30 years of exceptional personalized workplace health services
Founded in 1978 by workplace health pioneer Dr. Derrick Thompson,
Foothills Health Consultants was firmly built on the belief that good
health and wellbeing is the responsibility of each and every one of
us. In 2006, Dr. Thompson received the Canadian Pioneer Award for Workplace Health. Today, Foothills Health Consultants has become an established leader
in corporate health. Working closely with individuals, corporations
and their employees we deliver premium corporate and executive medical
programs and invaluable occupational services.
The most important things
that determine a person's future health are their present lifestyle,
their ability to undertake and maintain change, and the environment
in which they work and live. Through screening for early signs of cardiovascular
disease and cancer while assessing lifestyle habits in exercise, nutrition,
sleep and stress management, we have helped people improve their health
and performance through education and motivation.
For every corporate
dollar invested in wellness programs a minimum return of three dollars
can be expected in savings and productivity. The costs of benefit programs
have risen alongside an increasingly complex health care system. Insurers,
such as the Workers' Compensation Board, have taken steps to financially
penalize employers for sub-standard performance in these areas. Our
team works with employers to avoid penalties, contain costs and manage
absences due to illness or injury.
Supported by our diverse team of
first class professionals, our clients have improved their overall
health and wellness and continue to maintain healthy lifestyles through
ongoing programs for a better balance between work, life and family
for longer, more fulfilling lives.
FHC is a privately held corporation employing a multidisciplinary team
of healthcare professionals including physicians, kinesiologists, nurses,
psychologists, dieticians, and integrative health providers.
Ken F. Wilson, Managing Director
brings years of experience in senior management and leadership within both private and public corporations. He is also a Senior Vice President and Officer of Coril Holdings Ltd., in Calgary. Throughout his career, Ken has held several top positions as well as running his own management consulting firm in Toronto. Previously, he was President at Sprint Canada's Enterprise and Consumer Services Business leading its expansion from 600 to 1,500 employees and from $329 million to $1.1 billion in revenue in just four years. While Senior Vice President at Oracle Corporation Canada, Ken led the re-organization while driving profit growth by nearly 50% annually. He was also President of Amdahl Canada Limited and began his career with IBM Canada in Calgary. Ken holds a B.Sc. degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Alberta and diplomas in General Management from both the Joseph L. Rotman School of Business at the University of Toronto and the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Norlien Foundation as well as the Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre, both of Calgary
Susan Lea MD, CCFP, FCFP,
Medical Director of Foothills Health Consultants Ltd.
The company was originally begun in 1978 by Dr. Derrick Thompson, a visionary in the assessments and management of health risk, now known as "preventative medicine". In 1994, he asked Susan to join him part time to provide the Women's Health Program. Following Dr Thompson's sudden passing in 2004, Susan and Derrick's business partner, Ms. Kelly Blackshaw, took over the company, committed to carrying on and expanding on the legacy. Since that time, they have turned FHC into a growing business providing medical, health, and wellness solutions and services for many of Calgary's business leaders and executives, their companies, employees, and families through the recruitment of excellent doctors and health professionals, using assessment and delivery models and programs.
Kelly Blackshaw BPE, CEP, Business Development Director
is a Kinesiologist and certified exercise physiologist. She co-authored Foothills Health Consultants research based Workforce Health Risk Assessment in 1996 with Dr Derrick Thompson and has spoken extensively across Canada on Workplace Health. In 2005 Kelly was the recipient of the Alberta Centennial Salute for sport and recreation. In 2006 she was inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame as a Multi-Sport Builder and received an Athletic Leader award by the Calgary Booster Club in 2007. In 2008 Kelly was very honoured to be the recipient of the Alberta CSEP CEP of the year Award. Kelly currently sits on the Calgary Chamber of Commerce and the Healthcare Committee.
Katie Plintz, Operations Director
has actively explored innovative business opportunities in order to bring beneficial integration into the health and wellness sector for the past few years. Katie's travels and research have also helped her develop a keen understanding of international business practices, specifically in Canada, China and India. Prior to focusing on the health and wellness sector, Katie was Assistant General Manager at Pyramid Productions Inc. in Calgary where she was fortunate to be a part of a dynamic and creative team which grew from 13 employees with three productions to over 50 employees producing more than 15 productions annually. As a graduate of the University of King's College and Dalhousie University, Katie holds a degree in Philosophy and Economics. She enjoys the study of family business for its unique dynamics and is deeply committed to philanthropy with a focus on youth, the environment and the arts.
