N*62 Seminar

Be’sha Blondin 

Be’sha Blondin is a First Nation’s Elder from the Sahtu Region of the Northwest Territories with forty years of experience in indigenous traditional healing and living in harmony and balance. From her youth, Be’sha learned about environmental laws, traditional law, life skills, and knowledge and medicines of the land from her family and Elders. She speaks to preserve and to revitalize Aboriginal cultural knowledge and belief systems.

She has worked with communities in the North and across Canada for over 35 years delivering land-based healing programs, developing wellness plans, and teaching ceremonies, healing practices, cultural competency and traditional knowledge approaches to wellness.

Be’sha is committed to helping her people heal and is excited to be leading the development of a space for Elders to share and practice their traditional teachings, which has been one of her life’s dreams.

Dr. Sylvan Coderre

MD. FRCPC, MSc (med ed) 

Gastroenterologist and Medical Educator 

Dr. Sylvan Coderre, a Gastroenterologist, currently practices at the Peter Lougheed Centre (PLC) in Calgary. Originally from Ottawa, Dr. Coderre completed his medical training in his hometown before moving to Calgary in 1997 to pursue a Master’s in Medical Education, which he completed in 2000. 

Dr. Coderre has significantly contributed to medical education, research, and administration. His impactful leadership roles include serving as the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Medical Education (UME) from 2014 to 2019 and as the Director of Teacher Development in the Office of Faculty Development, where he led the Teaching Excellence Program from 2020 to 2023.  

Dr. Coderre’s dedication to educational excellence has been recognized through numerous teaching awards, highlighting his commitment to advancing the field of medical education and fostering a high standard of learning and professional development. 

Dr. Emma Morin

Dr. Emma Morin is a dedicated family physician and hospitalist practicing in Canmore, AB, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare. Through her involvement with the UCLIC program, Dr. Morin mentors longitudinal clerks and family medicine residents from both urban and rural settings, providing them with invaluable guidance and support. 

Her clinical expertise is centered around dementia care, palliative care, and dermoscopy, areas in which she is deeply committed to advancing knowledge and improving patient outcomes.  

Outside of her professional life, Dr. Morin finds solace and inspiration in the natural beauty of the mountains, and she enjoys getting lost in the pages of a compelling novel. 

With her extensive experience and passion for education, Dr. Morin is a key contributor to the medical field, dedicated to enhancing both patient care and the development of future healthcare professionals. 

Dr. Kristy Penner

Dr. Kristy Penner is a highly respected rural generalist based in Crowsnest Pass, AB, where she delivers comprehensive and compassionate care to a diverse and often remote population. With a deep commitment to medical education, Dr. Penner plays a crucial role in mentoring and guiding medical learners at various stages of their training. As the Co-Site Director for the Lethbridge Family Medicine Residency Program at the Cumming School of Medicine, she significantly influences the development of future rural physicians, ensuring they are well-prepared for the unique challenges of rural practice. 

Dr. Penner's professional interests are deeply rooted in enhancing healthcare delivery in rural settings, and she actively contributes to both clinical practice and medical education. Her dedication extends beyond her professional life; she is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys exploring the rugged landscapes of her region by bike, skis, or running shoes. This passion for the outdoors complements her work, reflecting a holistic approach to health and well-being. 

Dr. Jonathan Somerville

Dr. Jonathan Somerville has been a dedicated rural generalist for the past decade, having completed his Family Medicine residency in Red Deer, AB, in 2014. Over the years, he has built a rewarding career providing comprehensive care to rural communities, where his commitment to patient well-being and medical education stands out. Dr. Somerville is passionate about the unique challenges and rewards of rural medicine, striving to meet the diverse healthcare needs of underserved populations. 

Teaching has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of his career. Dr. Somerville values the energy and curiosity his learners bring, finding great joy in mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals. His dedication to teaching and mentorship has played a significant role in his own growth as a physician. 

Outside of his professional life, Dr. Somerville is a proud father of two young girls. Together with their mother, they offer him constant reminders of the beauty and simplicity of life, giving him countless reasons to smile and appreciate the small moments of joy. 

Dr. David Pontin

Dr. David Pontin has been a dedicated family doctor based in Yellowknife, NWT since 2006, where he has become a prominent figure in the field of rural and remote medicine. As the Co-Site Director for the Family Medicine Residency Program - Yellowknife at the University of Alberta, Dr. Pontin plays a vital role in shaping the training and development of future family physicians in Northern Canada.

His professional interests are deeply rooted in rural and remote family medicine, as well as medical education. Dr. Pontin is committed to advancing healthcare in isolated communities and enhancing the training experiences for medical learners. His extensive experience and passion for these areas contribute significantly to improving medical practice and education in the region.

Dr. Pontin’s work reflects his dedication to both patient care and the cultivation of new talent in the field of family medicine, making him a valuable contributor to the ongoing evolution of healthcare in rural settings.

Dr. Hannah Shoichet

Dr. Hannah Shoichet is a dedicated family physician specializing in emergency medicine, currently practicing in Yellowknife, NWT. As the Site Co-Director for the University of Alberta Rural Family Medicine Program in Yellowknife, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of rural healthcare providers. Dr. Shoichet has also been affiliated with the University of Calgary's Cumming School of Medicine since 2017, where she brings a creative approach to medical education, incorporating gamified teaching techniques to engage and inspire learners. 

With a passion for improving healthcare delivery in remote and underserved communities, Dr. Shoichet is deeply committed to enhancing patient care in Northern Canada. Her focus on innovation and advocacy for rural medicine is reflected in her clinical work and educational contributions. Outside of her professional life, she is a proud wife and mom to four young kids and enjoys outdoor adventures, including camping, canoeing, and snowmobiling. 

Dr. Aaron Johnston

Originally from rural Ontario, Dr. Aaron Johnston completed his medical education at Queen’s University. He has served as a medical professional in multiple provinces, including British Columbia, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories. Since 2012, Dr. Johnston has been based in Alberta, where he practices as an emergency physician at Rockyview General Hospital.

Dr. Johnston has held several prominent leadership roles, including CCFP-EM Residency Program Director, and has received numerous local and national teaching awards. Currently, he serves as the Associate Dean of Distributed Learning & Rural Initiatives at the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary. His national contributions include leadership as Past-Chair of the CFPC Section of Teachers.

With a deep commitment to rural healthcare, Dr. Johnston’s research and scholarship focus on faculty engagement, medical leadership, and improving healthcare delivery in rural communities.