May 2020 - Dr. Peter Alam, Culture Changer
Dr. Peter Alam (PGY3) was nominated by the Canadian Federation of Medical Students (CFMS) as a culture changer
Congratulations Peter!
January 2020 - Dr. Tyler Safran, Global PRS Advisor
Congratulations to Dr. Tyler Safran (PGY 2), who was nominated and chosen to be a a global “PRS” and “PRS go” resident advisor.
Well done Tyler!
Yoga Wellness Session - December 2019
For our second wellness activity of the academic year, a resident yoga class took place on December 2, 2019. The wellness activities give the residents a chance to interact outside of the work environment and promote collegiality. Seen from left to right: Dr. Yehuda Chocron (PGY1), Dr. Becher Alhalabi (PGY 5), Dr. Tyler Safran (PGY 2) and Dr. Roy Kazan (PGY 3).
Researchers identify improved avenues to train plastic surgeons in microsurgery - October 2019
A recent study, published in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery led by Dr. Stephanie Thibaudeau, Assistant Professor of Surgery at McGill University, and Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Program Director at the McGill University Health Centre, puts forward the notion that non-biologic simulators could prove to be a better alternative when it comes to training future surgeons.
“Our paper provides a comprehensive summary of all non-biologic simulators in use for microsurgery training in plastic surgery, and reports on the demonstrated efficacy of non-biologic simulators for the acquisition and retention of microsurgical skills,” explains Jad Abi-Rafeh, a medical student at McGill and the paper’s first author. “It is such a privilege for a medical student like myself to be working with such a talented team of plastic surgery residents under the supervision of Dr. Thibaudeau,” adds Jad. “All co-authors on this study have such notable experience in simulation research; Dr. Zammit and Dr. Jaberi are CIHR-funded researchers currently obtaining their masters in experimental surgery and simulation, while Dr. Al-Halabi is a PhD candidate with interests in surgical education. Without their guidance and supervision, this study would not have been possible.” READ FULL ARTICLE
Puvirnituq - September 2019
Dr. Fanyi Meng (PGY5) accompanied Dr. Mario Luc to Puvirnituq Qc. where they worked at the Inuulitsivik Health & Social Science Centre. This experience was truly a unique opportunity to meet the people of Puvirnituq and to provide medical care in a region where resources are scarce.
The Plastic Surgery Resident Bowl - September 2019
The Resident Bowl is a competition between Plastic Surgery Programs across the continent. Winners of the tournament will have their names engraved on a nearly two-foot tall silver trophy and earn year-long bragging rights. Shown are our residents who participated in the competition. Dr. Alain Azzi represented McGill in the Resident Council Committee and in the Emerging Trends Subcommittee. From left to right: Dr. Becher Alhalabi (PGY 5), Dr. Antoine Lessard (PGY 5), Dr. Alain Azzi (PGY 4) and Dr. Alex Viezel Mathieu (PGY 5)
New Recruits - 2019
Dr. Amanda Murphy - October 2019
Originally from Halifax, Amanda completed her undergraduate degree in Anatomy & Cell Biology at McGill before returning to the Maritimes for medical school and residency at Dalhousie. During her plastic surgery training, she earned a Master of Science degree as part of the Clinician Investigator Program. Her research focused on the role of angiotensin II on cutaneous wound healing and fibrosis pathways. Dr. Murphy subsequently completed a fellowship in Breast Cancer Reconstruction at the University of Toronto.
Dr. Liqin Xu - September 2019
After graduating from the McGill University Plastic Surgery Residency Program, Dr. Liqin Xu went on to complete her fellowship. She was recruited post-fellowship, returning to McGill University as an assistant professor and attending faculty member.
Welcome back Dr. Xu!
Dr. Andreas Nikolis - September 2019
After graduating from Queens University Medical School in 1996, Dr. Nikolis pursued his specialty training in General Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Craniofacial Surgery and also obtained a Master’s in Experimental Surgery.
Dr. Nikolis has applied his deep understanding of anatomy and the aging process as Senior Medical Director of Victoria Park Medispa since 2007. He offers patients his established and individualized approach to a natural rejuvenated appearance – whether it be through surgical or non-surgical interventions (aesthetic injectables and energy devices).
