HI, I’m Dr. Kevin V Carlson, a leading urologist in pelvic reconstructive surgery and founder of Victara.

I’ve spent my career exploring one central question: how can we help people live stronger, healthier, and more confident lives?

My path began with medical training at the University of British Columbia, followed by urology residency at Dalhousie University and fellowship training in functional urology and pelvic reconstructive surgery at New York University. Today I serve as Clinical Professor of Urology and Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Calgary, where I have spent many years caring for patients, teaching future surgeons, and advancing research in pelvic health and bladder function.

But medicine alone does not fully explain my approach to health.

Outside the hospital, I’ve always been drawn to endurance and challenge. I’ve completed multiple Ironman triathlons, more than a dozen marathons, and long-distance open-water swims. Those experiences have reinforced something I see every day in medicine: when people feel stronger in their bodies, it transforms how they live their lives.

Throughout my career I have helped develop national clinical guidelines, founded professional societies, and built innovative care programs. Yet I increasingly felt that modern healthcare often focuses on treating disease rather than unlocking human potential.

HI, I’m Dr. Kevin V Carlson, a leading urologist in pelvic reconstructive surgery and founder of ... Read More

Hi, my name is Angela Kim and I am a pelvic floor physiotherapist working out of Victara!

I know that pain and difficulties in functioning make it challenging to feel good in your body and in your life. Perhaps you’re unable to stroll outside, play your sports or enjoy your hobbies.

There are many treatment strategies and options available to you, which I’ve learned through my Physical Therapy degree and certificates in Acupuncture, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapy and Integrative Chakra Therapy (Spiritual Healing). Numerous post graduate courses, several of which focused on pelvic floor and pain management, have added to the way in which I help patients.

Throughout my time spent with patients, like you, I’ve learned that the human being is a sophisticated, whole, living system. There is a continuum of thoughts, emotions, spirit and body. This means that whenever there are physical issues there are mental, emotional and spiritual components too.

What have you been missing out on? What are your goals?

My desire is to be your guide. To help empower you, to help you connect to your body and to help you integrate effective practices into your daily life.

Hi, my name is Angela Kim and I am a pelvic floor physiotherapist working out of Victara! I know... Read More

Hi, and welcome to Victara!

We’re here to help you feel your best with personalized care and advanced treatments designed to support your health, confidence, and overall well-being. Whether you’re looking to improve pelvic health, strengthen and rehab your body, or support your mental wellness, we’re here to guide you through your options and help you find the approach that feels right for you.

We’re excited to be part of your wellness journey and look forward to seeing you!

Hi, and welcome to Victara! We’re here to help you feel your best with personalized care and adv... Read More

Hi, I’m Shelby Sheppard, a Nurse Practitioner and the founder of Pause Health!

My healthcare journey began with a Bachelor of Nursing from Memorial University of Newfoundland in 2015. I started my career as a Registered Nurse in labour and delivery at the Health Sciences Centre in St. John’s, NL, before moving to Calgary in 2018, where I continued supporting patients through pregnancy and birth at Rockyview General Hospital. In 2021, I completed my Master of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner (Primary Care) at the University of Saskatchewan.

Over time, my practice evolved toward hormone and sexual health after recognizing the significant gaps in care many patients experience and the impact this has on their quality of life. This led me to pursue advanced training in hormone therapy and sexual medicine through WorldLink Medical, along with ongoing continuing education. At Pause Health, I care for patients navigating hormonal changes and sexual health concerns across the lifespan—from perimenopause and menopause, PCOS, and PMS, to low testosterone, erectile dysfunction, and fertility considerations after testosterone therapy. My approach emphasizes evidence-informed, individualized care, rooted in the belief that “normal” lab values don’t always mean patients feel their best. I aim to help people better understand their bodies, make informed decisions about their health, and feel like themselves again.

Outside of work, life is busy in the best way. I’m a mom to my toddler daughter, Sloane, and two golden retrievers, Olaf and Sven. I love starting the day with a good cup of coffee, staying active in some way each day, spending time with my family, and catching a Bengals game during football season.

Hi, I’m Shelby Sheppard, a Nurse Practitioner and the founder of Pause Health! My healthcare jou... Read More