Resident Spotlight: Dr. Gordon Ngo, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Dr. Gordon Ngo, a third-year resident in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, says the breadth of clinical opportunities is a key strength of his residency program. But it’s the people that make the experience so special. “The staff and faculty make residents feel like part of the family,” he explained.
The program also supports residents in pursuing their interests. With a passion for bridging technological innovation and medicine, Dr. Ngo is completing the 10-month Medical Innovation Fellowship offered by Western University. “I get the privilege of working with a small team of engineers, researchers and entrepreneurs to develop medical devices, with the goal of driving innovation in patient care,” he said.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of residency?
The most rewarding aspect of residency has been getting to know the other residents – I am in a small residency program, so it’s been great to befriend residents from other programs. I have made some amazing friends during my medicine and neurology rotations.
Why did you choose the School’s Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation residency program?
London is home. And Western has been a big part of my education. I completed a dual degree in electrical engineering and medicine, so I got to know the staff in my residency program pretty early on in my medical training. People are collaborative here, and I feel at home.
What is the program’s biggest strength?
For a small program, our faculty provide a wide breadth of clinical opportunities. The staff and faculty also make residents feel like part of the family. We throw welcome barbeques (in non-pandemic times), go glow-golfing, bowling etc. to get to know one another. Our program director arranged a complete Amazing Race-style competition to welcome this year’s PGY1s.
What types of cases and patient populations do you work with?
I work mostly at Parkwood Institute, where we work with patients living with some element of disability – with the goal of helping them get the most function out of their daily lives and improve their quality of life. We help patients with strokes, brain and spine injuries, neurologic and musculoskeletal injuries, to name a few.
What learning opportunities have you pursued as a resident beyond the clinical environment?
Our residency program really supports residents in pursuing their interests. This year, I am part of a 10-month program offered by Western called the Medical Innovation Fellowship. I get the privilege of working with a small team of engineers, researchers and entrepreneurs to develop medical devices, with the goal of driving innovation in patient care. It’s fun and it feels like play, because I basically get to tinker with technology while pursuing one of my passions – which is to bridge technological innovation and medicine.
What do you enjoy most about living in London?
This is an easy one. My partner, my family and my home are in London. It’s also very photographic in autumn – all the green spaces become filled with bursting colours. I spent last weekend photographing beautiful colours in my backyard. I am also a big fan of Haven’s Creamery – they have an ever-changing menu of ice cream options and now they deliver.
