Primary Care Providers

Patients can be confident they are receiving guidance developed by qualified healthcare professionals, researchers, and patient partners who understand the realities of living with kidney disease. Programs and resources are also designed to support individuals at risk of kidney disease, as well as those looking to maintain and improve their kidney health.

Built on Expertise, Evidence, and Partnerships

Nephrologists and Medical Advisors
Micheli Bevilacqua, MD, FRCPC, MHA, CHE
Megan Borkum, MD, MHA, FRCPC
Mercedeh Kiaii, MD, FRCPC
Adeera Levin, MD, FRCPC

Registered Dietitians
Tanya Choy, RD, CDE
Dani Renouf, RD, MSc, CDE
Anja Webster, RD, CDE

Exercise Physiologists
Riley Carr, BSc, CSEP-CEP, ACSM-CEP
Joey Ficocelli, R.Kin.

Mental Health Professionals
Meghan Gorosh, RSW, SEP
Francine Gosselin, RSW, ACC

Renal Nurses
Gaganpreet Kharal, RN
Monique Leblanc, RN, CDE
Gurjit Pawar, RN

Patient Liaison
Teresa Atkinson

Partners
BC Renal
Can-SOLVE CKD Network

Academic Affiliations
Capilano University, Faculty of Kinesiology
Kutenai Art Therapy Institute
Simon Fraser University, Faculty of Kinesiology
The University of British Columbia, Faculty of Kinesiology
University of Toronto, Faculty of Kinesiology

Content Specialists
Brenda Brown, CYI
Millie Cumming, MA, DKATI, RCAT, BCACC
Janelle Miller, BMT, MTA
Ryan Miske, Pn1, CPT
Cassandra Troughton, BEd
Tenzing Yeshi, BPE, R.Kin., PT, FNS

Social Prescribing for Kidney Health

These programs and resources address lifestyle, education, physical activity, and social support needs alongside clinical care. The Social Prescribing Patient Referral Pad makes recommendations easy and can be ordered through the materials page below.

Exercise Snacks
This program helps patients build movement into their day through 2–10-minute sessions that support strength, stability and endurance. Weekly live classes encourage accountability and adherence, while one-on-one sessions with a kinesiologist or senior kinesiology student help patients develop personalized movement plans tailored to their abilities and goals.
Further details: kidneywellnesshub.ca/classes/p/exercise-snacks

Peer Support Program
Peer engagement groups and one-on-one mentoring support mental well-being by reducing isolation, fostering a sense of belonging, and connecting patients with others who understand the emotional challenges of living with kidney disease.
Further details: kidneywellnesshub.ca/peer-engagement

Coping Strategies and Self Management
A certified kidney wellness coach helps patients set achievable health goals, overcome barriers and build confidence in managing their health. One-on-one coaching supports sustainable lifestyle changes, reduces stress, and improves mental well-being. (Costs are covered by The Kidney Foundation of Canada.)
Further details: kidneywellnesshub.ca/wellness-coach

Kidney-Health Diet Resources
Nutrition resources help patients make informed food choices at every stage of their kidney health. Stage specific FAQs, diet tips, and recipes are available, as well as a meal planner and the option to ask a renal dietitian specific questions.
Further details: kidneywellnesshub.ca/eating-well

Daily Physical Activity
Patients with low mobility can follow instructional on-demand chair exercise videos to improve movement. Strength training, stretching, and cardio instructional videos are available for all fitness levels with kidney health safety tips.
Further details: kidneywellnesshub.ca/staying-active

Materials for Your Clinic and Patients

Use the form to the left to order free educational and referral materials designed to help patients access reliable information, self-management support, and community-based kidney wellness programs.

Available materials include:

  • Referral pad for easy social prescribing

  • Kidney Wellness Hub clinic poster

  • Biannual Kidney Magazine subscription for waiting rooms