AIMGA IMG Symposium Session: What do employers really want?

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Victor Akinfemiwa

Victor is a RPR Certified recruitment professional with extensive experience in full lifecycle recruiting across corporate and agency settings, sourcing for various technical/non-technical roles in healthcare, IT, and other industries. Victor had the privilege of working with international students and professionals to settle in Canada providing job opportunities, career advice, training and development, and mentorship. Having relocated to Canada from his home country, Victor is passionate about helping international professionals settle easily and find their dream jobs. Victor currently volunteers with various employment programs offering one-on-one coaching, resume reviews, and job opportunities to internationally experienced professionals immigrating to Canada. Victor holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and Business Information systems from the U.K. He is excited to bring his skills and experience to support IMGs, providing support and guidance towards their career goals. In his spare time, Victor loves to watch soccer games and is a huge Arsenal fan.

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Huda Hamid

Huda is an experienced health care practitioner who helps people explore their full health potential by removing obstacles that impede their access to care.

She is passionate about saving lives and has experience in caring for patients in emergency situations. She has helped the critically ill and underprivileged through her work in natural disasters and war-torn areas. Huda has also delivered World Health Organization polio campaigns in rural communities.

Outside of work, Huda volunteers for refugee settlement initiatives as a language facilitator. She is fond of exploring nature and loves to camp and hike in the woods.

Faiza Noor

Faiza is an International Medical Graduate from Pakistan who has worked in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Canada. While in Saudi Arabia, Faiza was awarded the best resident from the Royal Tertiary and Miliary Hospital. Along with her clinical practice, she has conducted research in dialysis and transplantation for Hepatitis B and C as well as three years of teaching experience.

Faiza is passionate about making a difference in people’s lives. She is compassionate, kind and a dedicated healthcare professional. In Canada she has worked as a physician assistant and emergency medical responder with the Red Cross. Faiza is an active member of the International Medical Graduate Association and currently enrolled in the Patient Navigator Program. As part of this program, she is actively seeking alternative careers.

Luza Zapata

Luza is an International Medical Graduate with extensive experience working with people of all ages in the areas of healthcare and education. Luza developed health promotion and prevention programs in regional hospitals and offered workshops to train health professionals in basic life support, advanced life support and trauma.

She is passionate about empowering people to make informed decisions related to their health. She worked for four years as a volunteer leader for Alberta Health Services in the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program helping participants to become aware of their conditions and to cope.

She has excellent relationships with colleagues, patients, and their relatives. As a result, she obtained the award for Excellent Physician-Patient Relationship from the University of Antioquia. In her spare time, Luza enjoys swimming and practicing martial arts.

Milton Ortega

Milton’s career has been a rewarding journey, and he is excited to take on new challenges. With expertise developed over his years working in the Settlement and Integration sector in executive, advisory, and senior management positions, Milton has applied his diverse leadership experiences to advise local nonprofits on governance, management, and funding strategies. In addition, he has facilitated strategic collaboration between nonprofits, funding partners, and higher education institutions to effect positive community change.

Milton is an active leader in the community and often serves as an advisor and mentor to other professionals in the sector. He is an active volunteer who has served on several local and national Boards. His tireless work in the nonprofit sector led him to becoming one of the recipients of the 2023 Government of Alberta’s Newcomer Champion Awards.

Milton received his MPA from Portland State University, was trained in Program Evaluation from the American Evaluation Association, completed Leadership Training from Cornell University and is a Chartered Manager by the Canadian Institute of Management.

Deidre Lake

Deidre’s career started with teaching. From there, she specialized in performance-based, competency-based assessment tools related to language, communication, and workplace integration. She’s managed various programs and initiatives for non-profit organizations and large institutions. She’s been a member of various provincial and national advisory committees. From management, she moved into the areas of curriculum design and research. She’s led several research studies related to language assessment and a longitudinal study on International Medical Graduates in Canada. Deidre has been working with International Medical Graduates since 2004 and brings with her a wealth of knowledge, experience, and ideas. She has a proven track record in the development of innovative, high quality, outcome driven, online and face-to-face training programs, including the highly successful MCAP program for IMGs in Alberta. She is enthusiastic and driven to continue to lead, develop, and implement quality educational programs. She is committed to excellence and passionate about IMG education, workplace training, e-learning initiatives, and the evolution of technology in the areas of education and healthcare.

Rossalia Videlova

Rossalia Videlova has a comprehensive academic and practical background ranging from applied linguistics and research in Second Language Acquisition to program and curriculum development, project planning, coordination and evaluation. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Bulgarian Philology from the University of Plovdiv in Bulgaria and a Masters of Education in TESL degree from the University of Calgary. Rossalia is an Alberta Learning and ATESL certified educator with more than 21 years of progressively evolving experience in Canada throughout which she has been utilizing her cultivated abilities to cope with ethnically, culturally and socially diverse educational audiences facilitating all aspects of their success and motivating others to develop their full potential. For eight of these years, Rossalia has devoted her expertise to AIMGA while playing a key role in the design, coordination and administration of all educational activities aimed at providing relevant support to the unique needs of IMGs. She has a proven record of making a positive change in the professional integration of many AIMGA’s members and considers it to be her greatest and most rewarding professional quest.

