Dr. Johanna MacDonell joined the INLIV team in February 2025 as a physician in our Total Health Management program.
Dr. MacDonell’s career has taken several turns, all leading her to her role at INLIV. Initially she obtained her master’s degree in teaching, followed by a psychology degree. She discovered many of her studies focused on administration which she “did not enjoy at all, and decided this is absolutely not what I want to do,” she laughs. “I wanted a different challenge, and medicine was something that I have always been interested in, ever since I was a young child.”
She finds being a physician to be constantly intriguing. “The human body is such a puzzle,” she says. “I think that’s what has continued to be so fascinating about medicine for me is that I just love the puzzles. It’s fascinating to me to to learn more about the human body and how it works. And what you can do to fix it. It’s endlessly interesting.”
In addition to her role at INLIV, Dr. MacDonell also works at Foothills Medical Centre which provides a range of patients and new challenges on which she thrives. “Working with maternal and newborn care and delivery at Foothills is so positive, exciting, and life affirming. But in life, as we know, there is a flipside. I do a lot of palliative work too. Sometimes you can’t fix the problem, but you can still make their life better. You can still offer comfort. You can still do something, and I find that very satisfying.”
With that broad spectrum of experience tending to patients from birth to end of life care, Dr. MacDonnell has a clear picture of the full spectrum of family medicine and humanity. She brings that compassion to her practice at INLIV.
When not at work, Dr. Johanna MacDonell loves getting outdoors, hiking and skiing, noting her dogs and husband keep her outdoorsy and active. While relaxing at home, you’ll find her reading, cooking – and often combining the two! “I love reading about food” she laughs.
Experiencing the world inspires her. Upon achieving her first university degree, she moved to South Korea where she was teaching English. “I just loved the people there. It is such a nice, gentle, beautiful culture. And I loved the food. Still do.”
One of her most inspiring trip has been visiting Africa. “We went to Zanzibar, and then to Tanzania where we did the Kilimanjaro climb. You can’t help but be changed by that experience. We also did some hiking in Uganda and Rwanda. Travel is incredible, educational and inspiring.”
To learn more about our Total Health Management program and schedule a physician meet and greet, contact our team at 403.538.8881 or mitchellm@inliv.com
