Board, Council & Staff
These dedicated individuals make up the CDHF Board of Directors which governs the organization; CDHF President's Council which aids in fundraising; and staff who support all aspects of the foundation.
CDHF Board of Directors
Dr. Armstrong graduated from Cambridge University (1974) and King's College Hospital (1977). After 2 years (1980-92) as a Family Physician in Goose Bay, Labrador he trained in internal medicine (UK: 1982-85), research (Guy's Hospital, London, UK: 1985-88; University of Lausanne, Switzerland: 1988-92) and clinical gastroenterology (McMaster University: 1992-95).
Dr. Armstrong has research interests in upper gastrointestinal disease, nutrition, education and practice audit; he is principal investigator for a number of multicentre studies on dyspepsia and gastroesophageal reflux disease with over 100 peer-reviewed publications, 70 invited articles and 200 peer-reviewed presentations at learned societies. He was Chief of Clinical Service for Gastroenterology (2000-2007) and is Past-President of the HHS Medical Staff Association (2005-7), a member of the International Working Group on the Classification of Oesophagitis (IWGCO; 1994-present), a member of the Organizing Committee for the Annual CAG/CASL Canadian Gastroenterology Fellows' Postgraduate Training Courses (1996-2007), Chair of the CAG Endoscopy Committee and a participant in the Canadian Consensus Conferences on the Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (1996 and 2004), Helicobacter pylori-related diseases (1998) and Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding (2002), the Latin-American consensus on gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (2005) and the Montreal Definition and Classification of GERD Working Group.
David lives with his wife and 5 sons in Hamilton, Ontario.
Dr. Armstrong has research interests in upper gastrointestinal disease, nutrition, education and practice audit; he is principal investigator for a number of multicentre studies on dyspepsia and gastroesophageal reflux disease with over 100 peer-reviewed publications, 70 invited articles and 200 peer-reviewed presentations at learned societies. He was Chief of Clinical Service for Gastroenterology (2000-2007) and is Past-President of the HHS Medical Staff Association (2005-7), a member of the International Working Group on the Classification of Oesophagitis (IWGCO; 1994-present), a member of the Organizing Committee for the Annual CAG/CASL Canadian Gastroenterology Fellows' Postgraduate Training Courses (1996-2007), Chair of the CAG Endoscopy Committee and a participant in the Canadian Consensus Conferences on the Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (1996 and 2004), Helicobacter pylori-related diseases (1998) and Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding (2002), the Latin-American consensus on gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (2005) and the Montreal Definition and Classification of GERD Working Group.
David lives with his wife and 5 sons in Hamilton, Ontario.
A dedicated and passionate communicator with a nose for science is the way Alon Barmapov would describe himself. Today, Alon is the General Manager of Prizsm Public Affairs, an agency he started back in 2009, where he provides strategic insight and counsel to some of the healthcare industry's leading companies. Through his public, non-for-profit and agency experience, Alon has developed an acute understanding of the challenges communicators and marketers face, and the strategic and tactical platforms that ensure success for an organization or brand. This, combined with Alon's fervour to continuously learn about and develop new communications avenues and platforms, and incorporate them into his expertise, has allowed Alon to establish himself as an invaluable partner and advisor for his clients.
One lesson Alon learned early on in his career was the power of consumer media, and its influence on a patients' mindset. This drove Alon in a direction that allowed him to hone his skills in media relations, initially as the Director of Communications for UNICEF, Ontario, and then afterwards at three healthcare-focused agencies of various sizes, while combining the skills he developed in communicating to patients. Today, through his current work at Prizsm Public Affairs, Alon is especially dedicated to understanding the patient and their motivations.
Today, Alon lives with his wife, Tali, and their two children, Daniel and Corey, in Vaughan. He is an avid sports fan, and wishes to live to see the Maple Leafs win a Stanley Cup. In his down time, Alon enjoys food and wine, or anything culinary related, as well as playing, writing and listening to all types of music.
One lesson Alon learned early on in his career was the power of consumer media, and its influence on a patients' mindset. This drove Alon in a direction that allowed him to hone his skills in media relations, initially as the Director of Communications for UNICEF, Ontario, and then afterwards at three healthcare-focused agencies of various sizes, while combining the skills he developed in communicating to patients. Today, through his current work at Prizsm Public Affairs, Alon is especially dedicated to understanding the patient and their motivations.
