Our Staff Biographies

Dr. Michael Kaufmann BSc, MD, CCFP, FCFP, ASAM and CSAM certified
Medical Director

In 1995 Dr. Kaufmann became the founding Director of the Physician Health Program of the Ontario Medical Association. He received certification in Addiction Medicine from the American Society of Addiction Medicine in 1996 and the Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine in 2000. Dr. Kaufmann writes, teaches and lectures widely on the subject of physician health, vulnerability, distress and impairment. He presents to audiences at medical schools, community hospitals and conferences throughout Ontario and internationally. Dr. Kaufmann is also the Chairperson of the Physician Health Committee of the Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine and is the Chair of the Canadian Physician Health Network, a national affiliation of physician support programs and committees. michael_kaufmann@oma.org

Dr. Joy Albuquerque, BA, BSc. MD FRCP(C)
Associate Medical Director

Dr. Joy Albuquerque joined the PHP in 2004 as an Associate Medical Director. She is a psychiatrist by training and has extensive experience in general clinical psychiatry. In addition, Dr. Albuquerque has a specific interest on the impact of stress on psychiatric conditions and quality of life. She has published articles in peer-reviewed journals on mood disorders and in the area of disease construction. Her current interests include identifying modifiable risk factors for physician suicide and identifying specific signs of distress among physicians, with the long-term aim of implementing effective interventions. Outside of clinical medicine, Dr. Albuquerque has longstanding interests in the history and philosophy of medicine. joy_albuquerque@oma.org

Sarah Hutchison, BSc. MHSc. CHE
Associate Director

Ms. Sarah Hutchison joined the PHP in 2001 where she is responsible for the operational and administrative management of the program. In this capacity, Sarah works with the PHP client groups including physicians, veterinarians and pharmacists, in the development, delivery and accountability of PHP services. Ms. Hutchison received her BSc. from McMaster University in Hamilton and a Masters in Health Administration from the University of Toronto. Sarah has been a member of the Medico-Legal Society of Toronto since 1996 and on the Council of the society for the last three years. sarah_hutchison@oma.org

Judi Platt, RN, CARN
Case Manager

Ms. Judi Platt joined the PHP as a Case Manager in 1998. Her past work experience includes hospital based mental health and addiction services. Judi continues to provide counselling to young women and adolescents who struggle with substance use disorders. She has participated as an active member on various committees in the addiction treatment community. Judi graduated from the York Regional School of Nursing in 1973 and has been registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario since that time. Judi holds certification as an Addiction Registered Nurse. judi_platt@oma.org

Ann Davidson, BA/BSW, MSW, AOCA, RSW
Case Manager

Ms. Ann Davidson joined the PHP as a Case Manager in 2000.  Ann received a BA/BSW from McMaster University in 1974 and a Masters of Social Work from Carleton University in 1977. She has worked as an Addictions Counsellor in Alberta and subsequently coordinated the Intake Department of The Jean Tweed Centre in Toronto for five years. Ms. Davidson is also a graduate of the Ontario College of Art and Design (1989). ann_davidson@oma.org

Ted Bober, MSW, RSW
Case Manager

Mr. Ted Bober joined the PHP as a Case Manager in 2004. Ted Bober has over 22 years of experience as an administrator, therapist and consultant working with community and hospital based mental health and addiction services. He has assisted in the development of regional crisis services and professional peer support programs for diverse groups. Ted has an interest in emergency and disaster mental health and has been part of response efforts in Canada and the United States. He is the coauthor of a book published by Oxford University Press, In The Line of Fire: Trauma in the Emergency Services. ted_bober@oma.org

Patricia Poutanen, BA
Coordinator

Ms. Patricia Poutanen joined the PHP in 2003. Patricia has over 30 years experience in various hospital environments, medical clinics and private practice managing, facilitating and coordinating medical office administration. Patricia has a keen interest in medical office administration education and has been a college professor for the past 24 years. Patricia joined the OMA in January 2001 as an Executive Assistant in the Professional Services Department and has been integrally involved in OMA Practice Advisory Services programs for medical office staff. Patricia has a BA from York University. patricia_poutanen@oma.org

Christine Comer
Program Reception/Administrative Assistant

Ms. Comer provides reception and administrative support for the PHP. Ms. Comer is the primary contact for laboratory services for PHP monitored participants in collaboration with PHP case managers and lab service providers. Christine graduated from Humber College with an honors medical office administration diploma. She has several years experience working in private medical office administration prior to joining the PHP in 2001. christine_comer@oma.org

Samantha Gomez
Senior Administrative Assistant

Ms. Samantha Gomez joined the PHP as a Senior Administrative Assistant in the Spring of 2004 bringing with her a wealth of administrative experience. Ms. Gomez primarily provides administrative support and assistance to PHP Case Managers. Ms. Gomez has extensive experience in the coordination of meetings and conference planning, and in addition to her work with the PHP, she assists in various OMA events including OMA Council and Annual Meetings. samantha_gomez@oma.org

Bess Willams, MLA/T
Senior Administrative Assistant

Ms. Williams joined the PHP as a Senior Administrative Assistant in 2004. In this capacity, she provides administrative support to the PHP Case Managers and Medical Directors. Ms. Williams also provides back up support to reception and the monitored random drug-testing program. Bess is a certified medical office and laboratory assistant with extensive experience in hospital environments, medical clinics, and government health agencies. bess_williams@oma.org