Meet Our Sleep Doctors And Specialists
The sleep physicians and behavioural sleep medicine specialists are all credentialed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the European Sleep Research Society, and the American Academy of Behavioral Sleep Medicine. The technical staff are fully accredited polysomnographic technologists and registered with the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT).
Sleep Doctors
DR. CHARLES SAMUELS, M.D., CCFP, DABSM
Medical Director
DR. CHARLES SAMUELS, M.D., CCFP, DABSM
Dr. Samuels is the Medical Director of the Centre for Sleep & Human Performance in Calgary, Alberta. Dr. Samuels is board certified in Sleep Medicine with the American Board of Sleep Medicine. He has a clinical background in Rural and Urban Family Medicine.Dr. Samuels is a clinical trial researcher with a special interest in the scientific study of the effect of drugs on psychological processes and behavioral activity and obesity. He has acted as a primary and co-investigator on over 20 clinical trials from Phase II to Phase IV. He has served as the Vice-Chair of the Research Ethics Review Committee of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta from 2000-2003. Dr. Samuels is currently the lead investigator for the Calgary Police Service Health and Human Performance Research Initiative, which is a long-term research project exploring the impact of rotating shift work on the health and performance of police officers. This project is part of a North American collaboration including Harvard University, New York State University Buffalo and Washington State University.
Dr. Samuels is also co-investigator in a unique study funded by “Own the Podium” which explores the relationship of sleep on recovery and performance in elite Canadian athletes. He has served as a sleep and performance consultant for the Calgary Flames and the OAR Northwest Africa to Americas Expedition.
AFFILIATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS:
- Diplomate, American Board of Sleep Medicine
- Medical Director, Centre for Sleep & Human Performance
- Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Calgary, Faculty of Medicine
- Adjunct Professor, University of Calgary, Faculty of Kinesiology
- Co-Investigator and Clinical Director, RCMP: Fatigue Management Strategy, F Division
- Principal Investigator, Own the Podium Sleep and Recovery Research Initiative
DR. AOUS ALSHEHABI, M.D.
DR. Aous Alshehabi, M.D.
With over 24 years of global medical experience, my career has spanned the high-pressure environment of the Emergency Room and specialized surgical insights in Otolaryngology (ENT), to the dedicated care required in Senior Long-Term Care and Family Practice. After eight years in Dawson Creek, BC, and prior practice in the Sultanate of Oman and Iraq, I am thrilled to bring this diverse clinical background to the Centre for Sleep and Human Performance.
I am deeply passionate about the evolving field of sleep medicine. Since we spend nearly one-third of our lives asleep, those hours are the absolute foundation for our daily performance. I believe screening and testing for sleep disorders are vital tools for everyone, especially for highly committed, hard-working individuals as restorative sleep is the key to maintaining a high quality of life.
At the Centre, I am proud to work alongside a team of highly skilled experts, professionals, and technicians. Supported by our caring and amazing staff, we provide a wide breadth of diagnostic tools and comprehensive counseling services to ensure you receive the highest level of personalized care.
I believe health is a mutual responsibility. To me, maintaining well-being is an ongoing journey rather than a destination. Just as I prioritize my own health by working out, mountain biking, and skiing to recharge, I believe we must constantly work to maintain better sleep habits. It is a vital part of our health that requires lifelong care and attention.
I look forward to welcoming you to the Centre and partnering with you to help you perform at your absolute best.
DR. ROBERT COHEN, M.D., CCFP, SOMNOLOGIST (ESRS)
DR. ROBERT COHEN, M.D., CCFP, SOMNOLOGIST (ESRS)
Dr. Cohen received his MD from Dalhousie University in 1998 and completed his Family Medicine training at the University of Alberta. He holds the designation Somnologist – Expert in Sleep Medicine from the European Sleep Research Society (ESRS). He practiced a broad scope of community-based Family Medicine prior to joining the Centre for Sleep & Human Performance in 2006, where he provides comprehensive care of all sleep disorders.
Dr. Cohen has given invited presentations to public and professional audiences in the areas of insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea and sleep in medical disorders. His current areas of interest are the primary care approach to sleep disorders and the management of shift work sleep disorder.
