Where did you complete medical school and residency?
Medical school - University of Saskatchewan
Residency in Orthopaedic surgery - University of Manitoba Fellowships:
(i) Trauma, Arthroplasty, and Foot & Ankle – University of Toronto
(ii) Adult Hip and Knee Reconstruction – University of Manitoba
Why did you choose your field of speciality?
I have always been drawn to Orthopaedics as I find it to be a broad and fascinating speciality, requiring knowledge overlap from an ever-expanding list of disciplines - medicine, mathematics, physics, engineering, carpentry and even agriculture for instance.
In its most basic form, I find, Orthopaedics as a speciality offers the ability to restore form (biomechanics) and function of abnormal/diseased/dysfunctional/injured soft tissues or bony structures through various non-operative (casting/bracing/orthotics) and operative (repair/reconstruction/replacement) modalities.
Orthopaedic interventions typically have a great ability to improve patient functioning and overall quality of life.
What is most meaningful to you about practicing medicine?
I find it to be a great privilege to wake up every morning knowing/hoping that you/your team are going to use your/their entire knowledge base, and technical and communication skills to positively impact somebody, and their family’s lives. I find a lot of peace and happiness, in empowering patients through humour, education and encouragement to help them improve their overall functioning and quality of life.
What are your professional interests and notable achievements?
I have a keen interest in Orthopaedic knowledge advancement and transference though literature review, research and engagement in multidisciplinary learning/teaching seminars. Over the years I have received academic scholarships and secured grant funding for research projects. I have been recognized with teaching awards, and have been nominated for a spirit award for excellence in patient care. For me however, giving patients a new lease on life through what we do as a team on a daily basis is perhaps the most satisfying achievement of them all.
What are your hopes for the future of healthcare?
The fragility of healthcare systems globally has come under scrutiny over the last couple of years in the midst of the COVID 19 pandemic. There is lots to take away and build on from lessons we have learned over the years from successes and failures of various treatments, care pathways, and policies.
I firmly believe that, the success or failure of healthcare systems, or personnel for that matter, is largely based on their ability to understand the needs of their patient population, and strategic resource allocation and utilization geared towards achieving excellence in patient care.
I feel continued encouragement, engagement, and training of medical personnel, and other team members involved in provision of medical care is vital, especially in current times where there are increasing rates of global uncertainty and burn out.
What hobbies or activities do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I enjoy engaging in various sporting activities such as soccer and cricket, hiking, and going for long walks. I quite enjoy spending time with Sylvia and our dog Keegan – they always seem to find new ways to brighten up my day.