Dr. Nikolis’ knowledge and appreciation of aesthetics has led him to be a lead researcher for multiple aesthetic companies. He is an author of over 40 peer-reviewed articles in topics ranging from plastic surgery to dermatology and has presented over 100 projects at various regional, national and international conferences. Dr. Nikolis is also an advanced trainer in aesthetic injections in Montreal, nationally, and internationally. He currently is principal investigator in numerous clinical trials evaluating new technologies and applications.
In addition to his extensive research and educational credentials, Dr. Nikolis is known for his warm bedside manner, superior results, and the professional care he provides to all his clients.
Welcome Dr. Nikolis!
Resident Wellness Activity - Sept 9, 2019
Our first wellness team building activity of the academic year took place on September 9, 2019 at the McGill Gymnasium. The activities are organized by our Wellness Committee members which is composed of faculty and residents. The activities give residents a chance to interact outside of a work environment. From left to right: Dr. Myriam Caruso Macdonald (PGY1), Dr. Tyler Safran (PGY2), Dr. Yehuda Chocron (PGY1), Dr. Abdulaziz Alrashid (PGY1), Dr. Alex Viezel-Mathieu (PGY5), Dr. Alain Azzi (PGY3), Dr. Fanyi Meng (PGY5), Dr. Ahmed Al-Qattan (PGY3), Dr. Becher Alhalabi (PGY5), and Dr. Mehrad Mojtahed Jaberi (PGY3).
Dr. Tassos Dionisopoulos - Sept 2019
Congratulations to Dr. Tassos Dionisopoulos for his invitation to be a lecturer and guest faculty at the Canadian Hand-On Oncoplasty Surgery Post-Graduate Course in Montreal on September 5, 2019. The topic covered was Pre-Pectoral Breast Reconstruction.
Dr. Roy Kazan - July 2019
Dr. Roy Kazan (PGY 3) is the recipient of the 2019 Peter Warren Essay Prize in History of Medicine by the Royal College. Winning paper: “The Evolution of Surgical Simulation: The Current State and Future Avenues for Plastic Surgery Education.” Dr. Kazan was lead author on this paper, which was published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (February 2017).
Dr. Kazan completed his doctoral studies in Experimental Surgery at the Montreal General Hospital. During this time, he obtained the Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation grant. He also received a Canadian Institutes of Health Research award. His research led to the development of the first breast augmentation simulator, under the supervision of Dr. Mirko Gilardino and Dr. Thomas Hemmerling. Dr. Kazan has presented his work to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons. His long-term goals are to practice in a university hospital and maintain a research academic career.
Congratulations Roy!
Dr. Tyler Safran - July 2019
Dr. Tyler Safran (PGY 2) is the recipient of the Luong T. Nguyen Award for the top performing resident of the year as rewarded by the Pediatric General Surgery team. Dr. Safran has numerous works available at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=tyler+safran
Congratulations Tyler!
Dr. Domenick Zammit - June 2019
Dr. Domenick (Dino) Zammit (PGY 3), is the recipient of the Fraser Gurd Award for best presentation in the Surgical Education Category and this year's Harvey Brown Plastic Surgery Research Award Winner. Dr. Zammit is also a nominee for the Golden Scalpel Research Award (Canadian Association of Chairs of Surgical Research) where only one nominee per university in Canada is chosen.
Congratulations Dino!
Annual Plastic Surgery Welcome BBQ - July 1, 2019
Dr. Gilardino welcomes the Division of Plastic Surgery into his home for the Annual Welcome BBQ.
During the BBQ, we were treated to a unique musical performance by our very own Ahmed Al-Qattan (PGY3) shown below with his guitar. He sang a song he wrote himself called 'First on Call', detailing the funny experiences of a first year resident taking call.