Teresa Lau

Teresa Lau is a human resource professional with extensive experience in recruitment and selection, training and development, and employee relations. She had the privilege to work with foreign workers and assisted them in renewing work permits and obtaining permanent residency. She has also worked as a coordinator for various government and non-profit agencies.

Teresa is a Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of Alberta Candidate and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with a Concentration in Ethnicity, Immigration and Multiculturalism as well as a Human Resources Management Certificate from the University of Calgary. She is currently pursuing her Master’s of Arts in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University. Through her experience and education, she strives to give others the tools they need to be successful in their lives.

Tisha Raj

Tisha Raj comes with an extensive background of event planning, workshop facilitation, volunteer management, project and communication management for various not for profits. A 2015 graduate from MacEwan University in sociology specializing in youth and family diversity and a minor in political science, she successfully has worked and traveled to places such as Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories, Guayaquil, Ecuador and Holguin, Cuba learning the different challenges that each community faces when it comes to the health and wellbeing of its citizens. She has a deep learning for sustainability and conservation and loves to rejuvenate during her travels around the globe and across Canada. Tisha will be helping spread the word about IMGs in the Edmonton community, making connections, and exploring alternative pathways into healthcare.

Roman Sorokin

Roman Sorokin will be joining our Program Administrator team at AIMGA! Roman is a 2021 graduate from the University of British Columbia, where he majored in international relations and minored in economics. During his studies, he loved learning about the history, culture, and languages of other countries. He feels his studies and interests will help him in building connections with AIMGA’s members and community partners. He has also had professional experience working in various fields including the government, non-profit, administrative, and client service sectors. This experience included working as a Taxpayer Services Agent at the Canada Revenue Agency, Community Relations Coordinator at the Northern Hills Community Association, Application Assistant at BC Housing, and Office Coordinator at the Adaptive Sailing Association of BC. He looks forward to using this combination of experience and education to help IMGs settle and find their dream jobs in Canada. When he is not working, he enjoys composing music and playing and watching hockey, being a huge Calgary Flames fan!

Melat Gebresilassie

Melat Gebresilassie is a passionate medical student from Ethiopia who is aiming to make a significant contribution to the medical sector. She has had a head for science since her childhood and has achieved different certifications for her outstanding academic achievements. She also has a strong interest in research and finding solutions. During her clinical year, she volunteered at a community organization that supported those with mental illnesses and she is still interested in engaging in volunteer programmes that help society’s underprivileged communities.

Growing up in large family nurtured with love, Melat has a great love and respect for humanity. She is self-aware, thoughtful and humble. She is also interested in art and philosophy.

Mary Anne Steiner

Mary Anne Steiner was born and raised in St. John’s, Newfoundland. She graduated from the Medical Office Administration Program at College of the North Atlantic in 2014. After graduating from the program, she decided to pursue a career in the Oil and Gas industry. She worked for an Offshore Recruiting company and their sister company for 5 years where she started off as a receptionist, then moved to doing accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and lastly as their Human Resources Coordinator which is what brought her to the Northwest Territories. She worked with AIMGA previously while she was living in Calgary in 2018. She also worked with Alberta Health Services in 2021/2022 in Grande Prairie as the Executive Assistant to the Director of Medical Affairs for Rural Alberta. She now currently lives in Yellowknife, NWT with her family where she enjoys everything the Territories has to offer such as kayaking, hiking, the midnight sun, and the northern lights. She has a position with the Government of the Northwest Territories at the Stanton Territorial Hospital. Outside of this role, she supports AIMGA in the evenings and is very excited to make the return to the AIMGA team.

Onyinyechi Onuoha

Meet Onyinyechi Onuoha, an International Medical Graduate from Nigeria with over 7 years of clinical experience in General practice. She holds a bachelor’s in medicine and surgery (MBBS) from the prestigious Igbinedion University Okada and an MSc in Community Health Sciences from UofC. Her dedication to academia and medical research inspired her to pursue a MSc in Community Medicine. In future, she aspires to obtaining a residency position as well as a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology as her goal is to enhance medical education. Onyinyechi actively engages in community activities, particularly advocating for women and children’s health through research-based interventions. She is proud to contribute to the Alberta International Medical Graduate Association as a facilitator and researcher. During her leisure time, enjoys reading, music, and swimming.

