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.

0730-0750    Breakfast for Attendees and On-Site Registration

0750-0800   Welcome / Opening Remarks 
Dr. Shoshma Mathrani,CMEChair
Dr. Tehmina Munaf- President APPNA Alberta Chapter
Dr. Todd Anderson – Dean Cumming School of Medicine University of Calgary

0800-0830 Menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy: Evidence-Based Management (Credit 0.5)
Speaker: Dr. Yvonne Kangong
Objectives:
1. Review the physiology and clinical stages of menopause and common presenting symptoms. (CanMed
Role: Medical Expert)
2. Evaluate the indications, benefits, and risks of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) (CanMed Role:
Medical Expert, Scholar)
3. Identify individualized treatment strategies for menopausal symptom management (CanMed Role:
Medical Expert, Communicator)
Learning Outcomes:
● Participants will be able to counsel patients on benefits and risks of HRT.
● Participants will integrate evidence-based approaches to managing menopausal symptoms in primary
care.

0830-0900  Behaviour Changes in Youth in Today’s World: Understanding the Mental Health Impact (Credit 0.5)
Speaker: Dr. Syeda Abbas
Objectives
1.Identify common behavioural changes observed in youth in the modern social environment, including the
influence of social media, academic pressures, family dynamics, and digital lifestyles.CanMEDS Role:
Family Medicine Communicator
2.Discuss the relationship between behavioural changes and mental health concerns such as anxiety,
depression, substance use, social isolation, and low self-esteem in adolescents and young adults.
CanMEDS Role: Health Advocate
Learning Outcomes
● Participants will be able to recognize early warning signs of mental health struggles associated with
behavioural changes in youth.
● Participants will be able to apply supportive communication and early intervention strategies when
engaging with youth and families experiencing mental health challenges.

0900-0930  Depression in Patients with Chronic Diseases (Credit 0.5)
Speaker: Dr. Haseeb Chattha
Learning Objectives
1. Identify the prevalence and impact of depression among patients with chronic medical conditions.
(CanMed Role: Medical Expert, Health Advocate)
2. Review validated screening tools for depression in primary care settings. (CanMed Role:
Scholar,Medical Expert)
3. Discuss integrated treatment strategies including pharmacologic and psychosocial interventions.
(CanMed Role: Medical Expert, Collaborator)
Learning Outcomes
● Participants will be able to screen effectively for depression in patients with chronic illnesses.
● Participants will develop comprehensive management plans addressing both mental and physical
health

0930-1000    First Presenter Group Question and Answer Session

1000-1020    Morning Coffee Break and Networking- Exhibitor Area is open

1020- 1050  Chronic Kidney Disease in Diabetes: Early Detection and Management (Credit 0.5)
Speaker: Dr. James Kim
Objectives
1. Review the pathophysiology and risk factors of diabetic kidney disease. (CanMed Role: Medical
Expert)
2. Identify early screening markers and staging of chronic kidney disease (CKD). (CanMed Role: Medical
Expert)
3. Discuss evidence-based strategies for slowing CKD progression. (CanMed Role: Medical Expert, Health
Advocate)
Learning Outcomes
● Participants will improve early identification of diabetic nephropathy.
● Participants will implement current guideline-based management to reduce renal and cardiovascular
complications.

1050- 1120  Obesity Pharmacotherapy & Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)
Speaker: Dr. Norman Wong
Objectives
1. Review the pathophysiological relationship between obesity and fatty liver disease. (CanMed Role:
Medical Expert)
2. Discuss currently available obesity medications and their mechanisms of action. (CanMed Role:
Scholar, Medical Expert)
3. Identify patient selection criteria and monitoring strategies for pharmacologic therapy. (CanMed
Role: Professional, Medical Expert)
Learning Outcomes
● Participants will incorporate obesity pharmacotherapy into comprehensive weight management
plans.
● Participants will recognize the role of weight reduction in preventing progression of fatty liver disease.

1120-1150   Skin Lesions and Rashes: When to Worry: Diagnosing and Managing Skin Lesions and Rashes Dr Tetyana KhlabatynGeriatric Polypharmacy: Falls Risk Assessment and Prevention (Credit 0.5)
Speaker: Dr. Cassandra Hoggard
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.Objectives
  1. Identify common medication-related causes of falls in older adults. (CanMed Role: Medical Expert)
  2. Review tools for assessing polypharmacy and deprescribing strategies. (CanMed Role: Medical
  Expert, Scholar)
  3. Discuss multidisciplinary approaches to fall prevention in geriatric patients. (CanMed Role:
  Collaborator, Health A dvocate)
  Learning Outcomes
  ● Participants will perform structured medication reviews for elderly patients.
  ● Participants will reduce falls risk through appropriate deprescribing and preventive strategies.
  

