APPNA Alberta Annual Conference 2025
Our Team
0730-0750 Breakfast for Attendees and On-Site Registration
0750-0800 Welcome / Opening Remarks
Dr. Abdul Sattar Tabani, CME Chair
Dr. Amir Aslam- President APPNA Alberta Chapter
Dr. Todd Anderson – Dean Faculty of Cumming School of Medicine University of Calgary
0800-0830 Medicolegal Challenges for Physiciian: Navigating Common Medico Legal Pitfalls in Clinical Practice Katie Stys LLB
Objectives:
- Identify common medicolegal issues faced by physicians in clinical practice.
- Understand the legal implications of patient communication and documentation.
- Implement risk management strategies to minimize legal liability.
Learning Points:
- Importance of accurate and thorough documentation.
- Managing difficult patient interactions to reduce legal risks.
- Legal obligations in reporting and confidentiality
0830-0900 Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Practice: Opportunities, Challenges, and the Path Forward: Balancing Innovation and Bridging the Gap: How Can Physicians Effectively Integrate AI in Clinical Practice.
Dr. Mohamed Abdalla PHD
Objectives:
- To introduce the basic concepts of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its evolution in healthcare
- To explore real-world applications and success stories of AI in clinical settings.
- To highlight the potential risks, limitations, and ethical considerations of AI integration in clinical practice.
Learning Points:
- Understand what AI is, its history, and how it has evolved to impact medicine today. Identify key areas in clinical practice where AI tools can enhance decision-making, workflow efficiency, and patient outcomes.
- Recognize common pitfalls and ethical challenges in adopting AI, including data privacy, bias, and over-reliance on automated tools.
0900-0930 Breathless Battles: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Management in Primary Care: Managing Acute Exacerbations of COPD & How to Prevent: A Clinical Approach
Dr. Adnan Adil Mithwani
Objectives:
- Recognize the early signs and symptoms of acute COPD exacerbations.
- Differentiate between COPD and other respiratory conditions.
- Implement evidence-based management strategies for COPD management.
Learning Points:
- Diagnostic criteria and risk factors for exacerbations.
- Pharmacological and non-pharmacological management.
- Preventive measures and patient education
0930-1000 First Presenter Group Question and Answer Session
1000-1020 Morning Coffee Break and Networking- Exhibitor Area is open
1020- 1050 Management of Atrial Fibrillation in the Community: Best Practices for Primary Care.
Dr.Patrick Ma
Objectives:
- Identify and Diagnose Atrial Fibrillation in the Community – Recognize common presentations, risk factors, and diagnostic approaches in primary care.
- Implement Stroke Prevention Strategies – Apply CHA₂DS₂-VASc scoring to guide anticoagulation decisions and minimize stroke risk.
- Optimize Management with a Patient-Centered Approach – Differentiate between rate and rhythm control strategies and determine when specialist referral is needed.
Learning Points:
- Early Diagnosis and Risk Stratification Improve Outcomes – Timely recognition and appropriate risk assessment can prevent complications.
- Anticoagulation Decisions Should Be Evidence-Based – Balancing stroke prevention with bleeding risk is key in AF management.
- Effective Management Requires a Multidisciplinary Approach – Collaboration between primary care, cardiology, and allied health professionals enhances patient care.
1050- 1120 Elderly Care – Falls and Dementia: Preventing Falls and Managing Dementia in the Elderly: A Comprehensive Approach
Dr Cassandra Hoggard
Objectives:
- Identify risk factors for falls and cognitive decline in the elderly.
- Assess and manage dementia-related behavioral and psychological symptoms.
- Implement fall prevention strategies in community and clinical settings.
Learning Points:
- Comprehensive geriatric assessment techniques.
- Pharmacological vs. non-pharmacological management of dementia.
- Environmental and lifestyle modifications for fall prevention.
1120-1150 Skin Lesions and Rashes: When to Worry: Diagnosing and Managing Skin Lesions and Rashes Dr Tetyana Khlabatyn
Objectives:
- Differentiate between benign and malignant skin lesions.
