Dr. Susan Lea-Makenny’s practice philosophy is centered on “healthspan for the lifespan”— commitment to helping clients of all ages achieve true longevity through personalized, whole-person care. She believes exceptional primary care involves addressing every aspect of health while ensuring clients remain at the heart of their healthcare team. Dr. Susan’s approach to medicine is deeply relational and collaborative. She journeys alongside clients and their loved ones, demonstrating unwavering dedication to their evolving needs. By modeling this integrative care, she fosters an environment where physical and mental well-being are seamlessly aligned, providing each client with a personalized care plan that honours their unique healthspan goals.
Dr. Susan’s healthcare journey began at the Foothills Hospital School of Nursing in Calgary, where she trained in both general and mental health nursing. She later earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Medicine and completed her Family Medicine Residency at Foothills. Her foundation as a registered nurse has profoundly influenced her integrative approach to client care. Dr. Susan has worked in both rural and urban hospital settings across Alberta and has been based in Calgary since 2004.
She has extensive experience working in multidisciplinary teams, appreciating the value other practitioners bring to overall care. In 2017, she founded her own integrative family medicine practice before joining Harrison Healthcare. Her areas of expertise include chronic disease management, prevention strategies, and psychological health. She is particularly excited about the emerging use of AI tools and genomics being developed to steer more precision medicine for her clients. She has also served as a consultant for organizations such as the Markin Institute for Health Promotion, Norlien Foundation, Wayfound Mental Health Group, and the Palix Foundation’s Brain Story initiative, sharing her knowledge on proactive health habits and her passion for mental wellness.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Susan is the wife of a generational rancher and a proud mother of two adult daughters, a teacher and a nurse, and recently welcomed a new grandson. She finds inspiration in horse training, ranch work, outdoor adventures, and travel.