Today, Alon lives with his wife, Tali, and their two children, Daniel and Corey, in Vaughan. He is an avid sports fan, and wishes to live to see the Maple Leafs win a Stanley Cup. In his down time, Alon enjoys food and wine, or anything culinary related, as well as playing, writing and listening to all types of music.
Dr. Bridges is a graduate of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary (1981). He completed postgraduate family medicine training at McMaster University (1983) and specialty training in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology at the University of Calgary (1989). He maintains membership in the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology (CAG), American Gastroenterological Association, Alberta Society of Gastroenterology, Canadian Association for the Study of the Liver, American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Canadian Society of Physician Executives, Alberta Medical Association, Canadian Medical Association and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (RCPSC).
Dr. Bridges has held several significant professional positions including President of the Alberta Society of Gastroenterology, Chair of the CAG Education Committee, Chair of the RCPSC Gastroenterology Examination Committee, President of the CAG, Head Division of Gastroenterology at the University of Calgary, and Associate Chief Medical Officer for the Calgary Health Region. He was also instrumental in developing the Forzani and MacPhail Colon Cancer Screening Centre that opened in Calgary in 2008.
Dr. Bridges is an active clinical Gastroenterologist who cares for patients with a wide variety of gastrointestinal disorders. His fields of interest include philanthropy, quality assurance, wait time management, colon cancer screening and the development of a national digestive health strategy. He was an active member of the World Organization of Digestive Endoscopy working party on quality assurance and credentialing in digestive endoscopy lead by P. Cotton and D. Flaigel and is a member of the CAG 2010 endoscopy quality assurance consensus conference steering committee. Dr Bridges has received numerous teaching awards, the ASG Distinguished Service Award and in 2007 was presented the Quality Assurance and Patient Safety Award by the Department of Medicine, Calgary Health Region and Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary.
Dr Bridges is presently Professor of Medicine and Senior Associate Dean (Clinical Affairs), Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary; Medical Lead, Alberta Health Services Colorectal Cancer Screening Program; and, Past President of the CAG.
Dr. Bridges has held several significant professional positions including President of the Alberta Society of Gastroenterology, Chair of the CAG Education Committee, Chair of the RCPSC Gastroenterology Examination Committee, President of the CAG, Head Division of Gastroenterology at the University of Calgary, and Associate Chief Medical Officer for the Calgary Health Region. He was also instrumental in developing the Forzani and MacPhail Colon Cancer Screening Centre that opened in Calgary in 2008.
Dr. Bridges is an active clinical Gastroenterologist who cares for patients with a wide variety of gastrointestinal disorders. His fields of interest include philanthropy, quality assurance, wait time management, colon cancer screening and the development of a national digestive health strategy. He was an active member of the World Organization of Digestive Endoscopy working party on quality assurance and credentialing in digestive endoscopy lead by P. Cotton and D. Flaigel and is a member of the CAG 2010 endoscopy quality assurance consensus conference steering committee. Dr Bridges has received numerous teaching awards, the ASG Distinguished Service Award and in 2007 was presented the Quality Assurance and Patient Safety Award by the Department of Medicine, Calgary Health Region and Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary.
Dr Bridges is presently Professor of Medicine and Senior Associate Dean (Clinical Affairs), Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary; Medical Lead, Alberta Health Services Colorectal Cancer Screening Program; and, Past President of the CAG.
Dr. Chaun is Clinical Professor Emeritus of Medicine, University of British Columbia and a retired consultant gastroenterologist for the Department of Medicine and Adult Cystic Fibrosis Clinic at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Born in Hong Kong, Dr. Chaun graduated from Oxford University, England in 1962 and did his postgraduate medical training in London, England, and Vancouver, B.C. He emigrated to Canada 1967 and practiced Gastroenterology in Vancouver from 1970-2005.