- Recognize common rashes and their underlying causes.
- Formulate a management plan including referrals and follow-ups.
Learning Points:
- Dermoscopic features of malignant vs. benign lesions.
- Diagnostic approach to common rashes (eczema, psoriasis, drug reactions).
- Indications for biopsy and specialist referral.
1150-1220 Second Presenter Group Question and Answer Session
1220-1300 Lunch Break & Networking – Exhibitor Area is open
1300-1330 ADHD and Mental Health Co-morbidities in Children: ADHD and Beyond: Managing Mental Health Co-morbidities in Pediatric Patients
Dr. Muhammad Aslam Naseer
Objectives:
- Identify ADHD and its common psychiatric co-morbidities in children.
- Differentiate ADHD from other behavioral and mood disorders.
- Develop a multidisciplinary management approach for affected children.
Learning Points:
- Diagnostic criteria and screening tools for ADHD and co-morbidities.
- Behavioral interventions and pharmacotherapy.
- Role of schools and community resources in management
1330-1400 Women’s Health – Irregular Menstrual Periods and PCOS: Navigating Irregular Menstrual Periods: Diagnosis and Management of PCOS
Dr. Alina Kaznacheyeva
Objectives:
- Understand the hormonal imbalances leading to irregular menstrual periods.
- Diagnose and manage PCOS with a holistic approach.
- Address long-term health implications of PCOS, including infertility and metabolic syndrome.
Learning Points:
- Diagnostic criteria for PCOS and differential diagnoses.
- Lifestyle interventions and medical management options.
- Addressing infertility and metabolic health in PCOS patients.
1400-1420
Afternoon Coffee Break and Networking- Exhibitor Area is open
1420-1450 Complexities in Type 2 Diabetes Management: Beyond Glycemic Control
Dr Hanan Bassyouni
Objectives:
Evaluate the multifactorial aspects of type 2 diabetes management.
- Implement personalized treatment plans considering comorbidities.
- Utilize new pharmacological agents and technologies in diabetes care.
Learning Points:
- Comprehensive care including cardiovascular and renal considerations.
- Role of GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors.
- Patient education and lifestyle modifications.
1450-1520 Third Presenter Group Question and Answer Session
1520-1530 Closing Remarks and Prize Distribution
Vision
The vision of the Society shall be to become the premier organization of physicians of Pakistani descent in Alberta, Canada; one which best promotes and serves healthcare, educational, social, and charitable initiatives
Mission
The mission of the Society shall be to maintain a professional, non-political, equal-opportunity, organization, promoting excellence in healthcare, research, education, social justice, and humanitarian activities. The Society shall facilitate the transfer of healthcare expertise and resources to deserving communities. The Society shall also provide advocacy, cater to cultural and social needs, and act as a vehicle for charitable projects, all the while nurturing young physicians.
Meet Our Conference Presenters
Katie Stys LLB
Partner, Gowling WLG Calgary
Katie Stys is a partner in Gowling WLG’s Calgary office and an experienced and successful civil litigator, representing her clients’ interests at all levels of courts and tribunals in Alberta. Her practice focuses on health law and medical defence, professional regulation, professional liability, insurance litigation, and commercial litigation.
Within the firm, Katie regularly acts as a mentor to associates and students. She leads the GROW initiative in the Calgary office, which enables women and non-binary professionals to connect with mentors and build relationships that advance their professional careers and enhance their personal lives. Katie also serves as a firm representative on a nationwide group that aims to improve client wellness.
DR MUHAMMAD A. NASEER MD, DABPN
Child /Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist
Dr. Naseer has over 30 years of experience in North America and a distinguished career in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He earned his MBBS from Dow Medical College, Karachi, and completed a Psychiatry Residency at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey, followed by a Fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Virginia. He holds Diplomate status with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
Dr. Naseer has served Alberta’s youth for over two decades as a Staff Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist with Alberta Health Services and Alberta Children’s Hospital. He held leadership roles as Medical Director of Emergency and Consultation Liaison Psychiatry and later as Medical Director for Off-Service Mental Health. He maintains Adjunct Faculty status at the University of Calgary and works across several community mental health clinics, including Hull Services, Woods Homes, and specialty clinics focusing on ADHD, Anxiety, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and Conduct Disorder.
