Ahs Podcasts

In this episode, Lisa Mowers, Provincial Practice Lead with Professional Education & Practice, sits down with Dr. Raylene Reimer, Professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary, Registered Dietitian, and leading nutrition researcher. Together, they explore emerging research on menopause, gut health, and metabolism, and the important role nutrition plays for women’s health during midlife.   Topics include: * What the MOMENTUM study is revealing about menopause, metabolism, and women’s health * How nutrition can support common menopause symptoms, including hot flashes, sleep disruption, and weight changes * The impact of menopause on long-term health risks, including heart, bone, muscle, and gut health * Key emerging research areas dietitians should have on their radar   Continue the conversation: * Learn more about the MOMENTUM Study at the University of Calgary. https://www.ucalgary.ca/research/momentum * Explore the science of fermented foods, gut health, and Canadian research at fermen

In this episode, host Kim Young, Provincial Practice Lead with Professional Education & Practice, speaks with Robin Lucciantonio, a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator at the Garneau Endocrinology Clinic in Edmonton. Together, they explore Robin’s approach to diabetes care and how her commitment to collaboration, equity and person-centred practice contributed to her receiving the Diabetes Impact Award from the Alberta Diabetes Foundation. Topics include: • How Robin’s professional and personal experiences have shaped her approach to collaboration and person-centered care. • The application of harm reduction principles in nutrition care and diabetes management, emphasizing flexibility and alignment with people’s goals and lived experience. • A compelling case example illustrating efforts to support equitable access to advanced diabetes technologies, including automated insulin deliver (AID) systems. For more information about Robin’s November 2025 poster presentation at Diabetes Canada

Length: 25 minutes With rising financial strain and food insecurity, dietitians face unique challenges in supporting health goals while acknowledging real-life circumstances. In this episode, host Kally Cheung sits down with Janine Whyte, a Registered Dietitian and Team Lead with Alberta Health Services, to explore practical strategies for navigating sensitive conversations about affordability, building trust, and meeting clients where they are at. Key Takeaways: • Why assumptions can harm care, and what to do instead • How thoughtful questions opens doors to meaningful dialogue • Understanding that other life challenges often take precedence and how flexibility builds trust Want to learn more? Discover tools and resources to support patients living with financial strain and food insecurity at www.ahs.ca/foodinsecurity. https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/nutrition/Page18033.aspx

In this follow-up episode, host Stephanie Cox, Provincial Practice Lead with Professional Education & Practice, continues the conversation with Wendy Busse, a registered dietitian and leading expert in food sensitivities. Building on the foundation from Part 1, Wendy shares practical strategies for supporting clients who may have conditioned reactions to food. Topics include: • How to approach food sensitivities with empathy and respect • Explaining conditioned food sensitivity in simple, relatable terms • Helping clients recognize the impact of dietary restrictions on quality of life • Strategies for gradual, safe reintroduction of foods and fostering food freedom This episode emphasizes the importance of compassionate counseling and small, achievable steps that can make a significant difference in clients’ lives. Learn more: • FAST Freedom Program Website https://fastfreedomprogram.com/ • Screening Tool: Are you Stuck in the C-FAST? https://fastfreedomprogram.com/courses/free/lessons/c-fast-model/topics

In this episode, Lisa Mowers, Provincial Practice Lead with Professional Education and Practice, and Shameem Kizar, a Registered Dietitian with Alberta Health Services explore the University of Alberta’s culinary medicine elective for medical students and how it’s shaping the future of healthcare. You’ll learn: • What culinary medicine is and why it’s important for future physicians • How medical students are gaining practical skills to turn nutrition science into everyday meals • Where culinary medicine is headed in the next 5–10 years • The unique role dietitians play in helping patients and colleagues put nutrition science into action Want to learn more? Watch this CBC video featuring the University of Alberta’s culinary medicine elective: These future physicians are learning culinary medicine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZA90vT4SBBo Did you know? The Alberta Health Services Wellness Kitchen offers online food and nutrition education classes accessible to all Albertans. Explore the Cooking, Food &

