ABOUT ALMIRA MEDICAL

Redefining Preventative Care

At Almira Medical, we focus on advanced preventative
care to minimize the risk of developing chronic diseases and best protect your potential longevity.

dr liam finlay at almira medical

Meet Dr. Finlay

Championing Preventative Care and Longevity

Dr. Finlay brings unparalleled expertise in Internal Medicine and a passion for proactive healthcare to Almira Medical. With a focus on preventing and managing chronic conditions, he combines advanced medical knowledge with a personalized, lifestyle-centered approach to help patients achieve optimal health and longevity.

Meet Our Expert Team

Our dedicated experts combine science, experience, and personalized care to help you achieve lasting health, wellness, and longevity.

Dr Liam Finlay

Dr. Liam Finlay

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Dr. Finlay is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCPC) in Internal Medicine, and a certified Internal Medicine Specialist, with expertise in hypertension. Born and raised in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Finlay pursued a direct path to medicine, beginning with pre-clinical training at the University of St. Andrews and clinical training at the University of Manchester.

After medical school, he interned in London, before returning to Canada for his Internal Medicine residency at McMaster University. Since completing his training, Dr. Finlay has worked as an internal medicine specialist at Mackenzie Health, where he diagnoses and manages a diverse range of adult conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, organ failure, autoimmune disease, infections, cancer, and dementia.

His hospital experience has deepened his understanding of the irreversible consequences of neglecting preventable risk factors, particularly untreated hypertension. This insight inspired him in 2023 to establish the Toronto Hypertension Clinic, a publicly funded clinic dedicated to treating all forms of hypertension and other significant cardiovascular risk factors such as high cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, and kidney disease.

He is also interested in leveraging technology to inform these lifestyle changes and provide metrics regarded projected longevity, healthspan, and disease development. These interests culminated in the founding of Almira Medical, a private clinic focused on delivering exceptional preventive care.

Outside of his clinical work, Dr. Finlay is an avid sports enthusiast with a strong background in competitive swimming, water polo, and marathon running. He completed the Boston Marathon in Spring 2025 and can often be found cheering on the Toronto Raptors.

Tasha Cortese

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Tasha brings a wealth of experience to our team, having practiced as a Registered Dietitian since 2006. She graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) and completed her Dietetic Internship at Mount Sinai Hospital, where she was awarded the Judy Van Tilburg Dietetic Intern Bursary. Tasha began her career in a GTA Acute Care Hospital where she still works part time nearly 20 years later. There, she honed her skills in General Medicine, the Intensive Care Unit and Cardiology, and in 2018, she was recognized with a Kudos Award for her exemplary patient care.
 

Currently, Tasha is an integral part of the Integrated Stroke Unit, providing both acute and rehabilitative care to stroke patients. She is deeply passionate about the profound impact of nutrition on achieving overall health and longevity, with a focus on maximizing both healthspan and lifespan. Her expertise encompasses various areas, including the highly beneficial Mediterranean Diet, effective strategies for weight management, and comprehensive approaches to chronic disease management. She is also an annual speaker at the Stroke Conference. Her expertise has also been featured on CP24 Breakfast, 105.9 The Region, and York Region News.

Julian Ho

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Julian Ho is an established coach and seasoned management consultant in the fitness, health, and wellness industry. He is also a multi-sport athlete, Ironman, and Ultramarathon champion. He holds an Honours Kinesiology degree from Western University, was formerly a clinical Kinesiologist, and has achieved more than a dozen world-renowned certifications in personal training, group fitness, indoor cycling, ultramarathon coaching, breathwork, Thai massage, Fascial Stretch Therapy, Yoga, and Mobility.

His 18 years of fitness and wellness coaching and consulting includes great work with high profile athletes, c-suite executives, the general population, and special populations. He has earned sponsorships and ambassadorships with companies such as Nike, Adidas, and currently, On. He has consulted the first wave of Group Contrast Therapy Studios in North America such as Othership and Active Remedy Club, and has spread over to Europe with Keen Wellbeing.

He founded a charitable Leadership Organization called 2.0 Toronto, which is now undergoing a rebranding for 2025. He continues to hold his own private clinical movement health practice and teaches exclusively with Equinox and Sweat and Tonic, two premium fitness companies he has helped launch in Canada.

He currently lives in Toronto, is a very involved uncle to his twin brother’s baby son, and devotes his personal time to playing jazz piano, being a foodie, researching the latest in Healthspan, and training for his next Ultramarathon.

Dr. Liam Finlay

liamnow

Dr. Finlay is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCPC) in Internal Medicine, and a Certified Hypertension Specialist (CHS). Born and raised in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Finlay pursued a direct path to medicine, beginning with pre-clinical training at the University of St. Andrews and clinical training at the University of Manchester.

After medical school, he interned in London, before returning to Canada for his Internal Medicine residency at McMaster University. Since completing his training, Dr. Finlay has worked as an internal medicine specialist at Mackenzie Health, where he diagnoses and manages a diverse range of adult conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, organ failure, autoimmune disease, infections, cancer, and dementia.

His hospital experience has deepened his understanding of the irreversible consequences of neglecting preventable risk factors, particularly untreated hypertension. This insight inspired him in 2023 to establish the Toronto Hypertension Clinic, a publicly funded clinic dedicated to treating all forms of hypertension and other significant cardiovascular risk factors such as high cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, and kidney disease.

He is also interested in leveraging technology to inform these lifestyle changes and provide metrics regarded projected longevity, healthspan, and disease development. These interests culminated in the founding of Almira Medical, a private clinic focused on delivering exceptional preventive care.

