Resident Physician of the Month

Adult Neurology
University of  Alberta

I was raised in a small city in the countryside of Brazil and completed my medical studies at the University of São Paulo. I then moved to Canada for further training in Toronto and, in 2021, made Edmonton home. I first joined Dr. Suchowersky’s research group at the University of Alberta, and in 2023, was accepted into the Adult Neurology residency program at the UofA.

From the start of my journey at the UofA, I have been amazed by how receptive and supportive both the staff and my co-residents have been. I am incredibly grateful to be part of such an outstanding program. Throughout these early years of residency, my co-residents
have been the highlight of the best days and a supportive shoulder (or ear) on more challenging ones. They are part of an inspiring, dedicated, and altruistic group— values that I hope to pass on to future residents. I am equally inspired by our faculty’s academic achievements, clinical expertise, and teaching skills. I am thankful for the continued mentorship I receive from these exceptional professionals.

While I am fascinated by many aspects of Neurology, Movement Disorders hold a special place in my heart (and brain). Our program’s Unusual Movement Disorders rounds are easily my favourite and most enjoyable residency learning experience. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, going out for breakfast or brunch, exploring the city, and getting together with friends for a barbecue.

I am excited to continue the next steps of this journey. Thank you to PARA, the UofA Neurology program, and my beloved family—this has only been possible with the love and incredible support of my husband and daughters.

A colleague shared this about Dr. Machado de Oliveira:

"Lais is a talented clinician and a wonderful person. Her wealth of experience and her training in movement disorders are an enormous asset to those she works with and her colleagues are grateful to learn from her. She approaches every case in a systematic and strategic manner, making sure to leave no stone unturned. Her attentiveness along with her genuine curiosity and inquisitiveness continuously drive her improvement. Watching her constantly striving to improve her skillset is admirable. All the while, she is humble beyond words. Her colleagues learn much by observing the kindness she shows others. In parallel with her clinical life, she is a busy mom, caring for her daughter - another area where her colleagues learn much from her! Lais has had a remarkable journey to the Adult Neurology program at the University of Alberta. She joins us from Brazil after completing multiple fellowships in Movement Disorders across Canada. Despite her numerous accomplishments and seniority, she is extremely humble and has maintained a sense of curiosity. She does not shy away from asking questions around less familiar topics and will always seek advice if needed. On the weeks that I have worked with her on service, she has been diligent, collegial, professional and has a great bedside manner. Beyond all her other achievements and endeavours, she is a loving mother to an adorable toddler. Thank you for all that you do for the program, Lais!"

Thank you to everyone who has submitted nominations for the Resident of the Month award! We have received an overwhelming number of nominations and are temporarily pausing new submissions at this time.
 
We appreciate your enthusiasm in recognizing the incredible work of your colleagues. Stay tuned for updates as we process the current nominations.
 
If you have any questions, please contact Ravneet Sekhon.