, Alberta, Dr. Vesta Michelle Warren has practiced as a rural general specialist in Sundre since 1999. Dr. Warren has provided service at the Sundre Hospital for over 25 years providing low risk intrapartum care until its loss in 2020, acute care, and emergency care services. Dr. Warren is a clinical associate professor at the University of Calgary and at the University of Alberta. In addition, she is the co-owner of the Moose and Squirrel Medical clinic in Sundre. Dr. Warren raised a family of three to adulthood and is enjoying Act III with her husband, Rob.

Family medicine mentor/s

My family medicine mentor is Dr. Brad Bahler, a family physician rural generalist in Sylvan Lake, Alberta. He has been a key figure in Alberta in working in the Patients Medical Home and in designing patient-centred funding models. 

One thing I love about family medicine is…

The variety. In rural practice, our patients deserve the same level of care they would receive in a city but due to location, they are often not given this. I love being able to work full scope, offering our community care that allows them care in place—u/s guided joint injections, women’s health, transgender care, prenatal/postnatal care, and procedures to name a few. As a rural preceptor, I love teaching residents these skills so that they too can offer this care no matter where they work. Following my patients of 26 years, I appreciate the superpower of family medicine – continuity!

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician…

It surprised me that family physicians who train in teams in residency (i.e., hospital) do not work in teams in their community practice. Shortly after residency, physicians become siloed – trying to do it all themselves. This in turn scares them off longitudinal care and contributes to burnout. Working in a team that works to full scope spreads the workload and keeps balance for all, not just direct patient care but indirect care (e.g., forms, lab follow up, etc.). This makes work fun and we can prevent burnout!  I think this is the way forward for family medicine – physician-led teams.

If I weren’t a family physician, I’d be…

A zoologist! I love animals “more than anything.” I spend free time in my sunroom with my husband watching our local wildlife do their daily activities. My favourite travels include wildlife such as going to the Galapagos or visiting the Great Bear Rainforest by boat. I can spend hours watching animals in their natural habitats.

Dr. Amber Jorgensen

2025 Recognition of Excellence

Dr. Amber Jorgensen is a family physician in Camrose. She has lived and worked there for the past 12 years. Dr. Jorgensen currently has a general family practice and works as a GP-oncologist in the Camrose Community Cancer Clinic. She has a passion for teaching medical students and residents and has spent the last few years designing a curriculum for the new University of Alberta Camrose Family Medicine Residency site with the inaugural residents starting July 2025. She loves spending time outdoors with her husband Gus and their three children. 

Family medicine mentor/s

Through Dr. Jill Konkin, I learned about the importance of advocating for training in rural areas to both properly prepare and retain rural physicians in our province. Our province is filled with communities that provide rich training experiences for our trainees and Jill’s fierce and unwavering support and encouragement is a big reason I am here today.

One thing I love about family medicine is…

The diversity it provides and the ability to connect with patients. Through my career I have practiced in all domains, and I have sought out extra training in many areas of interest. I love being able to be the go-to person for my patients and I can provide care for them in so many settings across their lives.

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician…

There are so many ways to practice family medicine, and it is hard not to be involved in everything! I have been able to work in so many different settings and with great teams.

If I weren’t a family physician, I’d be…

A kindergarten teacher. I love kids and I love teaching but being a teacher looks hard and I think medicine is probably a lot easier!

Dr. Antonia Morris

2025 Recognition of Excellence

Dr. Toni Morris is a graduate of the University of Calgary Family Medicine Residency Program. She works at the Urgent Care in Cochrane, Alberta, as well as in medical education as the Curriculum Director for the University of Calgary Family Medicine Residency Program. When not working, Dr. Morris enjoys getting lost in a good book, running, and spending time with her dog, a chocolate lab named Reese.

Family medicine mentor/s

I have been fortunate to have several great mentors! I would like to acknowledge Dr. Lindsay Jantzie and Dr. Martina Barton.

One thing I love about family medicine is…

The variety, no two days are ever the same!