Dr. Naseer recently completed a two-year term (March 2023 – March 2025) as President of the Section of Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists in Alberta and currently serves as Past President. His ongoing dedication continues to shape the mental health landscape for children and adolescents across the province.
Dr. Mohamed Abdalla, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta AI Researcher | Clinical AI & Ethics Expert
Dr. Mohamed Abdalla is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Alberta, where his research focuses on the responsible application of artificial intelligence in clinical practice and the ethics of AI deployment in healthcare.
He earned his PhD in Computer Science from the University of Toronto’s Natural Language Processing Group, where he was a Vanier Scholar. Prior to joining the University of Alberta, Dr. Abdalla served as an Assistant Scientist at the AIDE Lab within Trillium Health Partners’ Institute for Better Health.
Dr. Abdalla’s work spans a wide range of critical topics in clinical AI, including real-world validation of medical imaging models, ethical concerns in AI model deployment, bias and privacy in clinical data, and evaluation methodologies. His research has been published in leading journals such as Nature Communications, Radiology: Artificial Intelligence, Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, and eLife.
Dr. Alina Kaznacheyeva, MD
Consultant Obstetrician Gynecologist, Bonnyville Medical Clinic
Dr. Alina Kaznacheyeva is a highly experienced Obstetrician Gynecologist with over 25 years of international clinical expertise across Canada, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. She currently practices at Bonnyville Medical Clinic in Alberta, where she provides comprehensive care in both obstetrics and gynecology.
Dr. Kaznacheyeva completed her medical degree at Volgograd State Medical University and pursued specialized training in obstetrics and gynecology through a rigorous residency with the Ministry of Health in Jordan.
Dr. Hanan Bassyouni, MD, FRCPC
Endocrinologist & Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Medicine
Dr. Hanan Bassyouni is a compassionate and accomplished endocrinologist and a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine. A graduate of the MD Class of 1998, she is widely recognized for her unwavering dedication to teaching, patient care, and community outreach.
An award-winning educator, Dr. Bassyouni is known for her exceptional support of both undergraduate and postgraduate learners. She regularly organizes additional tutorials and provides mentorship beyond clinic hours, reflecting her commitment to fostering the next generation of physicians.
Her clinical work is equally impactful. Dr. Bassyouni delivers specialized endocrinology care to marginalized, Indigenous, and refugee populations through outreach clinics, exemplifying her role as a fearless advocate for equitable healthcare. Her patients speak of her deep compassion, extended availability, and tireless support. Beyond the clinic, Dr. Bassyouni volunteers her expertise at Diabetes Canada summer camps, mentoring healthcare teams and enriching their learning. A strong proponent of community engagement, she also dedicates her time to local organizations and schools.
Dr. Tetyana Khlabatyn, MD, FRCPC
Board-Certified Dermatologist (Canada & USA) | Clinical Lecturer, UBC & University of Calgary
Dr. Tetyana Khlabatyn is a board-certified dermatologist in both Canada and the United States. She completed her medical degree at the University of British Columbia and her dermatology residency at the University of Calgary. Dr. Khlabatyn is deeply committed to medical education and currently serves as a Clinical Lecturer at both UBC and the University of Calgary.
Her clinical and research interests span a wide spectrum of dermatology, including skin cancer, senior care, pediatric dermatology, hyperhidrosis, and patient education. She is a sought-after speaker, having delivered presentations at medical conferences internationally.
Fluent in Ukrainian, Dr. Khlabatyn combines her medical expertise with a strong cultural sensitivity in her practice. Outside of medicine, she enjoys road biking, photography, making TikToks, and exploring the world with her husband and two children.