Dr. Chaun is Past VP-Secretary for Canadian Association of Gastroenterology (CAG); past member of the Ethics, Admissions and Nomination Committees of CAG; and, is Past Chair of the Press & Congress News Committee for the 2005 World Congress of Gastroenterology. He is has been Chair of the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation since 2004; served as the Secretary-General of the Bockus International Society of Gastroenterology since 2002; and holds the following positions with the American College of Gastroenterology (AGA): Governor representing Western Provinces since 2004; Councillor representing Region VI (Canada) since 2006; and, is a member of the International Relations Committee.
Dr. Chaun has special interests and has conducted clinical research in Gastrointestinal manifestations of Cystic Fibrosis, Epidemiology of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Immigrants from Asia, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) including incidence among immigrants from the Far East and, parasitic infections of the gastrointestinal tract.
Dr. Chaun has been the recipient of the Award for Excellence in Clinical Teaching from the Professional Association of Residents of B.C., UBC Department of Medicine Master Teacher Award (St. Paul's Hospital) 1998 Dedicated Service Award, The Bockus International Society of Gastroenterology 1998 The Dr. Hugh Chaun Mentorship Award – “Presented in appreciation by the UBC GI fellows on the occasion of his retirement 2005”, inaugural recipient College of Physicians & Surgeons of B.C. Award of Excellence, May 2005 (one of five inaugural recipients).
Born in Hong Kong, Dr. Chaun graduated from Oxford University, England in 1962 and did his postgraduate medical training in London, England, and Vancouver, B.C. He emigrated to Canada 1967 and practiced Gastroenterology in Vancouver from 1970-2005.
Dr. Chaun is Past VP-Secretary for Canadian Association of Gastroenterology (CAG); past member of the Ethics, Admissions and Nomination Committees of CAG; and, is Past Chair of the Press & Congress News Committee for the 2005 World Congress of Gastroenterology. He is has been Chair of the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation since 2004; served as the Secretary-General of the Bockus International Society of Gastroenterology since 2002; and holds the following positions with the American College of Gastroenterology (AGA): Governor representing Western Provinces since 2004; Councillor representing Region VI (Canada) since 2006; and, is a member of the International Relations Committee.
Dr. Chaun has special interests and has conducted clinical research in Gastrointestinal manifestations of Cystic Fibrosis, Epidemiology of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Immigrants from Asia, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) including incidence among immigrants from the Far East and, parasitic infections of the gastrointestinal tract.
Dr. Chaun has been the recipient of the Award for Excellence in Clinical Teaching from the Professional Association of Residents of B.C., UBC Department of Medicine Master Teacher Award (St. Paul's Hospital) 1998 Dedicated Service Award, The Bockus International Society of Gastroenterology 1998 The Dr. Hugh Chaun Mentorship Award – “Presented in appreciation by the UBC GI fellows on the occasion of his retirement 2005”, inaugural recipient College of Physicians & Surgeons of B.C. Award of Excellence, May 2005 (one of five inaugural recipients).
Dr. Richard N Fedorak is Associate Vice President (Research) for the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and Professor of Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology.
In addition, he serves as Director for the Centre of Excellence for Gastrointestinal Inflammation and Immunity Research (CEGIIR) and Director of the Northern Alberta Clinical Trials and Research Centre (NACTRC).
Outside of the University Dr Fedorak is President, Canadian Digestive Health Foundation (CDHF) and Chairman, Research Committee, World Gastroenterology Organization.
He is a member of the Active Medical Staff at both the University of Alberta Hospitals and the Cross Cancer Institute, and is a Consulting Physician at the Stollery Children’s Health Centre of Northern Alberta and the Royal Alexandra Hospital.
In 1978, Dr. Fedorak received his medical degree with First Class Honours from the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. His postdoctoral training included an internship at the University of Western Ontario, in London, Ontario, and residency training in General Internal Medicine at the University of Toronto. His Gastroenterology Clinical and Research Fellowship training was carried out at the University of Chicago and Columbia University, New York. In 1987, Dr. Fedorak returned to the University of Alberta as an Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research Clinical Investigator.
