Valera Castanov
Medical School and Year of Graduation: Queen's University, 2022Anticipated Year of Graduation from Residency: 2027
Short Bio: Before studying medicine at Queen's University, I completed an undergraduate degree in Immunology and Human Biology and a PhD in Anatomical Sciences at the University of Toronto. My doctoral research focused on three-dimensional modelling and computational biomechanics. Alongside my reserach, I taught anatomy to surgical residents and students in medicine, dentistry, naturopathy, rehabilitation sciences and undergraduate programs. I subsequently joined Western University's Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery residency program, where I developed particular interests in surgical education and reconstructive surgery, including hand, breast and microsurgery. During residency, I was honoured to receive a Department of Surgery Resident Research Grant, the Class of Meds '49 Award for Excellence in Teaching by Surgical Residents, and two Department of Surgery Clerkship Resident Teaching Awards. Outside of medicine, I am a father of three - a son and two daughters - so life at home is always busy. I enjoy gardening and maintain a 16-by-16 foot community garden, where I grow super-hot peppers and make small-batch artisan sauces to share with friends and colleagues. I also enjoy Peloton workouts, particularly high-intensity Tabata classes accompanied by EDM, and unwinding with a Netflix reality series once the children are asleep.
