Our Network

Leadership and key team members

Core leadership

Core team

The Network’s key members bring expertise in rehabilitation, cancer care, pediatric care, non-cancer lymphedema, plastic and reconstructive surgery, research, innovation, and patient partnership.

• Naomi Dolgoy, PhD, OT, CLT – Cancer Rehabilitation Clinic, University of Alberta
• Spencer Gibson, PhD – Basic Science and Genetics Lead
• Moein Momtazi, MD, MSc ,FRCSC – Plastic and reconstructive surgery, Edmonton
• Claire Temple-Oberle, MD, FRCSC – Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Calgary
• James Kennedy, MD, PhD, FRCSC, ABPS – South Health Campus, Calgary
• Whitney Strutynski, OT, CLT – Pediatric lymphedema rehabilitation and referral coordination, Alberta Children’s Hospital
• Ian Soles, MT, CLT – Lymphedema expert, Dianne and Irving Kipnes Health Research Institute
• Leanne Daneyko, BSc PT, CLT – Oncology Rehabilitation Practice Lead and referral coordination, Cross Cancer Institute
• Heather Watt, OT, CLT – Non-cancer lymphedema rehabilitation and referral coordination, CRIS Lymphedema Clinic
• Mona Al Onazi, PhD, PT, CLT – Postdoctoral researcher, University of Alberta
• Diane Martin – Patient advisor and founder and past president of the Alberta Lymphedema Association
• Chris Prystai, BSc Eng – Patient advisor

Research innovation and partnership

The wider research team spans artificial intelligence, advanced imaging, basic science and genetics, oncology, surgery, rehabilitation, psychosocial care, head and neck care, and cardiology, implementation. Key leadership and advisory roles include:

• Amber Simpson, PhD – Director, Kipnes Health Research Institute: Research oversight and artificial intelligence in advanced imaging
• Richard Thompson, PhD – Professor, University of Alberta: Radiology & Diagnostic Imaging
• Shan Liao, PhD – Associate Professor, University of Calgary: Lymphatic function in inflammation and cancer
• Sébastien Gauvrit, PhD – Assistant Professor, University of Saskatchewan: Genetics
• Roger Zemp, PhD – Associate Professor, University of Alberta: Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Lashan Peiris, MD – Clinical Lead: Comprehensive Breast Care Program: Oncoplastic and Reconstructive Breast Surgery
• Justin Ezekowitz, MD – Professor, University of Alberta and Co-director Canadian Vigour Centre, Cardiology
• Brock Debenham, MD – Acting Associate Dean, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alberta: Radiation Oncology
• David Langelier, MD – Assistant Professor, University of Calgary & Medical Lead of Cancer Physiatry
• Arjun Ghuman, MD – Assistant Professor, University of Calgary: Cancer Physiatry
• Hadi Seikaly, MD – Professor, University of Alberta & Director of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
• Brian Kelly, MD – Lead: Professor, University of Calgary & Cancer Care Alberta: Psychiatry
• Edith Pituskin, NP, PhD – Professor, University of Alberta: Oncology Nursing and Cardio-Oncology
• Pooja Gandhi, SLP, PhD – Assistant Professor, University of Alberta: Speech Language Pathology, Dysphagia
• Ryan Spychka, M.D – Radiology, University of Alberta

Network partners

The Network builds on collaboration among provincial health services, cancer centres, pediatric programs, academic institutions, rehabilitation and surgical teams, and patient and professional organizations. Partners identified through the Network development process include:

Health-system and clinical partners

• Alberta Health Services
• Cancer Care Alberta
• Cross Cancer Institute
• Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre
• Jack Ady Cancer Centre
• Central Alberta Cancer Centre
• Grande Prairie Cancer Centre
• Alberta Children’s Hospital
• Stollery Children’s Hospital
• Alberta Aids to Daily Living

Community and national partners

• Alberta Lymphedema Association
• Canadian Lymphedema Framework

Lead institution and academic partners

• University of Alberta
• University of Calgary
• University of Saskatchewan