Medical Management Team

Dr. Vollrath completed his medical school at the University of Alberta in Edmonton before going on to finish his Family Medicine residency at the University of Calgary.
He has worked in a wide variety of both urban and rural clinical settings including ER and hospital based medicine. He is a co-founder of Cherry Health a Canadian technologies company. In 2020, he was awarded the Joule Physician Innovation prize by the Canadian Medical Association. He has a passion for mental health and its relationship with weight outcomes.

 In his spare time, he enjoys being active and outdoors - skiing, camping, mountain biking and spending time with his French bulldog.

Dr. Ogona completed her medical training in the United Kingdom and has been practicing as a family physician since 2013. 

She has a special interest in mental health and is a life and weight loss coach. 

She uses a combination of psychotherapy and coaching to support her patients in their weight management journey.  

 In her spare time, she enjoys walks, travelling and reading a good book.

Dr. Randhawa completed her medical training and residency in Family Medicine at the University of Calgary.

 She uses a multidisciplinary approach - with novel psychological and physiological tools- to help patients achieve sustainable weight loss and improve their overall health. 

She understands that excess weight can have a significant impact on mental health and self-esteem and she works closely with her patients to help them overcome these challenges. 

In her spare time she enjoys travelling and playing with her little niece and nephew. 

Dr Dezfuli is a family physician with a passion in Obesity Medicine and helping patients gain their goals through science based approach.

She obtained her medical degree in Iran at Tehran University and completed her Family Medicine residency at the University of Alberta in Edmonton.

She is CCFP accredited and is a diplomat of American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM).

She also has training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and psychotherapy and holds accreditation from the Medical Psychotherapy Association of Canada (MDPAC).

Dr. Salisbury completed medical school and her Family Medicine Residency at The University of British Columbia.  She practiced as a Family Physician for 10 years before deciding to pursue her passion for mental health as her principal clinical work. 

In parallel with her medical studies, Dr. Salisbury worked as a Crisis Stabilization and Suicide Prevention Distress Line counsellor, and has done extra training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT )and psychiatry.  Special interests include supporting patients who are living with chronic disease.  

Prior to going into medicine, Dr. Salisbury completed a Bachelor's Degree in Honors English Literature, during which she developed a passion for exploring the impact of illness and disease narratives in our culture, and how this influences our social experience of health.

Originally hailing from Nova Scotia, you may occasionally hear a glimpse of a Maritime Accent.  Dr. Salisbury currently lives with her husband, 3 children and dogs.

Dr. Rice completed her BScH in Biology at Acadia University in Nova Scotia, before switching coasts to complete her medical degree and family practice residency at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. 

She has a special interest in mental health and lifestyle medicine. She uses evidence-based approaches to help patients achieve their goals. 

In her free time, she enjoys getting outdoors to bike, hike, and ski, and spending time with her family and friends. 

 Dr. Hashim is a dedicated family physician who completed her Family Medicine residency at University of Alberta. 

She is keen on providing compassionate and comprehensive healthcare. 

Dr. Hashim has special interest in obesity medicine and extra training in cognitive behavioral therapy which would support patients in their struggles with Obesity. Outside the clinic, Dr. Hashim enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.

Dr. D’Agostini was born and raised in Edmonton, having completed her BSc in Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta. 

Upon completion of her degree, she moved to Calgary to attend medical school at the Cumming School of Medicine. While she loved the city, she could never cheer for the Flames, and so returned home to Edmonton for her residency in Family Medicine. 

She manages a full scope family medicine practice but has special interests in women’s health, sexual education and obesity medicine. She has worked in obesity medicine since 2019, supporting patients make long-term lifestyle changes and guiding them in evidence-based obesity management options.

When she is not at work, you can find Dr. D’Agostini travelling, spending time with her puppy Ollie or trying to hone her gardening skills.

Dr. Keller completed both her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and her medical school training in Saskatchewan, where she grew up. Following, she completed her family medicine training at the University of Alberta, in Edmonton. 

Since completing her schooling she has stayed in Alberta to work throughout the province. She practices comprehensive family medicine, however is particularly passionate about mental health. 

In her spare time, she enjoys playing recreational basketball, running, readings, and spending time with family and friends.

 Dr. Kristina Lea completed 10 years of post secondary education at the University of Alberta, obtaining her Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biological Sciences and Psychology in 2015, her Doctorate of Medicine (MD) in 2019 and, finally, her Family Medicine Residency (CCFP) in 2021. 

Since completing her education she has practiced comprehensive outpatient family medicine, with a special interest and additional training in mental health. She strives to integrate a patient-centred and holistic approach to her work. 

Dr. Lea is also passionate about medical education and holds an academic appointment as a clinical lecturer at the University of Alberta. 

 Dr.  Iona Cherian grew up in Edmonton, Canada and moved to Australia in 2013 to study Medicine at the University of Wollongong. 

She has recently returned after completing her family medicine training to her hometown and is interested in obesity management and behavioral medicine.

In her spare time Dr Cherian enjoys swimming and traveling with her husband.

