Dr. Vanessa Ha
Neurology
University of Calgary
I was born and raised amongst the racoons, aka Toronto. I initially set my sights on a career in research, because I was inspired by amazing mentors and being at the frontiers of science. So, I completed graduate school before I pivoted to a career in medicine. I completed medical school at Queen’s University and then moved nearly half way across the country with my partner and French Bulldog to start my residency in Adult Neurology at the University of Calgary. Moving to Calgary was slightly daunting because we did not know many people here, but the people in my program are amazing- they are extremely smart and funny, and my partner and I soon found ourselves feeling at home in no time.
Outside of residency, I try to keep my academic spirit alive and dabble in Stroke research. My partner and I took up cross-country skiing, summited mountains, and we really enjoy exploring Alberta as a whole (we visited 4/5 UNESCO sites!). We are also on a quest to find the best place for pizza in Calgary. So far, our findings have led us to the classic comforts of Domino’s, but we’re always on the lookout for hidden gems!
A colleague shared this about Dr. Ha:
"I am thrilled to nominate Dr. Ha for recognition as a PARA resident physician of the month. Dr. Ha stands out for her remarkable ability to maintain harmony between her personal passions and professional commitments. One notable aspect of Dr. Ha is her fondness for embracing new experiences, as well as enjoying quality time with her partner, their dog and her friends and family. Whether immersing herself in the bustling streets of a new city or finding serenity in nature, she approaches each journey with enthusiasm and an open mind! Despite her demanding schedule, she prioritizes nurturing these relationships, recognizing the invaluable support and joy they bring to her life. She demonstrates a strong dedication to building meaningful ties within the community and took the initiative to organize a giving-back activity for our resident group. Dr. Ha also excels in her academic research and clinical commitments. Her dedication to advancing knowledge in her field is evident in the meticulous attention she devotes to her research projects and her innovative approach to solving complex problems. Moreover, her clinical work reflects a genuine passion for helping others and making a positive impact in the lives of patients. What truly sets Dr, Ha apart is her exceptional ability to seamlessly integrate these diverse aspects of her life. Despite the demands of academia and clinical practice, she remains grounded and approachable, always willing to lend a helping hand or offer words of encouragement to her colleagues. Her positive attitude, empathy and collaborative spirit make her an absolute pleasure to work with. She is a true asset in our program and I am so lucky to be able to work with her!
Resident Physician of the Month
The Resident Physician of the Month Award is meant to recognize and reward outstanding resident physicians who make exceptional contributions in their academic field while still maintaining their work/life balance.
Interested in nominating someone? Fill out the Resident Physician of the Month Award online form.
Informed, Empowered, Involved
Informed about our patients’ health and innovations in medicine. Empowered to create healthy professional working and learning environments. Involved in shaping the future of health care delivery in Alberta.