Residents
Rudra Pandya
PGY1Biography: Dr. Pandya completed both his Bachelors of Medical Sciences and Doctor of Medicine degrees at Western University. During this time, he led groups like Canadian Organization for Undergraduate Health Research (London), Surgically Oriented Anatomy Prosectors and Vascular Surgery Interest Group, showcasing his passion for teaching anatomy, suturing, and research methodology to junior learners. His research interests include the use of simulation for medical and surgical education, as well as peripheral vascular disease and wound care. Outside of the hospital, you can find him challenging Newton’s Laws by moving heavy objects at the local gym, drawing, and spending time with family and friends.
Hugo Perrier
PGY2Biography: Dr. Perrier completed his Doctor of Medicine and Master of Surgery degree at McGill University in 2024. He previously completed an Honors Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences at the University of Ottawa. Hugo’s research interests include vascular injury treatment in the geriatric populations, limb salvage and quality improvement regarding medical education. While at McGill University, he served as a Teaching Assistant in the anatomy lab for medical and nursing students, assisted in various surgical workshops and organized biology classes for college and high school students. During his rare times outside the hospital, Hugo enjoys running, cycling, rock climbing, watching anime and sleeping.
Apoorva Bhandari
PGY3Biography: Dr. Bhandari holds a Doctor of Medicine degree from Queen’s University School of Medicine, a Master of Science from the University of Toronto, and a Bachelor of Science from McGill University. Her research spans diverse projects, including vascular techniques for treatment of infrainguinal graft stenosis, pediatric vascular complications related to genetic disorders, altered cerebral hemodynamics, characteristics of stent grafts in endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms, and quality improvement initiatives. Apoorva has earned recognition for her research through awards such as the Research Excellence Award at the Western McMaster Vascular Surgery Day in 2023 and the CSVS National Student Research Award in 2021. She has also been a recipient of grants and scholarships, including the W.G. Anglin Scholarship in Surgery for demonstrating an aptitude for surgery upon graduation. Apoorva has showcased her commitment to mentorship and education by actively participating in various leadership roles. She serves as a Surgery Mentorship Program Mentor at the University of Western Ontario, providing guidance to medical students. Additionally, as the Founder and former President of the Association of Women Surgeons (AWS) at Queen’s University, she has created opportunities for networking and mentorship for female-identifying medical students. Outside of her professional pursuits, Apoorva is passionate about Olympic weightlifting, cycling, pilates, reading, and travel.
Kelsey Ambrose
PGY4Biography: Dr. Ambrose completed her Doctor of Medicine at Western University, Windsor campus. Prior to this, she completed her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in her hometown at the University of Waterloo. Kelsey’s research interests include vascular trauma, critical care and resuscitation, prosthetic graft infections, and limb salvage. Kelsey is passionate about medical education and mentorship, anatomy, and learner wellness. She has organized and assisted in clinical skills and suturing workshops for medical students, and served as a Teaching Assistant in the cadaveric anatomy lab throughout her undergraduate years. She’s served as Student Support Team lead, Orientation Coordinator, and is the current representative for the Surgical Resident Wellness committee. Outside of medicine, Kelsey’s interests include baking, spending time at the lake, and hiking.
Rhiannon Tracey
PGY5Biography: Dr. Rhiannon Tracey completed her medical degree at Memorial University of Newfoundland in 2020. She has been a surgical resident at Western University since graduation and joined the Vascular Surgery residency program in July 2022. Dr. Tracey’s current research interests include quality improvement surrounding virtual consultation models, vascular injury treatment in the Pediatric population and negative pressure wound therapy in major amputations. She has won funding for her research which includes the McLachlin Research Grant from Western University. When not running around the hospital, she can usually be found hiking with her Bernese Mountain Dog or spending quality time with friends and family.
Ahmad Azizov
PGY5Biography: Dr. Azizov grew up in Azerbaijan for the first half of his life. He kick started his journey in the medical field with a solid foundation in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Guelph. Transitioning to the Michael DeGroote School of Medicine, he honed his skills and found a passion for Vascular Surgery. Alongside his medical pursuits, Ahmad enjoys cycling, photography, and various technological endeavors. This year he is pursuing more clinical research and open water diving. Favorite quote from a movie: “My name is Dr. Maximus Decimus Arterius, commander of the Operating Rooms of the North, General of the Covered Stents, loyal servant to the true vascular health, physician to a clogged artery, and healer to a sluggish vein. And I will have my circulation, in this procedure or the next!”
