Resident Profiles
Resident Spotlight: Dr. Rahul Verma, Paediatrics
For Dr. Rahul Verma, PGY2, Paediatrics, working with children and their families is a feeling like no other. “Children are a unique population of patients where early interventions and timely care can change their life trajectory for decades and decades to come.”
Resident Spotlight: Dr. Danielle Kelton, Emergency Medicine
Dr. Danielle Kelton, PGY4, Emergency Medicine, enjoys the variety of her chosen specialty, as every shift presents different cases, patient populations and learning opportunities. She says the residency program’s biggest strength is its supportive, collaborative and inclusive culture.
Resident Spotlight: Dr. Stephanie Lammers, Obstetrics and Gynaecology
As a fifth-year resident in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dr. Stephanie Lammers enjoys the surgical aspects of the program, as well as the special moments with patients that energize and refuel her.
Learner Perspectives: Dr. Sondos Zayed on research and representation in radiation oncology
Dr. Sondos Zayed is a third-year resident in Radiation Oncology. Inspired by patients to address quality of life concerns, she is currently co-leading a clinical trial on pain management for patients with head and neck cancers receiving radiation treatment.
Resident Spotlight: Dr. Lorenzo Madrazo, Internal Medicine
Before going into medicine, Dr. Lorenzo Madrazo trained to be a music teacher. From patient education to working with junior learners, he enjoys the aspects of teaching he continues to encounter as a second-year resident in Internal Medicine.
Resident Spotlight: Dr. Kriti Kumar, Paediatrics
For Dr. Kriti Kumar, working with children brings positivity and inspiration to her residency training experience. As a second-year resident in Paediatrics, she works with a range of patient populations, from infants to adolescents.
Dr. Rongbo Zhu, Clinical Immunology and Allergy
As a resident in Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Dr. Rongbo Zhu, PGY5, works with patients of all ages, from children to adults. He says the subspecialty program at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry provides extensive hands-on experience in allergy and food immunotherapy.
Dr. Rachel Kyle, Geriatric Medicine
Dr. Rachel Kyle, PGY5, Geriatric Medicine, enjoys working with older adults, as she discovers their stories, learns what matters to them and tailors their health care needs.
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.
Dr. Nadine Khalil, Infectious Diseases
For Dr. Nadine Khalil, contributing to teaching and medical education is a fundamental component of residency training. As a fifth-year resident in Infectious Diseases, a sub-specialty program at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, she is helping lead educational initiatives for fellow residents and medical students at the School. “The experience of mentoring and teaching has been incredibly rewarding and one that I know will be the basis of my career,” she said.
Dr. Ryan Instrum, Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery is a fast-paced and dynamic surgical specialty. For Dr. Ryan Instrum, PGY3, the specialty’s expanding scope of practice makes it an exciting time to be completing his residency training at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry.
Dr. Rachel Liu, General Surgery
As a General Surgery resident, Dr. Rachel Liu, PGY3, enjoys the wide range of cases and patient populations the specialty covers. For her, the personalized approach to residency training at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry is a big advantage.
My six-word story: Dr. Jasna DeLuce, Medical Oncology
Dr. Jasna DeLuce, a fourth-year resident in Medical Oncology, shares the words of wisdom she lives by.
My six-word story: Dr. Marc Chrétien, Clinical Investigator Program
Dr. Marc Chrétien, a resident with the Clinical Investigator Program, shares the advice he’d give his younger self.
My six-word story: Dr. Rachael Pettapiece-Phillips, Family Medicine
PGY2 Family Medicine resident Dr. Rachael Pettapiece-Phillips shares what inspires her in work and life.
My six-word story: Dr. Leandra Stringer, Urology
PGY3 Urology resident Dr. Leandra Stringer shares the words of wisdom she lives by.
My six-word story: Dr. Sheena Ghodasara, Psychiatry
PGY6 Psychiatry resident Dr. Sheena Ghodasara shares the words of wisdom she lives by.
My six-word story: Dr. Roderick Clark, Urology
PGY5 Urology resident Dr. Roderick Clark shares the advice he would give his younger self.
Resident Spotlight: Dr. Bharat Markandey, Internal Medicine
Dr. Bharat Markandey, PGY3, feels humbled and fortunate to have trained with a supportive faculty, which has allowed him to develop into a competent, empathetic and driven physician.
Resident Spotlight: Dr. Lauren Riggen, Psychiatry
During medical school, Schulich Medicine & Dentistry alumna Dr. Lauren Riggen, MD’15 wanted to find a residency program that would expose her to innovative research and teaching but not be so big that she would be thought of as a number. The Psychiatry program at Schulich Medicine was the perfect match. Today, one of the most inspiring aspects of her training is working as part of a team with two female psychiatrists who serve as role models for her.
