SKalpel

SKALPEL Journal of the Department of Surgery

Vol.1 No.1 November 2023

2023 Graduating Residents in Surgery

WHAT’S INSIDE: Provincial Head’s Message Physician Executive Message Surgical Leadership My Sask Health Records Surgical Services Update Graduating Residents

Update in Surgical Research EDI in Surgery New Faculty in Surgery Faculty Awards, Appointments & Promotions Resident Awards

Advancements in Vascular Surgery Undergrad Education Update Surgical Teaching Awards Robotic Surgery in Saskatchewan Physician Assists Program Surgery in NW Saskatchewan

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JOURNAL of the DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

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PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENT HEAD

MESSAGE from the

We have been extremely busy in the Department of Surgery since I started February 1, 2023. I am excited to build on past successes and continue to frame a strong foundation for the Department to move forward. My vision for the Department is to have a strong, diverse leadership group from across the province to support Department growth and provide transparency, allowing our members to thrive and work together towards successful outcomes with the Saskatchewan Health Authority and University of Saskatchewan.

As we know, the Government of Saskatchewan is dedicated to building the Department of Surgery and has dedicated additional funds to support this growth.

Over the past year, the success of these funds and our dedicated surgeons can be seen in the decrease of the 24+ Month Waiters by 43% and 91.5% of patients waiting less than 12 months for Surgery. The strides taken by the Department post-pandemic have allowed for Saskatchewan to complete the highest volume of surgeries ever performed in the province and a near 10% reduction in the surgical waitlist. New programs like the Surgical Robotics Program established in Saskatoon are an important part of this success in reducing waitlists.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all our members who successfully applied for Promotion in the Department of Surgery in 2022, your contributions to the Department do not go unnoticed. I would like to encourage all faculty to look into furthering your faculty appointment in the Department of Surgery at the University of Saskatchewan. We have established supports in the Department to help build your Case File and further your academic career.

I would also like to congratulate all members on their award achievements and new appointments in the Saskatchewan Health Authority and University of Saskatchewan. Your additional efforts both administratively and in research and education help to build a strong Department and elevate you as leaders for our new faculty coming into the Department.

Research and Education in the Department remain strong and will continue to grow and expand for our patients, our learners, and our members.

As I start my term as the Provincial Department Head of the University of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Health Authority, I am very optimistic about the future. I would like to thank the members of the Department for their excellent patient care, hard work, and desire to build the Department. I wish all the members of the Department a well-deserved time of rest in the upcoming holiday season and look forward to working with you in the future.

Sincerely,

Michael Kelly, MD, PhD, FRCSC, FACS Provincial Department Head & Fred H. Wigmore Professor of Surgery University of Saskatchewan & Saskatchewan Health Authority Knight Family Enhancement Chair in Neurological Surgery November 2023 | SKALPEL

MESSAGE from the

PHYSICIAN EXECUTIVE

SKALPEL Journal is a publication of the Department of Surgery at the College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan.

SKALPEL is an open publication if you are intrested in submitting a story please contact SKalpel.Journal@usask.ca.

Would you prefer an e-mail only version of this newletter?

Email surgery.communications@usask.ca with “SUBSCRIBE” in the subject line and future issues will be emailed to you.

I would like to introduce myself to those of you that I don’t already know and update those of you that I do.

At the end of August I started as Physician Executive for Integrated Saskatoon Health (partnered to John Ash Vice President, Integrated Saskatoon Health). One of the responsibilities we have is sponsorship and oversight of the provincial surgical strategy to increase access and reduce wait-times. As I have learned more about this part of our portfolio, I have been so impressed at what you have achieved along with the engagement and effort from your members and your teams. Some of the innovations you have adopted have really helped move the needle on meeting the needs of patients waiting for surgery.

The month of September was a momentous one in our province’s history in that the highest daily surgical volume ever was achieved and at the end of the month the highest overall volume in the first 6-months of the fiscal year ever as well. I recognize and acknowledge that this comes at a cost to you personally as many of you are spending more time operating in off-hours.

As a Department, you should all be very proud of the work you are doing collectively. On behalf of my team, please accept my thanks and appreciation.

