Skip to main content

KGHPS Board of Directors

President, KGHPS Board of Directors

Originally hailing from Regina, Dr. Podavin went to med school in Saskatoon, and then completed his family medicine residency at McGill. He relocated to Kelowna in 2012, after working for a few years with the Cree in Chisasibi, Quebec. He enjoys trail running, recreational hockey (entering a Kelowna team in the Vernon doctor hockey tournament for the past several years), and loves spending time with his wife, son and daughter. Dr. Podavin is looking forward to contributing to the continuing success of the KGH Physicians Society.

VICE-PRESIDENT, KGHPS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Amber grew up in Saskatchewan and Ontario before completing her medical training in Calgary, where she worked as a locum ob/gyne prior to moving to Kelowna in 2015.  In 2020 she became Department Head for Obstetrics and Gynecology at KGH, and joined the Physician Society in 2022.  Amber is passionate about improving KGH for patients and physicians alike. In her rare spare time, she enjoys furry friends, cooking, frolicking in the mountains, and making people smile in her inflatable T-Rex suit.

MEMBER-AT-LARGE, KGHPS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Neil grew up in the South West of England and did his medical degree some kms north in Nottingham. He did 2 years working in the NHS before starting his emergency medicine training spanning 10 years between New Zealand and Australia. Once completed he was looking for an adventure playground close to mountains and fell in love with Kelowna. He’s looking forward to raising his family in Kelowna, supporting creative and innovative ideas in the hospital and many more adventures.

MEMBER-AT-LARGE, KGHPS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tara grew up in Toronto, where she initially completed a Bachelor's degree in Engineering Science at the University of Toronto before changing careers to medicine. She completed medical school and her residency in Emergency Medicine at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. She also completed a Masters in Health Administration from the University of Toronto. She fell in love with the mountains and lake in Kelowna and spends most of her free time trail running, hiking or open water swimming.

KGHPS Staff Support

Director, Facility Engagement

Zeno Cescon is a seasoned senior healthcare administrator with 40+ years of experience in diagnostic imaging environments. He retired from Interior Health as the Executive Director of Diagnostic Imaging (DI) Services in May of 2017 having begun his career at Kelowna General Hospital as an X-ray technologist in the mid 1970’s. His leadership skills and experience working with physicians, coupled with his knowledge of Interior Health, will contribute to his success in this  leadership role with the Society. Zeno looks forward to the challenges of working for the Society, reacquainting with former colleagues and meeting new ones. As well, Zeno would like to focus on improving patient care, assisting KGH physicians to navigate thru quality improvement projects all the while focusing on their health, wellness and work satisfaction.

Engagement Partner

Victoria Wilson began her medical career in 1993 as a Combat Medic with the British Army where she experienced several overseas deployments and worked in a variety of different areas of medical care and support. In 2007 she left the military and emigrated to Canada with her family settling in Golden BC and worked for the Golden Medical Clinic as their Clinical Staff Manager. Her health care background also includes working in the long-term care sector as a manager for a not-for-profit organization.  In her role as an Engagement Partner with Doctors of BC, Victoria provides advice and recommendations to facility and community-based physicians regarding support for engagement, and supports physicians and health authorities in their efforts to improve collaboration towards goals consistent with the Triple Aim.  

Administrative Assistant / Project Lead

Susan Cyr has over 30 years of experience supporting the professional needs of various companies including a number of years at Interior Health.  Her expertise includes facilitating meetings and providing support for various committees reporting to municipal city councils. In her role as Administrative Assistant/Project Lead, Susan will provide assistance to the KGH Physicians Society Board of Directors and Working Group, as well as support facility-based physicians in order to achieve the project goals of their facility engagement initiatives.

KGHPS Working Group

VICE-PRESIDENT, KGHPS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, DEPARTMENT OF OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY

MEDICAL LEAD, INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Dr. Ephtimios, a Native of Egypt from Greek descent, completed his medical training in Canada and the USA. He is the Medical Lead for infectious diseases at KGH., and he sits on a number of hospital and provincial committees. He is certified in Infectious diseases, infection control, and tropical medicine. He is also certified as a professional in patient safety and as a physican executive. In his free time he enjoys reading, playing squash and scuba diving.

Secretary-Treasurer, KGHPS Board of Directors, DEPARTMENT OF HOSPITALIST SERVICES

MEMBER-AT-LARGE, KGHPS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE

President, KGHPS Board of Directors, Department of Hospitalist Services

MEMBER-AT-LARGE, KGHPS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE