News

Dr. Audra Duncan Selected as the New Editor-In-Chief of the Journal of Vascular Surgery

July 11, 2025
Dr. Audra Duncan
(Chair/Chief and Professor, Division of Vascular Surgery) has been selected as the new Editor-In-Chief of the Journal of Vascular Surgery, the official publication of the Society for Vascular Surgery. The Journal aims to be the premier international journal of medical, endovascular, and surgical care of vascular diseases.

Please join the Department in congratulating Dr. Duncan on this exceptional accomplishment! 

Dr. Graham King Presented With the Canadian Orthopaedic Association's Lifetime Achievement Award

June 26, 2025
Dr. Graham King
(Professor, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery and Director of the Roth | McFarlane Hand & Upper Limb Centre) was honoured with the Canadian Orthopaedic Association's Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognizes Dr. King's many years of service and consistent contributions to the orthopaedic community and to the COA over his career.

The award is presented to strong, positive role models, leaders, and educators who have maintained the highest standard of patient care and had a sustained impact on the growth of the profession nationally and internationally.

Please join the Department in congratulating Dr. King on this tremendous achievement! 

Dr. Peter Wang Appointed Associate Dean, Undergraduate Medical Education

June 26, 2025
Dr. Peter Wang (Associate Professor, Divisions of Urology and Paediatric Surgery) has been appointed as the Associate Dean, Undergraduate Medical Education, at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University effective July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2030. 

Dr. Wang brings a forward-looking vision grounded in excellence, innovation, and inclusion. He is committed to preparing future physicians to meet the evolving needs of Indigenous, rural, and underserved communities, while also ensuring they are equipped to navigate a rapidly changing healthcare landscape. Through a focus on curricular innovation, mentorship, and the thoughtful integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and augmented reality, Dr. Wang is shaping a medical education system that is both socially accountable and technologically advanced.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Wang! 


Dr. Winston Jin and Co-Applicants Awarded PSI Foundation Funding

June 26, 2025
Dr. Winston Jin
(resident) and his co-applicants Dr. Ken Faber (Professor,) Dr. George Athwal (Professor,) and Dr. James Johnson (Professor) of the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery were awarded funding from the PSI Foundation for the Resident Research project Design, Development and Optimization of Partial Glenoid Synthetic Grafts for the Treatment of Anterior Shoulder Instability with Glenoid Bone Loss. 

Congratulations, Dr. Jin!


Celebrating a Successful Year in the Department of Surgery

June 25, 2025
Thank you to everyone who joined us at the 2025 Celebration Dinner on June 25! It was a wonderful evening to reflect on the achievements of the past academic year and to recognize the outstanding contributions of our learners and educators.

Recipients for the Postgraduate Education, Surgical Foundations, the MSc in Surgery program, and Surgery Clerkship awards, along with a list of our graduating residents and the MSc in Surgery Class of 2025 on the Celebration Dinner page.

We look forward to celebrating with you again next year!

Innovative Robotic Surgery Technique Advances Facial Reconstruction for Skin Cancer Patients

June 11, 2025
Dr. Louis Ferreira
 (Assistant Professor, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery and the School of Biomechanical Engineering) and Dr. Corey Moore (Department of Otolaryngology) at St. Joseph's have developed a pioneering robotic surgical technique that significantly enhances facial reconstruction for patients undergoing skin cancer treatment. In cases where cancer removal requires the loss of facial structures such as the nose or ear, their robot-assisted method offers a faster, more precise approach to shaping cartilage grafts, reducing carving time from over 70 minutes to just 13.

Fully donor-funded, their project exemplifies translational research in action. With 3D scanning and robotic carving now tested successfully on cadaveric specimens, the team has published promising results and is preparing to bring this innovation into clinical practice. The collaboration reflects an exciting fusion of surgical expertise and engineering innovation, aimed at improving outcomes and recovery times for a growing number of Canadians affected by skin cancer. 


Dr. Elaine Tang's Research Project Awarded AMOSO Funding

May 28, 2025
Dr. Elaine Tang
(Assistant Professor, Division of General Surgery) has been awarded three years of AMOSO funding for her research project Decreasing Case Lengths in Organ Donation. Please join the Department in congratulating Dr. Tang!


Dr. Armen Parsyan Awarded AMOSO's John Sangster Research Award for Excellence

May 28, 2025
Dr. Armen Parsyan
(Assistant Professor, Departments of Surgery and Oncology) has been awarded AMOSO's John Sangster Research Award for Excellence for his project Enhancing Translation Breast Cancer Research Program and Multidisciplinary Collaborations Through Support of Clinician-Scientist Dr. Armen Parsyan

The John Sangster Research Award for Excellence recognizes exceptional research and exemplary performance of the Principal Investigator in meeting timelines and fulfilling Innovation Fund reporting requirements.

Dr. Parsyan's project was one of the top-ranked Final Reports due to its significant contributions to research capacity building, knowledge translation, and high-impact scientific output. It delivered outstanding results and exceeded its goals in terms of funding, publications, and research impact. The project also secured additional grants, resulted in over 20 presentations, and received prestigious awards, all despite the challenges faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please join the Department in congratulating Dr. Parsyan!