Sincerly, Mark Fenton, MD, MSc, FRCPC Physician Executive Integrated Saskatoon Health, Saskatchewan Health Authority SKALPEL | November 2023

SKALPEL Credits Contributors Dr. Mark Fenton MySaskHealthRecords SHA Communications Postgrad Residency Programs Dr. Daryl Fourney Dr. Sarah Miller Dr. Jennifer Culig Dr. Alex Mortimer Dr. Varun Bathini College of Medicine Dr. Joan Wheat-Hozack Design | Digital Production Department of Surgery Communications

DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY College of Medicine | University of Saskatchewan 107 Wiggins Road | Suite B419 Health Sciences Building | Saskatoon, SK | S7N 5E5 O: 306.966.7323 | E: SKalpel.Journal@usask.ca W: www.medicine.usask.ca/surgery

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JOURNAL of the DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

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SURGICAL LEADERSHIP Department of Surgery

Leadership Structure Chief Medical Officer

Dean

Saskatchewan Health Authority

College of Medicine

Dr. Susan Shaw

Dr. Preston Smith

Provincial Department Head Dr. Michael Kelly

Surgical Council (Area Department Leads)

Clinical Services - Saskatchewan Health Authority

Academic Leadership Team: Vice Chair

Director Wellness

Quality & Safety

Director

Director

Director

Dr. Gordie Kaban

Dr. Amanda Hall

Dr. Gary Groot

Dr. Daryl Fourney

Dr. Alex Mortimer

Dr. Joan Wheat-Hozack Lloydminster / Battleford

Regina Campus

Dr. Melisse McGee Battleford

Dr. Oladapo Mabadeje

Research

Director

Prince Albert

Dr. William Dust Saskatoon

Dr. Nishaan Cheddie Moose Jaw / Swift Current

Dr. John Tsang

Education

Undergraduate Education

Dr. Gavin Beck

Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (EDI)

General Surgery Residency

Dr. Sarah Miller

Dr. David Sauder

Dr. Lissa Peeling Neurosurgery Residency

Orthopedic Surgery Residency

Dr. Suzie Harriman

Regina

Dr. Sharon Koubi

Surgical Foundations Program

Yorkton / Weyburn / Estevan

Surgical Division Heads Cardiac, General, Neurosurgery, Orthopedic, Otolaryngology, Pediatric, Plastic, Thoracic, Urology, Vascular

Department Resources:

Human Resources Department of Surgery

Department of Surgery

LEADERSHIP

Communications

Department of Surgery

Strategic Planning Department of Surgery

CME

College of Medicine

Simulation

College of Medicine

Dr. John Tsang

Dr. Daryl Fourney

Surgical Council, Area Department Lead, Regina

Academic Leadership Team Director of Research

Dr. Joan Wheat-Hozack

Dr. Sharon Koubi

Surgical Council, Area Department Lead, Lloydminster/Battleford

Surgical Council, Area Department Lead, Yorkton/Estevan/Weyburn

Dr. Melissa McGee

Dr. Gordie Kaban

Surgical Council, Area Department Lead, Battleford

Academic Leadership Team Vice Chair (Regina Campus)

Dr. Oladapo Mabadeje

Dr. Amanda Hall

Surgical Council, Area Department Lead, Prince Albert

Academic Leadership Team Director of Wellness

Dr. William Dust

Dr. Sarah Miller

Surgical Council, Area Department Lead, Saskatoon

Academic Leadership Team Director of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Dr. Nishaan Cheddie

Dr. Gary Groot

Surgical Council, Area Department Lead, Moose Jaw/Swift Current

Academic Leadership Team Director of Quality & Safety

Dr. Alex Mortimer Academic Leadership Team Director of Undergraduate Education Program

Dr. Gavin Beck Academic Leadership Team Director of General Surgery Residency Program

Dr. Lissa Peeling Academic Leadership Team Director of Neurosurgery Residency Program

Dr. David Sauder Academic Leadership Team Director of Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program

Dr. Suzie Harriman Academic Leadership Team Co-Director of Surgical Foundations Program

November 2023 | SKALPEL

JOURNAL of the DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

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SURGICAL SERVICES UPDATE

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Access to surgery is critically important to the health of our province. Reducing surgical wait times is a priority within the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s (SHA) 2023/24 Roadmap.

Targets for 2023-2024 include: 90% of surgical patients receive first offer within 10 months with no patients waiting longer than 18 months.

