The Twin Powers of Surgery

It has been said that twins possess a special bond, causing them to finish each other's sentences or even know what the other is thinking or feeling. It's a connection not often found between other siblings. For Drs. Adam and Nicholas Power, Department of Surgery, that bond is unmistakable. And the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, and the people of London are benefiting from it, and so much more these young, dynamic brothers have to offer.

Born and raised in New Brunswick, they describe their childhood as idyllic. Growing up in a small, safe neighborhood led to hours of play outdoors with friends. From road and ice hockey to tennis, baseball and football, sport was their passion. The twins played on all the same teams, with Adam on the offensive lines and Nicholas on the defensive.

Despite their love of hockey, a professional career wasn't in the cards. Their parents, who didn't have a chance to pursue postsecondary education at a young age, stressed the value of a good education with their sons. Together Adam and Nicholas pursued their undergraduate degrees in science, followed bytheir medical degrees. It wasn't until they started their residency that they went their separate ways - the first time in nearly 25 years.

Following Adam's fellowship at the Mayo Clinic and Nicholas' at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, they brought their outstanding experience to London. Today, they are both assistant professors and surgeons; Adam is a vascular surgeon and Nicholas a urologist.

They were attracted to Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, Western University and London because of the reputation of innovation and collaboration, access to groundbreaking technology, the world-class research facilities and the limitless possibilities that could be realized.

Now that they are here, thebrothers have realized that it is the people that really make the difference.

"The people here are wonderful," says Adam. I have the good fortune to work with a truly unique group of vascular surgeons, dedicated assistants and nurses. I really love coming to work because of the people."

"London is unique," says Nicholas. "There is an amazing group of scientists here who are willing to help and work with us. I have only been here a year and have already received grants for my research,, thanks in large part to the incredible work and reputation of the people here. I work very closely with Hon Leong, a scientist at Lawson Health Research Institute, and he has been extremely supportive."

For Adam and Nicholas coming to London also offered the chance for them to once again live in the same city, work together and watch each others' young families grow up. "When I look back on my life, some of the most important moments were shared with my brother; working and living in London is like a dream come true. I am so thankful to the people who brought me, Nick and Anita (Nicholas' wife) here," says Adam.

At the end of the day, they both hope that they will be able to make a difference in people's lives. "You go into medicine idealistically," says Adam, "hoping you can make a difference in people's lives…" finishing his brother's thoughts, Nicholas adds, "I have the good fortune to care for many of Dr. Phil Hayman's former patients. Each one of them speaks about what a gentleman he is, how much he cared about them and how much he meant to them. If patients feel you cared for them, then that's the most important thing that I can do."