Investing in Our Health Care Workforce – for the Good of Every New Brunswicker. Originally published in the Maritime EDIT, Volume 35, Winter 2025–2026. Written by James Mullinger. Bringing the Future of Surgery home. At the Saint John Regional Hospital, excellence in care begins with people — the surgeons, nurses, technologists, and specialists dedicated…
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Jennifer Sheils is Vice President of Strategy & Transformation and Chief Innovation Officer for Horizon Health Network. She leads strategic alignment and modernization across the organization, with oversight of continuous improvement, change management, transformation and digital health. She also serves as executive lead for Horizon’s IT systems and technology strategy.
Jennifer brings to Horizon more than 20 years of experience from the Information and Communications Technology sector, with a strong focus on health care innovation in New Brunswick. She works closely with clinical teams and industry partners to foster an integrated health care ecosystem and improve patient care.
Jennifer is the Executive Lead of the Atlantic Edge of the CAN Health Network, a national platform that supports Canadian health tech companies by removing barriers to growth. She is a member of Horizon’s Executive Leadership Team and holds leadership roles including Board Director for the Canadian College of Health Leaders, Advisory Committee Member for Digital Health Canada (Atlantic Chapter), and member of the Canadian Health Information Executive Forum (CHIEF).
She also serves on the National Board of the CAN Health Network, the National AI Council in Healthcare, is a Director of the Board for ResearchNB, and is a member of the Anglophone South District Education Council.
Ernest Namdar is a PhD candidate at the Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, and a senior data analyst at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). He holds a P.Eng. in software engineering, and is a Vector Institute-affiliated graduate student and NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute artificial intelligence (AI) ambassador in healthcare.
His research focuses on applying AI to medical imaging, with an emphasis on AI-driven computer vision pipelines for non-invasive disease characterization. As part of his PhD research, he developed MRI-based AI pipelines for molecular subtype identification of pediatric low-grade glioma (pLGG), enabling a "virtual biopsy" approach to replace invasive tissue sampling.
Beyond pLGG, Ernest has worked on multiple AI-driven medical imaging projects, including deep learning models for cancer diagnosis, radiomics-based tumor classification, AI-enhanced image analysis for neuroradiology, and explainable AI techniques for clinical decision support. He is actively involved in research collaborations and technology development to advance AI in precision medicine and healthcare.
Victoria Nelson is a PhD student in the Department of Pharmacology at Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick (DMNB). Currently in the second year of her doctoral studies, her research focuses on the relationship between the immune system and heart cells, specifically how these interactions change with age and may contribute to heart failure. Her passion for cardiovascular research was sparked by personal experience—first with the loss of her father to a cardiac event when she was just nine, and later through her mother’s heart attack during her high school years. These life-changing moments solidified her commitment to understanding the heart and improving outcomes for others.
Victoria holds a Bachelor of Science with honours in Medicinal Chemistry from the University of New Brunswick and a Master of Science from DMNB. Her awards include the CIHR CGS-M Scholarship, the Scotia Scholar Award and the Faculty of Medicine Graduate Studentship. She has published six research papers and received recognition for both oral and poster presentations at scientific conferences.
She volunteers with Horizon Health Network’s recreation therapy program, represents graduate students at DMNB, and works as a supply teacher, where she shares her enthusiasm for STEM with students.
Dr. Akram Mikaeilpour joined the New Brunswick Heart Centre in 2024. She completed her cardiology residency in Tehran, Iran, followed by a two-year fellowship in Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) and cardiac disease in pregnancy at Toronto General Hospital. She then pursued further clinical experience in echocardiography and ambulatory adult cardiology.
Her work explores risk stratification and tailored management for the ACHD population and pregnant individuals with congenital or acquired heart conditions. Her research interests focus on the integration of artificial intelligence in echocardiography interpretation.
Dr. Keith Brunt is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology at Dalhousie University, Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Business at the University of New Brunswick, and Translational Scientist at the New Brunswick Heart Centre of the Saint John Regional Hospital. He also serves as Chief Scientific Officer for the knowledge brokerage firm NBBM Inc.
With over 15 years of experience in scientific and clinical research across multiple disciplines, Dr. Brunt has managed more than $10 million in direct and $50 million in partnered R&D funding academically. He is also the financial director of a successful research and innovation development program through the IMPART investigator team, which connects academic, clinical, public service and commercial enterprises to improve outcomes for patients, stakeholders and investors.
As a translational researcher, Dr. Brunt develops solutions from the basic sciences and engineering sectors to meet unmet medical needs. He is passionate about improving patient quality of life and operational efficiency in healthcare. His expertise in translational medicine and health innovation is sought after by medical device companies, therapeutic developers, investors and economic development groups across academic, private, and government sectors.