90% of urgent (3 week) cancer surgeries performed within 3 weeks with no urgent cancer patients waiting longer than 5 weeks.

Return to pre-pandemic waitlist of less than 25,000.

Perform a total of 103,000 surgeries.

These are aggressive targets that can only be achieved through a collective effort by all health care teams that touch the surgical process from beginning to end.

To date, through your continuing hard work, we are achieving strong results towards these targets. As of the end of September 2023, total surgical volumes for this year are 47,694, which is up from 39,619 at the end of August. This is the highest volume of surgical procedures in Saskatchewan’s history. Additionally, the number of patients on the surgical waitlist is also decreasing. Saskatchewan’s surgical wait list peaked in December 2021 when more than 35,600 patients were on the wait list. As of November 1, 2023, this has been reduced to 28,240.

There are a number of initiatives and activities underway to increase surgical volumes and decrease wait lists, particularly those waiting longest and cancer patients who are waiting longer than 3 weeks for their urgent cancer surgery.

These include: wait list management fall blitz plans centralized scheduling/OR efficiency pathways third party providers (out of province) appropriateness and health human resources plans More specific details on these initiatives will be shared in future additions of SKalpel.

SKALPEL | November 2023

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JOURNAL of the DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

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OPEN CLINICAL DOCUMENTS

MySaskHealthRecord (MSHR) Open Clinical Documents Clinical documents will soon be available in MySaskHealthRecord (MSHR). Patients can already access their medical records through the Release of Information (ROI) using SHA’s Privacy and Health Information Management department. Adding certain note types to MSHR will make the process easier.

Research shows most patients are aware clinical documents are a tool used between providers, and don’t expect them to be written plainly. Evidence from other jurisdictions and a Saskatchewan Cancer Agency (SCA) pilot, shows adding clinical documents has meant minimal adjustments to how notes are written and physician workload.

Phased Implementation: Clinical Document Types Timeframe SCA Discharge Summaries, Consults & Referrals, Progress Notes SHA Diagnostic Reports Operative and Outpatient Reports, Discharge Summaries/ Transfers, Consults, History & Physical

May 5 – present October 2, 2023 2024 (dates TBD)

Initially, notes will not be available in MSHR until 48 hours after they are finalized. Retroactive documents will not be included.

Sensitive Notes Based on HIPA legislation, you may document sensitive information that isn’t appropriate for a patient to see. A technical solution for this is planned for 2024. Watch for a guide addressing sensitive information, to be distributed prior to implementation of the solution.

Other Information The MySaskHealthRecord provider webpage (https://www.ehealthsask.ca/services/MSHR/) has the following: How to make corrections to notes.

Tips for dictating/writing notes.

Grand Rounds recordings and slide decks.

For questions: Gord Smith, Manager, Citizen Services - Gord.Smith@ehealthsask.ca “... having physician notes added to your file that you can access is key to advocating for yourself. It allows you to understand exactly what is happening to you and it gives you even more opportunities to ask questions ...and is an important step for patients and their families.”

- Trenna Derdall, cancer survivor, pictured here with her cousin Kara & daughter Landry

November 2023 | SKALPEL

JOURNAL of the DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

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GRADUATING RESIDENTS

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(left to right): Drs. Tanner Hall (General Surgery), Meri Kieksi (Orthopedic Surgery), Stephanie Ruscheinsky (General Surgery), Niomi Singh (General Surgery), Nawaf Abu-Omar (General Surgery), Lyndsey Thiessen (General Surgery) & Kendall Pon (General Surgery) (Missing from all photos: Emily Chan (Orthopedic Surgery)

Dr. Jeff Scott (Orthopedic Surgery) SKALPEL | November 2023

Dr. Amit Persad (Neurosurgery)

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JOURNAL of the DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

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UPDATE IN SURGICAL RESEARCH

It is a great pleasure to update everyone on research in the Department of Surgery. We have had a very exciting 2022-2023!

The Department provided over $90,000 in internal research funding to support our residents and faculty over the last year.