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician…

How incredible it is for patients to share part of their lives with you.

If I weren’t a family physician, I’d be…

An event planner!

Dr. Jasneet Parmar

2025 Recognition of Excellence

Dr. Jasneet Parmar is a Care of the Elderly family physician and has worked for the Specialized Geriatrics Program, in Edmonton, since 1992. She is a professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Alberta. Dr. Parmar currently works in the Homeliving Care of the Elderly Service and provides assessments to homebound seniors. Dr. Parmar has been very active in developing and implementing clinical programs for the care of the elderly with much of her research focused on supporting family caregivers by the health care system.  

Family medicine mentor/s

Drs. Jean Triscott and Harry Zirk were the first family doctors who held my hand and showed me the way to care for the elderly that paved my professional life. Their passion to care for the elderly, and the joy they gave and received from it permeated my work and life. 

One thing I love about family medicine is…

It allowed me to pursue the care of the elderly and their caregivers in an empathic and comprehensive manner. It made it possible to be patient and caregiver-centred in my practice which was soul food for me.

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician…

It opened all kinds of opportunities to me in the areas of clinical, education, research and programming, leadership, and service that became part of a very rewarding journey for the last 30 years.

If I weren’t a family physician, I’d be…

Unhappy in a disease- and system-centred practice. 

Dr. Omid Pour-ahmadi

2025 Recognition of Excellence

Dr. Omid Pour-ahmadi is a distinguished family physician and founder of SantiMed Family & Walk-In Clinic, which delivers comprehensive care to over 30,000 patients in Calgary. Recognized for advancing primary care access, Dr. Pour-ahmadi integrates preventative medicine and advanced genetic testing into his practice. He is a valued educator at the University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine and a trusted provider for diverse communities, including diplomatic and Hispanic populations, exemplifying clinical excellence and innovation.

Family medicine mentor/s

My mentor is an inspiring leader whose commitment to excellence and compassion has profoundly shaped my approach to medicine. Through their guidance, I have learned the importance of patient-centred care, lifelong learning, and integrity in clinical practice. 

One thing I love about family medicine is…

One thing I love about family medicine is the privilege of building long-term relationships with patients and their families. This continuity allows me to provide holistic, personalized care, support patients through every stage of life, and make a meaningful difference in their health and well-being over time.

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician…

One thing that surprised me about the profession is how deeply patients trust and rely on me—not just for medical advice, but also for guidance through life’s challenges. The breadth of issues I encounter daily, from complex medical cases to emotional and social concerns, has shown me the profound impact a family physician can have on individuals and entire communities.

If I weren’t a family physician, I’d be…

I would pursue a career as a chef or a longevity entrepreneur. I am inspired by the art of crafting nutritious, memorable dishes, and appreciate the creativity of culinary innovation. Alternatively, I would dedicate myself to developing evidence-based strategies and ventures that empower people to achieve longer, healthier lives through science-driven approaches to wellness and prevention.

Dr. Lee Rehak

2025 Recognition of Excellence

Dr. Lee Rehak was born and raised in High River, Alberta, where he now lives and works as a rural generalist after training at the University of Alberta and completing his residency in Chilliwack, British Columbia. He has been a board member with Calgary Rural PCN and helped create a novel Practice Support Program. He loves mountain biking and skiing with his family; playing and coaching multiple sports including rugby, soccer, and baseball; and spending as much time as he can outside.

Family medicine mentor/s

I’ve had several mentors who have helped train me; ranging back to when I was a kid being treated in my hometown, to now, in colleagues with whom I share a desk with or peers I’ve played rugby with. Many of those individuals still live and work in High River and it is an honour to now work beside them. Even wider though, there are many allied health folks who exemplify kindness and the best way to practice medicine. High River is full of wonderful human beings and that is one of the greatest reasons I returned.

One thing I love about family medicine is…

I get to live and work beside the families I treat at all stages of life. The team in our town is second to none for going the extra mile and supporting each other. There are so many integral parts of our community – it’s an honour being a part of that.