Dr. Jean-François Légaré joined the New Brunswick Heart Centre (NBHC) in September 2016 as Division Head of Cardiac Surgery. His contributions to the cardiac care of New Brunswickers include strategies to reduce wait times and increase efficiency of care while maintaining quality. In 2022, Dr. Légaré became Medical Director of the NBHC and implemented major governance changes that led to a Department of Cardiac Sciences, allowing better alignment between cardiology and cardiac surgery. His vision for the NBHC is to provide world-class cardiac care and for New Brunswick to become a national leader in the field.
Dr. Légaré obtained his MD from McGill University and completed cardiac surgery training at Dalhousie University and Herzzentrum Leipzig in Germany. Upon returning to Canada in 2003, he joined the Cardiac Surgery Division in Halifax. During that time, he was the Director of Research and Surgical Director of Transplantation in the division of Cardiac Surgery with Dalhousie University. Dr. Légaré is an established clinician scientist and Professor of Surgery at Dalhousie University with cross-appointments in Pathology and Microbiology. He has been nationally recognized for his leadership, serving on the executive of the Canadian Society of Cardiac Surgeons and as its president 2018-2020.
Dr. Kenneth D’Souza is a senior scientist at the New Brunswick Heart Centre (NBHC). He completed an undergraduate and MSc at McMaster University in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, followed by a PhD in Biochemistry at Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick (DMNB). Dr. D’Souza was a NSERC Vanier-funded scholar and the first PhD graduate at DMNB. He completed his post-doctoral fellowship at the New Brunswick Heart Centre and received a Mitacs Accelerate and Elevate fellowship.
Dr. D’Souza’s focus at the NBHC is on cardiac amyloid disease and the development of new diagnostics. He manages several clinical projects on amyloidosis and is developing novel diagnostics for this group of diseases, including the use of spectroscopy and machine learning. He is also principal grant writer for the Heart Centre and assists with all aspects of research management and planning. Dr. D’Souza is a contracted instructor at the University of New Brunswick and Mount Allison University, where he teaches in biology, biochemistry and health.
Alyson Cronkhite is a Medical Laboratory Technologist in the Cytogenetic and Molecular Diagnostic Laboratories at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Since graduating with academic excellence from the Medical Laboratory Technology program at the New Brunswick Community College in 2016, Alyson has dedicated her career to advancing laboratory science in New Brunswick. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Technology from Memorial University.
Originally from Prince Edward Island, Alyson moved to New Brunswick in 2009 and began working at the Saint John Regional Hospital immediately after graduation. She spent eight years specializing in transfusion medicine, including two years as part of the New Brunswick Stem Cell Transplantation Program. Her interest in genetics was sparked by a personal medical journey with her son, inspiring her recent transition into the Cytogenetics and Molecular Diagnostics department in 2023.
Alyson is passionate about the evolving world of genetic medicine and finds purpose in the “detective work” that helps guide diagnosis and treatment. She values the complexity and scale of the lab at SJRH and thrives in a field where every day brings something new.
Renata Yehia is the Supervisor of Molecular and Cytogenetics at the Saint John Regional Hospital. With over a decade of experience in medical laboratory science, Renata has cultivated a deep passion for diagnostic testing and its impact on patient care. She specializes in molecular genetics and oversees a dynamic team dedicated to providing high-quality genetic testing services.
Renata holds a Bachelor of Science (Biology) from Dalhousie University and a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science from the University of New Brunswick. She is certified as a Medical Laboratory Technologist through the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science and holds an ASCP certification in Molecular Biology. In addition to her clinical work, she serves as a chemistry instructor for the Nova Scotia Michener program.
Renata has worked across multiple disciplines in laboratory medicine, ultimately finding her niche in genetics. She is passionate about the vital role laboratories play in health care and finds purpose in contributing to patient outcomes and family support.
Tiffany Clouston is the Clinical Specialist for Molecular Diagnostics and Cytogenetics at the Saint John Regional Hospital. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Mount Allison University, a Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) Diploma from the New Brunswick Community College (NBCC), and a Master of Health Management from McMaster University.
Tiffany began her career at the Saint John Regional Hospital after completing clinical rotations, drawn by the lab’s passionate team and strong culture of innovation. She has worked across hematology, chemistry and genetics, and has also served as an instructor and program coordinator for NBCC’s MLT and MLA programs. In 2023, she received the “Lifelong Learner” award from the Professional Services Awards of Distinction.
