Meet Our Calgary Team

Dr. Maria Chuquer is a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada in Anesthesiology and has obtained advanced certifications in Medical Aesthetics, Cosmetic Dermatology, and Weight Management. In the academic field, Dr. Chuquer is an Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine. Throughout her career, she has been engaged in multicentre clinical trials as a clinical investigator.

Her focus is on practicing evidence-based medicine combined with the art of medical aesthetics. Additionally, she is currently a member of the Obesity Medicine Association and is going through the process of obtaining board certification with the American Board of Obesity Medicine. Dr. Chuquer has always been an advocate of stigma-free health care for everyone, and through her passion for Obesity Medicine, she founded the Sculptd Program. Dr. Chuquer interviewed several professionals and curated a special team of stigma-free and highly trained individuals that share the same philosophy and passion for helping people living with obesity. Her mission is to provide lifelong support to patients and to educate not only the medical community but also patients and families that obesity is no one’s fault – it is a chronic and relapsing medical condition that needs to be constantly managed with adequate support and treatment. With her husband and young children, Dr. Chuquer calls Calgary home, where she loves living, playing tennis, working, and welcoming new patients to her practice!

Dr. Halat was born and raised in Calgary. She attended University of Calgary for her undergrad in biology. She then pursued her medical education at Ross University located on the Caribbean island of Dominica. During her schooling she had the opportunity to complete her rotations at various American hospitals including University of Miami, Mount Sinai in Miami and NYC, and NYU. Eventually, she found her way back home and attended University of Calgary for Family Medicine Residency.

She has been a practicing GP in Calgary since 2016. Beyond medicine, she has a special interest in powerlifting. She placed third in the Raw World’s Competition. Her medical and fitness background allows her to make meaningful relationships with all her patients.

Dr. Julie Hong got her M.D in 2002 from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. Her curiosity centered around how to make individuals accomplish their dreams of optimization, empowerment and living a joyful and fulfilled life has taken her down many varying but connected paths in medicine. She has currently called Calgary home since 2019 and has been the Lead Physician at the University of Calgary Wellness Centre for over a decade. She conducts pain clinics providing Botox Prophylaxis for chronic migraine, trigger point injections and nerve blocks since 2014.

She has also been certified in the certificate of travel medicine (ISTM) and runs travel clinics at the University of Calgary. She has obtained Basic and Advanced certificates for dermal filler and neuromodulators through the Canadian Association of Medical Aesthetics (CAMA). She is proud of her work as a physician surgical assistant in robotic urologic surgery and is now participating in creating an innovative center for Pre-habilitation Medicine at the Rockyview Hospital. Her main passion has been Functional Medicine which looks at root cause medicine and is one of less than 1000 worldwide certified physician practitioners with the Institute of Functional Medicine. She also has advanced training certificates from the Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.

Amrita commenced her academic journey at the University of Calgary, where she initially pursued Kinesiology. Realizing her strong inclination towards healthcare within the domain of healthy living, she made a switch to the Bachelor of Nursing program. Amrita’s professional path then led her to roles in occupational health and immunization clinics. Upon obtaining her Bachelor’s degree, she furthered her education by completing a Masters in Nursing, focusing on leadership, research, and breastfeeding. Amrita’s enduring passion lies in primary and public healthcare, aiming to empower patients to proactively manage their well-being and lead fulfilling lives. During her off-duty hours, Amrita indulges in her love for cooking and baking, relishing quality moments spent with her family.

Dr. Ireland is a psychologist practicing in Calgary, and an Assistant Professor of psychology. She graduated with a Ph.D. from the University of Calgary, and has been an active therapist, university instructor, and researcher since.

Dr. Ireland’s research and practice has focused on the spectrum of weight-related issues including obesity, weight bias, body image dissatisfaction, and eating disorders. Dr. Ireland is passionate about mental health as well as promoting health, confidence, and comfort in our bodies.

Mark holds an undergraduate and Master’s degree in Kinesiology (specialty Exercise Physiology). Following completing his Master’s degree in Calgary, Mark worked as a personal trainer and sessional instructor at the University of Calgary and Mount Royal University.

He has now worked in the fitness/wellness industry for over 25 years in Canada and overseas with clients ranging from professional athletes to those with no exercise experience at all. No matter your starting point, Mark is committed to helping you improve your health and wellness. Mark recognizes that each client is unique and therefore should reflect that. Finding enjoyable and life-enhancing move their ways to move their body sment is an important part of improving one’s health and Mark looks forward to working with the clients of the SCULPTD program in this area.

Amanda has always had a passion for beauty and fashion. Always getting into trouble for making a mess of her older sister’s closet and makeup. When she was older, she worked for a number of makeup lines including Estee Lauder and Lancome. Amanda had her own makeup artistry business while living in New Zealand and continues to pursue this passion in a voluntary capacity for friends and family.

Trish graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy in 2000 and has worked in community pharmacy and clinical roles since that time.She is currently Pharmacy Manager with an independent pharmacy in Calgary, as well as a diabetes educator with the interprofessional clinic, LMC Endocrinology Calgary. She is an advocate for collaboration between professions to best support patients and excited about the opportunity for this innovative project.