Education

The Division of Thoracic Surgery at Western University is a leader in surgical education at the local, provincial, national and international levels. Thoracic Surgery is consistently ranked as one of the best surgical clerkship experiences in the entire Department of Surgery. At the Postgraduate level, our residents continue to perform very well at Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Certification examination, obtain prestigious fellowships and are well regarded during their beginning of practice. Residents receive extensive exposure to high surgical volumes encompassing the entire field of Thoracic Surgery as well as several opportunities to carry out rotations and electives outside of London. Approximately half of our graduating residents go onto sub-specialty fellowship training positions and the other half directly into community practice. We are also very proud of our world class fellowship in Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery. Our fellows are mentored not only in surgical education but also in establishing strong research foundation and in developing a solid teaching philosophy. 

Message from the Director of Education 

Welcome to the Division of Thoracic Surgery at Western University. 

As the Director of Education, I am honored to lead our comprehensive training programs designed to cultivate the next generation of thoracic surgeons. Our commitment to excellence in education is reflected in our rigorous curriculum, hands-on training, and innovative teaching methods. 

At Western University, we offer a dynamic learning environment where trainees gain extensive experience in both traditional and cutting-edge surgical techniques. Our programs emphasize minimally invasive procedures, including Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) and robotic surgery, ensuring our fellows are well-versed in the latest advancements in the field. 

Our faculty comprises renowned experts who are dedicated to mentoring and guiding our trainees. We believe in fostering a collaborative and supportive atmosphere that encourages continuous learning and professional growth. Through our partnership with the Canadian Surgical Technologies & Advanced Robotics (CSTAR), our trainees have access to state-of-the-art simulation and training facilities, enhancing their surgical skills and confidence. 

We are proud of our graduates who have gone on to become leaders in thoracic surgery worldwide. Whether you are a medical student, resident, or fellow, we invite you to join us at Western University and be part of a program that is shaping the future of thoracic surgery. 

Dr. Mehdi Qiabi

Mehdi Qiabi, MD MSc FRCSC
Thoracic Surgery Residency Program Director
Thoracic Surgery Undergraduate Program Director
Simulation Director