Wellness

Dr. Susan Kuhn

While we are relieved that some challenges are now in the rearview mirror, we have inevitably encountered new ones as we move along our path. It is tempting to hunker down, build walls and retreat into self-protection as individuals or specialties under such conditions. If instead we map out our commonalities, cultivate constructive communication, and support each other to find solutions, we serve to benefit both ourselves and our patient population. It has therefore been very gratifying to witness this kind of forward-looking perspective over the past year.

The wisdom, energy and generosity of many department members has been combined in various efforts including those described above and more to improve the wellbeing of our work community. Together we can do more and be better than we can alone.

The official Department of Pediatrics' podcast

The Thrive Home is a podcast where stories of growth, wellness, and connection come to life. Hosted by members of the Department of Pediatrics, this podcast explores what it means to thrive at work and at home.

Through authentic conversations with leaders, residents, and team members, we uncover the journeys, lessons, and experiences that shape pediatric healthcare. Whether you’re part of our department, a healthcare professional, or simply curious about balance in high-pressure roles, The Thrive Home invites you to listen, reflect, and be inspired.

From left to right, Drs. Amonpreet Sandhu, Sarah Tougas and Antonia Stang

The Path to Purpose: Dr. Antonia Stang on Her Journey, Leadership Lessons, and the Strategic Plan for Pediatrics

In this very special first episode, Dr. Antonia Stang, an emergency room pediatrician and current department head, takes center stage. She shares exclusive insights into the department's bold new strategic plan, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the vision for the future. Listeners will discover how leadership, collaboration, and a shared purpose are driving change, and what this means for the future of pediatric care.

This episode sets the tone for the entire series — a space where innovation, inspiration, and personal stories come together. Whether you're part of the Alberta Children’s Hospital community or just curious about the incredible work happening in pediatric healthcare, this episode will leave you feeling informed, inspired, and ready to thrive.

EDI Committee

The chair(s) and members:

Dr. JP Appendino
Asthon Chugh
Dr. Raman Chawla
Dr. Adel Elsharkawy
Dr. Gary Galante
Dr. Sangeeta Jain
Dr. Nicole Johnson
Dr. Susan Kuhn
Dr. Michael Leaker
Dr. Kyle Mendonca
Dr. Aleksandra Mineyko
Annie Ngu
Dr. Naminder Sandhu
Dr. Amonpreet Sandhu
Dr. Candace Rypien

Wellness and Culture Committee

The chair(s) and members:

Dr. Ayman Abou Mehrem
Dr. Ashley Blagdon
Dr. Julie Fisher
Dr. Natalie Forbes
Dr. Tanya Drews
Dr. Ben Gibbard
Dr. Leonie Herx
Dr. Susan Kuhn
Cecilia Lee
Dr. Jennifer Macpherson
Dr. Kim Myers (Awards + Recognition lead)
Annie Ngu
Dr. Dana Stys
Jessica Todd

Thank you to the members of the former Professional Affairs Advisory Committee (PAAC) Committee for their many contributions:

Dr. Chris Andrews
Dr. Julie Fisher
Dr. Leonora Hendson
Dr. Christine Kennedy
Dr. Susan Kuhn
Dr. Catherine Macneil
Dr. Leanne Morris
Dr. Sidney Nesbitt
Dr. Pam Veale

Their responsibilities are now carried on by the Wellness and Culture and EDI Committees, which will build on the strong foundation they have established.

The Department of Pediatrics (DoP) has launched a novel faculty development program in phases that is individual-centric, targeting professional development needs across a spectrum of career paths and settings, and over the entire professional trajectory in order to maximize the vitality of the DoP faculty. In the Professionals Engaging with Purpose Program, careers are cultivated through reflective planning, development resource identification and access, and a network of career development support that is embedded in our Departmental culture.

A PEPP Primer

Put some PEPP in your step in 2025 by sampling some of the PEPP offerings! Our Department of Pediatrics faculty development program is here to support your efforts to craft a career constructed on a foundation of meaningful work. We recommend starting with reflective career planning in Steps 1 and 2:

Steps

The Foundation – Find, revise or reaffirm your calling through the Affirmation of Professional Calling (APC) workshop (Jan 21/25)
The Path – Use your calling to plan your way forward with the Professional Development Plan (PDP) workshop (Feb 24/25)
The Building Blocks - Select the core and career path specific curriculum you need to move forward towards your goals.
The Support – Find a mentor through the self-matching mentor tool (coming soon) or connect to a coach through the PEPP website. Join our Mentoring Academy by taking the Building Mentoring Relationships workshop (Mar 18/25).

This is your program. The PEPP model emerged from our 2021 needs assessment.