Resident Spotlight: Dr. Chris Tran, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Dr. Chris Tran is a third-year resident in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. It was during his pre-clerkship that he became fascinated by how clinical diseases are the result of complex genetic, cellular and histological changes. He then shadowed a pathologist and learned to appreciate the importance of pathological diagnoses and the influence they have on patient care. He knew then, that Pathology was his calling.
Resident Spotlight: Dr. Caroline Just, Neurology
We sat down with Dr. Caroline Just to chat about the increasing incidence of mental health issues experienced by residents and medical students, the culture of medicine and how residents can support their peers. Dr. Just is a fifth-year neurology resident and a representative for the Professional Association of Residents of Ontario (PARO) at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry. She also served as PARO Site Chair during her PGY4 year and Neurology Chief Resident from January to June 2017.
Resident Spotlight: Dr. Dema Kadri, Family Medicine
Dr. Dema Kadri, MD'17, is the first to admit that finding work-life balance is an ongoing pursuit. It's why she has been active in organizing many initiatives, such as Resident Wellness Day, to help her colleagues and enrich her own life.
Resident Spotlight: Dr. Abdul Naeem, Neurosurgery
When Dr. Abdul Naeem was in high school he met his hero — then medical student Dr. Abdel Lawendy, MD’03, PhD’14. Dr. Lawendy’s empathy, selflessness, desire to help others and dedication to his surgical specialty led Dr. Naeem to pursue medicine and help patients in any way he could. As a PGY5 resident in Neurosurgery, Dr. Naeem is making a difference in the lives of so many people – and he’s just getting started.
Resident Spotlight: Dr. Malcolm Howard, Anesthesia
Stop talking and listen. This is one of the most important lessons that Dr. Malcolm Howard, has learned through patient care. The first-year Anesthesia resident moved from British Columbia to complete his residency at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry and is growing increasingly more comfortable with navigating through the Ontario health care system. He’s grateful to his colleagues and the program for their support in managing the transition and points to the valuable lessons he learned during the Transition to Residency lectures.
Resident Spotlight: Dr. Stephanie Muise, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
A graduate of the MD program at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, Dr. Stephanie Muise is now completing her residency training in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. The most important lesson Dr. Muise has learned through patient care is to listen to your patients as they can teach you a lot too.
Resident Spotlight: Dr. Paris Lai, Psychiatry
Dr. Paris Lai was born in Hong Kong and moved to Toronto at the age of five. He decided to pursue his residency in psychiatry as it integrated his interests of interviewing patients and pharmacology and he enjoys helping patients navigate the health care system and working with them to reintegrate into society.
Meet residents from Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Meet Drs. Benjami van der Woerd, Hannah Ernst, Neil Mundi, and Rakhna Araslanova, residents from Otologaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. Learn about how they are enjoying their residency experiences.
Resident Spotlight: Dr. Matt Chong, Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine
After completing his undergraduate medical education and medical school at McMaster University, Dr. Matt Chong came to Schulich Medicine & Dentistry for his residency in Anesthesiology. For the past two years, Dr. Chong has felt great pride in presenting ground-breaking research at the Canadian Anesthesiologists’ Society (CAS) National Residents’ Competition.
Resident Spotlight: Dr. TJ Leeper, Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine
A graduate of the MD program at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, Dr. TJ Leeper is now completing his residency training in Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine. For Dr. Leeper one of the most gratifying aspects of his training is working as part of a team with nurses, surgeons, anesthetists – it’s what makes it so rewarding.
Resident Profile: Dr. Jennifer Koichopolos, Surgery
Dr. Jennifer Koichopolos was inspired to pursue a surgical residency after completing a surgical rotation during clerkship. “The medicine was exciting and after that everything paled in comparison and I was hooked.” Now, as she achieves procedural-based accomplishments such as her first appendectomy, first colonoscopy, and first chest tube, she has realized that the most rewarding moments are really about seeing patients in clinic when they are well again.
Resident Spotlight: Dr. Seth Climans, Neurology
Dr. Seth Climans grew up in Richmond Hill and Vaughan, and came to Western University and completed his Bachelor of Medical Sciences. Visits to the hospital where his mother worked exposed him to health care environments, first planting the seed of curiosity about a career in medicine.
Faizal Haji, PGY6, Neurosurgery, Clinical Neurological Sciences
In his last year of the Neurosurgical Residency program at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, Dr. Faizal Haji says the great mentors he has encountered over the years, and at all levels of education, have helped him to realize his potential and accomplish new feats. Dr. Haji says he aspires to model empathy and understanding when attending to patients and their families, as he realizes the circumstances of their visits can be quite serious. Outside of work, Dr. Haji cherishes time with his family and admits he has a slight addiction to fantasy novels.