In her current role, Tiffany leads the adoption of state-of-the-art technologies to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient care. She is passionate about health care innovation and finds purpose in supporting the diagnosis and treatment of complex cases.
Tiffany also serves as Atlantic Director for the Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Science and chairs its Grants, Scholarships and Awards Committee.
Dr. Doha Itani received her Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Technology and MD from the American University of Beirut. She is certified in Anatomical Pathology and Clinical Pathology by the American Board of Pathology, with subspecialty training in hematopathology and molecular genetics pathology.
Dr. Itani started her practice at the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary, where she strived for exemplary clinical practice and pursued, in the form of self-study, another field of interest: bone and soft tissue pathology. Given her passion for translational research, she was appointed the “Liaison for Translational Research,” allowing for collaborations between pathologists, surgeons, oncologists and basic science researchers.
Dr. Itani is an Associate Professor at Dalhousie University and Head of the Division of Molecular Diagnostics and Cytogenetics Laboratory at Saint John Regional Hospital. She introduced Canada’s first routine use of comprehensive genomic profiling for clinical genetic tumor testing and continues to implement advanced technologies such as optical genome mapping, delivering essential diagnostic services to patients across New Brunswick.
Vanessa MacDonald is a Registered Nurse with a passion for cardiovascular care and advancing patient outcomes in New Brunswick. As the Clinical Resource Nurse in the Coronary Care Unit at Saint John Regional Hospital, she assists frontline staff in enhancing the clinical environment while ensuring competent and compassionate care.
Vanessa is currently pursuing a Master of Nursing at the University of New Brunswick with a focus on integrating arts-based methods into cardiovascular care research. She holds a certification in Cardiovascular Care from the Canadian Nurses Association and previously served as the provincial director for the Canadian Council of Cardiovascular Nurses (NB & PEI division).
Amanda McCoy is Nurse Manager of the Coronary Care Unit and Coronary Step-Down Unit at the Saint John Regional Hospital. With over a decade of experience in cardiovascular and emergency nursing, she brings clinical expertise, leadership and a passion for continuous learning. Her journey at the Saint John Regional Hospital began in 2012, where she was drawn by the opportunity to specialize in cardiovascular care and grow professionally through the hospital’s supportive environment and education programs.
Her background includes frontline roles in cardiac services, the Cardiac Cath and Electrophysiology Lab, and the Emergency Department. She has served as a Cardiovascular Interventional Nurse Associate and continues to contribute to the ED. In her leadership role, she supports nurses in their practice and helps ensure high-quality care across New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
Amanda holds a Bachelor of Nursing from the University of New Brunswick and is certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Basic Life Support. She has pursued advanced cardiovascular education through the Medtronic Learning Academy, with a focus on electrophysiology. She is completing the Cornerstone leadership program, graduating in April 2025.
She contributes to research initiatives through the NB Trauma program and cardiovascular research teams, with published work on situational awareness and cardiogenic shock. She is active in national conferences and clinical documentation working groups.
Janine Doucet is a Registered Nurse and Clinical Director of the New Brunswick Heart Centre (NBHC). She holds a Bachelor of Nursing Sciences from Université de Moncton, a Master of Health Studies (Nursing), and a certificate in Modern Management from the Canadian Healthcare Association.
Janine began her career at the Saint John Regional Hospital and has been with the NBHC team since its opening in 1991. She has held several clinical roles, including Nurse Associate in Interventional Cardiology, which laid the groundwork for her to develop and lead the NBHC Access Management department. She assumed the role of Clinical Director in 2009, where she continues to advance cardiac care delivery in the province.
Bridget D. Stack is the Clinical Executive Director of the Cardiac Care Program at the Saint John Regional Hospital, where she also leads New Brunswick’s cardiac care strategy. With nearly 20 years of experience in health care, she brings a strong background in patient care and clinical leadership. Her career began in direct care, specializing in rehabilitation and rheumatology, before moving into leadership roles across medicine, neurosciences and patient flow.
Bridget holds a Master of Nursing from Dalhousie University, a Bachelor of Nursing from UNB Saint John, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New Brunswick. She is currently completing her Doctor of Nursing at the Bloomberg School of Nursing, University of Toronto. Her work has been recognized with the CNF NANB Scholarship and the UNBSJ Nursing Leadership through Advocacy Award.
Priscilla Medeiros is a Community Engagement Specialist at the Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children in Toronto, where she leads training and education initiatives for researchers, trainees, and family and community partners.
Bev is Manager of the Social Work and Psychology departments at the Saint John Regional Hospital. As a registered social worker and educator, she has dedicated her career to community development, program innovation and evaluation, focusing on compassionate, life- affirming social work strategies.
