Jonathan Keow
Tell me about your background before pathology/medical school?
I completed my MD and PhD at the University of Ottawa become coming to London for my postgraduate training. Prior to this, I completed my BSc in Biology and Chemistry, and an MSc in Developmental Biology at the University of New Brunswick.
What made you choose pathology as a career?
I became interested in Pathology early on in medical school for its natural intersection of basic science with clinical care. I fell in love with the idea that I would have the opportunity to correlate pathophysiology with objective physical findings that I could see with my own eyes.
What attracted you to Western’s pathology program?
I feel that the Anatomical Pathology program at Western University is the best Anatomical Pathology program in the country. We have access to a multitude of talented pathologists, a wide variety of surgical cases at LHSC/SJHC, and the opportunity to leverage established research relationships between the University and the Hospital.
What are some specific things that you like about Western’s AP program?
The department has provided us the resources, mentorship, and opportunity to pursue our interests regardless of whether we wish to pursue a career in an academic, community or mixed setting. I have always felt heard, supported and encouraged to be a member of this Department, making the AP program at Western the obvious choice for my postgraduate training.
What are your hobbies outside of medicine?
Outside of work, I enjoy landscape photography, hiking, and have been a Scouts Canada leader for the past three years. However, my wife and I recently got a new Chocolate Lab puppy, proving to be quite the time commitment!
What are your academic interests?
Over the years, I’ve taken an interest in Hematopathology, Gastrointestinal and Liver pathology, Lung pathology and Breast pathology, and have always been looking to continue applying my strong research interests to answering the basic science questions about the pathophysiology of disease. With the financial and scientific support of the Department, I was able to present my basic research project at USCAP 2020, winning the Stowell-Orbison Poster Award.
What are your career goals?
I would like to practice pathology in an academic setting. We have a strong working relationship between the clinical and basic science arms of the Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine at Western University, with a long history of scientific productivity and academic expertise, providing the framework for a career in academic medicine.
What is something you would like to tell students who may not be able to do an AP elective at Western?
I want to highlight the level of collegiality, camaraderie and compassion that we have for each other here in our program. This collaborative environment extends past the doors to resident’s room, throughout the entire Department and Hospital network. We strive to support one other and make each of us better every single day. It is incredibly difficult to demonstrate this idea without coming to London for an elective. Regardless, we have a great group of resident physicians at Western University and would love for you to join our team in July 2022!