A recipient of numerous awards, research fellowships and grants, Dr. Fedorak is a recognised expert in inflammatory bowel disease. He has an active basic gastrointestinal research laboratory in the area of mucosal immunology, inflammation, and membrane function and structure. In addition, he leads a large gastrointestinal disease clinical research group. Dr. Fedorak serves on multiple national and international scientific advisory boards. He has published over 400 peer-reviewed manuscripts and book chapters, produced two patents on colonic-specific drug delivery, and has lectured around the world. He has multiple grant review committee memberships and editorial positions with front ranked gastrointestinal journals
Dr. Fedorak has served as President of the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology, President of the University of Alberta Hospital Medical Staff, President of the Alberta Society of Gastroenterology, President of the World Congress of Gastroenterology Bid Federation, General Secretary of the Pan American Congress of Gastroenterology and President of the World Congress of Gastroenterology. In 2008 Dr. Fedorak was appointed Fellow, Royal College of Physicians, London, and in 2009 Fellow, Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.
At home Dr Fedorak enjoys life to its fullest with his wife, Karen, and their two children, Kristin and Bryan.
In addition, he serves as Director for the Centre of Excellence for Gastrointestinal Inflammation and Immunity Research (CEGIIR) and Director of the Northern Alberta Clinical Trials and Research Centre (NACTRC).
Outside of the University Dr Fedorak is President, Canadian Digestive Health Foundation (CDHF) and Chairman, Research Committee, World Gastroenterology Organization.
He is a member of the Active Medical Staff at both the University of Alberta Hospitals and the Cross Cancer Institute, and is a Consulting Physician at the Stollery Children’s Health Centre of Northern Alberta and the Royal Alexandra Hospital.
In 1978, Dr. Fedorak received his medical degree with First Class Honours from the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. His postdoctoral training included an internship at the University of Western Ontario, in London, Ontario, and residency training in General Internal Medicine at the University of Toronto. His Gastroenterology Clinical and Research Fellowship training was carried out at the University of Chicago and Columbia University, New York. In 1987, Dr. Fedorak returned to the University of Alberta as an Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research Clinical Investigator.
A recipient of numerous awards, research fellowships and grants, Dr. Fedorak is a recognised expert in inflammatory bowel disease. He has an active basic gastrointestinal research laboratory in the area of mucosal immunology, inflammation, and membrane function and structure. In addition, he leads a large gastrointestinal disease clinical research group. Dr. Fedorak serves on multiple national and international scientific advisory boards. He has published over 400 peer-reviewed manuscripts and book chapters, produced two patents on colonic-specific drug delivery, and has lectured around the world. He has multiple grant review committee memberships and editorial positions with front ranked gastrointestinal journals
Dr. Fedorak has served as President of the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology, President of the University of Alberta Hospital Medical Staff, President of the Alberta Society of Gastroenterology, President of the World Congress of Gastroenterology Bid Federation, General Secretary of the Pan American Congress of Gastroenterology and President of the World Congress of Gastroenterology. In 2008 Dr. Fedorak was appointed Fellow, Royal College of Physicians, London, and in 2009 Fellow, Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.
At home Dr Fedorak enjoys life to its fullest with his wife, Karen, and their two children, Kristin and Bryan.
In 1974 Dr. Nigel Flook received a Medical Doctorate degree with Honours and Distinction along with the Surgery Award from the University of Alberta having already received the Biochemistry Award with his Bachelor of Medical Sciences degree in 1972. He received his certification in family medicine (CCFP) in 1976, a Canadian fellowship in family medicine (FCFP) in 1991 and an American fellowship in family medicine (FAAFP) in 1995.
Dr. Flook is a member of the Geriatric Assessment Team at the Misericordia Hospital since 1995 and has been Chief of Family Medicine at the University of Alberta Hospital since 2008. He also has a primary care teaching practice in the University Hospital and is president of the Primary Care Society of Gastroenterology.
Dr. Flook is involved with the development of electronic medical resources and electronic health records. He has numerous publications in peer reviewed medical journals, participated in developing many Clinical Practice Guidelines, has been the principal investigator in many Primary Care research projects, and has received several awards including Physicians Recognition Award, American Medical Association 1995, Canadian Family Physician of the Year Award 1998, Outstanding Achievement Award, University of Alberta Alumni 2000, and Teacher of the Year Award Caritas Hospitals 2010.
Dr. Flook is a member of the Geriatric Assessment Team at the Misericordia Hospital since 1995 and has been Chief of Family Medicine at the University of Alberta Hospital since 2008. He also has a primary care teaching practice in the University Hospital and is president of the Primary Care Society of Gastroenterology.