Dr. Matthew DiBartolomeo, Family Medicine
Dr. Matthew DiBartolomeo was born and raised in Amherstburg, but traveled to Ireland for his medical degree. He’s very proud to be back home pursuing his residency in family medicine and in this Q&A, he shares how the 1990’s television program ER and Dr.Greene influenced him, how the wide-scope of family medicine captured his imagination and his heart, and the enormous pride he feels as the chief resident for Family Medicine in Windsor.
Dr. Jean-Marc Beausoleil, Family Medicine
Dr. Beausoleil, PGY2, Family Medicine decided to pursue his medical degree while studying to be a paramedic.
Dr. Matthew Cecchini, Anatomical Pathology
A resident in anatomical pathology, Dr. Matthew Cecchini, aims to 'tell the story' of his patients through the specimens he examines.
Dr. Timothy Nguyen, Department of Oncology
With three cardiologists in his family, Dr. Timothy Nguyen, a resident in the Department of Oncology, decided to break the mould and specialize in Radiation Oncology...
Dr. Carolyn Adams
With roots in Windsor stretching back to the early 1900’s, Dr. Adams is looking forward to practicing in her hometown and continuing the family tradition of socially responsible care.
Dr. Kyle Fisher, Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine
As a fourth year resident in Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine, Dr. Kyle Fisher must always be considering the unforeseen, making quick and thoughtful decisions and serving as his patients’ advocate. It’s a challenge, but well suited to his type-a personality.
Dr. Adrian Budhram, PGY3, Neurology
Adrian Budhram has a knack for the quick diagnosis. The third-year Neurology resident is a three-time winner of the Think Like a Doctor monthly feature in the New York Times. He has won back-to-back months...
Dr. Russlan Abouhassan - Psychiatry
Windsor native Dr. Abouhassan believes that being healthy means being able to live well and enjoy life. He's looking forward to sharing his philosophy with his future patients in Windsor.
Dr. Charles Ho, PGY2, Psychiatry
Throughout his medical education at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, Dr. Charles Ho was introduced to the field of psychiatry and quickly became fascinated with what it had to offer. Now a second-year resident with the Department of Psychiatry, Dr. Ho finds inspiration by witnessing his patients' growth and working with them through their joys, tears, loves and losses...
Dr. Ali Bateman, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Entering into the specialty area of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation wasn’t always on Dr. Ali Bateman’s radar when she began medical school. After completing electives throughout Canada, Dr. Bateman became enamored with the specialty and knew that Schulich Medicine & Dentistry was where she wanted to be to complete her studies...
Dr. Cassandra Townsend
Prior to entering medical school at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dr. Cassandra Townsend never knew that her brain would be able to hold such a vast amount of knowledge related to the field of medicine...
Dr. Christopher Del Balso, PGY4, Orthopaedic Surgery
From his appreciation of wine and great food, to his love for all things sports-related, Dr. Christopher Del Balso keeps himself busy in his spare time. But when he’s not off the clock, the fourth-year orthopaedic surgery resident brings the same energy and passion to his work with patients — something that inspires and encourages him to continue learning every day.
Dr. Vincent Lau: Training that can travel
Dr. Vincent Lau has crisscrossed the country for his medical education. Now a fifth-year resident in critical care at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry he is experiencing unique opportunities that have him travelling around the world while caring for patients.
Dr. Supriya Singh: Learning from the best
Second-year orthopaedic surgery resident Dr. Supriya Singh chose the residency program at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry believing it was the strongest surgical training program in Canada. Although she is only in her second year, the program has provided her with the opportunity for personal growth, both inside the operating room and out.
Dr. Nisha Arora, Department of Family Medicine
When she’s not busy honing her skills in rural family medicine and musing about the importance of health education to adolescents, first-year resident Dr. Nisha Arora can be found teaching herself how to play musical instruments, visiting museums, and trying out new recipes.
Dr. Brenna Velker: Close to home and close to heart
Dr. Brenna Velker feels fortunate to be working alongside such incredible physicians who make a difference in their patient’s lives. The second-year family medicine resident aspires to achieve the same level of care to her patients in her future practice.
Dr. Wendy Kennette: Working in a wonderful community
Born and raised in Essex County, Dr. Wendy Kennette is ecstatic to be able to train in her hometown, where she also one day plans to practice.
Dr. Lukas Brown: Embracing the storm
After demanding on-call shifts at the hospital, second-year anesthesia resident Dr. Lukas Brown often refers to a popular quote by writer Haruki Murakami about overcoming challenges and difficult situations in life. An adrenaline junkie and lover of the outdoors, Dr. Brown explains it is those demanding shifts that are helping him improve and become the best doctor he can be.
Dr. Sarah Blissett: Driven by long-lasting relationships with her colleagues, supervisors and patients
Dr. Sarah Blissett got an early start in her health care career. Accepted into medical school before she completed her undergraduate degree, the sixth-year cardiology resident has gone above and beyond throughout her placement to create meaningful and long-lasting relationships with her colleagues, supervisors and patients...
