Speakers / Panelists
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Workshop: Practical Procedures in the ED
November 6, 2025 from 9:00am MDT to 12:00pm MDT -
Poster Presentations
November 8, 2025 from 1:30pm MDT to 2:20pm MDT -
AI Unplugged: What Every PA Needs to Know
November 7, 2025 from 1:30pm MDT to 2:20pm MDT -
Advancing PA Professionalism: Education, Mentorship, and Career Growth
November 7, 2025 from 9:00am MDT to 11:00am MDT -
Advancing PA Professionalism: Education, Mentorship, and Career Growth
November 7, 2025 from 9:00am MDT to 11:00am MDT -
Beyond Glycemic Control: From Evidence to Action in Diabetes Care; Empowering PAs to Bridge the Gap with SGLT2i & GLP-1 RAs
November 7, 2025 from 3:00pm MDT to 4:00pm MDT -
Out of Reach, Not out of Mind (Managing Mental Health Crises in Remote Emergency Settings)
November 6, 2025 from 2:00pm MDT to 2:50pm MDT -
Advancing PA Professionalism: Education, Mentorship, and Career Growth
November 7, 2025 from 9:00am MDT to 11:00am MDT -
Breaking Bad News: Guidance on stroke-related vascular dementia
November 6, 2025 from 1:00pm MDT to 1:50pm MDT -
Water fasting in the treatment of chronic metabolic diseases, autoimmune disease, and cancer
November 7, 2025 from 1:30pm MDT to 2:20pm MDT -
AI Unplugged: What Every PA Needs to Know
November 7, 2025 from 1:30pm MDT to 2:20pm MDT -
AI Unplugged: What Every PA Needs to Know
November 7, 2025 from 1:30pm MDT to 2:20pm MDT -
Lab Medicine Emergencies
November 8, 2025 from 10:30am MDT to 11:20am MDT -
Hello From the Other Side: The Path from International to Canadian Physician Assistant Practice
November 8, 2025 from 9:30am MDT to 10:20am MDT -
Lightning Rounds: Most Interesting Cases Competition
November 7, 2025 from 3:00pm MDT to 4:30pm MDT -
Lightning Rounds: Most Interesting Cases Competition
November 7, 2025 from 3:00pm MDT to 4:30pm MDT -
An Approach to Chronic Pelvic Pain
November 7, 2025 from 1:30pm MDT to 2:20pm MDT -
Hypertension Guidelines
November 8, 2025 from 11:30am MDT to 12:20pm MDT -
Metrics of assessments evaluating Physician Assistant performance and utilization in Canadian health care systems
November 8, 2025 from 1:30pm MDT to 2:20pm MDT -
Not Your Average Generalist: Highlighting PAs Practicing in Various Specialties
November 7, 2025 from 11:00am MDT to 12:30pm MDT -
Poster Presentations
November 8, 2025 from 1:30pm MDT to 2:20pm MDT -
Addressing the Family Doctor Shortage using Physician Assistants and Team-Based Care
November 7, 2025 from 3:00pm MDT to 4:00pm MDT -
A Step by Step to Guide to Pediatric Limp
November 6, 2025 from 3:00pm MDT to 3:50pm MDT -
Enhancing Critical Care: The Role and Impact of Physician Assistants in Medical and Surgical ICUs
November 6, 2025 from 10:00am MDT to 10:50am MDT -
It’s Not Over Yet: Emergency Department Findings That Need Follow-Up
November 6, 2025 from 9:00am MDT to 9:50am MDT -
It’s Not Over Yet: Emergency Department Findings That Need Follow-Up
November 6, 2025 from 9:00am MDT to 9:50am MDT -
Day in the Life of a Physician Assistant in Remote Industry
November 6, 2025 from 11:00am MDT to 11:50am MDT -
Workshop: Wound Care Assessment & Long-Term Management
November 6, 2025 from 1:00pm MDT to 4:00pm MDT -
Not Your Average Generalist: Highlighting PAs Practicing in Various Specialties
November 7, 2025 from 11:00am MDT to 12:30pm MDT -
Medical Trivia - Diseases, Diagnostics and Drugs, Oh My!
