UBC CPD

Optimal health for everyone through continuing professional development

Meet the Team

We design, deliver, accredit, research and evaluate lifelong learning opportunities for health professionals in British Columbia and beyond.

Leadership

Dr. Brenna Lynn

Brenna Lynn ,
PhD

Associate Dean of Continuing Professional Development
@email

Dr. Brenna Lynn is the Associate Dean, UBC Continuing Professional Development (UBC CPD). Dr. Lynn completed both a Bachelor’s degree and Master of Science from UBC, and received a doctoral degree from the University of Oregon. As Associate Dean, CPD, Dr. Lynn provides strategic leadership and support for the professional development of faculty in their roles as health profession practitioners, ensuring standards of practice are in place and meet national accreditation requirements, as well as collaborating with stakeholders and partners to promote and explore opportunities for continuing professional development. Dr. Lynn is passionate about continuous quality improvement, customized effective CPD, increasing interprofessional CPD opportunities, and keeping UBC CPD on the cusp of innovation in order to improve practice and patient care.

Bob Bluman ,
MD CCFP FCFP

Executive Medical Director
@email

Bob Bluman received his MD from the University of British Columbia and completed his specialty training in Family Medicine at McGill University (CCFP). He has been in active family practice for the past 32 years and is a Clinical Professor in the UBC Department of Family Practice. He has been a Preceptor in the Family Medicine Residency Program since July 2001. He was the Course Coordinator for the Post-Graduate Review in Family Medicine from 1986-1992 and for the Pediatric and Adolescent Refresher for General Practitioners from 1992 to 2001.

Dr. Bluman served as the Assistant Dean, Continuing Professional Development from 2003 to 2011 and was the UBC CPD Medical Director, Special Projects from 2011 to 2015 when he assumed the role of Acting Associate Dean, CPD during Dr. Brenna Lynn's maternity leave. Dr. Bluman is currently the Executive Medical Director of UBC CPD. In addition to participating in the planning, development, organization and implementation of various CME/CPD programs, he has taken the lead in the development of the Commercial Support Guidelines document which has been submitted and passed by the Faculty Executive Committee. He was also the Chair of the Canadian Standing Committee on the CPD Industry Relations Working Group and lead for the development and publication of a national Position Paper on the role of industry in university-based CME/CPD which was endorsed by the Canadian Council of Faculty of Medicine Deans.  Dr. Bluman was involved in the initiation of the “ThisChangedMyPractice” educational web resource, BC Physician Integration Program (BC-PIP) for IMGs, CME on the Run! Conference and the Rural CPD Outreach Program (RCPD). He currently has a particular interest in self directed learning, cancer screening and patient self management. His research activities include his role as the Principal Investigator of large scale BC wide CME/CPD needs assessments. Dr. Bluman actively works with many provincial and national stakeholders to optimize CME/CPD delivery to physicians.

Jackie Howard ,
BSc

Director
@email

As Director, CPD, Jackie works closely with senior leaders, faculty and partners in the strategic leadership of continuing professional development initiatives. Jackie oversees the administrative functions of the unit while leading a diverse team of CPD professionals in support of our vision and mission.  

Jackie brings more than two decades of experience in professional development, corporate training, program delivery, operations, business development and client management. She joins UBC CPD from the UBC Sauder School of Business Executive Education where she led the Client Engagement team. She is known for creating innovative learning solutions that enable organizations to achieve their strategic objectives. Jackie also has experience and insight into medical education through her work with the Sauder Physician Leadership Program.  

A lifelong advocate of personal and professional development she is an avid reader and in her spare time enjoys exploring the outdoors on hikes with her husband and two teenaged daughters. 

Accreditation

JoAnna Cassie

JoAnna Cassie ,
MET,BSc

Accreditation Coordinator
@email

JoAnna Cassie is the UBC CPD Accreditation Coordinator. She is known nationally for her expertise in accreditation of medical education. For over ten years, JoAnna has skillfully guided thousands physicians and health professionals through the complex world of accreditation and certification of CPD medical programs. Prior to working at UBC CPD, JoAnna completed a degree in Nutritional Sciences from UBC and through this health education lens became interested in medical education. A lifelong leaner herself, JoAnna continues to steadily expand on her knowledge and recently also completed a UBC Master of Educational Technology (MET).

Kelly O’Keefe ,
BA

Senior Program Assistant
@email

Kelly (she/her) joined UBC CPD in August 2023 as a Senior Program Assistant and divides her time between the Hands-On Ultrasound Education (HOUSE) and Accreditation teams. She holds a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Political and a minor in Spanish Language. Kelly's previous experience spans health care and office administration, secondary and post-secondary education, and processing research grants.