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician…

I anticipated being approached on the street about personal health issues as a general practitioner, but the sheer scope and variety of what people are comfortable disclosing in a grocery store aisle continues to astound me.

If I weren’t a family physician, I’d be…

A teacher. I was actually enrolled in education at the University of Alberta before being accepted to medicine.

Dr. Anthony Seto

2025 Recognition of Excellence

Dr. Anthony Seto works as an urgent care, rural emergency, virtual emergency, flight medicine, and event medicine physician. As a simulation educator, Dr. Seto brings creativity shaped by his experiences in moviemaking, DJing, and training lifeguards. He is known for his engaging, practical, innovative, and clear (EPIC) approach to curriculum design and delivery. Dr. Seto spent over seven years (2017-2024) as course chair of “Intro to Clinical Practice,” a course that used simulation, games, role-play, and audiovisuals to elevate the student experience.

Family medicine mentor/s

Dr. David Keegan introduced me to medical education scholarship by involving me in a project to identify core clinical practice competencies expected of family medicine clerkship students. He was the first local medical educator that I have seen engage students with music, engaging supplementary vodcasts, and educational event trailers. This inspired me to infuse “edu-tainment” into my own educational productions to engage learners. He has been a great role model for supporting and mentoring other peers and learners, and Dr. Keegan has given me a lot of guidance and advice on curriculum development and in helping me to explore my medical education interests.

One thing I love about family medicine is…

The variety and flexibility.

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician…

You can find so many unique opportunities clinically and educationally to engage with and contribute back to the community in various, interesting ways.

If I weren’t a family physician, I’d be…

A high school teacher, movie director, DJ, and/or a PowerPoint slide design consultant.

Dr. Mehwish Warsi

2025 Recognition of Excellence

Dr. Mehwish Zeeshan Ali Warsi is a Calgary-based family physician at Redstone Family Medical Clinic and a clinical lecturer at the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary. A dedicated community leader, Dr. Warsi has been an integral part of Medical Doctors International (MDI) since 2015, serving as its immediate past president. Dr. Warsi has championed numerous health seminars, awareness campaigns, and fundraisers. In 2022, she was honoured with women entrepreneur award and in 2023, she was honoured with the Women of Distinction Award by the MLA of Calgary.

Family medicine mentor/s

My family medicine mentors have been compassionate, knowledgeable, and deeply committed to patient-centred care. They demonstrated how to balance clinical excellence with empathy, cultural sensitivity, and strong advocacy for underserved communities.

One thing I love about family medicine is…

One of the most rewarding aspects of family medicine is the continuity of care it offers, enabling the development of long-term, meaningful relationships with patients, and their families across all stages of life. This comprehensive and holistic approach not only enhances patient outcomes but also allows for a lasting and meaningful impact on both individual lives and the broader community.

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician…

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician is the depth of trust patients place in their primary care provider. I am continually humbled by how openly patients share their personal stories, challenges, and values. It is a privilege to walk alongside patients throughout their health journeys.

If I weren’t a family physician, I’d be…

I would pursue a role as a teacher or community advocate—professions that, like family medicine, centre on building relationships and creating meaningful change. I have always been passionate about supporting others in overcoming challenges and achieving their full potential. Whether in a clinical setting, a classroom, or the broader community, my commitment lies in making a positive, lasting impact on people’s lives.

Dr. Megan Findlay

2025 Outstanding New Professional

Dr. Megan Findlay is a rural family physician in Hinton, Alberta. She completed medical school at the University of Alberta and completed her residency in Grande Prairie. Dr. Findlay enjoys the variety of her practice which includes clinic, hospital medicine, emergency, obstetrics, women’s health, and cancer care. She also has a passion for teaching and loves having learners of all stages in her practice. In her spare time, Dr. Findlay enjoys being outdoors, traveling, and baking.