November 8, 2025 from 1:30pm MDT to 2:20pm MDT -
Not Your Average Generalist: Highlighting PAs Practicing in Various Specialties
November 7, 2025 from 11:00am MDT to 12:30pm MDT -
Medical Trivia - Diseases, Diagnostics and Drugs, Oh My!
November 8, 2025 from 1:30pm MDT to 2:20pm MDT -
Lightning Rounds: Most Interesting Cases Competition
November 7, 2025 from 3:00pm MDT to 4:30pm MDT -
Addressing the Family Doctor Shortage using Physician Assistants and Team-Based Care
November 7, 2025 from 3:00pm MDT to 4:00pm MDT -
Addressing the Family Doctor Shortage using Physician Assistants and Team-Based Care
November 7, 2025 from 3:00pm MDT to 4:00pm MDT -
Metrics of assessments evaluating Physician Assistant performance and utilization in Canadian health care systems
November 8, 2025 from 1:30pm MDT to 2:20pm MDT -
Metrics of assessments evaluating Physician Assistant performance and utilization in Canadian health care systems
November 8, 2025 from 1:30pm MDT to 2:20pm MDT -
Metrics of assessments evaluating Physician Assistant performance and utilization in Canadian health care systems
November 8, 2025 from 1:30pm MDT to 2:20pm MDT -
Not Your Average Generalist: Highlighting PAs Practicing in Various Specialties
November 7, 2025 from 11:00am MDT to 12:30pm MDT -
Not Your Average Generalist: Highlighting PAs Practicing in Various Specialties
November 7, 2025 from 11:00am MDT to 12:30pm MDT
Gabriel DeMone
CD, BSc-PA, BSc, CCPA
Gabriel DeMone
Gabe grew up in BC, served 14 years with the CAF and was a graduate of the final MPATP in 2022. He currently works in the ED at Red Deer Hospital. He serves as the Alt. Dir. BC for CAPA and as a Director-at-Large for PARSEC. He is driven to advancing the PA profession in Canada through advocacy and education, and is pursuing his Masters Degree in Precision Health, with a focus on Health Professions Education Leadership.
Ashley Millham
CD, CCPA
Ashley Millham
Ashley Millham is a Physician Assistant at Regina General Hospital, specializing in General Internal Medicine. He is also a Program Lead for the University of Saskatchewan’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program, where he plays a pivotal role in curriculum development and academic leadership. Additionally, Ashley serves as the Alternate Director for Saskatchewan on the Board of Directors for the CAPA, where he works to support and advance the PA profession. Ashley graduated from the Canadian Armed Forces Physician Assistant program in 2010 and has over 15 years of experience as a PA. He served five years as a PA with the Canadian Special Operations Regiment and was later appointed as the Director of the CAF PA Program prior to his retirement. He also worked with 24/7 Occupational and Emergency Medical Services, providing emergency and routine care to workers in remote locations. Ashley is proud to be the first Physician Assistant employed by both the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) and the University of Saskatchewan.
Sharona Kanofsky
PA-C, CCPA, MSc
Sharona Kanofsky
Sharona Kanofsky, PA-C, CCPA, MSc, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Family & Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. She was the founding academic coordinator of the Consortium of PA Education Program and is currently PA Program Research & Scholarship Lead. In addition to her full-time faculty appointment, Sharona is studying toward her PhD in Health Professional Education Research at the Wilson Centre at UHN. Professor Kanofsky is a Canadian- and American-certified PA with a master’s degree in health professions education. She practiced as a PA in the US and Canada, most recently in geriatric care at Baycrest Hospital and is the recipient of the 2013 Tom Ashman PA of the Year Award.
Parastoo Tashakorinia
Parastoo Tashakorinia
Parastoo Tashakorinia, Hons B.Sc, BScPA, CCPA, is a Canadian Certified Physician Assistant currently working in endocrinology at LMC Bayview. After graduating from the University of Toronto’s Physician Assistant program in 2023, she began her career in family medicine before transitioning to endocrinology, where she now provides clinical care and contributes to research as a sub-investigator on various studies.