Our residents obtained eight Resident Research Incentive Program awards totaling $3,200, nine Resident Travel awards totaling $16,745, and five Resident Research awards totaling $21,463. On behalf of the Research Committee and myself, I wish to congratulate our residents on their projects and give special thanks to our faculty for mentoring our future clinician-scientists. For our faculty, the Research Committee awarded four New Faculty Seed Funding awards totaling $40,000, three Open Access awards totaling $5,000, and five Faculty Publication awards totaling $5,735. Kudos to our research-intensive faculty and a special recognition to senior faculty mentors who encourage this work and help to review grant proposals.

The Research Committee organized two research days over 2022-2023. The Department of Surgery Resident Research Day occurred on Tuesday, November 17, 2022, with 85 participants. We had 13 presentations from surgery residents and medical students. Our keynote speaker was Dr. Vince Biron, Associate Professor, Division of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery, University of Alberta & Alberta Health Services. He spoke on “Working Toward Precision Medicine in Head and Neck Surgery”. The Department of Surgery Faculty Research Day occurred on Thursday, May 11th, 2023, with 69 participants. We had 10 presentations from surgery faculty and graduate students. Our keynote speaker was Dr. W. Bradley Jacobs, Associate Professor, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary. He spoke on “Effective Team Building as a Path to Research Success”.

Resident Research Day 2022, guest-lecturer Dr. Vince Biron

The Research Committee also hosted five Research Rounds on topics that included research ethics, how I became a clinician-scientist, how to conduct a scoping review, and data management. As a reminder, Research Rounds are open to all faculty, residents, and research staff. It is in a hybrid virtual/ in-person format so that surgeons all across the province can access the sessions.

I look forward to continuing to build on our research strengths in the coming year – for our patients, our learners, and our faculty. Our research efforts help to improve the quality of care in Saskatchewan and around the globe. Please feel free to drop me a line to discuss how we can improve our research success within the Department of Surgery!

Daryl Fourney, MD, FRCSC, FACS

Professor, Division of Neurosurgery Director, Research, Department of Surgery

Faculty Research Day 2023, presentation by Dr. Brad Jacobs November 2023 | SKALPEL

JOURNAL of the DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

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DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY EDI

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Sarah Miller, MD, FRCSC Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) I would like to introduce myself as the new director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) within the Department of Surgery. I am a cisgender white woman living and working on Treaty 4 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis, also known as Regina. As this is a new role within the Department, this position will develop and evolve over time. I have been tasked with furthering the Department’s goal, in liaison with the Saskatchewan Health Authority and the College of Medicine, of ensuring fair and equitable treatment of students, faculty, and staff; while also aiding in the recruitment and retention of faculty and trainees that reflect the diversity of the patient population we serve in Saskatchewan.

Too often, EDI initiatives place the burden of education on those that are under-represented and it can be traumatizing expecting others to share their experiences repeatedly. As a Department, we must be allies that do not wait to be educated but start our own homework and commit to listening, and learning, while understanding our own personal and systemic biases that lead to inequity. Being an ally is a life-long process.

I firmly believe the Department has the opportunity for growth that will benefit faculty, learners, staff, and ultimately patients.

For those interested in seeking out resources now on EDI, I would refer you to the College of Medicine’s EDI initiative by the Division of Social Accountability and the Indigenous Health Committee, as well as the work by the EDI committee of the Saskatchewan Medical Association. I would also recommend reading the report by the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (SHRC) on Systemic Inequity at the University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine, which summarizes the work undertaken by the SHRC between November 2021-April 2022. Other excellent resources are available online through the College of Medicine at UBC and the University of Toronto.

These are a drop in the ocean but a start.

I am hoping to create an EDI committee in the future for those that are interested in contributing to this work. I also encourage anyone to reach out to start a discussion. Please contact myself directly or through Angie White. I look forward to the work ahead and am excited to get started.

SKALPEL | November 2023

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JOURNAL of the DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

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NEW FACULTY IN SURGERY

Dr. Kaitlin Adey, General Surgery Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Dr. S. Uzair Ahmed, Neurosurgery Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Dr. Kristi Billard, Orthopedic Surgery Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Dr. Adey grew up in Manitoba and completed her medical and General Surgery training at the University of Manitoba. She completed her Acute Care Surgery fellowship at the University of Saskatchewan prior to joining the Department as a locum.

She is thrilled to remain with the General Surgery section in Saskatoon permanently.