Dr. Weiping Min Awarded Funding from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada

May 15, 2025
Dr. Weiping Min
(cross-appointed to the Departments of Surgery, Pathology, and Microbiology and Immunology) has been awarded a $385,000 grant from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada for his project Cardioprotective effect of DLC1β in heart transplantation: Molecular mechanism and therapeutic potential. The grant will fund four years of research. Please join the Department in congratulating Dr. Min!


Dr. Christopher Schlachta Inducted into the American Surgical Association

May 15, 2025
Dr. Christopher Schlachta (Professor, Division of General Surgery) was inducted into the American Surgical Association at their 145th annual meeting in San Diego this April. The ASA is the oldest and most prestigious surgical society in North America. Please join the Department in congratulating Dr. Schlachta!


Dr. John Denstedt Honoured with an Alumni of Distinction Award by the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry

May 1, 2025
Dr. John Denstedt
(Professor, Division of Urology) was awarded the Alumni of Distinction (Medicine) award at Schulich’s 2025 Alumni of Distinction ceremony. Dr. Denstedt was recognized for his career at the forefront of urology and surgical innovation, shaping the field of endourology. Following his postgraduate training, he returned to Schulich Medicine & Dentistry to lead the Department of Surgery for over a decade. Under his guidance, the Department expanded significantly, driven by his dedication to research, mentorship, and academic excellence.

As a pioneer in minimally invasive approaches to urinary stone disease, Dr. Denstedt has authored over 270 scientific publications and delivered hundreds of lectures across more than 60 countries. He was the first Canadian Secretary of the American Urological Association (AUA) and served as President of the Endourological Society. With honours including the Ramon Guiteras Award from the AUA, Dr. Denstedt’s legacy is defined by excellence, influence and a deep commitment to advancing surgical care worldwide.


Dr. Emil Schemitsch Appointed as an Executive Editor of the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery

May 1, 2025
We are proud to congratulate Dr. Emil Schemitsch (Chair/Chief, Department of Surgery and member of the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery) on his recent appointment as an Executive Editor of the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (JBJS.) As one of the oldest and most prestigious peer-reviewed journals in the field of orthopaedic surgery, it is widely considered to be the gold standard


Dr. Emil Schemitsch Awarded Title of Distinguished University Professor

May 1, 2025
Dr. Emil Schemitsch
(Chair/Chief, Department of Surgery and member of the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery) has been named a Distinguished University Professor, the highest faculty honour at Western University. An internationally recognized leader in fracture repair and musculoskeletal injury research, Schemitsch has advanced patient care through groundbreaking clinical studies, major leadership roles, and the mentorship of hundreds of trainees. His work has significantly improved outcomes for patients worldwide, helping to establish Western as a global leader in orthopaedics. Please join the Department in congratulating Dr. Schemitsch!


Dr. Louis Ferreira’s Team Awarded for Innovative 3D-Printed Hand Splinting and Virtual Modeling Techniques

May 1, 2025
With support from St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation, Dr. Louis Ferreira’s (cross-appointed to the Departments of Surgery and Mechanical and Materials Engineering) team has developed a groundbreaking approach to hand splinting using 3D printing and virtual modeling, earning a nomination for the prestigious Award for Innovation in Hand Therapy. Initially launched in 2017, the project introduced rapid hand scanning and custom splint printing directly in clinic, producing splints that are breathable, durable, and more comfortable than traditional thermoplastic alternatives. The technology has since advanced to allow fully remote scanning via smartphone, enabling therapists to adjust and print splints without requiring patients to visit in person.

This Canadian-first innovation not only streamlines clinic workflow but also improves access to care—particularly for patients who travel long distances—while minimizing environmental waste. Dr. Ferreira’s team is currently conducting clinical and cadaver-based trials to compare 3D printed splints with conventional ones, evaluating factors such as pressure, bone conformity, and joint stability. Collaborations with international partners aim to further refine and expand the impact of this promising technology.


Dr. Joel Gagnier's Research Project Awarded CIHR Funding

April 3, 2025
Dr. Joel Gagnier
(Department of Surgery and Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics) was awarded CIHR funding for his co-authored project "The role of peptides in musculoskeletal healing and regeneration: a planning grant for clinical research." Please join the Department in congratulating Dr. Gagnier!


Dr. Ephraim Tang's Research Project Awarded AMOSO Funding

March 20, 2025
Dr. Ephraim Tang
(Division of General Surgery) was awarded AMOSO funding for the project "Improving Pain Management and Recovery Following Kidney Transplantation Using Continuous Local Anesthetic Infusion via Abdominal Wall Catheters: A Randomized Controlled Trial." Please join the department in congratulating Dr. Tang!


Dr. Joel Gagnier and Team Awarded CIHR Catalyst Grant

March 7, 2025
Dr. Joel Gagnier
(Department of Surgery and Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics) and his team were awarded a CIHR Catalyst Grant for their project "Relationship Between Social Support, Mental Health, and Well-Being in Recovery After Total Joint Replacement." Please join the Department in congratulating Dr. Gagnier!