Dr. Shane Smith: A different kind of service
Dr. Shane Smith is just like his fellow residents, with one exception — he’s been in the Canadian Armed Forces for 17 years. Currently a second-year resident in general surgery, Dr. Smith knew training at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry would provide him with the skills he needs to give his patients the best possible care the next time he deploys...
Dr. Roisin Dooley: Advocating for Aboriginal representation in the field of medicine
Growing up in a small town in Northwestern Ontario, Dr. Roisin Dooley was fortunate to have Aboriginal role models in medicine — a factor that made her goal of becoming a physician more achievable. Dr. Dooley now hopes to serve not only as a role model herself, but also as an educational resource on Aboriginal issues in her field of work...
Dr. Benson Thomas: Immersed in a humbling experience
Dr. Benson Thomas is a third-year resident in the Internal Medicine program at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry. His ongoing research and training at the School is a humbling and rewarding experience, and he enjoys the friendly environment amongst the residents. Dr. Thomas also enjoys spending time with friends and family and, like many of us, watching marathons on Netflix...
Dr. Rebecca Zener: Training for the thrill of adventure
Dr. Rebecca Zener’s life doesn’t lack adventure. The fourth-year radiology resident has visited more than 50 countries and participated in unique recreational activities. Now, her training combines her love for travel with her passion to improve global health...
Dr. Samantha Benlolo: Embarking on a new adventure
Dr. Samantha Benlolo joined the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology because she was prepared for a change that would inspire her professional and personal growth. The first-year resident explained Schulich Medicine & Dentistry offers the necessary resources to continue her training while giving her the opportunity to create strong relationships with new colleagues and patients...
Dr. Mostafa El-Beheiry: At the forefront of surgical education
For second-year resident Dr. Mostafa El-Beheiry, coming to Schulich Medicine & Dentistry made complete sense both academically and geographically. Dr. El-Beheiry was initially attracted to the School’s General Surgery program because of its distinguished surgical training and outstanding group of mentors, and as an avid traveler he gladly accepted the move to London...
Dr. Vlad Diaconita: Gaining inspiration through his work, his family, and his challenges
Within a few days of his clerkship rotation, Dr. Vlad Diaconita knew he wanted to pursue a career in Ophthalmology. Dr. Diaconita’s inspiration stems from working with a diverse team, improving the quality of health of patients, and simply enjoying work in the Ophthalmology field...
Dr. Harry Marshall: Excited by the progressive field of radiology
After completing his BMSc and MD/PhD degrees at Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, it made sense for resident Harry Marshall to continue his training within the growing field of radiology. Marshall explains his interest in world-class imaging in London and his empathy toward patients which fuel his passion for researching innovations that will add to the progression of radiology...
Dr. Ranita Manocha: Devoted to making a difference in her patients’ lives
While the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation may be small, it is the reason Dr. Ranita Manocha decided to continue her studies at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry. Originally from St. John’s, Newfoundland, Dr. Manocha enjoys a wide variety of hobbies and interests, but explains that the best part of her day is when she can make a difference in her patients’ lives...
Dr. Christopher Chin: Home is where the heart is
Some residents need to travel far from their hometowns to attend the best programs in their field, but not Dr. Christopher Chin. Originally from London, Ontario, the fifth-year resident explained he stayed close to home to take part in Schulich Medicine & Dentistry’s Otolaryngology program, which he argues is the best of its kind in Canada...
Dr. Michael Pariser: Taking aim at pain
Even before 32-year-old Dr. Michael Pariser officially completes all his medical training, he has become a pioneer in Canadian medicine. The Ingersoll native is one of the first medical residents in Canada to begin training in the newly accredited pain medicine residency program...
Dr. Adam Maruscak: 2014 John D. Brown Memorial Resident Award Recipient
Dr. Adam Maruscak has a talent that many doctors-in-training strive for. While he is a gifted surgeon, it is his dedication to holistic care and his compassion toward his patients and their families that makes him an exceptional doctor...
Dr. Caitlin Symonette: Becoming a part of the tradition of surgical excellence
As part of our ongoing series to profile Schulich Medicine Residents, this month we introduce Dr. Caitlin Symonette, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery PGY-2...
Dr. Asa Ahimbisibwe: Making a resolution to take care of people
Having been born and raised in Uganda, Dr. Asa Ahimbisibwe has seen his fair share of human suffering and death. He made a resolution to grow up and study to be a doctor to take care of women and children...
Dr. Emily Goebel: The desire for more complicated and interesting cases
While pathology resident Emily Goebel, MD, is not yet on the front lines of patient care, the complicated and interesting cases she is exposed to on a daily basis keep her wanting more. Goebel discusses her love of the great outdoors, a good Jodi Picoult novel and the weird and wonderful experiences that the pathology service continues to give her...