Dr. Jarrett was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta. She moved to Camrose, Alberta for her post-secondary education at the University of Alberta, Augustana Faculty. 

She received a basketball scholarship from Augustana and played 5 years competing in the Alberta

Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) of the Canadian Collegiate Athletics Association (CCAA). 

After completing her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 2014, she started medical school at the University of Alberta in 2015. She stayed in Edmonton for family medicine residency, completing her training in 2021.

She has a special interest in mental health and lifestyle medicine. Monique still enjoys playing sports and staying active with friends and family. She enjoys playing basketball, tennis, pickleball, skiing, biking and going for walks.

Dr. Michael Yosefi completed his BSc in Molecular Biology in 2012 from York University in Toronto, and his Doctorate of Medicine (MD) in 2016 from the University of Calgary. This was followed by residency training in Family Medicine at the University of Calgary and in 2018, he became certified in the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC). 

He has a passion for nutritional science and fitness. When he’s not tending to his patients, Michael enjoys spending time outside in the Canadian Rockies by ways of running, scrambling, climbing, and cycling.

Dr. Greeff grew up in Cape Town, South Africa. He completed his medical degree in 2002 at the

University of Stellenbosch, South Africa.

Since moving to Canada in 2006, he has worked in a variety of urban and rural family medicine practices in Alberta, currently working in Emergency Medicine. He holds a CCFP designation from the College of Family Physicians of Canada.

His interest in nutrition started in 2013 after a successful personal weight loss journey. He has since aimed to explore different approaches to nutrition, focusing on incorporating nutrition quality, measures to improve satiety and reduction of sugars and processed food.

In his spare time, he likes to enjoy year-round outdoor activities with his wife and two daughters.

Dr. Charles Clayton (he/him) earned his medical degree from the University of British Columbia in 2019 and completed his Family Medicine residency training at the University of Alberta in 2021.  He has interests in preventative health, lifestyle medicine, and palliative care. 

When not practicing medicine, he enjoys any activity that gets him outside and moving (cycling, mountain biking, hiking, camping, skiing, running, team sports), while nearly always listening to music.

Dr. Monica Chawla completed her Masters in Public Health and medical school training at the University of Alberta, and her residency training in Family Medicine and Enhanced Skills in Addiction Medicine at the University of Calgary. Her interest in public health and preventive medicine has led her to a career in addiction medicine and weight management. 

In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, doing yoga, and travelling.

 Dr. Chan completed her medical school and residency training in Family Medicine at the University of Toronto. She has a particular interest in preventative care and emphasizing lifestyle management strategies. 

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, dog walks and barre classes. 

Dr. Ceklic (pronounced check-leech) received a Bachelor of Health Science with Honors, majoring in Biomedical Sciences, from the University of Calgary in 2015. Afterwards he went on to complete his Medical Degree in 2019 and Family Medicine residency in 2021, both at the University of Alberta. 

In addition to practicing family medicine, Dr. Ceklic has a variety of clinical interests including chronic pain, peripheral nerve disorders, dermatology, and bariatric medicine. 

Outside of work, Dr Ceklic enjoys making homemade pasta, travelling, and making the most of Edmonton’s short gardening season.

 Dr. Leon completed a Bachelor's degree in Physiology and Nutrition at the University of British Columbia and her medical training at the University of Calgary, including medical school and family medicine residency. She obtained her certification as an American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) diplomate in 2020 and has incorporated weight management into her family practice since. 

She has also completed additional courses in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She is passionate about helping patients identify and overcome barriers to work towards their health and wellness goals. 

Outside of medicine, Dr. Leon enjoys travelling, cooking and is a fitness enthusiast; she enjoys all sorts of activities including hiking, yoga, barre, dance, skiing, biking and playing tennis

Dr. Olga de Sanctis completed her medical training at the University of Calgary. She completed her residency in Family Medicine at University of Ottawa, certifying in the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC). 

She has practiced family medicine for 32 years in Calgary.

Dr. de Sanctis completed her certification with Obesity Canada for the Canadian Advanced learning in Bariatric Care. She is an active member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.

She has a focused interest in lifestyle and nutrition as a means to help prevent many of today’s common medical conditions including diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and obesity.

In her non-existent spare time, she is a fine artist, enjoys playing music, and getting outdoors with family, friends and her black lab.

Dr Jamieson completed his medical training and family medicine residency at the University of Alberta. A lifelong Albertan, he loves spending time outdoors in our beautiful province. 

He has a passion for sports, nutrition, and exercise, and looks forward to working with his patients to meet their individual goals.

 Dr. Johns was born and raised in Edmonton. He completed his medical school with the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon and Regina before returning to Edmonton for his family medicine residency. 

Dr. Johns enjoys the breadth of family medicine and outside AOCN works in general practice, low-risk obstetrics, mental health, and acute care settings. Outside of the hospital he loves spending time with his wife and two dogs, playing the drums, and indoor bouldering.