Parastoo is passionate about staying current with emerging medical evidence and evolving guidelines, and she continuously strives to integrate the latest data into her clinical practice.
Outside of work, Parastoo enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, and working out.
Katharine Victoria Lee
Katharine Victoria Lee
Kate Lee has been an assistant professor at Marshall University’s Physician Assistant (PA) Program since November 2022. She earned her Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies from A.T. Still University in Mesa, Arizona, in 2017. Kate began her PA career practicing emergency medicine in Georgia and has since leveraged the lateral mobility of the PA profession to gain diverse experience across internal medicine, telehealth, obesity medicine, aesthetics, and family practice. Her passion for serving rural communities, particularly in Appalachia, drives her commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes in underserved areas.
Before transitioning to PA studies, Kate worked in surgical pathology and microbiology, and also explored her passion for photography. She is particularly passionate about teaching topics such as point-of-care ultrasound, trauma, ECG interpretation, neurology, OB/GYN, wilderness medicine, parasitology, and mental health. Currently, Kate is pursuing a fellowship in wilderness medicine, further broadening her expertise in the field. Outside of her professional pursuits, Kate enjoys canoeing, white-water rafting, and traveling with her husband, their dog, and her son.
Allen Szabon
CD, PHD, MPAS, CCPA
Allen Szabon
Originally from Chilliwack BC, Allen joined the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in 1986 as a Combat Engineer and in 1993 he transitioned to the medical branch. He served for 28 years with deployments to Cyprus, Yugoslavia, Rwanda, Israel, Syria and three additional tours to Afghanistan. He was selected for the CAF PA program in 2005 and graduated in 2007. Allen retired from the CAF in 2013 to accept a position in Alberta’s Demonstration Project in the department of clinical neurosciences in Calgary where he currently lives with his wife Sandra, their three daughters, two grandchildren and their dog Koda. Allen works in a variety of clinical settings at the Foothills Medical Centre with patients who have experienced functional impairments secondary to a stroke, a spinal cord injury, a brain injury or other neurological conditions. In addition to publishing two personal books, he attended the University of Lynchburg, graduating in 2021 with his PhD in Stroke medicine. In addition, Allen is the provincial clinical lead for Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) courses run within Alberta, he is an active member of the PA Certification Counsil of Canada (PACCC), and he is a clinical lecturer for the MPAS program at the University of Calgary. He continues to be a strong advocate for the PA profession and looks forward to being a strong advocate for integration of PAs into health care in Alberta and across Canada.
Chris Rhule
Chris Rhule
Chris was the first licensed PA in Canada and started the PA program in Manitoba. He practiced in cardiovascular surgery and was the director of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority & Manitoba Health PA Program. During that time he Help develop the first PA educational program in Canada at the University of Manitoba, and consulted on the development of both the McMaster & University of Toronto PA programs. Chris was the first ever recipient of the Tom Ashman PA of the year award, and a two term president for CAPA. He has worked as an attending at an internationally renowned fasting center for the last 5 years and wants to share his experience.
David C. Beck, Jr.
EdD, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA
David C. Beck, Jr.
David C. Beck, Jr., EdD, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA, is an innovative healthcare professional and higher education leader. As a practicing PA, he provides care at the UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital Emergency Department and the UPMC Center for Assistive Technology. As the Interim Dean for the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh, his primary responsibility is the formation and implementation of strategic planning regarding his school’s research and the entry-level and post-professional training programs. In both roles, he recognizes that PAs and other healthcare professionals are continuing to move into digital environments, and he is moving his school and health system to embrace this reality and future.
Dipu Patel
DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, ABAIM
Dipu Patel
Dipu Patel, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, ABAIM, is a pioneering healthcare professional and educator specializing in digital health, AI integration, and healthcare innovation. As the Vice Chair for Innovation in the Department of Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Pittsburgh, she leads initiatives that bridge clinical practice with cutting-edge technology. With extensive experience in emergency medicine, hematology, oncology, and healthcare leadership, Dipu is committed to advancing patient care through responsible AI adoption and education. She also serves as President of the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA), advocating for excellence in healthcare education and practice.