She is passionate about the power of quality education to shape individuals, communities, and the health-care sector and is excited to be contributing to the great working happing at UBC CPD. In her free time, Kelly enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time in nature.

Administration and Communications

Blonde woman with glasses standing against a coloured backgrop

Marlena Cross ,
MA

Senior Manager, Administration and Communications
@email

Marlena joined the UBC CPD team as the Senior Manager, Marketing and Communications, in 2021. She leads marketing and communications initiatives and strategy, engages with our audiences, build new relationships with our partners and supports the ongoing business operations across UBC CPD.

Marlena has held leadership positions in post-secondary education and has extensive experience in non-profit environments. She holds a Master of Arts in Professional Communication from Royal Roads University where her research focused on video activism in Canadian media.

When she’s not working to connect with CPD learners, Marlena can be found going for long walks with her dog or cooking up a storm in her kitchen.

Avani Dhunna ,
BA

Digital Marketing Specialist and Writer
@email

Avani is a UBC graduate with a BA – English Literature with a minor in Creative Writing. In addition to experience as an editor and editor-in-chief for UBC’s English literary journal, Avani brings experience in both post-secondary and health-related work environments, managing events, developing web content and deploying marketing tactics.

As the Digital Marketing Specialist and Writer, Avani develops web content and supports our work on social media and email – keeping learners informed and engaged with UBC CPD.

When she’s not editing our latest news article, she enjoys reading and painting.

Michelle Ngai ,
BA

Digital Marketing Coordinator
@email

Michelle Ngai is a recent UBC Bachelor of Arts – Sociology graduate and has experience in marketing and communications though prior co-op work terms including UBC CPD and the UBC Sauder School of Business.  

In her current role, Michelle supports the development of email, social media and website content. She is integral to promoting our programs and connecting with learners online.   

Michelle is an avid dog lover, enjoys travel and trying new foods.

Ollie Barabanshchikova

Ollie Barabanshchikova ,
MA

Administrative Assistant
@email

Sunny Lee ,
BA

Administrative Manager

Sunny is an administrative professional with more than seven years in operations, office administration, financial and HR management, and process optimization. Sunny is familiar with the post-secondary and professional development landscape, has direct experience with contract oversight, onboarding and offboarding, financial compliance, workplace safety and optimizing IT systems.


As Administrative Manager, Sunny oversees a small team in support of our business operations. In her spare time, Sunny enjoys international travel and yoga.

Conference Team

Lindsay Callan

Lindsay Callan ,
BCom

Conference Director
@email

Lindsay has extensive experience in conference planning and primarily oversees the development of our educational conferences from concept to execution. The conference team plans and delivers over 50 conferences annually using various formats including hybrid and virtual delivery. 

Michelle Baysan

Michelle Baysan ,
BA

Conference Manager
@email

Michelle completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Communications from the University of Victoria, as well as a Diploma in Hospitality Management from Vancouver Island University. Michelle comes to us with over 15 years of conference and event management experience. Michelle is a self-proclaimed ‘nerd’ and loves computers and anything 'techie'. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son, exploring new restaurants, and indulging her dog Rambo with muddy walks around town.

White outline drawing of a person on a dark blue background

Judy Chen ,
BSc

Conference Coordinator
@email

Judy completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Food, Nutrition and Health from UBC.  She joined the UBC CPD team in 2014.   

Olive Kung ,
BA

Senior Program Assistant
@email

Olive joined UBC CPD in 2003 and primarily helps organize a variety of conferences and courses.  This includes multi-day meetings, in-person workshops, and virtual conferences/webinars.  Olive currently works part-time (Monday, Wednesday, & Friday) and enjoys time with her family on her days off.  

Emily Lai

Emily Lai ,
BA

Conference Registration Clerk
@email

Emily joined the Division in January 2019. Prior to joining UBC CPD, she worked for the Government of Canada as a Constituency Assistant for a Member of Parliament, and was also the Office Manager at a private tutoring centre. Emily holds a Bachelor of Arts, with a double major In Political Science and Asian Studies from the University of British Columbia.

Sandy McNeill

Sandy McNeill ,
BA, DipHosp

Registration & Conference Services Manager
@email

Sandy has over 15 years of experience in event planning. She completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in General Arts from UBC as well as a Diploma in Hospitality Management from Vancouver Island University. Sandy handles large-sized international conferences and administers the online registration and registration only groups for the conference services division. Sandy is an active volunteer at the Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival and other theatre organizations and has a diploma in Interior Decorating from the Vancouver Technical Institute.

