Dr. Joenel Alcantara is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Departments of Family Medicine and Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases at the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary. He is a family physician with a strong academic and research background. He completed a BSc in Biochemistry, an MSc in Microbiology, and a PhD in Plant Molecular Biology at the University of Calgary, and later completed his Doctor of Medicine and Family Medicine Residency training at the University of Calgary.

​

Dr. Alcantara’s work bridges clinical medicine and translational research, with long-standing interests in immunology, vaccine development, and algal and plant biotechnology. His research is guided by a One Health approach, with a focus on developing vaccines that support both animal and human health. He is also interested in the production of high-value secondary metabolites and other biologics.

​

He is a Certificant of the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CCFP) and is also involved in medical education, teaching undergraduate medical students at the University of Calgary in clinical skills and serving as an examiner for Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs). He enjoys procedural medicine and has a particular interest in supporting patients with migraine, recognizing how debilitating headaches can be and focusing on practical strategies to improve day-to-day function.

Outside of work, Dr. Alcantara is married with two sons. As a family, they make an annual trip to Lake O’Hara to hike the alpine trails. They also love to travel, with favourite destinations including Tofino, British Columbia, as well as Italy and Spain.