Drew Bowman

Drew Bowman, joins AIMGA on a full-time basis as Research and Evaluation and Community Engagement Coordinator. Drew recently moved to Calgary from her hometown of Wheatley, Ontario, where she previously worked for St. Clair Catholic District School Board as their Health Promotion Officer. Drew attended Western University in London, Ontario, for both her undergraduate degree in Health Sciences and her master’s degree in Health Geography. In her spare time, Drew loves being outdoors in nature either hiking in the mountains or bird watching. Drew is very excited to begin her work with AIMGA to create a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of newcomers to Alberta, and to help build capacity, knowledge, and access to future careers for members through AIMGA’s research and evaluation activities.

Edna Ramirez Cerino

Edna Ramirez Cerino is an International Medical Graduate and Software Assistant from Mexico. After becoming a General Practitioner, she worked as a Clinic Manager and Physician in rural Mexico where she enhanced her skills in Community Health and Preventive Medicine. After immigrating to Canada, she became a member of AIMGA, later taking the Career Transition Program and obtaining a position of Clinical Coordinator in Fertility Medicine.

Edna’s interest in preventative medicine led her back to AIMGA at the onset of the pandemic when she joined the COVID-19 Response Team as a volunteer. She was later hired as AIMGA’s Health and Wellness Team Coordinator. Edna was recognized for her contributions to patient education, advocacy, and research and recommended for one of two positions to become a Community Scholar with the University of Calgary and to join the PaCER program with the Refugee Health YYC team. Since then, Edna has continued to be engaged in multiple activities to support health outcomes of ethno-cultural populations in Alberta and Canada.

With a passion to serve newcomers, Edna is excited to start her new role as Coordinator for the Career Transition and Patient Navigator Programs and support fellow IMGs in their career pathways

Joyce Lam

Joyce is a graphic designer and an advertiser with a degree in Visual Communications from Alberta University of the Arts based in Calgary, Alberta. She loves brainstorming different concepts, developing brand identities and has volunteered at many different senior homes and companies. She also hosted fundraising events such as Development and Peace for Haiti and the Coldest Night of the Year. She has experience in video editing, motion graphics and website design. Joyce is the Co-Founder of a Made in Alberta, Runner-up beverage company called Parch and Chief Design Officer at JYN Design Studio. Outside of work, Joyce loves drawing, travelling, and is passionate about music. She is interested to learn more about the pathways to healthcare and is excited to apply her design techniques at AIMGA.

Nadia Perveen

Nadia Perveen has over 5 years of experience in Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Obstetrics and Gynecology. After completing one year of internship, she obtained FCPS-1 in obstetrics and gynecology (with first merit order). She was a devoted OBGYN resident, serving marginalized and under privileged populations. She loves community work and has worked as a first responder for the 2005 earthquake, polio campaigns, and flood victims in Pakistan. Currently, she works as a telemedicine physician serving rural areas of Pakistan and AIMGA’s study group coordinator.

Clementine Crooks

Clementine Crooks has her Masters in Leadership with a specialization in Health Care and is CPHR certified. For almost fifteen years Clementine has worked with organizations to improve efficiencies and maximize profitability by developing their people processes. This work has included the development of policies and procedures, performance management processes, executive coaching, recruitment, and employee documentation.

Clementine has worked with professionals across Canada to support their career transition processes where she works in a one-on-one capacity to enhance their chances of getting hired.

Anne Babineau

Anne Babineau helps scientists, researchers, and health professionals elevate their work with clear and compelling communication. Anne comes to AIMGA after a long career in the health and social services system. As an executive, Anne developed and implemented advertising, communications, stakeholder and government relations strategies and programs.

She is passionate about innovation in Canada’s health system. Through the Canadian College of Health Leaders, Anne earned the Certified Health Executive designation. She also achieved a Fellowship Certificate in Health System Improvement at the University of Alberta.

Anne shared her leadership skills as a volunteer Board Member for CNIB Alberta and participated on several advisory committees of life-science research organizations and professional development networks.

Punom Kumar

Punom Kumar Bhattacharyya is a foreign-trained physician from Bangladesh and public health enthusiast.

Besides his three years of clinical experience in different tertiary care hospitals in Bangladesh, he has a wide range of skills from analyzing and interpreting health information in order to prevent and reverse health outcomes to pharmacovigilance.

He has been actively involved in systematic collection, analysis,interpretation, and dissemination of health data to help guide public health decisions and actions. Due to his keen interest in public health and clinical research, he obtained a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from Umea University, Sweden and also completed a post graduate certificate course in applied clinical research from the McMaster University in Canada after immigrating to Canada in 2016.

In his spare time, Punom loves to travel, watch movies and cook. Currently, he works both as a Clinical Assistant & Patient Advisor and as a Research Assistant at AIMGA. He’s looking forward to contributing to the research AIMGA is conducting to advance the labour integration of IMGs.