Dr. Abdel Lawendy Awarded CIHR Funding

March 7, 2025
Dr. Abdel Lawendy
(Chair/Chief, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery) was awarded CIHR funding for the project "Optimal Clinical and Geographic Placement of Integrated Community Health Services Centres: An Integrated Mixed Methods Approach," for which he was a co-applicant. Please join the Department in congratulating Dr. Lawendy!


Innovative Kidney Stone Treatment Launched at St. Joseph's Hospital

March 7, 2025
St. Joseph’s Health Care London is proud to be the first hospital in North America to introduce a groundbreaking technology in kidney stone treatment. This innovation uses a flexible ureteral access sheath during ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy, allowing for the removal of stone fragments during the procedure, eliminating the need for patients to pass them in the days following treatment, which can often be painful and lead to recurrence.

This new technique is part of ongoing clinical trials, and Dr. John Denstedt (Division of Urology) expects many patients undergoing ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy to benefit. With about 600 patients treated annually at St. Joseph’s, this breakthrough is set to improve kidney stone treatment significantly.


Dr. Assaf Kadar Awarded AMOSO Opportunities Funding

February 2, 2025
Dr. Assaf
Kadar (Division of Othopaedic Surgery) has been awarded an AMOSO Opportunities Fund for his project “Advancing the diagnosis and Treatment of Flexor Tendon Injuries”. Congratulations Dr. Kadar!


AMOSO Innovation Fund Results

January 31, 2025
The AMOSO Governing Committee has awarded Dr. Ephraim Tang (Division of General Surgery) funding for his research proposal, "Improving Pain Management and Recovery Following Kidney Transplantation Using Continuous Local Anesthetic Infusion via Abdominal Wall Catheters: A Randomized Controlled Trial."

The Governing Committee has also awarded Dr. Anton Skaro (Division of General Surgery) funding for the research proposal he coauthored with Dr. Marat Slessarav (Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine,) "CONCLUDE study: Confirming the permanent cessation of intracranial circulation during Abdominal Normothermic Regional Perfusion after the determination of death by circulatory criteria"


Dr. Emil Schemitsch Awarded the OTA Keystone Honour

January 31, 2025
The Orthopaedic Trauma Association
has awarded Dr. Emil Schemitsch, Chair/Chief of the Deparment of Surgery and Professor, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, with the OTA Keystone Honour. This award recognizes outstanding mentors whose wisdom and guidance have shaped careers and advanced the field of orthopedic trauma. Inspired by the legacy of past leaders, this initiative allows mentees to honor those who have provided essential support, much like a keystone holding an arch together. Dr. Schemitsch is the inaugural recipient of this prestigious award.


Dr. Jeffrey Campbell Named Among London's Top 40 Under 40 by London, Inc.

January 31, 2025
Dr. Jeffrey Campbell (Division of Urology) has been named among the city's "Top 40 Under 40" by London, Inc. for his work addressing male hormonal health, sexual function, infertility and prostate cancer survivalship, as well as his lab's globally recognized work researching Peyronie's disease.


Dr. Julie Ann Van Koughnett Awarded the 2025 CAME Certificate of Merit

January 31, 2025
Dr. Julie Ann Van Koughnett, Associate Professor and Program Director, Division of General Surgery, has been awarded the Canadian Association of Medical Education's 2025 Certificate of Merit. This award aims to promote medical education in Canadian medical schools and to recognize and reward faculty’s commitment to medical education.

Results from Dr. Andreana Bütter’s APPY Trial Published in The Lancet

January 31, 2025
We are delighted to announce that results from Dr. Andreana Bütter's coauthored APPY trial have been published in The Lancet, one of the world's most prestigious and influential medical journals. This international, multicenter randomized controlled trial compared non-operative antibiotic treatment to appendectomy for acute, uncomplicated appendicitis in children, enrolling patients across five countries. The study concluded that antibiotics alone were inferior to appendectomy. Dr. Bütter is a Professor and the Chair/Chief of the Division of Pediatric Surgery.


Dr. Assaf Kadar awarded funding through the AMOSO Opportunities Funds

November 27, 2025
We are thrilled to share that Dr. Assaf Kadar, a member of the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Roth McFarlane Hand & Upper Limb Centre, has been awarded funding through the AMOSO Opportunities Funds for his project, Advancing the Diagnosis and Treatment of Flexor Tendon Injuries. This recognition highlights the significance of his work and its potential impact.


Dr. Audra Duncan Elected to the Board of Regents of the American College of Surgeons

October 30, 2025
Please join the Department in congratulating Dr. Audra Duncan, Professor and Chair/Chief, Vascular Surgery, for her recent election to the Board of Regents of the American College of Surgeons. The American College of Surgeons is dedicated to improving the care of the surgical patient and safeguarding standards of care in an optimal and ethical practice environment.


Dr. John Denstedt named the 2025 Honourary Member to the Urological Association of Asia

October 1, 2025
Dr. John Denstedt (Division of Urology) has been selected as the 2025 Honourary Member to the Urological Association of Asia as a result of his long term devotion to Urology Education in Asia, his pioneering work using endourologic approaches to stone diseases and his outstanding contributions to the art and science of Urology.