Desiree Torrijos

Desiree Torrijos ,
BSc

Senior Program Assistant
@email

Desiree completed a Bachelor of Science in Commerce from De La Salle University Philippines. She brings her administration experience from the education and non-profit sectors.  

Cherie Yiu

Cherie Yiu ,
BA

Conference Coordinator
@email

Cherie is a Conference Services Coordinator and manages events from concept execution. Cherie completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia.  She joined the division in 2012.

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Helena Knezickova ,
BA

Registration and Administration

Helena is a philosophy-trained thinker with over ten years of experience in customer services and community engagement. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and a Certificate in Climate Action and Community Engagement – both from UBC. She has also completed an Advanced Certificate in Sustainable Business from the British Columbia Institute of Technology. Helena spent many years at Mountain Equipment Co-op as a supervisor along with other customer service and administrative roles.

Helena is trilingual, passionate about community resilience, circularity, urban green spaces and human-wildlife coexistence.  

Creative Learning

Kate Campbell ,
MSc, BSc(Hons)

Senior Manager, Creative Learning
@email

Kate Campbell joined UBC CPD with a unique background in both science and art. She completed a Bachelor of Science in Biology, formal fine art training from Emily Carr University of Art and Design, and a Master of Science in Biomedical Communications from the University of Toronto. Working as a professional biomedical communicator, Kate has experience creating unique and informed visualizations and interactive tools that help individuals better understand, communicate, and teach medical and science topics.

As the Senior Manager, Creative Learning, Kate provides leadership, strategic planning, and management of instructional design and digital learning technology at UBC CPD. The Creative Learning portfolio supports projects across the unit by providing pedagogical consultation and oversight for the design and development of innovative learning experiences and comprehensive solutions for a range of educational activities. Working closely with content experts and alongside a team of talented designers and creatives, the Creative Learning portfolio designs and develops instructional media and immersive learning experiences for health care providers.

Katherine Co ,
MArch, BEnds (Hons)

Interactive Designer
@email

Katherine brings with her a wealth of experience in design and visual storytelling. Her journey to UBC CPD began with the creation of a medical education tool designed for BC IMGs, a project she initiated alongside her sister, who is an IMG herself. Katherine holds a Bachelor of Environmental Design and a Master of Architecture, both earned at UBC's School of Architecture. Her approach to a challenge is one through empathy, using contextual research and drawing insights to create impactful solutions and visual narratives. Through her career, Katherine has collaborated with universities, museums, and world renowned exhibitions to create and educate through design. Her professional background in design offices equips her with expertise in project production, where she adeptly utilizes digital and analog tools to craft captivating experiences.

Now, at UBC CPD, Katherine leverages her design as a powerful educational tool, enriching the learning experience for healthcare practitioners.

Craig Ferguson

Craig Ferguson ,
MM, MET

Learning & Curriculum Manager
@email

Craig joined the UBC CPD team in early 2021, bringing with him a passion for adult learning and technology-enhanced education, as well as extensive experience planning, developing, and evaluating learning programs for healthcare workers. He holds a Master of Management and a Master of Educational Technology, both from the University of British Columbia. His professional experience includes the design and development of online and blended training programs for health authorities, non-profits, and government ministries. As a life-long-learner himself, Craig believes that learning should be enjoyable, interactive and designed to meet the needs of the audience.

As Learning & Curriculum Manager, Craig works closely with content experts and Interactive Designers to create educational resources that support health care professionals and inspire change.

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Julia Devorak ,
MScBMC

Interactive Designer
@email

Julia is a biomedical communicator and visualization specialist who loves designing interactive and visual media for people learning about topics in science and medicine. Her unique path to UBC CPD includes a Bachelor of Arts & Science in Cognitive Science (McGill), graduate training in cellular neuroscience (McGill), work in clinical epidemiology research, a Master of Science in Biomedical Communications (University of Toronto), and finally, work in healthcare consulting alongside freelance medical illustration and UI/UX design. Now at UBC CPD, she draws upon her multidisciplinary background in science, art, and communications to create engaging and impactful learning experiences tailored to the needs of healthcare providers. 

Yona Gellert ,
MSc, BSc (Hons)

Learning & Curriculum Manager
@email

Yona joins UBC CPD with extensive experience in curriculum development and instructional design for healthcare. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Queen's University and a Master of Science in Biomedical Communications from the University of Toronto. Yona's skill set combines science with art. As a biomedical communications specialist, Yona creates visualizations and interactive media to help individuals learn and teach medicine and science. Over her career, Yona has worked with health authorities, universities, museums, and NGOs. Her work has included eLearning modules, scientific illustrations for textbooks and journals, educational games and animations, medical websites, virtual workshops, and more.  

As Learning & Curriculum Manager, Yona collaborates with content experts to design, develop, and improve education for health care professionals and their teams.

Armin Mortazavi

Armin Mortazavi ,
MDM, BSc

Interactive Designer
@email

Armin loves to combine art with science. He obtained his Bachelor's in Microbiology & Immunology from UBC and a Master of Digital Media from the Centre for Digital Media (CDM). In the Creative Learning team, Armin leverages his cartoons, illustrations and design skills to make CPD online courses more engaging for primary care providers.

Nina Zoric, Education Manager

Nina Zoric ,
BSc (Hon)

Education Manager
@email

Nina Zoric joined the UBC CPD team in 2010. She manages the award-winning technology-enabled educational program This Changed My Practice (TCMP — recipient of the 2012 Royal College Accredited CPD Provider Innovation Award and the 2014 CFPC Continuing Professional Development Award) and leads strategic planning and growth of educational programs into various technology-enabled modalities.

Nina is passionate about lifelong learning in today's ever-changing environment, providing relevant accredited education for health professionals, and developing systems to remove barriers for learners and staff to reach their potential. Nina has advanced experience in managing the development and implementation of brand and digital communications strategies and initiatives, leading large technology improvement projects, and increasing operational efficiency. She is skilled at fostering partnerships and leading complex educational and technological implementation projects.

Since joining the UBC CPD team in 2010, Nina has initiated and managed a variety of educational programs, including TCMP WordPress, webinars, distributed academic grand rounds initiative, and finding medical evidence digital workshops. Nina is a member of the Research Working Group and was also a member of the Strategic Plan Working Group and initiated and chaired the System Working Group for nine years and the Professional Development Committee for ten years.

Nina Zoric completed a Bachelor of Science (Honours) at the University of Guelph and a Business Communication Certificate at St. Mary’s University, she is a Certified Scrum Product Owner® and experienced project manager and product lead. She is a continuous learner and is currently pursuing a Master in Educational Technology Degree and a Project Management Certificate at UBC.

In her spare time, Nina enjoys the wonderful BC nature while hiking, skiing, snowboarding, or kiteboarding. She also bikes even when it is snowing!

Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.

dark blue line illustration of a short haired silhouette

Sharon Ho

Program and Research Assistant
@email

Sharon is a student in UBC's cognitive systems program. She has held roles as a research assistant and clinical research assistant at BC Children's Hospital, an administrative clerk and a data entry assistant. She has also supported the coordination and event marketing of a successful STEM conference.

Sharon will support the development of two projects: TCMP and PRA-BC.

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Emma Ramsay

Design Intern
@email

Emma is a student in SFU's interactive arts and technology (SIAT) program and has an interest in UX/UI, visual design, illustration and photography.

She will support the development of several online courses at UBC CPD, including the Addiction Care and Treatment Online Course (ACTOC), Sexual and Reproductive Health (CART), and Somatic Symptom Disorders.

Research

White line drawing illustration of a male silhouette on dark blue background

Vernon Curran ,
PhD

Visiting Professor

Dr. Vernon Curran has served as Associate Dean of Educational Development with the Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University since 2015 and is a Professor of Medical Education with the Division of Community Health and Humanities. He has also served as Director of Academic Research and Development with the Office of Professional Development and Director of the Centre for Collaborative Health Professional Education with the Faculty of Medicine. He is currently Chair of the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) Committee on Continuing Professional Development and a past member of the Canadian Association of Medical Education (CAME) Board of Directors.  

He holds degrees in psychology, adult and continuing education, educational technology, applied health studies, and health and extension studies. His research has focused on digital health and learning in medicine, simulation-based medical education, CME/CPD, interprofessional education in the health professions, assessment and program evaluation in medical education, and adult education and health. Vernon also holds a cross-appointment with the Faculty of Education at Memorial University. He teaches in the areas of teaching and learning in medical education, educational scholarship and research in medical education, adult learning and development, adult education and health, and interprofessional education and collaboration in the health professions. 

In his pastime, Vernon enjoys movies, boating, skiing and is an avid sports fan (soccer and hockey – he looks forward to Whitecaps and Canucks games). He played varsity soccer in his younger years and continued playing up until recently in a masters league with the Feildians soccer club in St. John’s.

