Residents
Chantel Arce
PGY-1Biography: Chantel, originally from Toronto, completed her Bachelor of Science at McMaster University, her Master of Science at Western University and her Medical Degree at the University of Sydney in Australia. After living in Australia for 5 years she returned to Western University to begin her Orthopaedic training. Chantel is looking forward to honing her surgical skills , improving patient care and working with her fellow residents. In her free time, Chantel enjoys hiking, snorkeling, travelling and running.
Lee Benaroch
PGY-1Biography: Originally from Montreal, Quebec, I completed a double major undergraduate degree in Medical Sciences and Biology here at Western University. I then moved back home to complete my medical degree at McGill University. I now have the privilege of returning to London, Ontario, where I can do my residency training with the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery. Outside of work, I enjoy the NFL and fantasy football a little too much (Go Chargers), playing hockey and golf, visiting family and friends, travelling or sitting back and watching a great series or film.
Vincent Roy
PGY-1Biography: Vincent is our French Canadian in exile in southern Ontario! If not endlessly wandering LHSC’s corridors and ORs, you can find him biking, at the gym, or in his kitchen making a decent stir fry! Before residency, he got a MSc in Cellular & Molecular Biology only to prove his friends that he could do something other than carpentry! Personal interests include construction work and 1960’s vintage cars/motorcycles. His hidden agenda is to challenge Stephen at arm wrestling without tearing his distal biceps! His favorite part of residency is when he gets to work with top-tier-colleague Chantel and gets to annoy the life out of her!
Michael Thatcher
PGY-1Biography: Meet Michael, an easy-going first-year orthopedics resident from the picturesque city of Regina, Saskatchewan. Born and raised in the heart of Canada, Michael's love for the outdoors and physical activity was cultivated from a young age. Growing up you would find him gliding across the water of Saskatchewan's lakes, mastering the slopes with his freestyle skiing, or perfecting his swing on the golf course. Michael's orthopedic interests align seamlessly with his active lifestyle. His fascination with trauma and arthroplasty underscores his desire to mend and restore, to ensure that individuals can continue to fully enjoy life’s activities.
Mitchell Thom
PGY-1Biography: Mitch was recently appointed as Western Ortho's prestigious "Least Sleep Resident." A graduate of Case Western School of Medicine, before residency he got his MSc in Anatomy and taught medical students in the Caribbean. Hobbies include making better splints than Lee, doing more chin-ups than Lee, and eating throughout Teaching Rounds so that Lee has to answer attending questions. Outside of work he's either walking his best buddy, Bean, at the gym, playing basketball, or dancing late into the night despite being up for 24 hrs.
Winston Jin
PGY-2Biography: I grew up in Vancouver BC, and completed my undergraduate degree in Public Health Studies at John's Hopkins University. I am humbled and excited to train with the orthopaedic surgery team here at Western, where I went for medical school. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, playing and watching sports, and spending time with friends and family.
Olumide Olotu
PGY-2Biography: Born and raised in Nigeria, Olumide moved to Canada after high school and completed undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at McMaster. After working as a Kinesiologist for a few years, he completed medical school at St. George’s University. Prior to starting residency he developed an interest in innovation and completed the Medical Innovation Fellowship with WORLDiscoveries at Western. Outside of medicine, you can find him playing soccer, watching soccer (go Manchester United!), and playing video games.
Alexandra Rocha
PGY-2Biography: Born and raised in Brampton, Ontario, I completed my undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at the University of Toronto, then moved to London to complete my medical degree at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. I feel privileged to continue my residency training with the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery here at Western University. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, friends and two dogs, travelling, and being active in soccer, hockey, volleyball, and snowboarding.
Ali Ahmadi-Pirshahid
PGY-3Biography: I was born and raised in Iran and moved to Ottawa for my undergraduate studies. I finished my Medical degree at Western and continued down my residency path here as well. I enjoy portaging and backcountry camping, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, lifting, and daydreaming about having a farm.
Abigail Frazer
PGY-3Biography: I grew up in Montreal and went to Harvard for my undergraduate studies. I returned home for medical school at McGill before starting residency in London. I played many sports growing up. I have been fortunate to play hockey and use the sport to travel across Canada, the United States and Europe. I try to keep active by playing golf, rock climbing, and going to the gym.
Brandon Herrington
PGY-3Biography: Originally from Surrey, BC just outside Vancouver, I attended University in the US and obtained a bachelor's degree in neuroscience. I moved back to Canada to completed medical school at the University of British Columbia. While there, I gravitated towards the field of orthopaedics and it's focus on body mechanics and quality of life improvement. I'm honoured to be a part of the orthopaedic surgery team here at Western and am excited for the next few years of residency training.