Born in Pakistan, Dr. Uzair Ahmed grew up in Regina and attended medical school at the University of Saskatchewan, graduating in 2014. He developed an interest in neurosurgery while working in the lab of Dr. Michael Kelly, and subsequently stayed in Saskatoon to complete his residency training. During residency, he initiated a masters’ project in Anatomy and Cell biology. Following residency, he completed fellowship training in cerebrovascular surgery at Stanford University, focusing on cerebrovascular bypass and surgical treatment of vascular malformations and aneurysms. He returned to Saskatoon for a fellowship in endovascular neurosurgery at the University of Saskatchewan, followed by a year of interventional neuroradiology at the Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto.

Dr. Kristi Billard grew up in Ottawa, ON, where she completed her undergraduate degree prior to moving west to Calgary to attend Medical School at the University of Calgary. Her Orthopedic Surgery residency training was completed at the University of Saskatchewan.

She then headed back to Ontario to complete fellowship at the University of Toronto, with subspecialization in Upper Extremity and Trauma surgery at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Despite returning to Ontario, the big open skies of the prairies called her back and she is thrilled to be starting practice with her colleagues in Saskatoon. Her Orthopedic interests include resident teaching, patient education, and all aspects of Upper Extremity surgery.

While ACS and Trauma focused, Kaitlin’s elective practice covers a breadth of General Surgery with additional skills in laparoscopic hernias and laparoscopic bowel resection. She has joined the University Colorectal Surgery office.

Her academic interests include surgical simulation with research interests in blood borne infection testing in Trauma. She has additional training in quality improvement through the Institute for Healthcare Innovation.

Along with her partner, Dr. Paul Foster, CCFP, Kaitlin enjoys outdoor adventures of all forms, cooking for friends, gardening, and recently completed a camper van trip across Canada with their geriatric border collie.

He returns to Saskatoon to join the neurosurgery group as Assistant Professor.

His areas of interest include cerebral revascularization, multimodality treatment of cerebrovascular malformations, and novel endovascular therapeutics for neurovascular pathology. He has further interests in resident education and clinical research, which he hopes to foster in the Division of Neurosurgery.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, travelling, and going on adventures with her fiancé, Andrew, and their dog. She and Andrew are set to tie the knot next summer and are excited to call Saskatoon home again!

November 2023 | SKALPEL

JOURNAL of the DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

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Dr. Abdalla Butt, Vascular Surgery Regina, Saskatchewan

Dr. Kaveer Chatoorgoon, Pediatric General Surgery Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Dr. Alicia Chow, General Surgery Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Dr. Abdalla Butt completed his medical degree at the University of Saskatchewan. He went on to do his direct-entry Vascular Surgery residency program in Vancouver at the University of British Columbia.

Dr. Butt has joined the CVT Associates in Regina and now works along his mentor, Dr. Kopriva, who first introduced him to Vascular Surgery as a medical student in both clinical and research avenues.

During his training, he represented UBC and placed first at the resident competition at Pacific North Endovascular Conference and went on to claim first prize at the “Top Gun” resident competition against top North American contenders.

Dr. Kaveer Chatoorgoon grew up in small town Ontario before going to McGill for his undergrad. He then completed medical school and General Surgery Residency at Western University, before moving to the US for fellowship training. He completed a Pediatric Trauma and Pediatric Colorectal fellowship at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital before completing his Pediatric Surgery fellowship at Saint Louis University.

Dr. Alicia Chow grew up in Regina where she received her Bachelor of Science in Biology. She then completed medical school and General Surgery Residency at the University of Saskatchewan.

Following residency, she completed a Head and Neck Surgical Oncology fellowship at the University of Manitoba. She has been practicing in Moose Jaw for the past 3 years.

Dr. Butt will be tackling all aspects of Vascular Surgery, from complex open and advanced endovascular cases, to addressing the needs in rural communities. After enjoying all the hikes and skiing BC had to offer, Dr. Butt is glad to be back home, with his wife and son. He looks forward to tackling the winters of Saskatchewan after getting spoiled in Vancouver for too long.

SKALPEL | November 2023

He then worked as an attending at Saint Louis University and Dartmouth College where he managed a broad range of pediatric surgical problems with a special emphasis on anorectal malformations and Hirschsprung’s disease.