Andy Herber
Andy Herber
Andy Herber works as a Physician Assistant in Hospital Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN for the past 20 years. He is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Mayo College of Medicine, Instructor in Medical Education, and an Associate in the Division of Hospital Medicine. In addition to seeing patients, Andy serves as the NPPA Education Chair for Mayo Clinic. He is a course director for two NPPA specific Hospital Medicine CME courses as well as a NPPA Leadership and Professional Development course. Andy has been a PA preceptor for 15 years, and serves as faculty at the Mayo Clinic Simulation Lab. He is a nationally recognized speaker and has won numerous education awards. When not seeing patients or educating, you can find Andy telling horrible dad jokes and cruising in his minivan listening to 90's on 9.
Kelly Watson
MS PA-C, MBA
Kelly Watson
Kelly Watson is a Board-Certified Physician Assistant. She graduated from Central Michigan University in 2010 and was the first Canadian citizen to graduate from the program. She has worked in several large American Academic Institutions as a Surgical Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant. She is currently practices at Cedars Sinai Health System in Las Angeles, CA. Kelly is also involved in the Association of Physician Assistants in Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery currently serving as Treasurer on the Executive Board.
Kelsey Lefebvre
Kelsey Lefebvre
Born and raised in South Porcupine, Ontario, Kelsey began her healthcare career as a Registered Nurse, specializing in general surgery and geriatric rehabilitation. She went on to complete a Master of Science in Nursing, focusing her research on inflammatory bowel disease in Northeastern Ontario. After completing her Physician Assistant training at the University of Toronto in 2023, Kelsey now practices as a Physician Assistant in Sundre Alberta at Moose and Squirrel Medical Clinic. Since, she has gained additional expertise in skin cancer medicine. She also supports the development of future Physician Assistants by facilitating learning in the University of Calgary's Physician Assistant Studies program. Kelsey is passionate about advancing the Physician Assistant profession in Canada, especially in underserved communities
Rachel Prato
Rachel Prato
Born and raised in Tweed, Ontario, Rachel developed a passion for community and rural medicine. She earned an Honours degree in Biomedical Science with a minor in Psychology from the University of Ottawa and graduated at the top of her class from the University of Toronto’s Physician Assistant program in 2021. Since then, Rachel has worked at the Moose & Squirrel Medical Clinic in Sundre, Alberta, where she provides comprehensive rural primary care, utilizing her full scope of practice to address diverse healthcare needs. In 2023, she received the DLRI Interprofessional Educator of the Year award and currently serves as the Clinical Skills Course Lead for the inaugural Master of Physician Assistant Studies program at the University of Calgary. A strong advocate for the Physician Assistant profession in Alberta, Rachel has shared her insights through interviews on the Cherry Live podcast and in the CPSA Annual Report, promoting collaboration and education in advancing healthcare.
Erin Unger
PA-C/CCPA
Erin Unger
Erin Unger PA-C/CCPA has worked in sexual health for the past 11 years. She currently works in the minimally invasive gynecologic surgery and urogynecology departments at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. She believes in comprehensive, inclusive, trauma informed care for all of her patients. She is also faculty at the University of Toronto, where she pushes her PA students to be the best clinicians they can be. If you are sitting in her talks, ask any and all questions. If you see her in the wild- please stop by and say hi!
Jock Murray
Jock Murray
I am an associate Professor of Family and emergency Medicine at Dalhousie University. I am also the Unit head for Clerkship for the Physician Assistant Program art Dalhousie.
Jennifer Barth
Jennifer Barth
Jennifer Barth is a 2nd year-student from the inaugural 2026 cohort in Dalhousie University’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She completed her Bachelor of Science (Hnrs) with a major in Paramedicine in from the University of Prince Edward Island in 2021. Following graduation, Jennifer published her Honour’s research project, focused on adverse health effects of shift work scheduling patterns in emergency medical services personnel.