Rural CPD

Alisa Harrison

Alisa Harrison ,
PhD, ACC

Senior Project Consultant
@email

Alisa Harrison (she/her) is passionate about enabling positive and strategic system change. With a diverse academic and professional background, she specializes in policy and leadership around mental health and substance use and primary care; intersectional, anti-oppressive and trauma-informed theory and practice; participatory approaches to research and organizational development; and collaborative governance.


Alisa is committed to the values of compassion, transparency, relationship, justice, and trust. She is grateful for the unearned privilege of living and working as a settler occupant on the traditional territory of the sc̓əwaθən məsteyəxʷ (Tsawwassen First Nation), and for the safety and security her extended family has enjoyed for three generations on stolen xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) lands.


Alisa has led projects and organizations in the public and non-profit sectors including the Looking Glass Foundation's Woodstone Residence, Victoria Division of Family Practice, and Midwives Association of BC. She continues to split her time between UBC CPD and work as a health system policy and research consultant, professional coach, and scholar-practitioner (Associate Faculty, Royal Roads University). 


In her downtime, Alisa enjoys hiking, cycling, lifting weights, gardening, and elbowing her way to the front of the stage at rock shows. She and her husband have one teenager at home, one grown child in the UK, and a Blue Heeler named Sydney.
 

 

Stephanie Ameyaw ,
MA

Senior Manager (Interim), Rural CPD
@email

Since Stephanie (she/her) joined UBC CPD in February 2012, she has brought a collaborative lens to her work and specializes in developing quality education that is timely and responsive to the needs of health care providers in BC. She is a connector and is skilled in her approach to managing people and projects offering individualized, honest and effective outcomes.  

Stephanie has a special interest in advancing social determinants of health indicators for vulnerable populations and volunteers locally and internationally in these areas.  

Laura Beamisih

Laura Beamish ,
MSc, MHA (On leave)

Senior Manager, Rural CPD
@email

Laura is the Senior Manager for the Rural Program at UBC CPD, a diverse portfolio of projects that support rural practitioners in British Columbia. Since 2014, Laura has worked as a Research Assistant, Education Coordinator, and Project Manager for the UBC CPD. In 2016/17 Laura worked as a Quality Improvement Coordinator at the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS where she led a Breakthrough Series Collaborative aimed at improving care for people living with opioid use disorder in Vancouver. Laura holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Queen’s University, a Master of Science degree in Neuroscience from the University of Western Ontario, and a Master of Health Administration from the University of British Columbia.

Emily Boardman

Emily Boardman ,
BA (On leave)

Education Manager
@email

Emily earned her B.A Recreation and Health Education from the University of Victoria and has extensive experience planning programs. Her program work to date includes experience recruiting and managing volunteers, proven leadership on high-profile planning committees, and the successful production of numerous multi-city fundraising events. In addition to her local pursuits, she is also an avid traveler, having held positions in the field of education in both the UK and China. 

In her current role, Emily is working with the Rural CPD team on the Coaching and Mentoring Program.

Erica Chaplin ,
BA

Program Coordinator
@email

Erica earned her Bachelors of Arts in English Literature at the University of British Columbia. After graduation, she worked for five years in the hospitality, health care, education, and technology sectors filling multiple roles. She has experience in customer service, student support, patient care, and program management. In her role as a Senior Program Assistant for the Rural CPD Team, she primarily works on three projects: Rural Rounds, Virtual Health Grand Rounds, and Real-Time Virtual Support Simulation. Erica supports with webinar facilitation, marketing, and program coordination. She is passionate about supporting others with their educational goals. Outside of her role with UBC CPD, she is a foodie, traveler, and animal lover. 

Nicole Moon ,
MHA, BBA

Project Manager
@email

Nicole earned her Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Simon Fraser University and started her career in the health fundraising sector before shifting to event/conference production locally and abroad. Her program planning skills, particularly with multiple stakeholders, are useful in planning and delivering education that is tailored to the unique needs of rural, remote, and Indigenous communities as part of UBC CPD's Rural Program. Someone who values lifelong learning herself, Nicole is a proud graduate of the 2020-22 cohort of UBC's Master of Health Administration program at the School of Population and Public Heath. Here, she enjoyed expanding her knowledge of our complex health-care system and tackling relevant issues alongside an inter-professional group of health-care providers and change agents.

Image of employee Tanya Glafenhein

Tanya Glafenhein ,
MA

Senior Program Assistant
@email

Tanya is  working with health professionals in the UBC CPD Coaching and Mentoring Program as the Sr. Program Assistant.

She has experience in coordinating and supervising research, projects and events in a variety of sectors and countries.  Graduating from King’s College London, UK, with a M.A. in International Peace and Security, her thesis focuses on gender, inclusion and transitional justice.

