Mumford Resident Bios
Dr Ryan Aman grew up in Manila, Philippines and moved to Halifax, NS in 2023. He completed his medical degree at De La Salle University from the Philippines and graduated in 2018. Ryan’s medical interests include infectious disease, child health, cancer care, and preventative medicine. His hobbies include playing volleyball, table tennis, badminton, going to the gym, content creation, food, and fashion. Ryan enjoys visiting different cafes, going for walks, watching Netflix/series, and hanging out with his friends.
Dr Francisca Annan is originally from Ghana, and she grew up in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She completed her medical degree at Dalhousie and graduated in 2025. Francisca’s medical interests include Newcomer health, sexual & reproductive health, and addictions medicine. She enjoys trying new recipes, taking dance or spin classes, and catching up with friends.
Dr Basim Ansari grew up in Pakistan. He completed his medical degree at the National University of Sciences and Technology and graduated in 2009. Basim’s medical interests include cardiology and preventive medicine. He enjoys tennis, soccer, and hiking. He is the proud dad of 3 wonderful young kids (7, 5, and 8-months old).
Dr Meghan Breckon
Dr. Meghan Breckon grew up in Kingston, Annapolis Valley. She completed her medical degree at Dalhousie University and graduated in 2024. Meghan’s medical interests include traditional family practice, prenatal care, hospitalist, procedures, and pediatrics. Her hobbies include hiking, dance, and spending time outdoors with her partner and their two dogs Brandi and Dottie. She came from a military family, with her dad and siblings in the military. She’s the first in her family to go into medicine.
Dr Orrisha Denbow-Burke
Dr. Orrisha Denbow-Burke grew up in Saint Lucia. She completed her medical degree in Saint Lucia/Jamaica and graduated in 2015. Orrisha’s medical interests include geriatric research, senior care, and health policy. Her hobbies include cooking, speaking to seniors, yoga, and meditation. Her husband is a cardiac anesthesiologist, originally from Guyana. Her daughter is 4 years old, and her son will be turning 3 soon. They enjoy exploring the province and spending time together.
Dr Nicole Edwards
Dr. Nicole Edwards grew up in Fall River, Nova-Scotia. She completed her undergraduate degree at Queen’s University in 2015 and her medical degree from Dalhousie University in 2024. Nicole’s medical interests include obstetrics and emergency medicine. Her hobbies include horseback riding, snowboarding, trivia, hiking, and wordle/connections. She also likes going to the gym and travelling.
Dr Edu Herrera Rios grew up in Guadalajara, Mexico. He completed his medical degree at Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara and graduated in 2015. His medical interests include geriatrics and sports medicine. His hobbies include biking, hiking, and practicing on his guitar, and cooking. He’s recently spent a lot of time cooking (Mexican food mostly), but he is trying to take advantage of the beautiful Nova Scotian nature and go biking and hiking as much as he can. Edu and his wife and are expecting their first child! He has two amazing and hard-working parents, and the best siblings (1 brother and 2 sisters) ever!
Dr Ksenia Kholina
Dr. Ksenia Kholina grew up in St. Petersburg, Russia, and lived most of her adult life in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She completed her medical training at Pavlov First State Medical University. She also holds a BSc and MSc in Applied Human Nutrition from Mount Saint Vincent University and is a registered dietitian. Ksenia’s medical interests include full-scope family medicine, women's health, and addictions medicine. Her hobbies include hiking, backcountry camping, surfing, downhill skiing, yoga, and gymnastics. She also likes to read short stories and watch nature documentaries.
Dr Cassidy McCausland
Dr. Cassidy McCausland grew up in Utopia, Ontario. She completed her undergraduate degree at Dalhousie University and graduated in 2017. She received her medical degree from the Columbus Central University School of Medicine in Belize in 2022. Cassidy’s medical interests include palliative care, preventative medicine, and indigenous health. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling, reading, and baking.
Dr Anneka Sheppard grew up in Sydney, Nova Scotia. She completed her medical degree at Dalhousie University and graduated in 2025. Anneka’s medical interests include sports medicine, women's health, and sexual health. Anneka’s hobbies include soccer, running, and snowboarding. In her spare time, she enjoys going to the beach or doing jigsaw puzzles.
Dr Rylan Smith
Dr. Rylan Smith grew up in Prospect, NS. He completed his medical degree at Dalhousie University and graduated in 2024. Rylan’s medical interests include general family medicine, healthcare administration, and quality improvement. His hobbies include golf, ball hockey, running, hiking, and spending time outdoors and on the ocean.
Dr Lillian Stratton
Dr. Lillian Stratton grew up in Bedford, Nova Scotia. She graduated from Dalhousie University with a BSc in Medical Sciences in 2019, from Mount Saint Vincent University with an MA in 2020, and from Dalhousie University School of Medicine in 2024. Lillian’s medical interests include primary care obstetrics, primary care pediatrics, and preventative medicine. Her hobbies include quilting, crocheting, gardening, hiking, surfing, and camping. In her spare time, she likes to surf the coast, camp in provincial parks, and hike with her family and her dogs. She is recently married with a 5-year-old mixed-breed dog named Bitsy.
Dr Julia ten Hove grew up in Kingston, Ontario. She completed her medical degree at Queen's University and graduated in 2025. Julia’s medical interests include palliative care, oncology, and medical education. She has a goldendoodle named Rosie and she spends a lot of time outside with her. She likes meeting up with friends, working on new craft projects or going for a run. She has a twin sister who is a professional sailor! Her dad is a physician, and her mom is an artist.
Dr Madeline Tweel grew up in Charlottetown, PE. She completed her medical degree at Dalhousie University and graduated in 2025. Her medical interests include women’s health, obstetrics, mental health, gender affirming care, minor procedures, preventative care. She cherishes time with her family, partner, and friends! Madeline likes being creative and she enjoys the outdoors. Her hobbies include pottery (and other art), cooking, reading, and sailing. She is the oldest of four kids!