KATE MAGUIRE

Kate Maguire was born in Edmonton, Alberta and has lived in Victoria, Vancouver, London Ontario and Chicago. Kate graduated from University of Victoria with a BA in Psychology and then went on to UBC to do a Professional Teaching Certificate. Following this, Kate completed her Post Graduate Diploma in teaching English at the University of Calgary. Kate has worked continuously throughout her career in Adult Education, teaching English to International Students in Academic programs. These included University of Alberta, Fanshawe College in Ontario, Kendall College (now National Louis University) in Chicago and International House at the University of Chicago. Currently, Kate is working as a facilitator for Prospect Human Services, a not-for-profit organization in Calgary that helps Albertans who have barriers to employment. Kate strongly values diversity and inclusion bringing an open mind and flexibility when facilitating classes. She has delivered workshops on many topics including Conflict Resolution, Communication for Professionals, Resiliency and Adaptation and Language Components. Kate is very happy to be a part of AIMGA’s Medical Communication Assessment Program where she can engage with members, learn from their experiences, and help them prepare for their future positions as physicians in Canada. In her free time she loves travel, yoga, coffee, and running.

BRYAN KIBAMBA

Bryan Kibamba joins AIMGA Research and Evaluation team, WES, on a part-time basis.

Bryan is an avid learner and in the process of pursing a master’s in health sciences with a Public Health and Epidemiology specialization. His background is in social services, community health, and health promotion.

Bryan has worked in various setting and in various roles, namely as a Public Health Specialist with the Red Cross. As a Data Analyst at First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) and have been working for about 4 years with men and families as a Fathering Coach and a Health Promotion specialist.

Bryan is passionate in health. My colleagues would describe me as a driven, resourceful, creative and passionate individual who enjoys the outdoor and laughter.

JENNIFER GARCIA

Jennifer obtained her medical degree from the Philippines at the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center in 1994. After completion of training in General Surgery in 2001 she pursued her interest in Colorectal Surgery through Fellowships in Hong Kong and the UK. Her work experience includes postings in General Surgery in Australia, Bahrain and Singapore.

She immigrated to Calgary in 2013 and has since been working as a Clinical Surgical Assistant with Alberta Health Services. While in the process of challenging the Medical Council of Canada exams, she has actively participated in numerous study groups and helped moderate review sessions for Trauma and General Surgery. She successfully attained her Licentiate in 2016.

She firmly believes that the vast IMG population is a valuable, untapped resource for the Alberta healthcare system. Jennifer is keen to explore more opportunities for IMGs to successfully integrate into the Alberta healthcare system.

DAVID KAY

David Kay is Principal Consultant with David Kay and Associates, a health care management consultancy focusing on project management and regulatory performance. He has a diverse leadership background in a variety of sectors including professional regulators and healthcare.

David has held senior roles with the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). For 19 years, David was the Executive Director for RPAP | Health Workforce for Alberta, a rural health workforce agency.

He is a member of the Canadian College of Health Leaders (CCHL), the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), and Governance Professionals of Canada (GPC), and a past board member of the Canadian Association of Staff Physician Recruiters (CAPSR), CCHL and the Canadian Network of Agencies for Regulation (CNAR). David is currently a member of several committees of the Council on Licensure, Enforcement and Regulation (CLEAR).

DR. MITRA ARJANG

Dr. Mitra Arjang was completed her medical education and postgraduate training in General Surgery at Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran. She practiced Medicine and General surgery in Iran before moving to Canada.

She first landed in Toronto, and while working as a research associate, passed several exams and obtained the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada. She moved to Calgary to start a new chapter of her life as a Clinical and Surgical Assistant in 2013 with Alberta Health Services.

Her passion for learning motivated her to embark on another chapter in her career as she pursued residency training in Family Medicine at the University of Calgary and graduated in 2022.

Now, she has her community practice, as well as an academic position at the University of Calgary, but never forgets her long journey and the challenges she faced as an International Doctor in Canada. She is ready to support other IMGs in their path to join the health care team in Canada and looks forward to continuing to serve as a Board Member of AIMGA.

REKIYAT SIYAKA

Since joining SAIT as an English language instructor in 2015, Gifty has worked in different roles to support the design and implementation of workplace culture training to help professional immigrants join the Canadian workforce in their fields. She has worked in various roles as instructor, curriculum specialist, subject-matter expert, and most recently, academic chair of the English Language Foundations program here at SAIT. Gifty’s passion is in designing and supporting programming that enable new immigrants meet English proficiency requirements, learn workplace skills, and thrive in the Canadian workplace.

She has supported various post-secondary institutions to create more equitable and inclusive pathways for English proficiency requirements. As an AIMGA board member, Gifty will leverage her expertise in English language proficiency requirements and program pathways to support and advocate for internationally trained medical graduates in Alberta.

Gifty holds a PhD in Curriculum and Education from the University of Alberta. Her PhD research focused on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in post-secondary curriculum and instruction.