Jennifer is currently living and working as an Advanced Care Paramedic in New Brunswick while completing her Masters, traveling between the two provinces. Her 16-year career out-of-hospital emergency and acute care settings as well as strong interest in wilderness and rural / remote medicine supports a varied career pathway. She previously worked in British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba prior to returning to academic life.
In addition to clinical practice and teaching roles, Jennifer participates in research opportunities, supporting ongoing research projects. She enjoys teaching in the clinical environment and is a strong advocate for continuing education opportunities and academic and professional advancement. She currently serves as her program’s representative on the MPAS Student Affairs Committee.
Beyond her academic and professional life, she spends much of her free time climbing and mountaineering. She also works and trains with Schutzhund dogs when not traveling or working outdoors. She is excited to see where her new career role opportunities may take her.
Katrina Pullia
Katrina Pullia
Katrina is a Physician Assistant at CHEO in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. She has worked in the field of Psychiatry in both Manitoba and Ontario since graduating from the McMaster PA program in 2018. Katrina is passionate about PAs in research and highlighting the role PAs can play in improving access to care to mental health services for patients across the country.
Joelle Wooldridge
CCPA, MPAS, B.Sc.
Joelle Wooldridge
Joelle Wooldridge is the first physician assistant working at Calgary-based Crowfoot Village Family Practice; a family medicine clinic serving over 25,000 patients. She is passionate about primary care and the PA profession and advocates for both at the local level. She is a graduate of the University of Manitoba MPAS program and is a sessional instructor at the University of Calgary program.
Elise Gabriele
Elise Gabriele
Elise Gabriele is a certified Physician Assistant with a passion for working with children. She completed her Bachelor of Medical Sciences at Western University in 2016 while also working part-time on blood transfusion research at McMaster University. She went on to complete her Physician Assistant degree at McMaster in 2018. Since graduating, Elise has been working full-time in the Emergency Department at SickKids. She also works part-time with developmental pediatricians at a primary care pediatric practice in Toronto.
Linda Abad
MPAS, PA-C
Linda Abad
Hi, I’m a Physician Assistant with over 7 years of experience in both emergency medicine and critical care. I’m currently pursuing my Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc), with a focus on advancing PA practice in acute care settings. I’m deeply passionate about PA education, mentorship, and advocacy, and I love being involved in efforts that elevate our profession and help shape its future. Whether it’s at the bedside or on a broader platform, I’m committed to making an impact through clinical excellence and professional leadership.
Rebecca Haworth
MD
Rebecca Haworth
Dr. Rebecca Haworth is an emergency medicine physician and a faculty member with the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program at Dalhousie University. She has worked in tertiary, regional, and community hospital settings across Nova Scotia, and spent several years providing primary care through the Virtual Care Nova Scotia platform - often supporting patients following emergency department visits. Her interests include interprofessional education, PA integration, and improving transitions of care between emergency and primary care.
Erin Sephton
Erin Sephton
Erin Sephton is a Canadian Certified Physician Assistant with over a decade of experience in emergency medicine, orthopedics, and primary care. She is a faculty member with Dalhousie University’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program, and her work spans clinical practice, education, and national advocacy for the PA profession. In recognition of her contributions, she was awarded the 2024 Tom Ashman Physician Assistant of the Year Award.
Nicholas Withers
CD, MD, CCFP(EM), FCFP
Nicholas Withers
Nicholas Withers CD, MD, CCFP(EM), FCFP
Dr. Nick Withers is a Canadian-certified emergency medicine physician with more than twenty years’ experience in a myriad of emergency departments across Canada, varying from rural to urban. Nick is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of British Columbia and teaches and practices on Vancouver Island. He is Corporate Medical Director for 24/7 Occupational & Emergency Medicine Solutions, delivering innovation in medical services for remote mining operations across Canada. He is the Medical Director at a number of remote mining sites ranging from the Northwest Territories to British Columbia and into Ontario and Quebec. His company assisted with the introduction of physician assistants in British Columbia at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital in Greater Victoria.
His expertise in delivery of health care in remote and austere locations developed early in his career as a Medical Officer. A decorated 22-year veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, Dr. Withers enjoyed a distinguished military career which brought him from coast to coast and worldwide. Highlights include serving as the Commanding Officer of the Health Services Unit for the Canadian Armed Forces deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan in 2011, as well as serving as the Senior Medical Authority with the Canadian Special Forces.