Plastic Surgery Visiting Professor - June 14, 2019
Dr. Mulholland is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, who has dual certification in Plastic Surgery and Head and Neck Surgical Oncology certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Mulholland graduated from the University of Toronto Medical School as the Homer Silver Medalist. He went on to complete his specialty training at the University of Toronto in Plastic Surgery, followed by two years of fellowship training in Facial Trauma and Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Oncology and is certified by the American Joint Societies in Head and Neck Oncology Surgery. Dr. Mulholland was formerly a consultant at the Hamilton Regional Cancer Center and St. Joseph’s Hospital, where he concentrated his talents on treating complex tumors of the face, head, and neck, as well as, the repair of traumatic facial injuries. He currently restricts and focuses his practice solely to Cosmetic Plastic Surgery. Dr. Mulholland is a member of the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He had been named one of Canada’s top plastic surgeons by Flare Magazine and SpaMedica has topped Toronto Life’s list of top cosmetic surgery, laser skin care clinics. Dr. Mulholland has been the guest expert plastic surgeon on CityLine for over 20 years and has appeared regularly on every major U.S. and Canadian radio, newspaper, magazine and television network including the Today Show, The Doctors, Entertainment Tonight, etalk and LA Today. Most recently, Dr. Mulholland received a Gemini award for the reality TV Surgical Makeover show, Skin Deep and he and wife Ann Kaplan starred in Real Housewives of Toronto.
Dr. Mirko Gilardino welcomes Dr. Stephen Mulholland
Fraser Gurd Graduation Dinner - June 13, 2019
From Left to Right:
Dr. Hanan Alhusainan (Graduating Craniofacial Fellow), Dr. Nayif Alnaif (Graduating R5 Resident), Dr. Stephanie Thibaudeau (Program Director), Dr. Emilie Bougie (Graduating R5 Resident)
Dr. Hanan Alhusainan secured the positions of Consultant in Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery at King Abdulaziz Medical City, National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh , Saudi Arabia & Affiliate Assistant Professorship of Surgery at King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh/ Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Nayif Alnaif will be completing an Aesthetic Fellowship at North Texas Plastic Surgery. He will then be completing a second Fellowship, specializing in microsurgery at Yale University
Dr. Emilie Bougie will be completing a Pediatric Hand and Upper Extremity Fellowship at the Birmingham Children's Hospital in Birmingham, UK.
Special Congratulations to Dr. Becher Alhalabi for receiving the Outstanding Resident Teacher Award. The recipient of this award is chosen by the resident body.
Congratulations Becher!
10th Annual H. B. Williams Pediatric Surgical Research Day - June 6, 2019
DR. DAVID SPIEGEL works as a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, specializing in neuromuscular diseases, trauma, and spinal deformities and is a Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and a PENN Center for Global Health (CGH) Scholar. He attended Duke University for college, medical school, and orthopaedic surgical residency training, and then completed both a research and a clinical fellowship in pediatric orthopaedics at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He has served as an Honorary Consultant in Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation at the Hospital & Rehabilitation Centre for Disabled Children in Banepa, Nepal, for 22 years and is an Honorary Professor at the University of Basrah, Iraq. He has served on many national committees including Children’s Orthopaedics in Underdeveloped Regions of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA), the Bone and Joint Decade committee (POSNA), the Global Courses Committee (POSNA), and the International Committee of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons where he directed the international scholars program. He has been on the Advisory Board of Orthopaedics Overseas, Global-HELP, the Ponseti International Association, Miracle Feet, and the Global Clubfoot Initiative. He was awarded the President’s Call to Service Award (2006), by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, for 4000 hours of community service, the Golden Apple Award by Health Volunteers Overseas (2009), and an AAOS achievement award (2014). He received the Humanitarian Award from the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (2013), the Walter P. Blount Humanitarian award from the Scoliosis Research Society (2016), and the humanitarian award from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (2017). He has served as a consultant for the World Health Organization in Mongolia and Somalia, and was on the steering committee for the WHO’s Global Initiative for Emergency and Essential Surgical Care. He has delivered more than 300 invited lectures, mostly at international venues including Nepal, Iran, Iraq, China, Pakistan, Tanzania, Mongolia and Somalia. He has also co-edited a textbook entitled “Global Orthopaedics: Caring for Musculoskeletal Conditions and Injuries in Austere Settings”.