FADHIL KHALIL

Fadhil graduated from the College of Medicine (CoM) of Baghdad University in 1985. Throughout his career, he earned a master’s degree in Clinical Immunology. He is registered with the Arab and Iraqi Boards in Internal Medicine, MRCP UK, and FRCP Edinburgh. He worked as a consultant physician and lecturer in Internal Medicine in the CoM of Baghdad University. In 2000, he moved to UAE and worked as a consultant physician and head of department in the Ministry of Health (MOH), and assistant professor in the CoM of Sharjah University until September 2018.

He led and published several research studies, QIPs and KPI Projects. He was a member of several MOH advisory medical, ethical, and administrative committees.

He utilizes his 34-year well-cultivated clinical and academic experience and leadership skills to handle various highly demanding clinical environments. Fadhil is committed to excellence and is driven to continue to lead, develop and implement high quality healthcare standards.

Upon his immigration to Canada, Fadhil completed the MCCEE, MCCQE1 and MCCQE2 and obtained the CPSA eligibility for PRA-AB in Internal Medicine in 2018 and obtained his LMCC in 2019.

Being an IMG, he understands the struggles and challenges that these doctors face. He is committed to facilitating the process of the social and professional integration into the Canadian health system for IMGs. He is very passionate about being a member of the AIMGA board of directors and eager to share his knowledge and experience with members.

SAUGATA CHAKRABORTY

I am a global nomad, a dreamer, a curious cat, an addicted traveler and a failing guitarist. What gets my engines racing is collaborating with innovators and entrepreneurs who are reimagining their domains and inspiring others to build a better future for all.

After leaving Mumbai, India in 1998, I pursued a career in Big Bang physics at Wayne State University, Michigan followed by clinical Neurosciences to explore the mysteries of the brain at University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Moving social experiences while interacting with patients during this period shifted my mindset to pursue an MBA in healthcare design & management at the Schulich School of Business at York University, Canada leading to management roles where I am able to tangibly influence projects that have meaningful social impact. I enjoy coaching and facilitating quality improvement and design thinking courses during my spare time through IDEO U, an influential design company and have been doing so for the past 2 years.

I have been a resident of Calgary, Alberta for the past 9 years working for Alberta Health Services in a variety of roles ranging from patient experience, clinical quality improvement and design director working on several projects to provide safe, timely, effective, equitable, efficient and patient-centered care. I am especially proud of the work done in collaboration with primary care physicians and community supports such as AIMGA in addressing equitable access to mass vaccinations for the most vulnerable population in our city through our grant funded initiative CORIGQI

Outside of work, I try to get to the mountains for a few hikes in the summer, still contemplating taking up skiing to survive the winters and I am always up for a beer and a conversation.

Shola Adelakun

Shola Adelakun is a Human Resources Professional with extensive experience in the health and wellness industry and in managing employee lifecycle, strategic planning, change management and implementing programs designed to achieve strategic business and operational goals. She enjoys working in the non-profit sector mainly because of her passion for advancing humanitarian causes that drive social change and that lead to significant and measurable socioeconomic impact.

Shola is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources candidate with CPHR Alberta and holds an MBA with a specialization in Human Resources Management from the University of Sunderland, United Kingdom. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Counselling Psychology.

She is excited to bring her skills and experience to support IMGS to achieve outstanding success in their short and long term goals. In her spare time, Shola enjoys spending time with her family, gardening and photography.

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ANNALEE COAKLEY

Dr. Annalee Coakley, MD CCFP DTM&H is a graduate of Queen’s University where she completed both her medical training and family medicine residency. She worked in rural settings across Canada before moving to London in 2009 where she completed her Diploma of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene at the London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Once she completed her training, she settled in Calgary where she started to work at the Calgary Refugee Health Program in order to maintain her skills in tropical medicine. However, once she started working with refugees, she became a passionate advocate for their health and wellbeing.

In 2012, Dr. Coakley became the Medical Director of the Calgary Refugee Health Program where she was immediately confronted by the challenge presented by the Federal Government’s decision to cut the Interim Federal Health Program, which provides coverage for health services and essential medications for newly arrived refugees. She worked with many stakeholders within Alberta, including provincial agencies, to minimize the impact of the cuts on Calgary’s most vulnerable newcomers. Since the reversal of the cuts in 2015 following the last election, she has been working with her team at the Refugee Clinic to help meet the health needs of the influx of Syrian refugees and most recently, the victims of Daesh. Her hope is to one day work herself out of job once the mainstream health system is able to meet the needs of our most vulnerable newcomers.
Favorite food: ice cream.