Outside of his clinical work, Dr. Finlay is an avid sports enthusiast with a strong background in competitive swimming, water polo, and marathon running. He completed the Boston Marathon in Spring 2025 and can often be found cheering on the Toronto Raptors.

Tasha Cortese

tashaclr2
Tasha brings a wealth of experience to our team, having practiced as a Registered Dietitian since 2006. She graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) and completed her Dietetic Internship at Mount Sinai Hospital, where she was awarded the Judy Van Tilburg Dietetic Intern Bursary. Tasha began her career in a GTA Acute Care Hospital where she still works part time nearly 20 years later. There, she honed her skills in General Medicine, the Intensive Care Unit and Cardiology, and in 2018, she was recognized with a Kudos Award for her exemplary patient care.
 

Currently, Tasha is an integral part of the Integrated Stroke Unit, providing both acute and rehabilitative care to stroke patients. She is deeply passionate about the profound impact of nutrition on achieving overall health and longevity, with a focus on maximizing both healthspan and lifespan. Her expertise encompasses various areas, including the highly beneficial Mediterranean Diet, effective strategies for weight management, and comprehensive approaches to chronic disease management. She is also an annual speaker at the Stroke Conference. Her expertise has also been featured on CP24 Breakfast, 105.9 The Region, and York Region News.

Julian Ho

justin now

Julian Ho is an established coach and seasoned management consultant in the fitness, health, and wellness industry. He is also a multi-sport athlete, Ironman, and Ultramarathon champion. He holds an Honours Kinesiology degree from Western University, was formerly a clinical Kinesiologist, and has achieved more than a dozen world-renowned certifications in personal training, group fitness, indoor cycling, ultramarathon coaching, breathwork, Thai massage, Fascial Stretch Therapy, Yoga, and Mobility.

His 18 years of fitness and wellness coaching and consulting includes great work with high profile athletes, c-suite executives, the general population, and special populations. He has earned sponsorships and ambassadorships with companies such as Nike, Adidas, and currently, On. He has consulted the first wave of Group Contrast Therapy Studios in North America such as Othership and Active Remedy Club, and has spread over to Europe with Keen Wellbeing.

He founded a charitable Leadership Organization called 2.0 Toronto, which is now undergoing a rebranding for 2025. He continues to hold his own private clinical movement health practice and teaches exclusively with Equinox and Sweat and Tonic, two premium fitness companies he has helped launch in Canada.

He currently lives in Toronto, is a very involved uncle to his twin brother’s baby son, and devotes his personal time to playing jazz piano, being a foodie, researching the latest in Healthspan, and training for his next Ultramarathon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about our plans

Do I need a referral to be seen at Almira Medical?

No physician referral is required to be seen at Almira Medical. Simply contact us directly if you are interested in learning more.

Is Almira Medical a replacement for my family physician?

No, Almira Medical complements, rather than replaces, traditional family practice by emphasizing preventative and lifestyle measures in disease prevention. As an internal medicine specialist, Dr. Finlay focuses on certain aspects of care and may refer patients to external specialists for concerns such as mental health, musculoskeletal, obstetrical and gynecologic, or surgical issues. If any legitimate health concerns arise during your assessment, Dr. Finlay will either facilitate a referral or provide guidance on seeking appropriate care.

Can I visit the clinic before committing to a treatment plan?

Absolutely! We understand that choosing the right clinic is a big decision. We invite you to tour our office, meet our team, and connect with Dr. Finlay before making any commitments. This gives you a chance to experience our space, ask any questions, and feel confident in your decision. Schedule your consultation today!

What should I wear to my first visit?

We recommend wearing comfortable exercise clothing and running shoes to facilitate physical and exercise-based assessments.

Do I need to have all the components of the assessment?

No, all individual components of the assessment are optional and can be purchased separately. Please contact us for pricing details if you are only interested in a specific part of the plan.

Will all my results be available on the same day as my initial visit?

Most in-house preventative testing results will be available immediately for discussion. However, specialized blood tests may take up to two weeks. A short follow-up visit is recommended to review final results.

Does Almira Medical provide urgent or out-of-hours support?

Dr. Finlay reserves a portion of daily appointment slots for urgent issues that can be addressed by an internal medicine specialist. However, out-of-hours support is not guaranteed.

What does the Annual Health Plan include?

Click here to compare our plans and member features.

How often will I have check-ins with my healthcare provider?

Preventative check-ins occur every 3-4 months and can be conducted in-person or virtually for your convenience.

What in-house diagnostic services are available year-round?

Click here to compare our plans and member features.

Can I access urgent appointments if needed?

Yes, the plan includes urgent appointment slots for addressing pressing health concerns with an internal medicine specialist.

What is the cost of the Annual Health Plan?

Click here to compare our plans and member features.

What privileges does the health plan include?

Click here to compare our plans and member features.

Is the health plan suitable for someone with a busy schedule?

Absolutely. The plan offers flexible appointment options, including virtual and telephone consultations, making it ideal for those with demanding schedules.

Are health reports and letters included in the health plan?

Yes, detailed preventative health reports are provided after each annual assessment. Members can also request health letters for employment or travel at no additional cost.

Can I bring up health concerns between scheduled visits?

Yes, members have year-round specialist care and can schedule additional in-person or virtual appointments as needed.

How do I join the Annual Plan

Simply fill out the contact form on our website or reach out to us directly to begin your journey toward comprehensive preventative health care.

Start Your Journey to Lifelong Health Today

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