Family medicine mentor/s

I am fortunate to have had many mentors, too innumerable to list everyone. Dr. Beamish has been hugely impactful in her guidance and support as I started my practice. I have also benefited from strong female mentorship through my practice including Dr. Weninger, Dr. Rahn, Dr. Cote, Dr. Parker, Dr. McKay, Dr. Sorenson, Dr. Shonoski, Dr. Woods, and numerous others. My former co-residents, Dr. Kuzyk, Dr. Leal, Dr. Parmar, Dr. Funk, and Dr. Kunimoto continue to provide ongoing support. I also am fortunate to have wonderful family and friends who have been an ongoing bedrock of support.

One thing I love about family medicine is…

I love the variety of family medicine. Every day feels different, and I love the challenge of being a lifelong learner. I am continuously learning from my patients and colleagues.

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician…

I have been surprised at how well I have come to know my patients. I feel like I was always excited by the idea of continuity of care but the true depth of knowing my patients has been wonderful.

If I weren’t a family physician, I’d be…

If I were not a family physician, I think I would be a librarian. I have always had a love of literature and spreading that joy to others. 

Dr. Amanda Wang

2025 Outstanding New Professional

Dr. Amanda Wang has been practising in Calgary since graduating in 2020, but as a born and raised Edmontonian, she will forever be an Oilers fan. She appreciates the flexibility of her mixed clinical work in urgent care, as a rural hospitalist, as well as locum work with the CWC PCN. Dr. Wang enjoys medical education and is involved in undergrad curricula development as well as teaches at the University of Calgary. And like any millennial dog parent, Dr. Wang will seize any opportunity to show photos of Archie (who often makes appearances as a therapy dog at work, to the joy of patients and colleagues). 

Family medicine mentor/s

There are too many to thank, but one I’d like to note is Dr. Scott Forsyth, who has been an incredible inspiration to follow since even medical school. He has shown me that you can carve very unique paths through medicine and to maintain my loves and hobbies outside of medicine. Dr. Vince Vong is another respected colleague who has provided countless hours of encouragement as I navigate the world of medical leadership.

One thing I love about family medicine is…

Flexibility—the ability to carve your own path, like a river winding through a landscape. There are so many areas I enjoy within family medicine that I appreciate being able to shift my focus as my interests evolve over time. More than any other specialty, I feel that in family medicine, I can choose to slowly chip away at a challenge like water shaping a rock, or flow around it by taking a different path.

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician…

The learning curve coming out of residency. Despite residency programs doing their best to prepare us for the real world, it took a few years out of the block to become comfortable with the business and financial aspects of family medicine, as well as becoming comfortable with a practice style and being confident in how I practice. This is definitely not unique to family medicine as a specialty. Despite the shock to the system, the learning was a welcome challenge.

If I weren’t a family physician, I’d be…

A trainer for guide dogs. It seems both intrinsically rewarding and significantly beneficial for others. But that is a volunteer job that doesn’t pay the bills, so I would need to win the lottery first!

Dr. Stephan Guscott

2025 Family Medicine Resident Leadership

Dr. Stephan Guscott is a son, brother, runner, amateur bike packer, baker, and proud new rural family physician. He is a recent graduate of the University of Alberta (U of A) rural Red Deer program and currently completing a residency victory lap enhancing his emergency medicine skills with the U of A Family Medicine-Emergency Medicine (FM-EM) program. Stephan hopes to practice in Alberta near the mountains, blending rural family medicine practice with emergency medicine.

Family medicine mentor/s

Too many to name! My biggest influence has been Dr. Jo Ann Robinson from Edson, who inspired my passion for rural medicine, and that balancing life with medicine is possible. Drs. Rob and Michelle Warren who helped develop my confidence and independence at the end of my rural family medicine residency. And Drs. Cayla Gilbert and Alanna Bowie for their leadership, support, and mentorship throughout residency training to foster a supportive residency family that really showed up for each other in the hardest of times when we lost one of our co-residents this year.

One thing I love about family medicine is…

Continuity of care. While we sometimes don’t have an answer or diagnosis for our patients, the process of management trial and error for different treatments over time built on the foundation of trust and a longitudinal relationship is powerful, and (occasionally) satisfying.