1150-1220    Second Presenter Group Question and Answer Session

1220-1300  Lunch Break & Networking – Exhibitor Area is open

1300-1330      AMedico-legal Issues with Artificial Intelligence Tools in Healthcare
Speaker: Katie Stys, LLB
Objectives:

• . Review emerging uses of artificial intelligence tools in clinical practice. (CanMed Role: Scholar)
  2. Identify potential medico-legal risks associated with AI-assisted decision making. (CanMed Role:
  Professional)
  3. Discuss regulatory and professional responsibility considerations for physicians.(CanMed Role:
  Professional, Leader)
  Learning Outcomes
  ●Participants will understand legal implications of integrating AI into clinical workflows.
  ●Participants will apply risk-mitigation strategies when using AI-based tools in healthcare.
  

1330-1400  Evaluation and Management of Male Hypogonadism and Low Testosterone in Clinical Practice
Speaker: Umair Sajid
Objectives:
(Credit 0.5)
1.To define male hypogonadism and differentiate between primary and secondary causes based on
clinical and biochemical findings.(CanMed Role: Medical Expert)
2.To outline an evidence-based diagnostic approach, including appropriate use of serum testosterone
testing and adjunct investigations.(CanMed Role: Scholar, Medical Expert)
3.To review current management strategies, including indications, contraindications, and monitoring
of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). (CanMed Role: Professional, Medical Expert)
Learning Outcomes:
● Participants will be able to accurately diagnose hypogonadism and identify underlying etiologies.
● Participants will be able to initiate and monitor appropriate treatment plans for patients with low
testosterone in accordance with current guidelines.

1400-1420   Afternoon Coffee Break and Networking- Exhibitor Area is open

1420-1450  Addiction and Substance Use Disorders in Primary Care: Screening and Referral (Credit 0.5)
Speaker: Dr. Alex Kennedy
Objectives:
1. Identify common substance use disorders encountered in primary care. (CanMed Role: Health
Advocate, Medical Expert)
2. Review screening tools for early detection of addiction. (CanMed Role: Scholar, Medical Expert)
3. Discuss initial management and criteria for specialist referral. (CanMed Role: Medical Expert,
Collaborator))
Learning Outcomes
●Participants will improve early detection of substance use disorders.
●Participants will implement appropriate treatment pathways and referral strategies.

1450-1520    Third Presenter Group Question and Answer Session

1520-1530 Closing Remarks and Prize Distribution

1530-1630 YPC Panel Discussion for Career Guidance for International Medical Graduates and Students

 

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.

Norman Wong, MD, FRCPC
Professor of Medicine Cunning School of Medicine, Calgary

Dr Norm Wong is an endocrinologist based in the Dept of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology at the
Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary. He completed his MD training at the University of Calgary before completing an Endocrinology fellowship at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN.
His research interest is to determine the role of proteins that modify cellular epigenetics by their interaction with histones in chromatin. Specifically, he is interested in a superfamily of Bromodomain Extra-Terminal (BET) proteins that bind to acetylated lysine residues in within histones and in so doing the BET-proteins can fine tune cellular metabolism. His clinical interest includes; familial hypercholesterolemia

Dr. Syeda Abbas MD FRCPC
Clinical Assistant Professor cumming school of medicine, Calgary
Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Syeda Abbas is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and a Clinical Assistant Professor at
the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary. A compassionate pediatrician at Alberta Children’s Hospital and
Peter Lougheed Centre, she is widely recognized for her leadership in caring for children with complex medical needs, with
a particular dedication to supporting newcomer and refugee families through community-based care at Kaleidoscope
Pediatrics and Blossom Pediatrics Consultants.
She co-chairs the innovative Community Outreach of Pediatrics and Psychiatry in Education (COPE) program, bridging
healthcare and education to support children directly within schools. As a founding director of the Light of Guidance
Foundation, Dr. Abbas champions initiatives that advance mental health, education, and humanitarian support programs
for deserving children, youth, and families in Calgary.

 

Dr. Yvonne Kangong MD
Family Medicine, Clinical Lecturer University of Calgary
Dr. Yvonne Kangong is a Family Doctor renowned for her contributions to medicine community service and personal wellness coaching. She received her medical education from Spartan Health Science School of Medicine and completed her residency at the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine. Dr Kangon holds dipomate status with American Board of Obesity Medicine and Master’s degree in Public Health. She is Clinical Lecturer at the Cumming School of Medicine and board member of various organizations, and founder of Breakers Health and an accomplished author.

