A Message from the Chair/Chief
As the newly elected Chair, I am very happy to welcome you to the Department of Surgery, where we strive to improve the lives of patients through internationally recognized excellence in clinical care, research and education. We are the second largest clinical department at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, and offer a wide range of topics in surgical education at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and graduate levels.
Home to 88 surgeons, 11 research scientists, approximately 86 adjunct professors/surgeons in communities across Southwestern Ontario, and a highly skilled team of support staff, the department is represented across all three hospital sites (University Hospital and Victoria Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Health Care) and the University’s main campus. Within these hospital sites, numerous nationally renowned centers, clinics and programs can be found including the Roth McFarlane Hand and Upper Limb Centre, the Multi-Organ Transplant Program, the Fowler Kennedy Sports Medicine Clinic, the Trauma Program, the Critical Care Program and C-STAR (Canadian Surgical Technologies & Advanced Robotics).
Enhancing patient care through research and education are at the forefront of the Department’s mission. With a strong focus on research including Translational Science, Big Data, Quality and Patient Safety, Surgical Education and Clinical Trials, and affiliations with Lawson Health Research Institute and Robarts Research Institute, students will find an expansive and enriching curriculum. Research is centered around core themes of innovation and promotion of evidence based transformation of the field of Surgery. With award-winning faculty, and specialized programs renowned worldwide, the Department of Surgery has attracted students from all areas of the globe. Our MSc in Surgery graduate program is one of a select few in Canada, and clinical and research fellows may find fellowship opportunities within our clinics and programs across all three hospital sites and clinical teaching units.
Please continue to explore our website as you will find information on our education programs, as well as our Divisions and research programs. The Department has an outstanding history of innovation, pioneering work and excellence, and I look forward to furthering this mission as we continue to advance the field of Surgery in Canada.
Emil H. Schemitsch MD, FRCS(C), FAAOS, FCAHS, FIOR, FIOTA
Richard Ivey Professor and Chair/Chief, Department of Surgery
University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario
Editor-in-Chief, OTA International