Dr. Flook is involved with the development of electronic medical resources and electronic health records. He has numerous publications in peer reviewed medical journals, participated in developing many Clinical Practice Guidelines, has been the principal investigator in many Primary Care research projects, and has received several awards including Physicians Recognition Award, American Medical Association 1995, Canadian Family Physician of the Year Award 1998, Outstanding Achievement Award, University of Alberta Alumni 2000, and Teacher of the Year Award Caritas Hospitals 2010.
Dr. Michael Gould is currently the Chief of Medicine and Medical Program Director of the William Osler Health Centre. He is a past President and one of the founders, of the Ontario Association of Gastroenterology. He is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto. He is a member of the board of the CDHF.
He is the Vice President and a partner in the Toronto Digestive Disease Associates clinical research group, which has participated in many GI clinical research trials.
He was a member of Cancer Care Ontario's Expert Panel on Colon Cancer Screening. He is currently active on the OAG's colon cancer screening initiative, and was a member of the CAG's committee which developed its colon cancer screening recommendations. He is the lead in the development of the Vaughan Endoscopy Clinic.
He is the Vice President and a partner in the Toronto Digestive Disease Associates clinical research group, which has participated in many GI clinical research trials.
He was a member of Cancer Care Ontario's Expert Panel on Colon Cancer Screening. He is currently active on the OAG's colon cancer screening initiative, and was a member of the CAG's committee which developed its colon cancer screening recommendations. He is the lead in the development of the Vaughan Endoscopy Clinic.
Dr. Richard H. Hunt qualified from Edinburgh University in 1966. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of London, Edinburgh, and Canada, and of the American College of Gastroenterology. He has been recognized with many prizes and medals for his work in Gastroenterology, where his special interests focus on the acid related disorders and the clinical pharmacology of treatment of gastrointestinal disease. He is also widely recognized for an extensive interest in colorectal disease, colonoscopy, and therapeutic endoscopy.
Dr. Hunt was President of the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology 1992-1993 and President of the Canadian Helicobacter Study Group 1997-2001. He is currently Vice President of the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation. He received the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology Distinguished Service Award in 2002 and the Ontario Association of Gastroenterology Annual Achievement Award in 2006.
Dr. Hunt was Co-chair of the scientific program committee of the World Congress of Gastroenterology, Montreal, September 2005. He has been Associate Editor of the Esophagus, Stomach and Duodenum, sections of Gastroenterology, and a member of the Editorial Boards of 19 scientific journals. He has been Visiting Professor at Universities in the USA, Canada, Australia, Europe, South East Asia and South Africa, and has been an invited lecturer to Universities and hospitals throughout the world. He has published over 600 papers and abstracts including authoritative papers on clinical pharmacology, peptic ulcer disease, gastro esophageal reflux disease, Helicobacter pylori infection, colonic disease, and colonoscopy. He is the author or editor of 11 books and 63 chapters, and has produced 20 TV video films on peptic ulcer disease, reflux esophagitis, and colonoscopy.
Since 1982, Dr. Hunt has been Professor of Medicine at McMaster University. He was the first Director of the Intestinal Disease Research Unit, and of the Division of Gastroenterology at McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, establishing its international reputation.
Dr. Hunt was President of the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology 1992-1993 and President of the Canadian Helicobacter Study Group 1997-2001. He is currently Vice President of the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation. He received the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology Distinguished Service Award in 2002 and the Ontario Association of Gastroenterology Annual Achievement Award in 2006.
Dr. Hunt was Co-chair of the scientific program committee of the World Congress of Gastroenterology, Montreal, September 2005. He has been Associate Editor of the Esophagus, Stomach and Duodenum, sections of Gastroenterology, and a member of the Editorial Boards of 19 scientific journals. He has been Visiting Professor at Universities in the USA, Canada, Australia, Europe, South East Asia and South Africa, and has been an invited lecturer to Universities and hospitals throughout the world. He has published over 600 papers and abstracts including authoritative papers on clinical pharmacology, peptic ulcer disease, gastro esophageal reflux disease, Helicobacter pylori infection, colonic disease, and colonoscopy. He is the author or editor of 11 books and 63 chapters, and has produced 20 TV video films on peptic ulcer disease, reflux esophagitis, and colonoscopy.