In this episode, host Kim Young, Provincial Practice Lead with Professional Education & Practice, has a conversation with Carlene Johnson Stoklossa, a Registered Dietitian and Team Lead with Alberta Health Services. Together, they explore Carlene’s professional journey as a dietitian and researcher, and insights into the importance of recognizing sarcopenia obesity in chronic disease management. Topics include: • The benefits and challenges of getting involved with research and moving evidence into practice. • Being curious and open to opportunities throughout one’s professional journey. • Insights into how sarcopenic obesity may be identified in a variety of chronic or metabolic diseases. Carlene’s recent publication: Sarcopenic Obesity in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: A Scoping Review - Vieira - Obesity Reviews - Wiley Online Library https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/obr.13973

In this insightful episode, host Stephanie Cox, Provincial Practice Lead with Professional Education & Practice, welcomes Wendy Busse, a registered dietitian and leading expert in food sensitivities. Together, they explore how dietitians can effectively support clients struggling with food sensitivities. Topics include: • Wendy’s journey to becoming a respected voice in food sensitivity practice • Understanding conditioned food avoidance and sensitivity • Recognizing red flags and responding to unvalidated food sensitivity tests that often lead to unnecessary diet restrictions This conversation is just the beginning, Wendy will return for Part 2, where she’ll dive deeper into strategies for engaging clients who may have conditioned responses to food. Learn more: • FAST Freedom Program website https://fastfreedomprogram.com/

In this inspiring episode, dietetic interns Sukhdeep Kaur and Lore Pasaran Ugarte from the University of Alberta, sit down with five outstanding Registered Dietitians - Erin Montgomery-Fajic, Kristy Landry, Dave Dyjur, Staci Fudge, and Adela Delgado - who have been recognized by previous interns for their excellent mentorship and precepting. Together, they explore what sets these mentors apart and share insights into creating meaningful and supportive learning environments. Topics include: • Navigating virtual placements with confidence • Personalizing learning experiences to meet diverse needs • Collaborating through twinset and tripleset placements • Fostering a growth mindset in emerging professionals Whether you're a current intern, a seasoned RD, or simply passionate about mentorship, this episode offers valuable perspectives on cultivating excellence in dietetic education. Learn more about careers as a Registered Dietitian in Alberta: • Dietetics Specialization | Undergraduate Program https://www.u

In this episode, Lisa Mowers, Provincial Practice Lead with Nutrition Services, sits down with Dr. Donna Vine, Professor of Human Nutrition and Academic Lead and Chair of Nutrition and Dietetics programs at the University of Alberta. We explore key aspects of polycystic ovary syndrome including: • the connection between mental health and eating disorders • why routine screening for disordered eating is essential • new patient-centred pathways for more effective care Dr. Vine shares her inspiring leadership of PCOS Together https://pcos.together.ualberta.ca/, a groundbreaking program advancing PCOS research, promoting health equity, and empowering better care. Tune in and discover how dietitians can make a powerful impact supporting clients with this complex condition. Learn more: • Provincial PCOS Primary Care Clinical Pathway https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/info/aph/if-aph-prov-pcos-primary-care-clinical-pathway.pdf • Summary - Your Journey with PCOS - Patient Pathway https://myhealth.alberta.ca

In this episode, host Stephanie Cox, Provincial Practice Lead with Professional Education & Practice, sits down with Sarah Frank Nichols, Provincial Lead with Public Health Nutrition, to explore their shared experiences with the "Food is Our Medicine" learning journey. They reflect on the: • personal and professional impact of the course, • importance of Indigenous teachings, and • power of small, meaningful actions in advancing truth and reconciliation. Through heartfelt conversation, they encourage listeners to embrace curiosity, engage in dialogue, and take steps (big or small) toward understanding and change. Learn more: • Nutrition Services Reconciliation Action Statement https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/info/nutrition/if-nfs-reconciliation-action-statement.pdf • Nourish: Food is Our Medicine https://nourishleadership.ca/programs/food-is-our-medicine/