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician…

Paperwork! But more seriously: the truly essential role family physicians have in rural communities. They are critical to the well-being of the entire community. They keep the rural ER open to attend to emergencies, allow parents to have their babies closer to home with staff who know them, and manage chronic diseases without patients having to journey hours away to have their problems dealt with. Family physicians are essential to the fabric of rural Alberta communities.

If I weren’t a family physician, I’d be…

Probably a baker, engineer, or maybe a bikepacking vagabond… As long as I get to play outside occasionally!

Dr. Kapilan Panchendrabose

2025 Family Medicine Resident Leadership

Dr. Kapilan Panchendrabose is currently a second year rural Family Medicine resident in the University of Calgary’s Lethbridge program. He completed his medical degree at the University of Manitoba and holds a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Calgary. Outside of medicine, Dr. Panchendrabose enjoys hiking, flying airplanes, writing poetry, and exploring new restaurants.

Family medicine mentor/s

I am grateful for numerous rural family doctors I have learned from. I am particularly grateful to Drs. Kristy Penner and Chris Waller for their immeasurable kindness, being models of what physician leaders can be, and always encouraging wellness alongside rich learning in Southern Alberta. I am also incredibly grateful to Dr. Ryan Torrie for his unwavering support for anything I do and for showing me how fulfilling the practice of Family Medicine can be.

One thing I love about family medicine is…

Its power to strengthen communities (especially rural communities!). Family physicians act as advocates, educators, and leaders beyond the clinic. I find purpose in being able to influence not just individual health but the wellbeing of entire populations.

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician…

I did not expect how emotionally fulfilling the work would be. Even on the hardest days, the relationships, stories, and shared humanity make the effort feel worthwhile every time. The gratitude from patients and the sense of purpose have been empowering.

If I weren’t a family physician, I’d be…

A full-time biomedical engineer/inventor and part-time day dreamer. Whether it is improving medical devices or dreaming up ways to make health care more human-centred, I would still be chasing meaningful impact.

Dr. Pauwlina Cyca

2025 Family Medicine Resident Leadership

Dr. Pauwlina Cyca is a recent graduate of the University of Calgary’s Family Medicine Residency Program, where she served as Lead Resident for the Northwest division and President of Professional Association of Resident Physicians of Alberta (PARA). A former pharmacist and passionate advocate for physician wellness and health system equity, Dr. Cyca brings a rich, multidisciplinary lens to her work. Now entering independent practice, she is also a dedicated mother of three, balancing medicine, leadership, and motherhood with purpose and grace.

Family medicine mentor/s

I consider Dr. Ian Johnston, the CVFP site education lead and division director for the University of Calgary Postgraduate Residency Program, as an outstanding mentor and teacher. Dr. Johnston gained valuable experience in rotating through postgraduate medical training as a junior doctor in medical and surgical hospital specialties in Glasgow before moving to Canada to complete his family medicine residency. Dr. Johnston has worked in the research hub of the University of Calgary Department of Family Medicine.

One thing I love about family medicine is…

The dynamic and intellectual nature of the practice, and the diversity of patient presentations.

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician…

Virtual medicine seems to take more energy than in-person visits, and there is very little time to take bathroom breaks.

If I weren’t a family physician, I’d be…

Unfulfilled and perhaps a book publisher.

Talia Campbell

2025 Student Leadership - RIsing Star

Talia Campbell is a fourth year medical student at the University of Alberta. Her mission is to promote the family medicine specialty through her role as the lead of the Family Medicine Interest Group as well as through research. Talia developed a passion for rural medicine after completing an integrated longitudinal clerkship in Sylvan Lake, AB. Outside of medicine, she enjoys spending time with her family and getting active outside.

Family medicine mentor/s

Dr. Jessica Maciejko and Dr. Darren Bugbee whom I worked with in Sylvan Lake, Alberta, during my third year of medical school while I completed an integrated community clerkship, were both important role models for me. They showed me how to provide thorough and empathetic patient care in diverse settings and shaped my medical education.