Since 1982, Dr. Hunt has been Professor of Medicine at McMaster University. He was the first Director of the Intestinal Disease Research Unit, and of the Division of Gastroenterology at McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, establishing its international reputation.
Robert Kalina is the Publisher and President of Pulsus Group Inc. He established the publishing company in 1984 to provide increased opportunities for Canadian researchers wishing to publish their work. Pulsus launched its first peer review medical journal in 1985 with The Canadian Journal of Cardiology.
The Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology was added in 1987 and following in quick succession The Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases & Medical Microbiology, Canadian Respiratory Journal, Pain Research & Management, Paediatrics & Child Health and The Canadian Journal of Plastic Surgery.
All Pulsus journals have been adopted as official publications by the relevant Canadian specialist societies, are respected international publications and serve as major venues for Canadian research.
Mr. Kalina is a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan and enjoyed a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry before establishing the Pulsus Group.
The Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology was added in 1987 and following in quick succession The Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases & Medical Microbiology, Canadian Respiratory Journal, Pain Research & Management, Paediatrics & Child Health and The Canadian Journal of Plastic Surgery.
All Pulsus journals have been adopted as official publications by the relevant Canadian specialist societies, are respected international publications and serve as major venues for Canadian research.
Mr. Kalina is a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan and enjoyed a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry before establishing the Pulsus Group.
Dr. David Morgan completed his undergraduate training in Human Genetics at McGill University. He did graduate studies including a Masters in Population Genetics. Undergraduate medical studies were completed at McMaster University and post-graduate studies including Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, were also completed at McMaster. Dr. Morgan took an additional fellowship year with special attention paid to advanced endoscopic techniques, including YAG laser.
Dr. Morgan's research interests include dyspepsia, particularly with regards to effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Other research areas include colon cancer prevention with COX-2 specific inhibitors and upper GI bleeding, particularly with relation to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use. Dr. Morgan is a member of several international societies, is on the Executive and is President of the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology and is on the Executive and is Secretary of the Ontario Association of Gastroenterology. He has multiple publications on such topics as GI bleeding, quality of life in cancer care, use of proton pump inhibitors and the cause prevention of bleeding from GI vascular lesions. Dr. Morgan is on the faculty of McMaster University, is Head, Service of Gastroenterology at St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton and is involved in teaching at the undergraduate and post-graduate levels.
Dr. Morgan's research interests include dyspepsia, particularly with regards to effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Other research areas include colon cancer prevention with COX-2 specific inhibitors and upper GI bleeding, particularly with relation to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use. Dr. Morgan is a member of several international societies, is on the Executive and is President of the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology and is on the Executive and is Secretary of the Ontario Association of Gastroenterology. He has multiple publications on such topics as GI bleeding, quality of life in cancer care, use of proton pump inhibitors and the cause prevention of bleeding from GI vascular lesions. Dr. Morgan is on the faculty of McMaster University, is Head, Service of Gastroenterology at St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton and is involved in teaching at the undergraduate and post-graduate levels.
Kate Murray founded Robbie's Rainbow in 2010 shortly after her eldest son, Robbie, was diagnosed with Crohn's disease. Robbie's case was severe and doctors had to employ several drug strategies to get it under control; the family finally saw results when he began Anti-TNF therapy. Robbie was on the mend but after witnessing a child getting turned away from this vital treatment due to lack of funding, Kate realized not all kids are so lucky.
The money raised by Robbie's Rainbow helps children from families that don't have private health insurance and have been denied coverage through public programs. One of the organization's most successful fundraisers is the annual Chocolate Valentine Drive; Kate makes over 2,000 chocolates by hand, then packages them and sells them at Oakville grocery stores with the help of her young family. The chocolate drive raises thousands of dollars each year and has recently grown to include a second location in Toronto.
Kate's mission is to provide access to treatment for all children and raise awareness about the growing number of paediatric IBD cases. She achieves the latter by manning education booths at community events and co-sponsoring information sessions such as IBD Family Day at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. She has also helped Sick Kids launch their first Day Patient, Enternal Nutrition Therapy program — a growing success.