Previously working for not-for-profit organizations, the private and service sectors, Tanya hopes to continue her passion in learning, intersectionality and her understanding of health equity. She is excited to use her experience to help foster connections in rural practitioner networks and leave people and places better than she found them.

Growing up in Thailand, Tanya is a foodie and spends most of her free time daydreaming about street food and the beach.

Hadas Haft ,
MM, BSc

Senior Program Assistant & CPD Concierge
@email

Hadas is a Master of Management and dual Bachelor of Science graduate (in Biology and in Food Nutrition and Health), excited to apply her knowledge and skills to support medical professionals in providing safe, efficient, high-quality health care. 

As a CPD concierge in the Personal Learning Plans program, Hadas supports physicians who are new to rural practice and International Medical Graduates as they transition into their new community of practice. Previously, Hadas also coordinated virtual and in-person workshops including the Cannabis Education for Healthcare Providers, Communication Course for Health Professionals and FAST Evidence workshops, as well as webinars and rounds. 

Hadas enjoys camping and travelling the world with her family, reading and painting.

Hareem Minai ,
MPC, BA

Senior Program Assistant
@email

Hareem holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of British Columbia, with a major in Visual Arts. She first joined the Rural team as an Administrative Assistant, before heading to Ontario in 2022 to pursue a Master of Professional Communication degree from Toronto Metropolitan University. Following the completion of her degree, she returned to UBC CPD to continue supporting physicians on their continuing education journey. As a Senior Program Assistant, Hareem primarily supports the Distributed Learning Portfolio which includes: Rural Rounds, Virtual Health Grand Rounds, and Real-Time Virtual Support (RTVS) Simulations. She is passionate about learning how technology can be integrated into education in new ways.      

Ievgeniia Rozhenko ,
MA

Research and Events Assistant
@email

Ievgeniia has joined UBC CPD as a Research and Events Assistant in July 2021. She spends most of her time working on the Indigenous Patient-Led CPD program and also provides evaluation and research support to other RCPD programs. Ievgeniia is a graduate of Dalhousie University with a Master of Arts in International Development, she is passionate about facilitating continuing learning opportunities and promoting cultural safety and humility in medical services.

Lisa standing in front of windows

Lisa Wissink ,
BHSc

Education Manager
@email

As an Education Manager, Lisa primarily supports the delivery of Real Time Virtual Support (RTVS) Simulations and Distributed Learning opportunities, such as Rural Rounds and Virtual Health Grand Rounds. Lisa has been with the UBC CPD team for two years, and previously supported the Rural Peer Support Network as a Sr. Program Assistant. Lisa has experience coordinating a wide variety of projects and events in a range of settings, including hospitality, the not-for-profit sector and municipal government.  She is dedicated to using her aptitude for connecting with others to foster partner relationships, facilitate education and provide support for rural health practitioners.

Lisa holds a Bachelor of Health Science degree with a specialization in Health Promotion from the University of Western Ontario. She is passionate about empowering communities to create positive change and is excited to work to improve the health of those in rural communities through her position at UBC CPD.  As a lifelong learner, she intends to continue her education with UBC and also values the many lessons to be learned out in the world. You can find Lisa listening to the birds, hiking, cooking or reading on her free time.

Strategic Projects & Partnerships

Kathryn Young

Kathryn Young ,
MA

Senior Manager, Strategic Projects and Partnerships
@email

Kathryn is Senior Manager for UBC CPD's Strategic Projects and Partnerships, a diverse suite of specialized continuing education offerings for healthcare providers. She has a passion for building relationships, strategic planning and continuous learning. Since joining the UBC CPD team in 2014, Kathryn has managed a variety of projects, including Rural CPD Program's Supportive Relationships offerings, Hands-On Ultrasound Education (HOUSE), the International Medical Graduate (IMG) Programs, and the ICBC Education Project.

Kathryn earned a BA in Anthropology from the State University of New York at Geneseo, followed by a Master of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Denver. She is originally from upstate New York and before her time at UBC CPD, she worked in museums and the book publishing world.

Allison Macbeth

Allison Macbeth ,
MAppSc

Learning & Curriculum Manager
@email

Allison (she/her) joined UBC CPD in 2013 as a Research Assistant and is now in the role of Learning & Curriculum Manager. She is passionate about health education and continuous learning, and is excited to be part of a group of dedicated and experienced professionals in a learning organization. Allison holds a Masters of Applied Science from the University of Sydney, Australia, where she conducted research on sexual health education in schools, and has expertise in adult education, curriculum design, and program evaluation. 