Plastic Surgery Research Talks - May 13, 2019
Dr. Tassos Dionisopoulos - Invited Speaker
Congratulations to Dr. Tassos Dionisopoulos who was invited as a speaker to the University of Toronto Breast Surgery Symposium. The topic of his lecture was breast reduction.
12th Annual David R. Murphy Visiting Professor - April 4, 2019
Peter T. Masiakos, MS, MD, FACS, FAAP is a Pediatric Surgeon and the Director of Pediatric Trauma Service at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). He is an Associate Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School and an Associate Visiting Surgeon at MGH, where he has a clinical interest in pediatric trauma care and has become a vocal injury prevention advocate. He has been involved in successfully educating the Massachusetts legislature and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission on the inherent risks that All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) pose on children and testified both at the Massachusetts state house and at the consumer product safety commission on the need for new legislation which would prohibit the use of ATVs by children. Because of this work, a law imposing an age restriction on ATV use in Massachusetts was enacted on July 31st, 2010. Dr. Masiakos continues to work alongside Massachusetts State Legislators on several other comprehensive injury prevention laws including junior operator laws (JOL), safe driving laws and child restraint laws.
Dr. Rafael Galli - March 2019
Dr. Rafael Galli is a craniofacial surgeon from Brazil who has a strong interest in clinical innovation and cutting-edge research. He originally came to McGill in 2015 to complete a two-year fellowship in Craniofacial Surgery, went on to complete a two-year fellowship in Surgical Innovation, and is currently in the process of completing his thesis for the Master of Science Degree in Experimental Surgery. This program allows for a hands-on learning experience for students to develop the skills necessary to work within multidisciplinary teams in the creation of needs-driven and marketable prototypes used in the development of novel surgical and medical devices.SEE FULL ARTICLE
24th Annual H. Rocke Robertson Visiting Professor - March 27-28, 2019
Dr. Donald Jenkins earned a BS in Biochemistry from the University of Scranton in Scranton PA and MD at the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda MD. He performed his surgical residency at Wilford Hall USAF hospital in San Antonio TX, trauma fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia PA and retired after nearly 25 years of active duty service from the USAF in 2008. As former trauma medical director at the American College of Surgeons verified Level I trauma center at Saint Marys Hospital at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Dr. Jenkins had oversight for the entire spectrum of care for all trauma patients, from prevention and pre-hospital care to rehabilitation and repatriation. Dr. Jenkins has been the trauma director for the ACS Level I verified trauma center for the United States Air Force (2000-2008), he has been the trauma director for the 44th Medical Command for all medical care in Iraq (2004-2005), helped to develop the Joint Theater Trauma System for the United States Central Command (all of southwest Asia), was the trauma director of the Joint Theater Trauma System (Baghdad Iraq and Bagram Afghanistan 2006), helped develop the Joint Trauma System and was the trauma medical director of the Joint Trauma System (Fort Sam Houston, TX 2007-2008). Thus, he has extensive experience in Performance Improvement, is the ACSCOT PIPS Committee Chair, is the liaison to the Society of Trauma Nurses for the Trauma Outcome PI Course, is building rural trauma regional organizations and is teaching PI in both urban Level I and rural Level III and IV centers. He is currently Professor of Surgery, Vice Chair for Quality and Associate Deputy Director of the Military Health Institute at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.
New Appointment, Dr. Stephanie Thibaudeau - March 1, 2019
Dr. Stephanie Thibaudeau completed her MD degree in 2009 at McGilll University and subsequently completed her Residency Training from 2009-2014 in the McGill Plastic Surgery Residency Program. She then went on to complete a Fellowship specializing in Hand and Upper Limb Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania from 2014-2016. Dr. Thibaudeau was welcomed back to McGill University post-fellowship, holding a position of Assistant Professor of Surgery. As of March 1, 2019, Dr. Thibaudeau became the Plastic Surgery Program Director.
Congratulations Dr. Thibaudeau!