One thing I love about family medicine is…

The variety! And developing long-term relationships with patients.

One thing that surprised me about family medicine…

How broad the scope of practice can be.

If I weren’t pursuing family medicine, I’d be…

A teacher or a librarian because I love learning and a good book.

Erin Zader

2025 Student Leadership - Rising Star

Erin Zader (Siemens) is a third-year medical student at the University of Calgary, originally from La Glace, near Grande Prairie in northern Alberta. She completed a BSc in Natural Sciences before pursuing a career in medicine. Passionate about rural family medicine, Erin draws inspiration from her rural roots. She served on the Family and Rural Medicine Interest Group at the University of Calgary and mentor’s undergraduate students through the Pathways to Medicine program, supporting those from rural and Indigenous communities.

Family medicine mentor/s

One of my most meaningful mentors was the late Dr. Sarah Walton, a rural family medicine R2 whom I had the privilege of knowing before starting medical school. She played a pivotal role in shaping my path—encouraging my interest in rural family medicine and guiding me through the complexities of the training and profession. Her mentorship went far beyond clinical advice; she modeled compassion, humility, and resilience. Her steady support and belief in me left a lasting impression and helped solidify my commitment to rural practice. She exemplified the kind of physician I aspire to become.

One thing I love about family medicine is…

One thing I love about family medicine is the opportunity to build long-term, meaningful relationships with patients. I value being able to walk alongside individuals and families through all stages of life, offering continuity of care and support. For me, this relational aspect of medicine is both deeply rewarding and essential to providing compassionate, patient-centred care, especially in rural communities, where strong connections can make a real difference in health outcomes.

One thing that surprised me about family medicine…

One thing that surprised me about family medicine is its incredible diversity. I hadn’t fully realized how broad the scope could be. This variety challenged my assumptions and deepened my appreciation for the adaptability and skill required of family physicians. The constantly changing nature of the work keeps me engaged and excited, especially in rural settings, where physicians often manage a wide range of medical needs and are truly the backbone of their communities.

Shifa Medical Clinic

2025 Patient's Medical Home - Oustanding Family Practice

Shifa Medical Clinic, established in 2014 and a member of Edmonton Southside PCN, has built strong community ties. Its dedicated team ensures smooth operations with evening and weekend coverage. The recent expansion includes eight offices and multiple exam and procedure rooms. The clinic is nearly paperless, integrating advanced technologies like HealthQuest EMR, Connect Care, Patient Portal, E-faxing, PrescribeIT, and Tali AI scribe for efficient, quality patient care, focusing on mental health and weight management.

The biggest success you’ve had in adopting the PMH model in your clinic…

The greatest success we’ve experienced since adopting the Patient Medical Home (PMH) model has been the remarkable improvement in patient access and continuity of care. By fostering team-based collaboration and streamlining our workflows, patients now experience shorter wait times and more personalized, comprehensive care. This transformation has significantly boosted both patient satisfaction and staff morale.

The biggest challenge you’ve had in adopting the PMH in your clinic…

A key challenge in implementing the PMH has been adapting to the changing PCN model. Support during evenings and weekends has been withdrawn over the past three years, initially due to health and safety concerns, now considered an HR issue. This reduction hampers continuous patient care and support. Additionally, funding and staffing levels have been significantly cut since then, making it more difficult for the clinic to provide comprehensive care and maintain collaborative efforts with the PCN.

One unique or surprising thing about our clinic is…

At Shifa, we believe in celebrating every success and transforming mistakes into valuable learning opportunities to foster continuous growth. We strengthen our bonds through shared experiences such as lunches, potlucks, team-building activities, dinners, and social events. Our goal is to cultivate a supportive, family-like environment where physicians, nurses, and support staff feel connected, valued, and motivated to achieve excellence together.

Find a Family Doctor

Register for the Summit

Attend Thursday Evening Webinars

Report my Mainpro+ Credits

Volunteer with the ACFP

Nominate a Colleague