The Department of Surgery is delighted to share highlights from the 29th Canadian Connective Tissue Conference (CCTC) 2025, hosted this year at McGill University.
CCTC is an annual gathering organized by the Canadian Connective Tissue Society (CCTS), drawing together researchers, engineers, clinicians, and trainees dedicated to advancing connective tissue science. Since its modest beginnings in Montreal, the conference has grown into a nationally recognized event, rotating among top academic institutions each year. This year’s conference was co-chaired by Dr. Rahul Gawri, a faculty member from the Department of Surgery, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, and welcomed 123 participants.
Congratulations to Dr. Anthony Bozzo and Dr. Ipshita Prakash, who were awarded at the J1 Clinician level, and to Joanna Pryzbyl, PhD, who succeeded at the J2 level. Special recognition goes to Drs. Lysanne Campeau and Jonathan Spicer for their remarkable accomplishment at the Senior Clinician level, an exceptional result for the Department of Surgery. Notably, all of these talented researchers took part in the Department’s Early Career Investigator Mentorship program, which is now in its fifth year. This valuable initiative has helped 16 successful applicants from the Department of Surgery, as well as from Medicine and the Faculty of Dentistry, to excel in this prestigious competition. The program’s final session of the year is scheduled for this Saturday, further advancing its mission to promote research excellence and provide strong mentorship.
The only hospital-based centre of its kind in Canada, SuPER will drive homegrown innovation from the lab to the operating room.
On April 30, 2025, the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (The Institute) proudly inaugurates the Surgical Performance Enhancement and Robotics Centre (SuPER) at the Montreal General Hospital (MGH) of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC). With critical support from the Montreal General Hospital Foundation (MGHF), this futuristic research hub is bringing robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) to many medical disciplines—from orthopedic, abdominal, head and neck, eye, maxillofacial and spinal surgery to interventional cardiology and radiology—reimagining and redesigning medical procedures to make them less invasive, more personalized, safer and more effective.

Dr. Domenick Zammit Appointed as Program Director, Plastic Surgery Residency Training Program at McGill University
The Division of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Dino Zammit as the New Program Director for the Residency Training Program.

Dr. Liane Feldman Reappointed as Chair of the Department of Surgery in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
We are pleased to announce the reappointment of Dr. Liane Feldman as Chair of the Department of Surgery in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at McGill University and Surgeon-in-Chief of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC).

Professor Fackson Mwale Receives James McGill Professorship Award
The Department of Surgery is pleased to announce that Professor Fackson Mwale, tenured Professor of Surgery and Graduate Program Director for Surgical and Interventional Sciences at McGill University, has received a James McGill Professor Award. These awards recognize a tenured full professor at McGill University for outstanding contributions as an innovative researcher of exceptional caliber, renowned for leadership and world-class standing in their field.
Bringing you exclusive conversations with experts, innovators, and leaders in the
Surgical and Interventional Science (SIS) Program at McGill University.
In our first episode, join Dr. Liane Feldman, Chair of the Department of Surgery, as she answers key questions about the SIS program’s vision, growth, and why it’s an exciting time to be part of this dynamic community.
For more episodes, please visit:

Dr. Richard Garfinkle
Appointed Co-Director of the
Surgical Scientist Program
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Richard Garfinkle, MD, MSc, PhD, as co-director for the Surgical Scientist Program (SSP) at McGill University. In this role, Dr. Garfinkle will oversee the research activities of surgical residents enrolled in the SSP, in coordination with McGill’s Clinician Investigator Program (CIP) and the Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) Office.
Dr. Shannon Fraser
Appointed Associate Chair for Faculty Life
A New Era of Excellence and Support
The McGill Department of Surgery is committed to fostering a culture where our surgeons are supported as individuals, enabling them to thrive professionally and reach their full potential. We are delighted to announce the appointment of
Dr. Shannon Fraser as the new Associate Chair for Faculty Life.
Dr. Lisbet Haglund
Appointed Associate Chair for Mentorship
Empowering Future Surgeons
The McGill Department of Surgery is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Lisbet Haglund as the Associate Chair for Mentorship. This new role underscores our commitment to fostering the professional growth of all our members throughout their careers.

Dr. Eva Michaud
Appointed to the Division of Urology
at the MUHC
Dr. Eva Michaud has been appointed as a new researcher specializing in immunology and its implications in cancer therapy.

Dr. Jason Corban
Appointed to the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery at the MUHC
Dr. Jason Corban has been appointed as an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in upper extremity pathology and orthopaedic sports medicine.

Dr. David Drullinsky
Appointed to the Division of Cardiac Surgery at the MUHC
Dr. David Drullinsky is a Surgeon Educator at McGill University and a Cardiac Surgeon at the MUHC with a clinical focus on heart failure, mechanical support and transplantation.

Dr. Bardia Barimani
Appointed to the Division of Orthopedic Surgery at the JGH
Dr. Bardia Barimani is an Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in Lower Limb Reconstruction and Arthroplasty at the Jewish General Hospital.

Dr. Atif Jastaniah
Appointed to the Division of General Surgery
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Atif Jastaniah as an Assistant Professor to the McGill Division of General Surgery at the Montreal General Hospital.

Dr. Richard Garfinkle
Appointed to the Division of General Surgery
We are pleased to welcome Dr. Richard Garfinkle as an Assistant Professor to the McGill Division of General Surgery and Colon and Rectal Surgery at the Jewish General Hospital.

Dr. Rajam Raghunathan
Appointed to the Division of General Surgery
We are pleased to welcome Dr. Rajam Raghunathan, as an Assistant Professor to the McGill Division of General Surgery at the Lachine Hospital.