Eric Weissman has been in abstinence-based recovery from severe substance abuse and episodic homelessness since 1996. He had been close to death in 1995, following a downward spiral that saw him drugging out of a promising PhD and academic career at the University of Toronto in 1990. After several months in rehab, he began a series of essays and films about homelessness, housing and harm reduction, focusing his work on the role that tiny home communities could play in helping to alleviate the housing crisis and reduce the harms associated with substance abuse.
Ben Appleby is the Director of Shelter and Housing at Outflow Ministry Inc, a faith-based registered charity that has served the needs of vulnerable populations in Saint John for over 16 years. Outflow operates an emergency men's shelter, drop-in centre, community meal programs, addiction and mental health support programs, a food and donation pantry, and a social enterprise coffee shop called Catapult Coffee & Studio. Ben joined Outflow after 10 years developing and operating supportive housing programs in the community. His work supports emergency housing initiatives and new purpose-built affordable housing projects.
Dr. Webster graduated from Mount Allison with a BSc (Chemistry, Biology and Physics) as well as a BA (honours) in Philosophy and Religion. He earned his Master of Philosophy at the University of New Brunswick and his MD from Dalhousie University. He completed his internal medicine residency training and infectious diseases fellowship at the University of Alberta before returning to Dalhousie University for a medical microbiology fellowship. Dr. Webster now works in his hometown of Saint John as an Infectious Diseases Consultant and Medical Microbiologist at the Saint John Regional Hospital with the Department of Medicine and Department of Laboratory Medicine.
Dr. Webster has been named an honorary research associate with the University of New Brunswick and is an associate professor with the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University. As an infectious diseases physician his clinical and research interests relate to chronic viral infections as well as harm reduction, tuberculosis and glycosylation.
Dr. Webster and his wife Anita are the proud parents of their two boys, Noah and Joe. As their daughter Maria suffered from a rare enzyme deficiency, ALG9-CDG, they worked to establish Foundation Glycosylation, which supports families and children struggling with rare diseases. He established the not-for-profit RECAP Clinic, which serves marginalized populations struggling with substance use disorder and chronic viral infections, and in 2022 was awarded the YMCA Peace Medal for his work with the local newcomer community.
Erin is the Director of Research for the Canada East Spine Centre (CESC), specializing in orthopedic and neurosurgery spine research. Under her leadership, CESC has expanded to include six sites at five different hospitals across Canada. She has received multiple best paper awards at national and international conference, and, in 2020, her team was named Research Team of the Year by ResearchNB. In 2023, Erin co-founded the Canada East Foot and Ankle Centre. Both centres introduce cutting-edge techniques and implement empirically driven best practices to enhance patients’ surgical outcomes and quality of life. She is a staunch advocate for integrating research practices into medical care.
Before joining CESC, Erin’s work focused on identifying and breaking down barriers to post- secondary education for individuals affected by generational poverty. This early work in effecting social change remains a cornerstone of her approach to medical research. Erin is committed to ensuring that her research addresses the impact of systemic barriers and social determinants on patients’ health.
Natalia Fana is the Clinical Research Manager at New Brunswick Social Pediatrics (NBSP). Originally from Moldova, she studied in Romania and the United States before moving to Canada. She has extensive experience in clinical research on respiratory, cardiovascular, pediatric health and substance use in birthing people. At NBSP she provides oversight to team members, students and volunteers, managing daily operations and overseeing the organization's research projects.
Dr. Sarah Gander is a Social Pediatrician with Horizon Health Network and an Associate Professor at Dalhousie University. Dr. Gander is an alumna of the University of New Brunswick (Saint John), Memorial University and Queen’s University, where she trained as a pediatrician.
After her training, Sarah returned home to Saint John to serve children and families in the community, particularly those living in poverty. She is the founder and past chair of NB Social Pediatrics Inc. and currently Chief of Staff at the Saint John Regional Hospital.
Mollie McGuire is a dedicated advocate for health equity, leading the charity of NB Social Pediatrics Inc. with a commitment to improving the well-being of children and families facing adversity. Her experience spans sociological research, union leadership, refugee resettlement services and health navigation, where she has worked closely with individuals facing complex physical and mental health challenges. Through strategic grant writing, program development and community advocacy, Mollie plays a key role in expanding NB Social Pediatrics’ reach and impact.
Under her leadership, the organization continues to foster strong partnerships and deliver holistic, wraparound services that address the social determinants of health. She is committed to advancing policies and programs that ensure equitable access to care for vulnerable populations.