SHOLA ADELAKUN

SARBAST RASHID

Sarbast moved to Calgary to pursue his education at Mount Royal University, where he is currently finishing his undergraduate degree in Sociology, with a double minor in Accounting, and Psychology. Prior to moving to Calgary, Sarbast was living in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan where he immigrated to from the Middle East. In his spare time, Sarbast enjoys learning and reading about Ancient Civilizations, going out to the mountains to hike, and spending time with his friends. Sarbast loves to spend time at home with his dog and cat, Oliver and Talullah. Sarbast joins AIMGA as the Mentorship Coordinator and is looking forward to connecting with the members of AIMGA and providing mentorship opportunities.

Naxhielli Donaji Mendez Muniz

Naxhielli is an International Medical Graduate from Mexico. She worked as rural physician for one year before completing her residency in Anesthesia at the National University of Mexico (UNAM). She then obtained her Physician high-specialist degree in Pain Medicine at the UNAM/ National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubiran in Mexico City. She practiced as a Physician Specialist in Anesthesia in the Gyneco-Obstetric Hospital #4 of the Mexican Social Security Institute in Mexico City where she was involved with residents of anesthesia training and patient care. Along with her hospital practice, she continued her pain medicine practice in a private setting. She completed a diploma course in analgesia and anesthesia in gynecology and obstetrics from the Mexican Society of Anesthesiology in Gynecology.

She has a member of the Alberta International Medical Graduate Association and is currently enrolled in the Patient Navigator Program. As part of this program, she is actively searching alternative careers.

Johandra Argote Parolis

Johandra is an International Medical Graduate from Cuba. She has practiced as a Family Physician and Endocrinologist in Cuba and Mexico for several years helping patients in urban and rural areas. She has experience managing community programs for those living with diabetes. She also accomplished a humanitarian international mission in Guatemala, delivering a high quality of patient care across various populations. In Canada, Johandra has been supporting the seasonal agricultural workers in isolation through clinical assessment, emotional support, and Covid-19 vaccination assistance. She is a Clinical Research Coordinator at UBC while working on the Canadian SCAD project and is volunteering with the Friendly Calls Program of the Canadian Red Cross. Johandra loves to help the community while applying all the acquired knowledge and her exceptional communication skills along the way. She is eager to apply her skills within the arena of healthcare and work with people of all backgrounds and stages of life.

Abdul Hameed Khateer

I am an International Medical Graduate from Afghanistan. During my medical practice, I have worked both in the community, and in facilities, with people of diverse cultures, ethnicities, languages, and beliefs. I have educated and mentored community health workers, community health volunteers, and health care workers at clinics, and facilitated health information presentations in the areas of malnutrition, COVID-19, water sanitation and hygiene, and other public health topics. I have also been involved in mental health and gender-based violence counselling, psychosocial care practices, and health promotion by visiting communities, and appearing on television and radio as a representative of various international nongovernmental and governmental organizations.

I believe the world can be a healthier place if we have healthy people in all communities. I have a strong desire to achieve my goals, which are related to helping people in need through the skills and experiences I have developed. In Canada I am supporting new refugees by providing information on health and vaccinations, greeting new refugees at the airport and helping them as they settle into their new life. I am an active member of the Alberta International Medical Graduate Association (AIMGA) and am enrolled in the Patient Navigator Program. My plan is to continue to work within health care through health management, interpretation, patient navigation and health promotion education.

Atobrhan Godlu

Atobrhan Godlu Internationally Trained Physician General Practitioner Atobrhan Godlu is an International Medical Graduate from Eritrea. Atobrhan’s passion to become a doctor stemmed from a long-life fascination with helping and supporting patients in the community. After working as a Doctor, he relocated to Canada. His future goal is to practice in Canada. In the meantime, he has held a number of positions within AHS to become familiar with the system (surgical processor, supervisor, contact tracer). As a healthcare professional, he is a strong believer in the power of positive thinking and contributing to the creation of a positive workplace. He is enrolled in a Master’s program in Health Service Management at the University of Lethbridge. He has been an active member of AIMGA’s Health and Wellness team and the Eritrean Canadian Community in Calgary. Atobrhan is also working on a research project about post Covid-19 mental wellbeing on multiracial communities. He is interested in delving deeper into research as he works towards his long-term goal.

Rachel Springle

Rachel has an MA in Applied Linguistics (TESL) from Brock University and a BSc. in Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology from the University of Toronto. With a strong foundation in both science and language, she has taught in diverse contexts abroad and in Canadian universities. Her academic research has included the assessment of current textbook materials used to prepare internationally educated nurses and doctors to work in English-speaking countries. Rachel is dedicated to helping individuals increase their English language proficiency to facilitate their successful integration into the Canadian healthcare system.

Yasir Essar

Mohammad Yasir Essar is an MSc Global Health graduate from McMaster University with a strong interest in infectious diseases and humanitarian health.