In this episode, Jennifer Alexander, Program Director with Nutrition Services, sits down with Heidi Bates, Director of the Integrated Dietetic Internship Program at the University of Alberta. Heidi shares: • her journey to become a leader in field of dietetics, • what it means to be “fierce” in our profession, and • the exciting changes taking place at University of Alberta. She also explains how the partnership with Alberta Health Services has enriched the training of students and offers pearls of wisdom for dietitians eager to shape the next generation. Get ready for an inspiring, fun, and candid conversation that’s sure to spark new ideas and energy in your own professional journey! Learn more about careers as a Registered Dietitian in Alberta: • Dietetics Specialization | Undergraduate Program www.ualberta.ca/en/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science-in-nutrition-and-food-science-dietetics-specialization.html • Dietitian | Alberta Health Services www.albertahealthservices.ca/careers/Page11759.aspx

Debbie Pinter, Connect Care Clinical Informatics Officer, helps us unpack the technology on the tip of everyone’s tongue: Artificial Intelligence. Find out how our powerful EMR is already setting Alberta nurses up for success. 

In this podcast, Lisa Mowers, AHS Provincial Practice Lead, dives into the question, "Does food impact mood?". She is joined by Dr. Elnaz Vaghef Mehrabani, a seasoned nutrition researcher who is currently working as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Calgary and is an instructor at Athabasca University and Mount Royal University. Some of the topics explored in this podcast: • What the evidence tells us right now about how food is impacting mood and mental well-being. • How nutrition impacts our mood at different stages of life, including prenatal and early childhood development. • Current research on the Mediterranean style diet and healthy eating aligning with Canada’s food guide to help people with mental health concerns. • Practical tips for a person-centred approach when helping client use food to improve their mood.

In this episode, Vickie and Tyler talk about the last quarter century in nursing and what may come in future! Nursing is unique profession. At AHS, our first contact with nurses begins in their student rotation, continues through their new grad orientation, and throughout their career into informal and formal leadership roles. What better way to understand those experiences than to have our AHS nurses share them. In this bite sized, playful and safe space, nurses talk about their careers and experiences, so they can have a bit of fun, relate, and connect with their community. ‘This is Nursing’ was developed by Tyler Burley and Victoria Radford, Nursing Practice Leads who work in the Associate Chief Nursing Office at AHS.

In this episode, Vickie and Tyler interview Shannon Falsetti, a Nurse Clinician with the Medicine Program Improvement and Integration Network (PIN) and a pioneer in RN prescribing at AHS. Nursing is unique profession. At AHS, our first contact with nurses begins in their student rotation, continues through their new grad orientation, and throughout their career into informal and formal leadership roles. What better way to understand those experiences than to have our AHS nurses share them. In this bite sized, playful and safe space, nurses talk about their careers and experiences, so they can have a bit of fun, relate, and connect with their community. ‘This is Nursing’ was developed by Tyler Burley and Victoria Radford, Nursing Practice Leads who work in the Associate Chief Nursing Office at AHS.

In this episode, Vickie and Tyler interview Justin Burkett, Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary and Board Chair with the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta.

In this Mental Wellness Moment, Dr. Nicholas Mitchell — Provincial Medical Director for Addiction and Mental Health with Alberta Health Services — explains why more adults are being diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and how ADHD differs in adults compared to in children.

In this Mental Wellness Moment, Dr. Nicholas Mitchell — Provincial Medical Director of Addiction and Mental Health with AHS — discusses what mental health recovery looks like, and the resources and supports available along the way.

In this Mental Wellness Moment, Dr. Nicholas Mitchell — AHS Provincial Medical Director for Addiction and Mental Health — discusses risk factors for men’s suicide and what can be done to reduce those risks.

February is Eating Disorder Awareness Month. In this Mental Wellness Moment, Dr. Nicholas Mitchell — Provincial Medical Director of Addictions and Mental Health with Alberta Health Services — discusses the different types of eating disorders and how people develop them.