As Learning & Curriculum Manager, Allison collaborates with content experts to design, develop, and improve education for health care professionals and their teams. Some of her projects include supporting relationships and educational development with the Vancouver Division of Family Practice, Midwives Association of BC, Practice Support Program, and BC Cancer. 

Charlotte Humphries ,
MA Planning

Project Manager
@email

Charlotte (she, her) joined UBC CPD in July 2022. As Project Manager with the Strategic Projects & Partnerships team, she oversees UBC CPD's International Medical Graduates (IMGs) programs. Charlotte holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Geography and an MA in Urban Planning. Charlotte has been with UBC for ten years and has worked extensively in program design and stakeholder engagement. Prior to joining UBC CPD, she served as the Executive Director for a non-profit organization called Basics for Health Society, and as a YMCA program manager in child, youth, and health programs. She brings with her a passion for health equity and health care system change and looks forward to fostering positive change through her work in continuing education for health care providers.

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Caldon Saunders ,
BA

Research & Events Assistant
@email

Caldon joined UBC CPD in October 2023 as Research & Events Assistant where he supports several SPP projects. He completed his BA in Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University where he focused his academic research on social determinants of health. 

Caldon is passionate about supporting public health systems and creating environments conducive to optimal well-being. His previous professional experience encompasses peer-supported learning, tutoring, and the application of a health promotion framework to knowledge translation and strategic planning. 

Luke Wu ,
BSc, MM

Program Coordinator
@email

Luke Wu, a UBC graduate with experience working in clinical research, has joined the Strategic Projects & Partnerships portfolio to coordinate the PRA-BC Assessor Training and Centralized Orientation and the CBT Skills program.

In his spare time, Luke enjoys cooking for friends and family. 

Nicole Esligar

Nicole Esligar ,
MA

Education Manager
@email

Nicole is a UBC graduate with an MA in Political Science. Nicole’s past work includes working to help run Indigenous youth employment programs out of Community Centres and Neighborhood Houses, running a provincial pilot project on Drug Checking in Safe Consumption Sites, and has supported the first clinical trial in Canada to evaluate the micro-dosing of buprenorphine-naloxone for emergency room patients who had overdosed. 

She has also worked as a Research Manager for the UBC B.R.A.I.N Lab, running clinical trials utilizing Psilocybin for the treatment of Alcohol-Use Disorder and supporting the implementation of research projects for people with Concurrent Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders.   

Nicole’s UBC CPD portfolio includes supporting The Island Medical Program (IMP PEP), bringing CPD programs to the Island and managing several projects within the Strategic Projects and Partnerships portfolio, including CBT Skills and public health webinars.  

Sarah Tajani

Sarah Tajani ,
BA, CPC(HC) (On leave)

Learning and Curriculum Manager
@email

Sarah (she, her) joined UBC CPD in September 2014 with a background in education psychology, adult education and curriculum development. She is a Certified Professional in CPD (Healthcare) awarded through the Coalition for Physician Learning and Practice Improvement.  

In her role, Sarah manages and consults on a number of projects across the Division. Using her expertise in CPD and adult learning, collaborative project planning and facilitative leadership, Sarah partners with provincial and national health-care leaders to design practical and impactful learner-centered solutions addressing societal and health care needs.  

Sarah is passionate about lifelong learning and strives to facilitate positive change in continuing health professional education through curiosity, empathy and humility. Specifically, she has a special interest in and advocates for the engagement of patient voices in CPD initiatives. 

Steph Din

Steph Din ,
BA

Program Coordinator
@email

Steph (she, her) joined the UBC CPD team in July 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from the University of Sussex, UK, and has subsequently worked in the UK, New Zealand and Canada. Steph currently coordinates the BC Physician Integration Program (BC-PIP) for International Medical Graduates (IMGs). In her free time, Steph enjoys camping, hiking, and practicing yoga.

Vivian Lam

Vivian Lam ,
BSc, BA

Senior Research Assistant
@email

Vivian joined the UBC CPD team in April 2017 and supports a portfolio of projects that emphasize evidence-based practice and knowledge translation of medical research. She is currently working on a project funded by the BC Ministry of Health conducting evidence reviews on medical cannabis. Vivian is also involved in the development of online education on management of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in primary care, and has previously collaborated with the Practice Support Program (PSP) to generate clinical content to train and support family physicians and health professionals in BC. Vivian has a strong interest in health informatics, data-informed quality improvement, and developing indicators for quantification, supervision, and improvement of practice. She has extensive training in research methods, conducting literature reviews and systematic searches, and critical analysis of medical literature to inform educational programming and public health.

