Your Care Team

Dr. Cheng

Dr. Nancy Cheng completed her undergraduate and medical schooling at the University of Alberta and started working at the University Health Centre as a locum, covering for a physician so he could get married in India. She was asked to stay on and, 23 years later, remains at the UHC; over 30 years at the U of A in total!

"I feel very fortunate to work at a place that I enjoy and with such a diverse, interesting and international patient population."

Dr. Durand

Dr. Durand started at the University Health Centre in 2002 as a substitute doctor. She enjoyed the experience so much that, when asked to work permanently at the clinic, she quickly said "YES!"

"The UHC offers me the chance to specialize in issues of sexuality, mental health, and women's health. It is a very unique clinic and I feel privileged to be part of the University of Alberta Health and Wellness Services team."

Dr. Laughlin

Dr. Caitlin Laughlin graduated medical school from the University of Saskatchewan and joined the University Health Centre in the summer of 2014.

"I love working with our awesome nurses and support staff. I am always happy to discuss the current state of the Saskatchewan Roughriders or Toronto Raptors."

Dr. Malhotra 

Dr. Malhotra is from Edmonton and attended the University of Alberta for undergraduate, medical, and residency training. After completing medical training in 2010, Dr. Malhotra practiced in clinics all over Edmonton and surrounding areas before settling down at the University Health Center.

"I enjoy working here because it offers a chance to help people at various stages of their lives and reminds me of the impact the University of Alberta has had on my life."

Dr. Mortera

Dr. Genevieve Mortera graduated medicine from Western University (2012) and completed her family medicine residency with a fellowship in Global Health at the University of Ottawa (2015). After practicing for many years in Halifax, NS and Ontario, Dr. Mortera is excited to join the University Health Centre.

For wellness, Dr. Mortera enjoys being outdoors with her family, cycling, hiking, and generally keeping up with her two small kids. She also enjoys cooking and is open to any food and/or dining recommendations in Edmonton.

Dr. Patel

Dr. Patel completed her medical school and family medicine residency in London, Ontario, at the University of Western Ontario. After graduating in 2015, she practiced in diverse rural and urban environments including Southwestern Ontario and Ottawa. Dr. Patel developed her interests in student health, particularly reproductive health, while serving as the lead physician at Algonquin College Student Health Clinic in Ottawa, Ontario.

Dr. Patel joined the University of Alberta Student Health Services in 2019 as a locum physician before accepting a full-time position in 2020. She is a Clinical Assistant Professor in Family Medicine at the University of Alberta, with a clinical focus on student mental health, as well as sexual and reproductive health. She is proud to call Edmonton home.

Dr. Jin

Dr. Jin received her MD from the University of British Columbia and completed her Family Medicine residency training at the University of Alberta. In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Jin teaches medical students at the University of Alberta. She is currently appointed as a Clinical Lecturer with the Department of Family Medicine. Outside of medicine, Dr. Jin enjoys spending time outdoors in the Edmonton River Valley and in the Rockies. Her hobbies include cycling, hiking, skiing, and travelling.

Dr. Smith

Dr. Christopher Smith completed all of his medical training at the University of Alberta: his MD in 2000 and his postgraduate training in family medicine in 2002. Since he likes the U of A so much, he decided to never leave. He has worked at University Health Centre since shortly after his graduation.

Seeing young people on a regular basis, he tries to convince himself that he's still as young as they are and, arguably, just as cool. He enjoys the diversity of experience, background, and nationality that U of A students counselling patients regarding their world travels, as it helps him vicariously experience travel.

When not in clinic, Dr. Smith can be found enjoying life with his wife and four children.

Dr. Tankel

Dr. Tankel is committed to providing accessible obstetric and gynecological health care to students at the U of A. In addition to being the Head of Obstetrics at the Lois Hole Hospital for Women, he is also an Associate Clinical Professor with the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry and Chief of Obstetrics at Royal Alexandra Hospital. He specializes in contraception (specifically IUDs) and pelvic pain.

Dr. Tankel has a robust sense of humor and is quick to share a joke or two with his patients.

Dr. Walker

Dr. Jennifer Walker graduated from the U of A and has practiced medicine since 1998. She has worked at the University Health Centre since 2006 and has been the Senior Physician since 2014. As Senior Physician, she has multiple administrative responsibilities, therefore, her practice is restricted to current patients and those who have been referred to her practise by another physician, U of A service, or friend/family member.

"I enjoy the patient population, and as Senior Physician enjoy the opportunity to ensure that our clinic is providing relevant and needed services to our student population and other campus community members."

Dr. Wanigaratne

Dr. Mihiri Wanigaratne graduated medical school from the University of Alberta and has been in practice since 1993. She has a special interest in running injuries and travel medicine.

Dr. Ravji

Dr. Karim Ravji is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) specializing in both the surgical and non-surgical treatment of foot and ankle disorders. This includes foot and ankle trauma, surgery, biomechanics, diabetes, dermatology, and infection.

He obtained a Bachelor of Science undergraduate degree from the University of Toronto, followed by Graduate School in the US culminating in training and a surgical residency in the department of orthopedics at Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation.

"I enjoy practicing at the University Health Centre because the clinic staff and doctors are excellent, well trained, polite, and ethical. Patient care is first and foremost. And the patient population is a wonderful mix of students and staff from various backgrounds and training which creates a wonderful opportunity to not only treat great patients but also learn something new every day!"