Dr. Cohen enjoys teaching Family Medicine Residents at the Centre with mentoring them with their Sleep Medicine training. He also enjoys working with shift workers and helping them best manage their sleep.
Athlete Services & Behavioural Sleep Medicine Specialists
James MacFarlane, BSc, MSc, PhD, FAASM
James MacFarlane, BSc, MSc, PhD, FAASM
James MacFarlane is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. He was granted his doctorate from McMaster University Medical Centre for his work in neuropharmacology and began his sleep medicine career at the Toronto Western Hospital in 1989. He was previously a Research Associate in the Department of Neurology at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, and continues as a consultant at the MedSleep Niagara and Toronto area Sleep Clinics. He is currently serving on the Board of the Canadian Sleep Society. He has also been actively involved in establishing sleep medicine standards with both the Canadian Sleep Society and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. Dr. MacFarlane has developed innovative sleep educational programs for sleep technologists, medical students and physicians. He also provides public lectures and media appearances to enhance awareness of issues related to sleep and sleep disorders.
Dr. Jair Villalobos
B.S.M.S.
DR. JAIR VILLALOBOS
Dr. Villalobos holds a Doctor of Medicine degree from Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo in Mexico and is registered with the Medical Identification Number of Canada (MINC). He brings extensive clinical experience in patient assessment, family medicine, chronic disease management, and the treatment of critically ill patients in intensive care. He works collaboratively with patients and the multidisciplinary team to develop and implement personalized behavioural treatment plans for a wide range of sleep disorders.
Dr. Tayyiba Khan
MBBS, LMCC, B.S.M.S.
Tayyiba Khan
Dr. Khan is an International Medical Graduate with work experience as a family physician. She holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree. She is Licentiate of Medical Council of Canada. She has extensive training in mental health, addiction and family conflict. She is trained in cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness as well as cognitive behavioural therapy for Insomnia.
She supports the Centre’s physicians in treating a variety of sleep disorders by working with patients to implement behavioural sleep techniques such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) and as a clinical assistant.
Dr. Ana Navarrete
B.S.M.S.
Ana Navarrete
Dr. Ana Navarrete is an International Trained Doctor and a dedicated Sleep Medicine Specialist where she applies her extensive medical expertise to improve patients’ sleep health and overall well-being. Specializing in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), Dr. Navarrete employs evidence-based approaches to help individuals achieve restorative sleep and manage sleep-related challenges effectively. She uses her extensive medical expertise to enhance her patients’ sleep health and overall well-being.
With a medical degree from Universidad Autonoma De Nuevo Leon Facultad De Medicina in Monterrey, Mexico, Dr. Navarrete brings a rich clinical background and a holistic approach to sleep medicine. She has significant experience in mental health, occupational health, and support for individuals with disabilities, enhancing her ability to address sleep disorders within broader health contexts.
Diagnostic Sleep Lab & Clinical Operations Team
Nicholas Valentine, BMT, RPSGT
General Manager & Clinical Director
Nicholas Valentine, BMT, RPSGT
Nicholas is a member of the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) with a background in Biomedical Science. He became a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist in 2023 and has worked in multiple AASM accredited sleep labs in British Columbia. He has worked with several sleep physicians across the country and began working at Centre for Sleep & Human Performance in 2023.
At the Centre for Sleep & Human Performance, Nicholas serves as the General Manager and Clinical Director, overseeing the clinic’s operations and directing sleep study activities, including both out of centre testing and in lab polysomnography. He works closely with the physicians and behavioural sleep medicine specialists as part of an integrated care team supporting patients with obstructive sleep apnea and CPAP therapy.
Nicholas also attends conferences and wellness events to educate the public and raise awareness about the importance of sleep and the vital role it plays in overall health.
In his spare time, Nicholas enjoys golfing, biking, and fitness.
Administrative Team
Administrative Team
Appreciation anecdote for our sleep team:
“I have been working in the sleep medicine since the mid 1990’s and I have worked closely with some of the best RPSGTs in North America. I can confidently say that Nicholas, Ankush and Gurpreet as well as our past team of RPSGTs rank amongst the best of the best, they are highly skilled, keen to learn, professional and universally well respected by the team and the patients. I feel honored and lucky to have this technical team working with us here at the CSHP. Thank you very much for your commitment and professionalism!” ~ Dr. S