Michael Shehata
PGY-3Biography: Michael was born in Alexandria, Egypt and immigrated to Canada with his family when he was 4 years old. He spent most of his childhood growing up in Mississauga, but also got to experience the beautiful Maritimes while he lived in Nova Scotia for 3 years. Michael then went to medical school at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI Dublin), and started his path to surgical training in St. James' Hospital in Dublin. He then decided he had enough Guinness in his system, so he came back to Canada to start Orthopaedic Residency at Western! During his free time, Michael enjoys spending time with his wife and his dog, playing basketball, meeting up with friends and working on his car.
Raheef Alatassi
PGY-4Biography: Born with Syrian roots and raised in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, I completed my Medical Degree in Saudi Arabia before joining Western's Division of Orthopaedic Surgery. It has truly been a privilege to learn from an incredible team here at Western University. Outside of medicine, I enjoy soccer, spending time with family and friends as well as traveling the world.
Hyder Ali Khan
PGY-4Biography: I was raised in LaSalle, Ontario, and pursued my academic journey at the University of Windsor, earning both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Biochemistry. Subsequently, I enrolled in the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at the Windsor Campus. After completing medical school, I embarked on my orthopedic journey as a part of the Orthopaedic program at Western University. Beyond my professional pursuits, I enjoy various activities such as playing tennis, travelling, watching football, and spending time with my family.
Trevor Blanchard
PGY-4Biography: Growing up in Northern Ontario, Trevor completed a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and a masters in Human Kinetics at Laurentian University. Subsequently, he continued his education in Sudbury at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. After medical school, he welcomed the opportunity to move south to pursue an Orthopaedic Surgery Residency at the University of Western Ontario. Outside of work, Trevor enjoys sports, craft beer and spending time with his wife and two young kids.
Jason Koppert
PGY-4Biography: Jason completed his undergrad in Biochemistry and Masters degree in Biomedical engineering at Carleton in Ottawa. He then went to the University of Toronto for med school after spending several years in biotech. He enjoys cycling in to work, keeping active, and learning languages in his spare time.
Silvio Ndoja
PGY-4Biography: Born in Albania, I grew up in and around the GTA area (moved a lot). My parents owned an Italian Pizzeria for 7 years where I learned to make pizzas and some Italian pastas. I completed Undergrad at McMaster and Medical School at Western. During my residency at Western, I have had the opportunity to finish my Masters of Surgery. In my spare time I enjoy bouldering at Junction, watching the latest Netflix show, and generally exploring London.
Kirk Vannitamby
PGY-4Biography: Kirk was born and raised in Mississauga, ON. He obtained his undergraduate degree at the University of Waterloo and then completed medical school at Trinity School of Medicine in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. He is passionate about orthopedics and is currently working on completing his Masters in upper extremity research while in residency. Outside of the OR he has many interests, but these days spending time with his wife and newborn daughter tops the list!
Kristen Barton
PGY-5Biography: Kristen has previously completed a BSc in Kinesiology, a MSc degree in Kinesiology, a PhD in Medical Sciences, and a medical degree - all at the University of Calgary. Further to this, she has also completed a postgraduate surgical leadership certificate through Harvard University. A competitive athlete in her youth, Kristen faced athletic injuries and underwent several knee surgeries. Recognizing that these kinds of injuries could lead to chronic pain, Kristen was motivated to pursue a career in orthopaedic surgery. Kristen is dedicated to helping patients reduce pain and improve mobility caused by osteoarthritis. Her research focuses on understanding the impact that sports injuries have on disease progression. Outside the hospital and laboratory, Kristen loves to spend time with her husband, two daughters, and energetic dog.
Chloe Cadieux
PGY-5Biography: Born and raised in Point Edward, ON. I completed my undergraduate degree in Medical Science here at Western University. Following this, I completed my medical degree at the University of Toronto. Through my orthopaedics residency at Western, I had the opportunity to complete my masters degree in spine biomechanics. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, playing soccer, and trying local breweries!
Aaron Chen
PGY-5Biography: I was born in Calgary but raised in Mississauga. From there, I made my way to London, ON and Western University—where I have had the privilege of completing all my post-secondary education and training. I enjoy all aspects of Orthopaedics but especially replacing hips/knees and listening to carefully curated OR playlists. Outside the hospital, I enjoy cooking, travelling, snowboarding, and being perennially let down by the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Ruheksh Raj
PGY-5Biography: Born and raised in the Middle East and moving to the GTA, Ru attended undergrad at McGill and medical school overseas at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Through his residency in orthopaedics, he has also obtained an Masters in Surgery in the field of spinal surgery, one in which he will complete his fellowship in. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching tennis and Formula 1, and enjoys being an adventurous foodie and world traveller!
Olawale Sogbein
PGY-5Biography: Born and raised in Northern Ontario, I completed my undergraduate Health Sciences degree at OttawaU, and then moved to London to complete an MSc in Sports Medicine where my passion for orthopaedics began. I then went to medical school at NOSM, and fortunately made my way back to Western for orthopaedics residency. I am excited to be attending the Rothman Institute next year for a shoulder/elbow fellowship. Outside of work, I enjoy playing sports (shout out to our orthopaedics intramurals soccer team the Shark-O’s), spending time with family, and traveling.