Yasir completed his bachelor’s degree in Dentistry at Kabul University of Medical Sciences, Kabul, Afghanistan. Due to his keen interest in writing and publication, he engaged in research mentorship programs during his bachelor’s. His passion and curiosity led him to explore global health and public health. His work has been published in various journals, including The Lancet, BMJ Global Health, Nature, and among others. In 2022, in recognition of his exceptional work and story, McMaster University awarded him the “Scholars At Risk Bursary,” a scholarship provided to students with outstanding contributions in humanitarian settings.

As a refugee with firsthand experience, Yasir has leveraged his lived experience to advocate for and write about the health needs of refugee populations. He has been invited as a guest lecturer at McGill University to discuss refugee and migrant health.
He completed his practicum at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, where he focused on addressing tuberculosis, striving to make a meaningful impact in the field of healthcare.

In his spare time, Yasir enjoys engaging in conversations, watching football, and cricket. Currently, he works as a Vaccine Navigator at AIMGA and looks forward to contributing to AIMGA’s mission and vision.

Samah Elzahaby

Samah Elzahaby comes with a bachelor’s degree in linguistics, literature and translation. She has more than 20 years of experience in Canada and overseas as a language consultant, a certified translator & interpreter, and a project manager. She has a track record of multicultural and interdisciplinary communication, as well as immigrants and refugees’ support by reducing communication barriers, successfully creating workable solutions and improving services. She is acknowledged for successfully establishing rapport and building working relationships with individuals and agencies in diverse settings, such as healthcare, legal, educational, social services, non-for-profits and government sectors. She is adept at navigating complex communication dynamics, developing effective strategies and delivering exceptional client support. She is recognized for exceptional leadership, community engagement, and managing communication nuances.

Samah believes that International Medical Graduates (IMGs) can drastically contribute to the welfare and healthy living of immigrants and refugees in Canada achieving a win-win situation and a seamless orchestration of their medical education and experience, their rich cultural backgrounds as well as the accessibility to their communities in Canada. Samah is coordinating the vaccine navigation project which fills an essential gap in the health system in Alberta by the facilitation of vaccine education and vaccine accessibility to newcomers’ communities. She’s also moderating the CISOC Community Interpreting Training course for PNP program participants with more practical activities and learners’ engagement in the practices, protocols and code of ethics of language interpreting.

Heba Mohammad

Heba Mohamed is a specialist physician from Egypt.
She believes physical and mental health are connected, and both are essential for a happy life. She enjoyed spending her time conducting neurological and psychiatric assessments for inpatients and outpatients and providing health education and referrals for essential clinical support services to improve patients’ quality of life.

She worked as a Neuropsychiatrist for five years before moving to Canada. She is a member of Alberta International Medical Graduate Association and through AIMGA , she obtained a position as a COVID-19 contact tracer with Alberta Health Services. She completed the patient navigator program and is now looking forward to working as a vaccine navigator where she can use her experience and skills.

Hira Waqar

Hira Waqar was born in Pakistan and moved to Canada in 2001. After finishing her high school, she completed her BSc in Biology from the University of Calgary. She then went on to get a MD degree from the American University of Caribbean. She completed clinical rotations in hospitals in the United States and England. Hira recently completed her family medicine training from Pakistan and is waiting for her PRA assessment to begin. She successfully passed the TDM and is looking forward to working with members of AIMGA to do the same.

Nadia Arshad

Nadia is an international medical graduate who aims to serve the ailing humanity and make positive contribution towards mental and physical health of the community. She practised in the fields of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine and served in various roles to foster the health of her community . She aspires to not only help the body heal but wants to address the mental well-being and health of the patients she serves as well. Nadia has extensively helped individuals with mental disorders and has successfully been able to maximize their assimilation into the workforce of the nation. Nadia graduated from Dow University of Health Sciences and is a member of AIMGA. She is eager to explore careers within the healthcare sector in Canada and wishes to be a resourceful healthcare professional to her community.

Nadia Perveen

Nadia Perveen is an international medical graduate from Pakistan with over 5 years of experience in family medicine, emergency medicine and obstetrics and gynecology . she completed her one year rotatory internship as part of her medical school in various disciplines like General Medicine ,Emergency Medecine,General surgery, anaesthesia. After completing one year of internship did FCPS-1 in obstetrics and gynecology(hold first merit order in whole district for residency) .she was a devoted resident of ob/gyn, during residency she served marginalized and under privileged population and made commitment herself to work incessantly to address the health issues of deprived community. She loves to do community work, worked as a first responder for 2005 earthquake, polio campaign and flood victims in Pakistan. Currently working as telemedicine physician to serve rural areas of Pakistan. Teaching is her passion ,did volunteer moderatorship for qe1 study group at AIMGA. Now a days working as a study group coordinator.

