Leadership

Dr. Tara Beattie
VP, Research
Dr. Tara Beattie is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Oncology at the Cumming School of Medicine and is Associate Dean in Graduate Science Education. She obtained her Ph.D. from the University of Toronto in 1997 and completed postdoctoral training at the Ontario Cancer Institute from 1997-2000. In 2001, she became an independent investigator at the Cumming School of Medicine. She is a member of the Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute. Her primary research focuses on telomere integrity and the enzyme telomerase as a critical factor in genomic stability and the progression of age-related diseases.

Dr. Anna Karwowska
VP, Education
Dr. Karwowska plays a leadership role in AFMC activities that promote excellence in the continuum of medical education in Canada. She is a strong advocate for learners, teachers and educators. She received her medical degree from McGill University. Dr. Karwowska completed her training in Pediatrics and a fellowship in Pediatric Emergency Medicine at the University of Calgary. Her clinical practice is in Child Maltreatment Pediatrics and Pediatric Emergency Medicine at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario and she is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa.

Jon Kimball
Director, Data and Information Services
Jon Kimball manages the national repository of information on faculties of medicine across Canada. He brings with him over 20 years of experience in healthcare data management and implementing systems with a focus on improving health through better use of information. He has a proven track record of understanding the complexities of healthcare and harnessing information to make a difference. Jon holds a BA in Electronics Engineering, and an MBA from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant and carries the Project Management Professional Designation (PMP).

Melissa Shahin
Director, Operations and Strategic Initiatives
Melissa Shahin runs operations and project delivery at AFMC. She has extensive project management experience and involvement in national- scale, collaborative initiatives and holds a strong track record of effectively managing projects on time, within scope and under budget. Ms. Shahin is forward-thinking with a passion for strategic planning and process improvement. She holds an Honours degree in Political Science with a focus on Canadian constitutional law and aboriginal studies.