New Appointment, Dr. Mirko Gilardino - February 1, 2019
The Department of Surgery is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Mirko S. Gilardino as Director of the Division of Plastic Surgery at McGill University and Director of the Division of Plastic Surgery (adult services) at the McGill University Health Centre, as of February 1, 2019. He will replace Dr. Lucie Lessard who has led the Division of Plastic Surgery ably for many years. We all want to thank Dr. Lessard for her hard work, wisdom and vision in this leadership role.
Dr. Mirko S. Gilardino is currently an Associate Professor of Surgery at McGill. He received his MD from the McGill University Faculty of Medicine, completed six years of Plastic Surgery residency and a Master’s Degree in Experimental Surgery at McGill University. He then went to Philadelphia for fellowship training in Complex Craniofacial Surgery at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (University of Pennsylvania), the No.1 ranked pediatric hospital in the United States. He is certified in plastic surgery in both Canada and the United States.
Dr. Gilardino has served as Director of the Plastic Surgery Residency Program at McGill for 8 years and is actively involved in surgical education and training of residents. He has an active research portfolio and has received several peer-reviewed grants for his research in bone degeneration, surgical education and simulation, reconstructive surgery/wound healing and surgical innovation. He has over 50 publications and book chapters and has supervised dozens of research students, often in collaboration with other divisions of surgical research.
Since 2008, Dr. Gilardino has been the Director of the H.B. Williams Craniofacial and Cleft Surgery Unit at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, where he performs complex pediatric craniofacial reconstruction and directs the multi-disciplinary team committed to providing state-of-the-art care for children born with facial anomalies. In 2018, he was appointed to the “Faculty Honour List for Educational Excellence” in recognition of exceptional contributions to education in the McGill University Faculty of Medicine, April 6, 2018. In January, Dr. Gilardino was awarded a highly-competetive CIHR Research Grant (five-year funding period). Co-applicant with Dr. J. Barralet for research titled “Autosynthetics: Cranial Regeneration”,
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Gilardino on his appointment to these important positions.
Kicks 4 Kids Fundraiser - June 3, 2018
Organized by medical student Yehuda Chocron, Kicks4Kids was a one day soccer tournament fundraiser on June 3rd, 2018 in support of the H.B. Williams Craniofacial and Cleft Surgery Unit at the Montreal Children's Hospital. The event took place at the beautiful outdoor Molson stadium near McGill University and participants were aged 10+. The event was a fun-filled day with entertainment, food, activities and prizes all in support of a great cause!
This event raised $15, 000. Congratulations !
Dr. Mirko Gilardino - CIBPA Person of the Year
The Canadian-Italian Business and Professional Association (CIBPA) is pleased to announce that Dr. Mirko Gilardino, MD, MSc, FRCSC, FACS, Director, H.B. Williams Craniofacial and Cleft Surgery Unit Pediatric Plastic Surgeon will be the recipient of the Person of the year 2016 award.
The title is granted each year to a person whose work is a perfect example of leadership, devotion and success. Dr. Gilardino, recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for outstanding contribution to the medical field by a Canadian is a perfect example of this. His extraordinary dedication when working with his patients and their families to helping affected children feel like their peers is honorable and praiseworthy.
Dr. Mirko S. Gilardino is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon recognized by both the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He received his MD from the McGill University Faculty of Medicine, and completed his six years of Plastic Surgery training at McGill University. In addition to obtaining a Master’s Degree in Experimental Surgical Research, Dr. Gilardino completed a year of subspecialty training at the prestigious Ivy League University of Pennsylvania and the No.1 ranked Children's Hospital of Philadelphia in Complex Craniofacial Surgery. Dr. Gilardino is currently the Director of the H. B. Williams Craniofacial and Cleft Surgery Unit at the Montreal Children's Hospital. In addition, he is Director of the Plastic Surgery Residency Program and Associate Professor of Surgery at the McGill Faculty of Medicine and McGill University Health Centre. Dr. Gilardino specializes in Pediatric Craniofacial and Plastic Surgery, and Adult Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery.
The “Person of the Year” project originated in 1967 to render homage to outstanding individuals in the Montreal community for their exceptional dedication and tireless efforts in contributing towards the public’s welfare.