Memorial University Faculty of Medicine Learners
Physician Leads
As UPEI continues to develop an independent, made-in-PEI Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, Physician Leads provide academic and clinical leadership across key areas of medical education. Working closely with learners, faculty, healthcare partners, and communities across Prince Edward Island, they help inform curriculum development, admissions, learner support, faculty affairs, social accountability, and postgraduate medical education planning.
These part-time leadership roles ensure the future program is shaped by the expertise of practicing physicians while remaining responsive to the health needs and priorities of Islanders.
Dr. Krista Cassell
Obstetrician-Gynecologist
Physician Lead, Admissions
Dr. Krista Cassell is an obstetrician-gynecologist and physician leader based in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. She has held numerous provincial and national leadership positions, including President of the Medical Society of Prince Edward Island and Department Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Through her leadership and advocacy work, Dr. Cassell has advanced women’s health, physician engagement, and medical education.
Dr. Melanie Johnston
Emergency Medicine Physician
Physician Lead, Pre-Clerkship
Dr. Melanie Johnston is an emergency medicine physician at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown. A UPEI graduate, she earned her medical degree from Memorial University and completed an integrated Family Medicine–Emergency Medicine residency through Dalhousie University in Saint John, New Brunswick. Dr. Johnston currently serves as Lead for Classroom Experiences for Memorial University’s PEI campus and supports the development of pre-clerkship medical education at UPEI.
Dr. Gillian MacLean
Neonatologist
Physician Lead, Clerkship
Dr. Gillian MacLean is a neonatologist, medical educator, and Physician Lead for Clerkship. She earned her medical degree from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and completed postgraduate training in Pediatrics, Neonatology, Neonatal Palliative Care, and Transport Medicine at the University of Ottawa. Prior to relocating to Prince Edward Island, she practiced as an academic neonatologist at Queen’s University, where she held several educational leadership roles, including Clerkship Director. Her interests include undergraduate medical education, curriculum development, and excellence in clinical teaching.
Dr. Aleisha Murnaghan
Emergency Medicine Physician and Clinical Educator
Physician Lead, Postgraduate Medical Education
Dr. Aleisha Murnaghan is an emergency medicine physician from Stratford, Prince Edward Island, and a graduate of UPEI and Memorial University. She completed her Emergency Medicine residency, fellowships in Medical Education and Pediatric Emergency Medicine, and a Master of Health Professions Education at the University of Ottawa. Dr. Murnaghan previously served as Interim Director of Medical Program Development, supporting the establishment of Memorial University’s regional campus at UPEI. She now serves as Physician Lead for Postgraduate Medical Education.
Dr. Kaylee Murphy
Family Physician
Physician Lead, Learner Well-Being
Dr. Kaylee Murphy is a family physician, medical educator, and physician leader in Prince Edward Island. She serves as Physician Lead for Learner Well-Being and Success at UPEI and Director of the Office of Learner Well-Being and Success for Memorial University’s PEI campus. Dr. Murphy earned her medical degree from Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and completed her Family Medicine residency at Dalhousie University. She maintains a comprehensive family medicine practice and has a particular interest in physician wellness, mentorship, professional identity formation, and psychologically safe learning environments
Dr. Trina Stewart
Family Physician
Physician Lead, Faculty Affairs
Dr. Trina Stewart is a family physician practising comprehensive family medicine in Summerside, Prince Edward Island. She earned her Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine from Memorial University of Newfoundland and completed her Family Medicine residency at Dalhousie University. She is a Fellow of the College of Family Physicians of Canada and has completed additional training in physician leadership and practical dermatology. Throughout her career, Dr. Stewart has held leadership roles in medical education and primary care, including Curriculum Coordinator for the PEI site of the Dalhousie Family Medicine Program, Provincial Physician Advisor for Primary Care Renewal, and Medical Director for East Prince Family Medicine. She has also served in provincial and national leadership positions with the Medical Society of Prince Edward Island and the College of Family Physicians of Canada. Her interests include physician leadership, faculty development, team-based care, medical education, and physician well-being.
Dr. Kirsti Ziola
Obstetrician-Gynecologist
Physician Lead, Social Accountability
Dr. Kirsti Ziola is an obstetrician-gynecologist practicing in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. She earned her medical degree and completed her residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Saskatchewan, becoming a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in 2017. Throughout her career, she has focused on improving access to reproductive healthcare and supporting underserved populations. Dr. Ziola currently serves as Social Accountability Clinical Lead for Memorial University’s PEI campus.
Dr. Brent Thoma
Clinician Educator
Senior Advisor on Medical Education
Dr. Brent Thoma is an emergency physician, medical educator, and internationally recognized scholar in health professions education. As Senior Advisor on Medical Education, he supports the development of the Faculty of Medicine’s academic structure and programs, drawing on experience in accreditation, assessment, curriculum design, and medical education leadership.