Dr. James W. Kim, MBBCh, PgDip, MScCH(HPTE)
Family Medicine, Clinical Assistant Professor, Cumming School of Medicine
Dr. Kim is a Calgary-based family physician with a special interest in diabetes management and prevention of
diabetes-related complications, including chronic kidney disease. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the
Department of Family Medicine at University of Calgary and has been actively involved in medical education,
clinical guideline development, and national conference presentations.
Dr. Kim has worked closely with Diabetes Canada in multiple leadership roles, including Co-Chair of the Primary Care Special Interest Group and member of the Clinical Practice Guideline Steering Committee. He frequently delivers educational talks for healthcare professionals on diabetes care, cardiovascular and renal risk reduction, and evidence-based chronic disease management.

Dr. Umair Sajid, MD, FRCPC
Consultant Endocrinologist
Dr. Sajid is a member of the Division of Endocrinology at the University of Calgary. His clinical practice includes general endocrinology and diabetes in pregnancy care. He also provides endocrinology hospital consultation services.
Dr. Sajid grew up in Calgary and earned his medical degree from the University of Alberta, followed by residency training in Internal Medicine at the University of Manitoba. He then completed his fellowship in Endocrinology & Metabolism at the University of Calgary. He believes in building strong relationships with his patients, and empowering them with the knowledge and tools needed to manage their health
effectively.

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. Alex Kennedy MD
Family Medicine, Addiction Medicine Specialist
Dr. Alex Kennedy completed his Family Medicine Residency and Addiction Medicine Fellowship
at the University of Calgary. Dr. Kennedy has extensive experience working with individuals affected
by substance use disorders, opioid dependence, and co-occurring psychiatric illnesses. His work
emphasizes evidence-based addiction treatment, harm reduction, recovery-oriented care, and
multidisciplinary collaboration to support patients through all stages of recovery. He is actively
involved in the care of patients within hospital-based addiction services, community addiction
programs, and rapid access addiction medicine initiatives in Calgary.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Kennedy is committed to medical education and physician
training in addiction medicine. His areas of interest include concurrent disorders, opioid agonist
therapy, withdrawal management, trauma-informed care, and improving access to addiction
services within primary care and community setting.

Dr. Haseeb Chattha MD, MRCPsych
Consultant Psychiatrist Dr
Dr Chattha is currently working as General Adult and Geriatric Psychiatrist at Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. He holds position of Zone clinical section chief of Addictions and Mental Health, Medicine Hat regional Hospital. He also runs his private clinic- The Mind Clinic in Medicine Hat. He graduated from King Edward Medical University, Pakistan in 2009 before moving to the UK in 2011, where he obtained Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych), achieved Certificate of Completion of Training in General Adult and Geriatric Psychiatry, and completed an MSc in Psychiatric Practice from the University of Hertfordshire.
Prior to relocating to Canada in February 2024, Dr. Chattha worked as a Consultant Psychiatrist and
Neuromodulation Services Lead at Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. Throughout his core and higher psychiatry training, Dr. Chattha served as a Resident doctors representative. He further developed his leadership and management skills through the Chief Resident Programme at the Judge Business School, University of Cambridge.

2026 APPNA Exhibitors
PLATINUM TIER

BRONZE TIER
   

APPNA Alberta

APPNA Alberta is a chapter of the Associationof Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA), the third largest medical association in the United States. APPNA was founded in 1976 in Michigan, USA, and currently represents more than 20 000 physicians and health professionals of Pakistani descent in North America. APPNA has more than 3 500 active physician members, with 38 chapters across the continent. APPNA is dedicated to supporting scientific development and education in medicine, and delivering better health care to patients, regardless of race, creed or gender

APPNA Alberta Chapter:

• Dr. TehminaMunaf – President
• Dr. Fauzia Moyeen – General Secretary
• Dr. Abduk Hakim Qureshi- Treasurer
• Dr. Farah Naz – Director
• Dr. Shohsma Mathrani – Director
• Dr. Amir Aslam -Immediate Past President
• Dr. Tariq Awan – Executive Director

 Planning Committee:

• Dr. Tehmina Munaf – Conference Chair
• Dr. Shoshma Mathrani – CME Chair
• Dr. Saad Yasin – Accreditation Lead
• Dr. Zarqa Qureshi – CME
• Dr. Farhat Shajjar -CME/ Decor
• Dr. Fauzia Moyeen -CME
• Dr. Amir Aslam – CME/ Sponsorship
• Dr. Tariq Awan – CME
• Dr. Matloob Shajjar – CME
• Dr. Abdul Hakim Qureshi – Sponsorship Lead
• Dr. Farah Naz – Decor Lead
• Dr. Shahla Anwar – IMG Career Pathway
• Dr. Aisha Ashraf – IMG Career Pathway
• Mr. Wejdaan Faridi – Volunteer Lead