The money raised by Robbie's Rainbow helps children from families that don't have private health insurance and have been denied coverage through public programs. One of the organization's most successful fundraisers is the annual Chocolate Valentine Drive; Kate makes over 2,000 chocolates by hand, then packages them and sells them at Oakville grocery stores with the help of her young family. The chocolate drive raises thousands of dollars each year and has recently grown to include a second location in Toronto.
Kate's mission is to provide access to treatment for all children and raise awareness about the growing number of paediatric IBD cases. She achieves the latter by manning education booths at community events and co-sponsoring information sessions such as IBD Family Day at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. She has also helped Sick Kids launch their first Day Patient, Enternal Nutrition Therapy program — a growing success.
Dr. Carla Nash completed her medical school, internal medicine and training in gastroenterology at the University of Calgary. She then proceeded with advanced endoscopy and research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York for two years.
Dr. Nash's areas of special interest are GI oncology, endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic oncologic therapies. Although now living in British Columbia, she continues to hold a Clinical Assistant Professor position at the University of Calgary. Dr. Nash will be starting a position as a community gastroenterologist this fall while continuing to raise her three young boys with her husband in Kelowna.
Dr. Nash looks forward to assisting the CDHF reach its goal of sharing digestive health info and education at the community and family levels.
Dr. Nash's areas of special interest are GI oncology, endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic oncologic therapies. Although now living in British Columbia, she continues to hold a Clinical Assistant Professor position at the University of Calgary. Dr. Nash will be starting a position as a community gastroenterologist this fall while continuing to raise her three young boys with her husband in Kelowna.
Dr. Nash looks forward to assisting the CDHF reach its goal of sharing digestive health info and education at the community and family levels.
Jeff Sheckter is the Executive Vice President of Triple Five Worldwide LLC and has been with the firm for over 11 years.
Mr. Sheckter is responsible for the ongoing development of West Edmonton Mall and Mall of America, the two largest Shopping Centers in the World, as well as housing, retail, and commercial projects in Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon and Las Vegas. In this capacity, he has established numerous contacts in the areas of Construction, Real Estate and Finance.
Jeff also is the President and part owner of DiamondGear Industrial Manufacturing Ltd., a Triple Five firm that provides Industrial Electrical components to the Oil, Mining and Utility companies across North America and has established relationships with many of the largest Oil and Gas companies in the world. DiamondGear has recently become a major supporter of the CDHF donating a portion of its profits from each sale towards the foundation and is encouraging its customers and suppliers to do the same.
Jeff has been very active in fundraising for charities in the Edmonton area for quite some time utilizing the relationships he has with many of the firms that he deals with. Jeff is committed to putting the CDHF at the top of the list in the years to come.
Jeff has been married to his wife Shira for 13 years and has 3 beautiful boys. Jeff has had Crohn's Disease for 15 years and is looking forward to the day when he can say that he doesn't have it anymore. He hopes that by working with the CDHF that day will come sooner rather than later.
Mr. Sheckter is responsible for the ongoing development of West Edmonton Mall and Mall of America, the two largest Shopping Centers in the World, as well as housing, retail, and commercial projects in Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon and Las Vegas. In this capacity, he has established numerous contacts in the areas of Construction, Real Estate and Finance.
Jeff also is the President and part owner of DiamondGear Industrial Manufacturing Ltd., a Triple Five firm that provides Industrial Electrical components to the Oil, Mining and Utility companies across North America and has established relationships with many of the largest Oil and Gas companies in the world. DiamondGear has recently become a major supporter of the CDHF donating a portion of its profits from each sale towards the foundation and is encouraging its customers and suppliers to do the same.
Jeff has been very active in fundraising for charities in the Edmonton area for quite some time utilizing the relationships he has with many of the firms that he deals with. Jeff is committed to putting the CDHF at the top of the list in the years to come.
Jeff has been married to his wife Shira for 13 years and has 3 beautiful boys. Jeff has had Crohn's Disease for 15 years and is looking forward to the day when he can say that he doesn't have it anymore. He hopes that by working with the CDHF that day will come sooner rather than later.
Important: This information should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your physician.