Ted Findlay

I’m Dr. Ted Findlay and I am a graduate of the University of Calgary family medicine residency 1988. I have 25 years experience in community family practice; current clinical practice limited to complex chronic pain evaluation and non-interventional management. My work includes co-chairing the guideline development group for the TOP guidelines for the evidence informed management of low back pain, and co-authoring TOP guidelines for primary care management of headache and Medical Cannabinoids. At the University of Calgary department of CME I was named lecturer of the year in 2017. I’m also a member of the residency program committee, University of Calgary Chronic Pain Residency.

I responded to call for opioid task force members out of a desire to help address the “opioid crisis” by ensuring that family physicians have the tools, knowledge, and resources necessary to optimally manage chronic pain patients. This is in the belief that rational use of opioids in primary care should help alleviate the downstream effects of ineffective or inappropriate early treatment of chronic pain.

I value to role of the ACFP in bringing together voices from across the spectrum of family medicine in Alberta, united in ensuring that the role and expertise of the family physician is brought to the table in addressing the complex issue of chronic pain, addiction, and opioid related overdoses and death.

Christine Kennedy

I’m Dr. Christine Kennedy and I graduated from the University of Calgary medical school, and has been practicing for twelve years. I have a particular passion for advocating for improved prevention and supports around community mental well-being and addiction care. I practice family medicine, public health and occupational medicine in Northern Alberta.

I volunteer on the Task Force because I believe in its worthwhile objectives. I feel that the Task Force has been and will continue to be, successful in exploring and advocating for the broad implementation of the most effective strategies for combatting the crisis.

What I value about the work of the ACFP is the opportunity to connect with practitioners from across the Province and country in brainstorming the most effective interventions for the context of primary care and family practice in the community, especially in rural and remote communities in Alberta.

Simon Colgan

Full time palliative physician in community and tertiary care. Lead physician for CAMPP (Community Allied Mobile Palliative Partnership) in Calgary, an equity focused palliative program to under served populations.

Why did you volunteer for this position or why do you serve on this committee/task force?

I really want to try and promote and advocate for equity related topics including – poverty, food security, harm reduction, climate change.

What do you value most about the work of the ACFP?

I think it has a huge reach within primary care politics and I believe tackling upstream determinants of health are crucial for some of our health care problems.

Tina Korownyk

I’m Dr. Tina Korownyk and I’m an Associate Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Alberta. I have worked as a Family Physician for the past 10 years, primarily in Edmonton at the Northeast Community Health Centre. I am actively involved in the development of Tools for Practice, CPD Roadshows, and academic detailing visits with the Evidence program.

In the context of the opioid crisis, it is important to have a strong collective voice in primary care that is dedicated to improving outcomes for patients and communities.  The task force is a collection of individuals with expertise in various areas who have a lot to contribute with regards to practical recommendations for improving care of patients with opioid use disorder.

I am so impressed with the task force’s dedication to improving patient oriented outcomes. All the members are volunteering their time, for the dedicated purpose of improving the current state of affairs.

Jazmin Marlinga

I’m Dr. Jazmin Marlinga and I have made Calgary my home. I enjoy a full scope of practice, both in the community and as a hospitalist, with a focus on inner-city, addictions/mental health, and vulnerable populations.

I volunteered to be a member of the CPD Advisory Committee,  FMS Planning Committee, and the Opioid Emergency Response Task Force because I enjoy working at local, regional, and provincial levels to advocate for ongoing excellence in primary care and family medicine. Furthermore, I am committed to elevating the profile of addictions medicine amongst family physicians, such that our most vulnerable patients have access to equitable and compassionate care.

What I value the most about the ACFP is its tireless efforts to promote the importance of family medicine in the care of the patient and their community.

Tally Mogus

I’m Dr. Tally Mogus and I work as a family physician with underserved populations in Edmonton’s inner city. I work in a primary care clinic with integrated addictions care (Boyle McCauley Health Centre) , and with an inpatient addiction consult team (ARCH) at the Royal Alexandra hospital.

I joined the Task Force because I want to help family doctors to manage and treat addiction in their own practices, so patients can stay in their medical home while receiving addiction care. This work is so rewarding and life changing for patients. I am sure that once more family doctors gain confidence in prescribing/managing addictions, they will see this too!

Family physicians are on the front lines of the opiate crisis and are well placed to make a large impact on it. I see how hard the ACFP is working to engage and enable more family physicians to take on this life saving work.

Jovita Ojadi

I’m. Dr. Jovita Ojadi and I’m a Family Physician based in Red Deer, Central Zone, with more than 15 years generalist experience, having transitioned from the UK. I was alarmed at level of opioid prescribing as well as the province-wide crisis so I joined the Task Force to become part of the solution to solving the Opioid Crisis.

What I have enjoyed the most from serving on the Task Force is having participated in the process of developing the ACFP Opioid Crisis Response Task Force Recommendations document.

Monica Wickland Weller

I’m Dr. Monica Wickland Weller and I’ve been a rural family physician for 28 years with full scope of practice and a varied experience in both clinical medicine and leadership. I transitioned to an administrative role as Senior Medical Advisor for the Continuing Competence Program at the CPSA four years ago. I would like to be able to provide physicians with a collegial, educational, supportive and trusted experience.

I was asked to serve on this Task Force as a liaison between the ACFP and CPSA to work together to find ways to support physicians, share educational resources, and develop resources that are practical for community physicians.

What I value about the ACFP is its work to provide up to date clinical information and develop tools and resources that support community physicians in areas of challenge and change.