Deniz Erkmen

Deniz is a dedicated researcher with a strong commitment to the greater good. Her passion lies in organizing, analyzing, and visualizing data to mobilize knowledge in clear, concise ways. Driven by a love for investigation, equity, and life-long learning, Deniz has international experience across non-profit, public, academic, and private sectors, providing a broad perspective on various issues.

Before joining AIMGA, Deniz led social research projects and evaluated non-profit programming, with specific expertise in immigration, diversity & inclusion, and mental health. Deniz earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations and Economics from the University of Calgary and holds a certificate from the Max Bell Public Policy Training Institute (PPTI) since 2016.

Contact Details

403-471-2312

Contact Details

403-470-1361

Contact Details

403-470-0278

Contact Details

403-471-0652

Contact Details

587-716-7863

Basma Sheikh

Basma is the Director of Corporate Training at Veritas Solutions. Her background in training and development and Organizational Psychology allows Basma to develop and provide impactful trainings relevant to industries throughout North America. Prior to this role, Basma was a Career Advisor and Facilitator at AIMGA. She supports AIMGA when our advising team needs support such as during the CaRMS residency interview period.

Basma believes that ongoing learning and education is necessary for reformative change in the workplace. She firmly believes in fostering workplace climates that are inclusive, respectful and reflect civility which in turn minimize human resources risks. Basma’s primary goal in all trainings is to foster education and growth as well as psychological safety for all attendees. She believes having difficult and challenging conversations in a respectful, safe and open manner is the key to bringing reformative change. Basma has a Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, a former trainer and expertise in IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility) trainings and concepts, she specializes in leadership development and has been formally trained in workplace investigations.

Contact Details

587-716-5716

Ugochukwu (Ugo) Osigwe

Ugo enjoys working with people and communities to help overcome health challenges. He comfortably navigates community needs and aligns these to strategic health goals. Ugo is a dedicated health professional with a strong track record in global health management. His expertise spans surveillance, outbreak response, community engagement, health promotion, design, implementation, and evaluation of health intervention projects. As a trained field epidemiologist, he has utilized quantitative and qualitative methods to conduct surveys aimed at generating evidence for health decision-making. He is also skilled at consensus building working with various stakeholders in healthcare to achieve improved health outcomes for communities. He is passionate about humanitarian service and volunteers with the Canadian Red cross in his spare time. He has successfully completed AIMGA’s Patient Navi8gator Program and is looking forward to working with the PHAC Vaccine Navigator Team as a Coordinator.

Stacey Moorehouse

Stacey Moorehouse is an ambitious, visionary leader with over 20 years of experience in strategic and operational planning, administration, performance monitoring, risk management, project management, stakeholder engagement and continuous quality improvement. She has worked from the frontlines providing patient care to most recently being the Director for Medical Affairs. In the last 10 years of her career, she has been fiscally responsible and successfully managed multi-million-dollar budgets. She has been involved in high profile initiatives such as being part of the team to transition Clinical Assistants in her zone from a contractor model to an employee model. This work has required the efficient development of relationships and the coordination of efforts from a range of executive, management, operational, clinical and administrative resources. The focus of her career has and always will be on serving the people in need. She utilizes system thinking to inform high quality services, projects and supports. This has included the development and management of high performing multidisciplinary teams. She hopes that by joining the board of Directors for AIMGA, she will be able to continue to serve and support Physicians who have come to Canada and to learn and gain experience to improve her impact into the future in meeting the health needs of Albertans.

Salma Mohamed

Salma Mohamed is a Family Physician and a Migration Health Physician from Sudan. She graduated from the International University of Africa, Sudan. She then obtained a Master’s degree in Family Medicine from University of Medical sciences and Technology in 2019 .She’s been working with Refugees since 2022 as a Migration Health Physician with the IOM to insure safe refugee travels, before moving to live in Canada. Prior to this initiative, she volunteered at the health and wellness division with CCIS , She speaks Arabic and English. She is passionate about community heath education and improving community health , She looks forward to working as a Vaccine Navigator with AIMGA.

ROSSALIA VIDELOVA

TISHA RAJ

TERESA LAU

BASMA TARIQ SHEIKH

ANNE BABINEAU

CLEMENTINE CROOKS

MELAT GEBRESILASSIE

PUNOM KUMAR

BRYAN KIBAMBA

DEIDRE LAKE

ROMAN SOROKIN

RACHEL SPRINGLE

AIMGA is currently accepting applications to fill the Board Member positions.

Board members will ideally have experience or knowledge in one or more of the following areas: Board Governance, Financial Management & Resources, Fund Raising, Program Development, Related Organizations, Public Relations/Communications, Community, Advocacy, Not-for-Profit, Law, Human Resources, and the Alberta healthcare system.

To apply, please complete the Board Member Application Form (fillable PDF that you can download and save) and submit it along with your CV and Letter of Intent to Deidre Lake, Executive Director, at deidre@aimga.ca.

Download Application Form

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