Dr. Brian Wirzba is a community-based specialist in general internal medicine with an interest in comprehensive care, bone health and risk reduction. He has been the medical director of the Grey Nuns Community Hospital Osteoporosis Clinic since 1999. Dr. Wirzba has a long history of service with the AMA, having joined in 1994, he has spent over 23 years actively involved in AMA work. Dr. Brian Wirzba was acclaimed to the position of Alberta Medical Association President-Elect for 2024-25 and officially assumed his role as AMA President on September 27, 2025 at the close of the AMA Fall Representative Forum.

Braden Manns is the Senior Associate Dean, Health Research, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary and the Associate Vice President, Health Research, University of Calgary. He holds a CIHR Foundation award in health system funding and was the co-PI of a CIHR funded patient-oriented research network in chronic disease (www.Cansolveckd.ca ).

He has experience in health system administration, having recently served as Alberta Health Services (AHS) Associate Chief Medical Officer and lead for the Strategic Clinical networks for six years. He served as Interim AHS Vice President on two occasions - once as the Physician lead for Provincial Clinical Operations, and once as the Administrative and Physician lead for Provincial Clinical Programs (between 2021 and 2023).

Dr. Manns is the Past-President of the Canadian Society of Nephrology and has experience in pharmaceutical priority setting, having served on provincial and national committees for drug evaluation, including a term as Chair of Canadian Expert Drug Advisory Committee from 2006-2008.

Dr. Miriam Kirmayer is a clinical psychologist, leading friendship expert, and one of the most influential speakers on human connection and social support. With over a decade of research in the science of friendship, Dr. Miriam’s work has revolutionized the way we show up for, mentor, and connect with each other.


 

A sought-after speaker, Dr. Miriam shares inspiring keynotes and workshops at corporate conferences, leadership summits, community-driven events, and leading academic and healthcare institutions. Her clients include The Aspen Institute, The Atlantic’s In Pursuit Of Happiness summit, Canadian Women in Medicine, The Foundation For Social Connection, The Government of Canada, Entrepreneurs’ Organization, and YPO.

Her hands-on research and relatable advice have helped companies around the world boost belonging, engagement, well-being, and mentorship—while giving their teams the tools that benefit them far beyond the workplace.
 

Dr. Miriam contributes her expertise as a psychological consultant to both the media and connection-driven organizations around the world, helping them bridge the growing gaps between research, policy, and our everyday approach to relationships, leadership, and mental health. She currently sits on the Mental Health Advisory Committee for Wondermind, a mental fitness company co-founded by Selena Gomez and Mandy Teefey and is a trusted consultant for The Foundation For Social Connection.