Medical Oncology
Dr. Daniel Heng, Division Head
The Division of Medical Oncology at the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre is one of Canada’s largest and fastest-growing academic oncology programs. As of 2026, our division includes 38 Medical Oncologists, 14 Clinical Associates, 2 Associate Physicians, and comprehensive residency (5 per year) and subspecialty fellowship (10 fellows) training programs.
We provide the full spectrum of medical oncology services for Calgary and Southern Alberta, delivering compassionate, evidence-based cancer care to a diverse population. Our mission is to improve the lives of patients through excellence in clinical care, innovative research, education, and leadership.
As an academic division within the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary, we are committed to training the next generation of medical oncologists while advancing discoveries that improve cancer outcomes locally, nationally, and internationally.
Our Vision
Our vision is to be a leading academic medical oncology program recognized for exceptional patient care, transformative research, outstanding education, and innovation. By combining scientific discovery with compassionate care, we strive to improve outcomes for every patient affected by cancer while training the future leaders of oncology.
Clinical Excellence
Our physicians provide specialized care across all major tumour sites and work within multidisciplinary teams to deliver personalized, patient-centred treatment. In addition to standard systemic therapies, patients have access to innovative clinical trials and precision oncology initiatives that bring new treatment options to the clinic.
Research and Innovation
The Division has established an internationally recognized research program spanning clinical trials, translational science, precision oncology, health services research, and real-world evidence. Our faculty lead several internationally recognized initiatives, including:
- Precision Oncology Experimental Therapeutics (POET) – advancing precision medicine through comprehensive molecular profiling, next-generation sequencing, molecular tumour boards, and early-phase therapeutic development. https://poetoncology.com
- Oncology Outcomes (O²) Collaboration – leveraging Alberta’s province-wide healthcare databases to conduct world-leading real-world evidence and health outcomes research. www.oncoutcomes.com
- International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium (IMDC) – the world’s largest international multicentre database studying patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma, supporting practice-changing research and global collaborations. www.IMDConline.com
Clinical Trials
The Division offers one of the most comprehensive clinical trial portfolios in Western Canada, providing patients access to innovative therapies across all stages of drug development.
Our clinical research program includes:
- Early Phase (Phase I) clinical trials
- Phase II and III industry-sponsored studies
- Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) studies
- NRG Oncology clinical trials
- Investigator-initiated research
- Translational and biomarker-driven studies
The Early Phase Clinical Trials Program continues to expand, offering patients access to novel targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and first-in-human studies.
Leadership
Members of the Division hold numerous leadership positions within Cancer Care Alberta, Alberta Health Services, the Department of Oncology, and national and international oncology organizations.
Current leadership roles include:
- Dr. Nimira Alimohamed – Deputy Head, Division of Medical Oncology; Provincial Genitourinary Tumour Group Leader
- Dr. Cindy Card – Program Director, Medical Oncology Residency Program
- Dr. Doreen Ezeife – Provincial Lung Tumour Group Leader
- Dr. Andrea Fung – Program Director, Medical Oncology Fellowship Program
- Dr. Hatim Karachiwala – Chair, Systemic Therapy Committee
- Dr. Omar Khan – Provincial Sarcoma Tumour Group Leader
- Dr. Richard Lee-Ying – Deputy Clinical Department Head, Department of Oncology; Southern Alberta Gastrointestinal Tumour Group Leader
- Dr. Sasha Lupichuk – Medical Director, High Risk Breast Cancer Program
- Dr. Jose Monzon – Medical Leader, Clinical Research Unit
- Dr. Vishal Navani – Medical Lead, Early Phase Clinical Trials Program
- Dr. Nancy Nixon – Southern Alberta Breast Tumour Group Leader
- Dr. Gloria Roldan – Director, General Practitioners in Oncology Training Program
- Dr. Patricia Tang – Provincial Gastrointestinal Tumour Group Leader
- Dr. Roger Tsang – Chief Medical Information Officer for Cancer Care Alberta
- Dr. Steven Yip – Medical Lead, Precision Oncology Experimental Therapeutics (POET)
Education Programs
Medical Oncology Fellowship Program
The University of Calgary Medical Oncology Fellowship Program offers advanced subspecialty training within a vibrant academic environment. Fellowship opportunities are available in:
- Breast Oncology
- Gastrointestinal Oncology
- Genitourinary Oncology / IMDC Fellowship
- Lung Oncology
- Hepatobiliary Oncology
- Cutaneous Oncology and Cancer Immunotherapy
- Precision Oncology
- Health Services Research and Real-World Evidence
- Additional disease-site fellowships based on faculty expertise and availability
Fellows participate in high-volume clinical practice, multidisciplinary care, clinical research, and academic teaching while receiving individualized mentorship from internationally recognized faculty.
Medical Oncology Residency Program
The Medical Oncology Residency Program at the University of Calgary is a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada accredited subspecialty training program based at the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre.
Residents receive comprehensive training across all major disease sites within a collaborative multidisciplinary environment, with extensive experience in ambulatory oncology, inpatient care, clinical research, and medical education.
The program is delivered using the Competence by Design (CBD) curriculum and prepares graduates for successful academic and community oncology careers. Applications are submitted through the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS).
Our Subspecialty Fellowship program has seen tremendous growth. Applicants are encouraged to contact the following fellowship directors directly.
MEDICAL ONCOLOGY (GI) Patricia.Tang@ahs.ca MEDICAL ONCOLOGY (GI – Hepatobiliary) Vincent.Tam@ahs.ca
MEDICAL ONCOLOGY (GU) Daniel.Heng@ahs.ca
MEDICAL ONCOLOGY (Health Services Research/Real World Evidence) Winson.Cheung@ahs.ca
MEDICAL ONCOLOGY (Other Sites) Safiya.Karim@ahs.ca
MEDICAL ONCOLOGY (Cancer Immunotherapy and Cutaneous) Tina.Cheng@ahs.ca
International Medical Graduates are provided with supervised graduated clinical experience in Oncology inpatient floors, to enhance their integration into Canadian practice. This is through our Clinical Assistants program. We value our clinical assistants and most of them have obtained residency training program positions. Those interested can contact Tracy.Keith@ahs.ca.