How do you describe your work to people who don’t work in your field?
I am an educational scientist researching health professions education with a focus on improving training programs for healthcare professionals. Specifically, I'm interested in promoting equity in these programs. This involves identifying and addressing disparities in educational programs, promoting inclusive learning environments and developing strategies to support students from diverse backgrounds. By doing so, we can work towards creating a more equitable healthcare workforce that better serves the needs of diverse patient populations. Hence, my research goal is to ensure medical learners acquire the best possible skills and knowledge to provide high-quality patient care.
What’s one big problem you want to solve through your work?
One big problem I'd like to address through my work is implicit bias and microaggressions in health professions education. Implicit bias and microaggressions can affect how educators teach, assess and interact with students, potentially leading to unequal opportunities and outcomes.
What does the word “innovation” mean to you?
What the word "innovation" means to me is introducing new ideas or solutions that create an impact. In the context of my research, innovation means developing new teaching methods, curricula or technologies that not only enhance learning outcomes but also foster a sense of belonging and community among students and teachers from diverse backgrounds.
What’s been your biggest a-ha moment — in life or work — so far?
My a-ha moment came when I realized that the most impactful research isn't just about answering questions, but about asking the right ones. For me, that meant shifting focus towards the voices and experiences of those often overlooked, particularly marginalized groups and Indigenous communities. This realization reshaped my approach to research, emphasizing the importance of humility, collaboration and cultural sensitivity. It’s been a journey of unlearning, learning and co-creating knowledge in ways that honour diverse perspectives and drive meaningful change.
How do you or your team come up with your best ideas? (Do you have any rituals or habits that trigger your creative spark, for example? What do you do to create space for innovation?)
My team and I believe that the best ideas emerge in environments where creativity thrives and individuals feel safe to share their thoughts without fear of judgment. When we cultivate spaces that foster joy, curiosity and open dialogue, we unlock the potential for innovation and groundbreaking ideas.
What’s your favourite thing about working at the U of A?
My favourite part of working at the U of A is the people. I love being surrounded by talented, passionate and driven individuals who are all working towards a common goal of creating positive change. From collaborating with colleagues who are experts in their fields to mentoring students who are eager to learn and grow, I'm constantly inspired by the people I work with. The Department of Pediatrics, where I am fortunate to work, is full of diverse perspectives, experiences and ideas, and I feel lucky to be part of such a wonderful team
Do you have a role model at the U of A? How have they influenced you?
I've had the privilege of being inspired by colleagues and mentors such as Sarah Forgie, Vera Caine and Takahiko Masuda, who embody excellence, integrity and a commitment to positive change. Their influence has shaped my approach to research, teaching and collaboration. They've taught me the value of interdisciplinary approaches, community engagement and mentorship. Their passion for creating impactful work has motivated me to push boundaries, think critically and strive for research that truly benefits society.
In Shape: The University Strategic Plan 2023-33, the 91ÒùĸÊÓƵ commits to having a positive impact on our students and staff, our communities and the communities we serve here in 91ÒùĸÊÓƵ and around the world. How does the work you do create impact?
My work in equity in health professions and medical education scholarship is driven by a desire to create meaningful impact. By exploring the complexities in health professions education and identifying areas for improvement, I aim to contribute to more accessible and effective educational practices and interventions. Through research and collaboration, I strive to inform policies and programs that support medical learners at different levels of their training.
In addition, through my work, I began to understand how subtle yet pervasive dynamics can affect learners' and patients' outcomes. This insight sparked a deeper exploration of the intersections between education, healthcare and social determinants, and I've since been driven to uncover innovative solutions that promote belongingness and address these disparities in health professions education.
What’s next for you? Do you have any new projects on the horizon?
Next, I'm excited to tap into my reservoir of ideas and bring some innovative projects to life. With a multitude of concepts swirling around, I'm eager to explore new research directions. Two projects that I'm particularly passionate about include understanding the experiences of Indigenous medical students and investigating microaggressions and gender bias faced by visible minority medical residents. These projects align with my commitment to promoting equity in medical education and practice.