Amy McDonald, Product Development and Marketing Advisor
is a 25 year veteran of the healthcare, self-care, and hospitality industries. An advisor to Foothills Health Consultants, Amy is widely recognized as an industry expert in environmentally and economically sustainable practices as well as an innovator in transformational wellness programming. Amy has worked with companies across North America to bring truly distinctive wellness projects to life with a keen focus on integrated, holistic programs. Prior to her owning her own health and wellness consultancy, her roles included Spa & Program Director of El Monte Sagrado Living Spa in Taos, New Mexico as well as Spa Director of the award winning Miraval Resort in Tucson, Arizona. Today, Amy's integrated wellness
experience helps companies who are looking for guidance on blending a high level of hospitality with healthcare services. Her insights and sensibilities are sought after around the world by international hotels and resorts, innovative healthcare developers and industry press from Organic Spa Magazine to the New York Times.
Jack Murray, Finance Director and Corporate Secretary
brings years of financial expertise to daily operations at Foothills Health Consultants as well as managing our human resources. Jack provides a wealth of management experience derived from assignments in oil and gas production and transportation, corporate income tax planning and compliance and international banking. Jack is a Chartered Accountant, and holds a Canadian Investment Manager designation and undergraduate degrees in sciences from the University of Manitoba.
FHC is a privately held corporation employing a multidisciplinary team
of healthcare professionals including physicians, kinesiologists, nurses,
psychologists, dieticians, and integrative health providers.
Susan Lea MD, CCFP, FCFP, Medical Director
graduated from Foothills Hospital School of Nursing in 1978, then from the University of Calgary in 1985 with her MD, in 1987 with her Specialty Certificate in Family Medicine. In 1987, she became a Fellow of the College of Family Physicians of Canada, in recognition of ongoing commitment to teaching, practice and governance within Medicine and the Allied Health Professions. Altogether, Susan has over 25 years experience in various Health Professions, from Registered Nurse and Family and Individual Therapist, to family, rural and now consulting physician. She continues to mentor and teach medical students and graduates, nursing and kinesiology students and graduates, and to advocate for excellent healthcare through integrated education, policy, and strategy in many arenas.
Current positions and affiliations - Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary; Member at Large, Board of Governors, University of Lethbridge; Editorial Board and Contributing Writer, Family Health Magazine.
Tanis Blench BMSc, MD, MBA, Board Certified Anti-Aging
Medicine, Fellowship in Integrative Medicine, University of Arizona
obtained her medical degree from the University of Alberta in Edmonton, graduating at age 22 years. She practiced in Lloydminster, Alberta for 4 years, moving to Calgary in 1982. Dr. Blench established a flourishing general practice, with active hospital privileges at both Holy Cross Hospital and Rockyview Hospital. Her scope of practice spanned the generations - from delivering babies to geriatric care. In 1999, Dr. Blench obtained her Masters of Business Administration from the University of Western Ontario, Richard Ivey School of Business. She is Board Certified in Anti-Aging Medicine. In 2004, Dr. Blench was awarded a scholarship by the Bravewell Collaborative to attend the University of Arizona, Fellowship in Integrative Medicine. Integrative Medicine is patient centered care that focuses on healing the whole person - mind, body and spirit. Integrative medicine makes use of all appropriate therapeutic approaches and evidence-based global medicine modalities to achieve optimal health. In addition to practicing medicine, Dr. Blench has presented educational seminars to professionals and has co-produced a series of office manuals and software for efficient medical practice.
She is committed to a healthy lifestyle that focuses on key ingredients to optimal health and longevity.
Tony Lynch Ph.D. M.D, CCBOM, Dip.Av.Med, CIME, MROCC.
specializes in occupational, aviation and diving medicine. Tony's career has taken him from England to New Zealand, Cyprus and Germany. Among his many interests Tony has explored the effects of early growth retardation, the effects of hormones on cognitive behaviours, the development of lung disorders among miners and steelworkers, avoidance of occupational musculoskeletal injuries and treatment protocols for early return to work.
Dr. Carmen Poirier BSc, MD, CCFP
obtained her medical degree from the University of Alberta in 1986. Since completing her Internship in 1988, Dr. Poirier has practiced family medicine in Edmonton, Sierra Vista Arizona, and more recently in Calgary. While in Arizona, Dr. Poirier was also Assistant Professor of Clinical Education at Midwest University and worked as a surgical assistant in Orthopedics, Podiatry, Obstetrics, Gynecology and general surgery.
Since 2003, Dr. Poirier has been committed to Personal and Organizational Health assessment and promotion, practicing Executive Health assessments, Occupational Medicine and Disability Management.
Today Dr. Poirier is growing her new practice with Foothills Health Consultants. Always dedicated to keeping her skills up-to-date and caring for the community, she is also a surgical assistant and an integral member of the cardiac surgery team at the Foothills Hospital. Dr. Poirier is the President of the Calgary Association of Cardiac Assistants..
Jeannette Soriano MD, LMCC, ADCT.
An associate physician to Foothills Health Consultants, Jeannette is an experienced general physician who is committed to working with patients presenting with complex health issues. She has a special interest in integrative medicine and phlebology and is a certified acupuncturist with the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada.