Dr. Withers has been recognized for his tireless advocacy for physician assistants and was named to the 2025 Honour Roll by the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants. When not in the office, he can be found spending time with his treasured family or on the golf course or ice hockey rink.
Kara Farmer
Kara Farmer
Hi, my name is Kara, and I have been a Licensed Practical Nurse for the past 12 years. I currently work at PMR, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, outpatient clinic at Foothills Medical Centre. There I work with a team of physiatrist, physician assistants, registered nurses, social workers, neuropsychologists, therapists, admins and a management team, to provide care for patients who have endured a stroke, spinal cord injury, brain injury, and/or who have had an amputation. A large part of my role at PMR includes assisting physicians and patients with Botox management for focal spasticity and chronic migraines. I help with drawing up Botox, positioning the patient for the Botox procedure, and ensuring that the patient is educated on toxins.
My love for neuro started in nursing school in 2011 and has continued to the present date. Throughout my nursing career, I have had the opportunity to work with mostly neurological patients, starting with my final preceptorship of nursing school, in acute neurology on unit 112 at FMC. There I was able to build up the skills to become a nurse who would have to manage critically ill neurological patients. As a student this unit was so hard but such a critical component to furthering my knowledge of highly acute neurological patients. I then moved onto unit 58, which is neuro rehabilitation. There I worked with more neurologically stable patients, who required some therapy and medical assistance, prior to going home or to a facility. I then went back to unit 112 as an LPN, and now I have been at Physical Med and Rehab outpatient clinic for the past 3 years.
In my free time, I enjoy doing crafts with my 6-year-old daughter, I love to go on walks- especially with all these fall colours on the leaves outside, and I have just recently started playing Pickleball. I am proud to say that last spring I was nominated for Hero’s in Health Care and that honour did not come lightly. I am extremely lucky to be a part of such an amazing team and look forward to many happy years ahead in my nursing career.
Alison McIntyre
CCPA
Alison McIntyre
Patrick Lefaivre
CCPA
Patrick Lefaivre
Patrick Lefaivre is a physician assistant (PA) practicing at The Ottawa Hospital, providing in-patient care within the Department of Malignant Hematology since 2015. Upon graduating from the University of Toronto PA Consortium Program in 2014, he worked at UHN and Princess Margaret Hospital in Surgical Oncology before transitioning into his current role. An Ottawa local, he earned his BSc (Hon) in Human Kinetics at the University of Ottawa before completing his Advanced-Emergency Medical Care Assistant (A-EMCA) training at La Cite College. He then worked as a Paramedic with the City of Ottawa for 10 years. During his paramedic career he worked at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI) as a Research Coordinator in trauma and cardiac arrest studies with the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (ROC). In 2006 he worked with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) to help develop an EMT training program at Makassed University in Beirut, Lebanon and helped to develop their ambulance system. Patrick is keen to share his knowledge and has been a guest speaker at multiple conferences including the Trauma Association of Canada, the PanAmerican Trauma Society, and the Eastern Ontario Trauma conferences. He continues to share his knowledge within his PA role as a clinical preceptor for both UofT and McMaster PA students. He is a member of the PACCC Test Committee.
Vee S Yoong
PA-C, PhD.
Vee S Yoong
Emergency Medicine trained PA with over 30 plus years of rural medical experience, licensed in Alaska, Hawaii, Washington and Oregon. Currently practicing General Medicine/Primary Care PA in Nova Scotia.
Shauna Thome
MBA, B. Mgt(Hons)
Shauna Thome
Shauna Thome has been the Executive Director of Crowfoot Village Family Practice (CVFP) since 2011, working alongside a team of 140 health providers, physicians, and learners to deliver care to more than 25,000 patients across Calgary and surrounding communities. In her role, Shauna leads innovation and quality improvement initiatives, continuing to evolve team-based care in ways that enhance the quality of life for both patients and providers. She holds a Bachelor of Management with specializations in Accounting and Human Resources from the University of Lethbridge and an MBA from the University of Calgary.
Julie Croteau
CCFP, MD, B.ScEng
Julie Croteau
Dr. Julie Croteau completed her Family Medicine residency at CVFP and has been a part of the clinic team since 2014. Her newest role is leading and supporting the Rainbow team - launched in Q1 2024. The focus of this new model is team-based care with a flexible entry point reflecting a patient’s immediate health need. Dr. Croteau was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta. She completed a BSc. in Chemical Engineering at the University of Alberta prior to completing her Medical Degree and Family Medicine residency at the University of Calgary.
Madi Sutton
Madi Sutton
Madi Sutton is a dedicated second-year physician assistant student set to graduate in December 2025. Originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia, she completed her Bachelor of Nursing at Dalhousie University in 2019. Her experiences as a registered nurse in surgery, hematological oncology, and paediatrics fostered a deep passion for patient care and medical practice. This ultimately inspired her to pursue further education through the Dalhousie Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program to increase her knowledge and scope within the medical field.
Upon graduation, Madi hopes to begin practice straight away, with a special interest in the field of plastic surgery. She is committed to continuously growing her knowledge & expertise while also advocating for the expanded utilization of Physician Assistants in Nova Scotia. A key goal is to help increase patient comfort and confidence in PA-provided care, especially among those unfamiliar with the role.
In addition to her studies and prior work experience, Madi Sutton continues to demonstrate her commitment to health and patient advocacy by volunteering for local organizations such as the IWK Foundation and the Nova Scotia Mental Health Foundation, as well as serving on the Youth Council for the Mental Health Commission of Canada.
Beyond her professional life, Madi is an avid traveller, enjoys outdoor activities such as yoga and paddle boarding, & spends downtime with her two ragdoll cats.
Yahans K. De-Heer
Yahans K. De-Heer
Yahans received his Bachelor of Science degree in Diagnostic Radiography at the university of Ghana in 2007 and worked in various clinical, administrative and teaching roles afterwards. Yahans, also had a brief engagement with the Health Systems strengthening program in Sierra Leone, post-Ebola as part of a dedicated team to develop and execute programs aimed at rejuvenating certain aspects of the country’s health sector.
Yahans is currently enrolled in the Dalhousie University’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies program (MPAS) 2026 as part of the first cohort, with an aim to transition into primary care of something more exciting upon completion.
Avery Maynard
Avery Maynard
Avery Maynard is a dedicated second-year Physician Assistant student in the Dalhousie University Master of Physician Assistant Studies program. Originally from New Brunswick, Avery completed a Master of Public Health at Glasgow Caledonian University before pursuing Physician Assistant (PA) training. Their early career included work as a public health practitioner in Scotland and as a research and policy analyst in Canada, where experiences in health promotion and population-level health sparked a strong interest in community health, and chronic disease management.
Upon graduation in 2026, Avery plans to practice in both primary care and emergency medicine. They are also deeply committed to advancing the PA profession in Atlantic Canada and aspire to contribute to PA education and mentorship in the future.
Avery’s leadership experience includes serving as first-year Vice President for the MPAS Class of 2026 and contributing to national health initiatives through work with the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Beyond academics and professional commitments, Avery enjoys traveling, swimming, kayaking, hiking, and painting. They live in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, with their partner and two beloved pugs.
Natalie Dies
CCPA
Natalie Dies
Natalie is a 2012 McMaster graduate now a surgical assist and practicing rural emergency in Crowsnest Pass, Alberta. When not in the ER, you’ll find her carving down mountain bike trails or relaxing with her dog in her newly built tiny home.
Danijela Kiperovic
CCPA
Danijela Kiperovic
Danijela is a Physician Assistant currently working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Rockyview General Hospital in Calgary. She graduated from the University of Toronto’s Physician Assistant program in 2024 and began her position in the NICU in January 2025. As the first and only PA in her unit, Danijela is excited to share what the journey has been like stepping into a brand-new role in such a specialized environment. She’s looking forward to connecting with fellow PAs and sharing her experience at this year’s CAPA conference.