SPOTLIGHT
Siba Haykal MD
STREAM PhD SUPERVISOR Dr. Thomas Waddell
From Plastics to Thoracic Reconstruction require permanent artificial airways, which leads to complications with multiple infections and hospital admissions. More specifically, I am working with biological scaffolds in which a donor trachea is harvested, decellularized and recellularized with recipients’ progenitor cells before transplantation. I initially evaluated the structural integrity of these scaffolds and I am now interested in the immune response directed towards these allografts, as well as the fate of the progenitor cells.
Q Do you feel that having a medical degree has assisted in your research progress and opportunities?
A All research brings us closer to having an
A
s a 2012 Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship recipient and current PhD candidate in the Surgeon Scientist Program at the IMS, Dr. Siba Haykal is no stranger to hard work and dedication. After graduating as class silver medalist and valedictorian from the University of Ottawa Medical School, Haykal began her residency in plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Toronto in 2007. She currently conducts research in the area of regenerative medicine under the supervision of Dr. Thomas Waddell. Between conducting tracheal transplant experiments, long hours in the laboratory, hot yoga sessions, and weekly runs, Haykal took time to sit down with the IMS Magazine to discuss her current work.
Q Why did you decide to join the Surgeon Photo by Yekta Dowlati
Scientist Program?
A I have always had an interest in basic sci-
ence research. I worked in a cell biology laboratory for three years while pursuing a biochemistry degree at the University of Ottawa. I then worked in a neuroscience laboratory
during medical school. I enjoyed the challenging aspects of basic science and the Surgeon Scientist Program allowed me to combine the best of both worlds as I strive for a future surgical career in which I can continue to pursue my research. As I was searching for a project, my co-supervisor, Dr. Stefan Hofer, a reconstructive microsurgeon at Toronto General Hospital, introduced me to the idea of the reconstruction of an airway. This led to meeting Dr. Waddell, chief of Thoracic Surgery at UHN and a scientist at the Latner Thoracic Surgery Laboratories. It has truly been a great opportunity for me to work with this group, as I have found great mentors and I am learning about transplantation with the hope of applying this knowledge to a better understanding of the field of composite tissue allotransplantation.
Q Can you describe your research focus? A My area of research focuses on recon-
structing long tracheal segments, which is necessary following malignancy, traumatic injury or stenosis. Patients affected by these
impact on patients’ lives. I feel that my medical degree gives me a different perspective on tackling the current problems and allows me to focus on areas that are directly applicable to the clinic.
Q
As a winner of the Vanier award, you must be very involved. How do you make time for everything and how do you unwind?
A I try to be as organized as possible while staying flexible with my schedule, as life can be unpredictable. My family and friends help me unwind. They are my support system and have constantly encouraged me. I also believe that you can’t help anyone else if you don’t help yourself first. Fitness has also always been a big part of my life, as it allows me to maintain both physical and mental balance.
Q What advice do you have for students wanting to pursue careers in both medicine and research?
A
My advice is to stay focused, work hard and never give up. There are plenty of great opportunities for people who have that drive and are interested in lifelong learning. Both careers, although challenging, are extremely rewarding.
By Rickvinder Besla
IMS MAGAZINE SPRING 2012 STEM CELLS | 24