We are thrilled to announce our upcoming Faculty Development Retreat in 2025, featuring two remarkable guest speakers: Dr. Shahana Alibhai and Dr. Nader Elmayergi. This retreat promises to inspire, inform, and invigorate our faculty as we explore themes of emotional literacy, mentorship, and the art of effective communication in medicine.
Dr. Shahana Alibhai: Emotional Literacy and the Power of Connection
“I know how much courage it takes for us to ask for help—but it is this courage that creates connection between a doctor and a patient, a teacher and their student, a parent and their child, that we as humans crave.” —Dr. Shahana Alibhai
Dr. Alibhai, a former Abbotsford-Mission family medicine resident and a practicing physician at Foundry Youth Health Centre, brings a wealth of experience and insight to this year’s retreat. She recently published her first book, Feeling Better: How Understanding Your Emotional Palette Can Keep You from Getting Swept Away, which delves into the critical role of emotional literacy in fostering mental health and meaningful relationships.
With over a decade of experience in mental health and a TEDx talk under her belt, Dr. Alibhai will guide participants through practical exercises and engaging discussions. Attendees will learn to:
- Understand the science behind emotional literacy.
- Apply emotional awareness to improve communication and decision-making.
- Cultivate stronger connections in both professional and personal relationships.
Dr. Alibhai’s session promises to leave participants equipped with new tools to enhance their interactions and foster resilience.
To learn more about her book and journey, visit drshahana.com. You can also hear her on the Chatter that Matters podcast here.
Dr. Nader Elmayergi: Mentor Moments and Shaping the Future
Dr. Nader Elmayergi will also take the stage with his session, “Mentor Moments: Turning Rookies into Remarkable Physicians.”
Brief Biography
Dr. Elmayergi’s impressive medical journey began at Cairo University, where he graduated in 1998. He completed his Internal Medicine training at the University of Alberta and pursued a Cardiology Fellowship at the University of Manitoba, followed by a two-year Echocardiography Fellowship at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Toronto. Currently, Dr. Elmayergi is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, and Medical Director of the Echocardiography Laboratory at Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre. In addition to his cardiology work, he is cross-appointed to the Department of Family Medicine, where he serves as the faculty lead for Subspecialty Rotations.
Dr. Elmayergi’s session will focus on the transformative power of mentorship in shaping the next generation of physicians. Drawing on his extensive experience, he will share strategies for:
- Building meaningful mentor-mentee relationships.
- Providing constructive feedback that fosters growth.
- Inspiring confidence and competence in new physicians.
Join Us
This year’s Faculty Development Retreat will be a unique opportunity to reflect, connect, and grow as educators and healthcare providers. By combining the insights of Dr. Alibhai and Dr. Elmayergi, we aim to explore the powerful intersection of emotional literacy and mentorship in shaping remarkable physicians. We look forward to seeing you there!
Family Medicine Residency Site: Abbotsford-Mission 