Announcement: Dr. Christopher Harle appointed Interim Chair/Chief/Department Head, Department of Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine
Dr. Christopher Harle
We are pleased to announce that after a competitive process, Dr. Christopher Harle has been appointed to the Department of Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine in the following roles:
- Interim Chair (Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University);
- Interim Chief (St. Joseph’s Health Care London); and
- Interim Department Head (London Health Sciences Centre).
The positions are effective May 1, 2025 to November 30, 2026 or until a permanent Chair/Chief/Department Head is appointed.
Dr. Harle obtained his medical degree from the University of Stellenbosch in 1989. He joined Western University in 2004 and is an Associate Professor and Consultant in the Department of Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine.
Dr. Harle is guided by the principle that privilege carries with it a responsibility that should be actively embraced. He views teaching as a privilege and is committed to approaching it in a nurturing manner — offering encouragement, demonstrating humility and fostering a spirit of mentorship. He is dedicated to adapting to evolving expectations and supporting the systems in place for the transmission of knowledge, while ensuring that all learners have the opportunity to develop strong, lifelong learning skills. Furthermore, he is committed to supporting both clinical and academic operations by enhancing efficiency and fostering ongoing departmental growth.
Dr. Harle holds multiple leadership and administrative roles, including:
- Anesthesia Lead, Introduction of Bariatric Surgery, London Health Sciences Centre
- Medical Director, Patient Blood Management Program, London Health Sciences Centre
- Chair, City-Wide Blood Transfusion Committee, London, Ontario
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Harle on his appointment. We are also deeply thankful to all the physicians who have provided leadership to the hospitals and university. Dr. John Fuller, who has provided excellent leadership as Schulich’s Interim Department Chair and St. Joseph’s Interim Department Chief since 2021, Dr. George Nicolaou since 2024 and Dr. Miguel Arango since 2025 as Interim Co-Department Heads for LHSC.
John Yoo, MD, FRCS(C), FACS
Dean, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
Western University
Adam Dukelow, MD, FRCPC, MHSc, CHE
Integrated Vice President, Medical and Academic Affairs
London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Health Care London
