Dr. Kala is a Canadian board-certified cardiologist with subspecialty training in advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology, a medical educator, and a voluntary faculty member at the University of Southern California (USC).

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In addition to clinical practice, she co-instructs courses within the Master of Academic Medicine program at USC, helping professionals develop as educators, leaders, and reflective practitioners. Her career has been shaped by complex, high-acuity clinical environments where communication, collaboration, trust, and human connection are essential to performing under pressure.

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Dr. Kala completed postgraduate training in Internal Medicine and Cardiology at Western University, serving as Chief Cardiology Resident, followed by a subspecialty fellowship in Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant at the University of Toronto. She earned her Master of Academic Medicine degree from USC.

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Recognizing that high-stress moments and setbacks are universal across demanding industries, Dr. Kala translates empirical insights from high-acuity clinical environments into practical frameworks - empowering leaders and teams to maintain clarity, execute under pressure, and build sustainable organizational resilience.

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Selected Awards & Recognition

Stephen Abrahamson Award for Innovation: Best of Innovations Award

The 21st Annual Innovations in Medical Education (IME) Conference. University of Southern California (February 2024)

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Stephen Abrahamson Award for Innovation: Best of Cool Ideas Award

The 19th Annual Innovations in Medical Education (IME) Conference. University of Southern California (February 2022)

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Personal Bio

Dr. Kala lives with her husband, their three boys, and a tank full of beautiful fish. She enjoys sprint kayaking, running, skiing, and reading psychological thrillers and mystery novels.