Dr. Cassandra Hoggard, MD, CCFP, COE Family Physician |Expert in Senior Care
Dr. Cassandra Hoggard is a family physician with a focused practice in geriatrics and a recognized leader in healthcare governance. She holds a Certificate of Added Competence in Care of the Elderly and brings over a decade of experience transforming care for seniors in both urban and rural settings.
Currently serving as Board Chair of the Calgary Rural Primary Care Network and Medical Director at both Clifton House and Tudor Manor, Dr. Hoggard has led high-impact initiatives that have enhanced care quality, reduced hospital transfers, and created supportive environments for healthcare teams. Her work bridges the gap between policy and practice, with a strong commitment to improving outcomes for aging populations.
Dr. Patrick Ma, MD, PhD. Cardiologist
Dr. Patrick Ma is a seasoned cardiologist with over three decades of clinical and academic experience. Since founding his practice in 1988, Dr. Ma has been at the forefront of cardiovascular care in Canada, combining clinical excellence with a strong foundation in medical research.
He holds advanced training in cardiovascular science from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and completed his internal medicine residency at the prestigious Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr. Ma also trained in molecular genetics at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, reflecting his deep interest in the science behind cardiovascular disease.
A graduate of Trinity College Dublin’s School of Medicine and the University of Hong Kong, Dr. Ma brings a global perspective to his practice and continues to contribute to the advancement of cardiology through both patient care and research. His longstanding commitment to improving heart health and his multidisciplinary background make him a respected leader in the field.
Dr. Adnan Adil Mithwani MD Internal Medicine Specialist
Dr. Adnan A Mithwani is a dedicated and accomplished General Internal Medicine practicing in Calgary, Alberta. A graduate of the University of Calgary, Dr. His journey in medicine began much earlier, as a graduate from Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS) in Pakistan.
Dr. Adil’s inspiration stems from his father, a renowned pediatrician, who instilled in him a passion for healing and patient care. This familial influence has shaped his approach to medicine, emphasizing compassion and a deep understanding of his patients’ needs.
Currently, Dr. Adil serves as an Internist at Rockyview General Hospital, a testament to his expertise and dedication to acute care. He also extends his practice to the C-Era clinic, where he continues to provide comprehensive internal medicine services.
Beyond his medical pursuits, Dr. Adil is an enthusiast of both cars and cricket.
2025 APPNA Exhibitors
PLATINUM TIER
BRONZE TIER
Become an Exhibitor
Click here for Exhibitor Package
As one of our exhibitors, you will have the opportunity to engage and network with our participants, provide new research updates, and information about your products and services. Most importantly, your commitment and support will allow us to achieve better patient outcomes by empowering healthcare providers with:
- Resources to grow, enhance their clinical practice and reduce barriers to change.
- New knowledge to make informed decisions based on evidence-informed treatments to achieve better patient outcomes and well being.
Your organization will benefit from this engagement among the most interested and committed group of practitioners on the frontlines in Canada.
APPNA Alberta Chapter:
- Dr. Amir Aslam – President
- Dr. Abdul Sattar Tabani – General Secretary
- Dr. Ali Nomani – Treasurer
- Dr. Tehmina Munaf – President-Elect
- Dr. Nusrat Asif – Director
- Dr. Saad Yasin – Immediate Past President
- Dr. Tariq Awan – Executive Director
Planning Committee:
- Dr. Amir Aslam – Conference Chair
- Dr. Saad Yasin – Conference Co- Chair
- Dr. Tariq Awan – Conference Advisor
- Dr. Tehmina Munaf – Planning Committee Lead
- Dr. Abdul Sattar Tabani – CME Chair
- Dr. Zarqa Quraishi – CME Advisor
- Dr. Fauzia Moyeen – Communication Lead
- Dr. Syed Arsalan Ali – Sponsorship Lead
- Dr. Ali Nomani – Finance Lead
- Dr Romana Iqbal – Registraion Lead
- Dr. Nusrat Asif – Decor Lead
- Dr. Ghausia Samreen – Volunteer Lead