Dr. Sifeldeen completed his BSc in Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta. He then obtained his medical degree from St. George's, University of London in 2020 before returning to Edmonton to complete his family medicine residency training in 2024, after also working in Infection Prevention and Control with Alberta Health Services. 

While working as a family physician, Dr. Sifeldeen is also completing specialization training in public health and preventive medicine, where he hopes to focus on interventions to prevent obesity before it starts. 

In his spare time Dr. Sifeldeen is an avid photographer, focusing on astrophotography. He lives in Edmonton with his wife, daughter, and his dog Dusty. 

Dr.  Jiang was born and raised in Edmonton. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Alberta before earning her
medical degree from St. George's University and completing her family
medicine residency in Winter Park, Florida.

With a strong interest in lifestyle medicine, Dr. Jiang believes in empowering patients through healthy living choices. 

Outside of the office, she enjoys cooking delicious meals, tending to her garden,
exploring her creative side through crafting, and spending quality time with her husband and 2 beloved dogs. 

Dr. Gill is a practicing Sports Medicine and Family Physician. He obtained his Medical Degree from McMaster University. He completed a residency in Family Medicine and subsequent fellowship in Sports Medicine at the University of Toronto. 

He draws on his Sports Medicine training and coaching experience in Strength & Conditioning to care for patients at AOC. His clinical interests include exercise prescription, musculoskeletal medicine, and medical education.

  Dr. Hafeez Kurji obtained in medical degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 2016. He has since completed his Family Medicine residency training in June 2018 and his Enhanced Skills residency training in Sport and Exercise Medicine in June 2020, both at the University of Calgary. Dr. Kurji presently holds his Certification in Family Medicine with a Certificate of Added Competency in Sport and Exercise Medicine from the College of Family Physicians of Canada.

Throughout his residency training and early into his career he has taken a special interest in Sport and Musculoskeletal Medicine.  He has been assisting with a number of sports teams including the University of Calgary Dinos Varsity Athletics (USports), Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL), Airdrie CFR Bisons (AAA Hockey), Calgary Colts (CJFL), Speed Skating Canada and covering other local sporting events. 

Outside of clinic practice Hafeez enjoys living an active lifestyle, playing ice hockey, ball hockey, golf, and softball, as well as going to the dog park with Fawkes his entlebucher mountain dog. He also enjoys travelling with his new wife. 

Dr. Assh is a physiatrist, which is also known as a specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R). This is a medical specialty that focuses on helping individuals with neurological and/ or musculoskeletal conditions maximize their function and improve their quality of life. 

Dr. Assh obtained her Doctor of Medicine degree and completed her postgraduate medical training/ residency in PM&R at the University of Alberta. She is now a Clinical Lecturer in the Department of Medicine at the U of A, participating in the training of physiatrists. 

Her medical practice is based at the Body Restoration clinic in Edmonton, where she works in general musculoskeletal medicine and electromyography. For the latter she holds the designation of CSCN Diplomate (EMG) from the Canadian Society of Clinical Neurophysiologists. She has a special interest in musculoskeletal ultrasound and ultrasound-guided injections. 

Dr. Hanlon-Dearman completed her medical school at the University of Manitoba then a residency in Family Medicine at the University of Alberta. Following this she completed a enhanced skills residency program and CASEM Diploma in Sport and Exercise Medicine at the University of Alberta. 

She has a varied clinical practice in both Family Medicine and Sport Medicine and enjoys supporting people in living a healthy active lifestyle. Outside of medicine she enjoys running, cycling, cross country skiing and spending time with her pets.

 Dr. Jetha is a Sport and Exercise Medicine Physician. He has completed a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology majoring in Exercise and Sport Studies and then went on to complete medical school and residency at the University of Saskatchewan with a subsequent fellowship in Sport and Exercise Medicine at the University of Calgary. 

Prior to medical school Dr. Jetha worked as a personal trainer with a large focus on the strength and conditioning of varsity athletes. He uses this experience combined with his interest in managing musculoskeletal pain to help provide patients with exercise prescriptions and address their barriers to exercise.  

Dr. Rachid Mohamed is a therapeutic endoscopist in Calgary, based out of the Peter Lougheed Center. Rachid completed medical school in Edmonton and went on to an internal medicine residency at the University of Alberta. He moved home to Calgary in 2008 where he completed his gastroenterology fellowship followed by a fellowship in therapeutic endoscopy. He is Section Head for Therapeutic Endoscopy in the Calgary zone. His interests lie in endoscopy, specifically complex pancreaticobiliary endoscopy and advanced tissue resection.

Dr. Pradip Joshi became a member of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada in 1981. He is board certified in Internal Medicine & Geriatrics.

He joined the Faculty of Medicine at Memorial in 1982, and he is currently a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine.

He has a special interest in diabetes, lipid disorders, geriatrics, venous thrombotic diseases, clinical research, and teaching. He has been on various advisory panels on diabetes and lipid disorders.

He received the award for Canadian Diabetes Association 2011 Outstanding Healthcare Professional.

Bio to come!