Medical Directors

Kim Campbell ,
RM, MN

Lead, Midwifery CPD Program
@email

Kim began her career as a nurse and became a midwife in 1996, after 16 years of nursing practice. She is an Associate Professor of Teaching in the UBC Midwifery Program. Kim is a gifted educator and a strong advocate for the midwifery profession on the provincial and national levels. UBC CPD established a formal CPD program for midwifery in 2017 in partnership with the Midwives Association of BC, the UBC Midwifery Program, and the BC College of Nurses and Midwives. This partnership moves forward a key aspect of UBC CPD’s strategic plan, which is to offer expanded CPD support to other health professions in the Faculty of Medicine.

Bruce Hobson

Bruce Hobson ,
MD

Rural Support Network Medical Lead, Personal Learning Plan Medical Lead, Medical Director of Program Standards
@email

Dr. Bruce Hobson was a full service family practitioner in Powell River, his home town, for 37 years. He has been married for 41 years and has three children and is a grandfather of six-year-old triplets, a five and a two year old. He is an avid cyclist and loves travel. He now lives in North Cowichan so that he can be closer to his kids and grandkids.

He has a passion for technology enhanced adult learning and education. He is currently involved with a number of organizations, as a Medical Director with Health Data Coalition, a peer mentor and program developer with PSP and Doctors of BC, a member involved with developing clinical guidelines with the Guidelines and Protocols Advisory Committee, and has worked with various others including BC Cancer Agency, PHSA, ICBC, WorkSafe and PainBC.

He has several roles with UBC CPD, including Medical Director for Program Standards, Senior Medical Lead for the Rural Support Network, and Medical Lead for ICBC and PSP Modules.

Dr. Dana Hubler

Dana Hubler ,
BA, MD, CCFP, FCFP

Medical Director, Rural CPD
@email

Since the completion of her residency in 2004, Dana has worked as a rural family physician in Stewart, Port Alice, and now Comox, BC, and continue to love the challenge and variety of this work. She has been involved in a number of innovative educational initiatives, including work as a PSP GP Champ, co-lead on a UBC family medicine residency pilot program, and work on a number of physician leadership projects with the Rural and Remote Division of Family Practice including a quality improvement project aiming to re-design MHSU services in five rural communities. She is keen to bring a rural lens to the forefront of medical education, healthcare discussions, and quality improvement projects. 

Steve Wong

Steve Wong ,
MD FRCPC

Medical Director, This Changed My Practice
@email

Dr. Steve Wong completed his MD degree at the University of Calgary. He joined the Internal Medicine residency program at the University of British Columbia and completed a fifth year in the General Internal Medicine Fellowship with a focus on perioperative medicine.

Dr. Wong has developed a number of courses aimed at bridging technology, evidence-based medicine and clinical practice as the Program Director for Technologies in Medicine at the UBC Division of Continuing Professional Development (UBC CPD).

Currently in practice in Vancouver at the Seymour Clinic and in Richmond, BC as a General Internist, Dr. Wong’s clinical interests include hypertension, lipids, cardiology and global management of diabetics. In addition to practicing at Richmond Hospital, he also attends on the clinical teaching unit at VGH and has trainees 12 months a year integrated into all of his practice environments.

Steven Yau

Steven Yau ,
MD, CCFP, CISAM

Medical Director, IMG Programs

Dr. Steven Yau completed his B.Sc., B.Ed and MD at the University of British Columbia.  He then finished his specialty training in family medicine also at UBC in Victoria, BC.  He is currently practicing as an inner-city physician for Vancouver Coastal Health providing primary and addiction care in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. As a former high school teacher, Dr. Yau continues to be passionate about lifelong learning and medical education. He has been the Medical Director for IMG Programs at CPD since 2014 and oversees two provincial programs: BC Physicians Integration Program (BC-PIP) and Practice Ready Assessment (PRA-BC), both designed to provide various support for new to practice IMG physicians in British Columbia.  

CPD Consultants

Simon Moore

Simon Moore ,
MD CCFP

Physician Lead

Dr. Simon Moore, Clinical Assistant Professor, University of British Columbia, Dept. of Family Practice has a passion for teaching and he hates boring lectures. He is a former President of the Canadian Association of Internes of Residents (now known as Resident Doctors of Canada). He has worked in rural BC, Northwest Territories, and Ontario, and now works in Urgent Care and at an Indigenous Family Health Team. Dr. Moore is an award-winning teacher in the UBC Faculty of Medicine and is the founder and lead faculty of The Review Course in Family Medicine.

Strategic Plan 2023–2027