Dr. Chatoorgoon moved to Saskatoon with his family, including his spouse, Dr. Vidya Shankaran. He is looking forward to exploring the city and province.

Dr. Chow is looking forward to joining the Saskatoon Surgical Oncology Group. In addition to general surgery her main areas of interests are thyroid, parathyroid, parotid, cutaneous malignancies and breast surgery. She also does her own ultrasound-guided biopsies of thyroid nodules.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time and travelling with her husband and 3 young children, Emmett and twin girls Amelia and Harper. They are excited to be moving back to Saskatoon.

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NEW FACULTY IN SURGERY (CONT’D)

Dr. Bonnie Liu, Urology Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Dr. James Holden, General Surgery Regina, Saskatchewan

Dr. Krista Metz, Neurosurgery Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Dr. Bonnie Liu grew up in Calgary, and completed her undergraduate degree at McGill University. She went on to complete a Master of Public Administration at Queens University prior to graduating from medical school at the University of Saskatchewan in 2019. She completed her residency in Urology at University of Western Ontario in London, ON. She enjoys all aspects of urology and is looking forward to starting her general urology practice alongside her mentors at the Saskatoon Urology Associates. She is also interested in teaching and quality improvement related research.

Dr. Holden completed his undergraduate training in microbiology and immunology at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. He received his medical training at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario. He then undertook General Surgery Residency training at the University of Ottawa in Ottawa ON. He then pursued subspecialty training at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Dr. Metz was born and raised just south of Regina in Wilcox, SK. Krista received her Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology in 2016 from the University of Regina while playing hockey for the Regina Cougars, and received her PhD in Neuroscience in 2022 from the University of Alberta. In the summer of 2022, Krista became Saskatchewan’s third neurophysiologist, joining Drs Jonathan Norton and Layla Gould at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon. Together, they provide intraoperative neuromonitoring for various neurosurgeries in Saskatoon and Regina. Krista also remains involved in research related to her PhD work, including studying sensorimotor systems in the human spinal cord.

Outside of work, she enjoys travelling, scuba diving, spending time with friends and family, running, and reading. Her and her husband Tyson, who is a medical oncology pharmacist at the Saskatoon Cancer Centre, are excited to call Saskatoon home again.

His practice involves a wide range of conditions requiring general surgery, colorectal surgery, and endoscopy expertise. His particular areas of focus within colorectal surgery include minimally invasive resections for colorectal cancer, restorative surgery after proctocolectomy for IBD, and advanced techniques for complex fistula-in-ano. Dr. Holden is excited to bring new techniques such as transanal endoscopic microsurgery and pelvic pouch surgery to Regina.

Along with his wife and daughter, he is enjoying becoming a part of the Regina community.

Outside of work, Krista enjoys keeping busy with activities such as slo-pitch, volleyball, golf, hockey and hanging out with her dog Piper.

She and her husband Colton are excited to welcome their first child in October.

November 2023 | SKALPEL

JOURNAL of the DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

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Dr. Haven Roy, General Surgery Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Dr. Vidya Shankaran, Plastic Surgery Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Dr. Lindsey Thiessen, General Surgery Battleford, Saskatchewan

Dr. Roy completed medical school and General Surgery residency at the University of Saskatchewan.

He then completed Royal College fellowship training in Colorectal surgery at the University of Manitoba.

Dr. Vidya Shankaran is originally from Cleveland, Ohio. After obtaining her medical degree from The Ohio State University, she completed training in General Surgery at Loyola University. She then continued with her training in Plastic Surgery at Akron Ohio. After several years of private practice in Illinois, she spent a year in Baltimore completing a microsurgery fellowship.

Dr. Lyndsey Thiessen was born and raised in Saskatchewan. She completed both medical school and a residency in General Surgery at the University of Saskatchewan.

He looks forward to joining the University Colorectal Surgery group in Saskatoon. His interests include minimally invasive general and colorectal surgery, advanced endoluminal surgery, as well as quality improvement, physician wellness, and medical education.

He is excited to return to Saskatoon with his wife, Lilee, and three boys, Brady, Ethan, and Owen. Outside of work, they can be found at sporting events or other outdoor activities.

SKALPEL | November 2023

She comes to Saskatoon after spending a few years as a microsurgeon at Dartmouth College. In addition to her general plastic surgery practice, she has an interest in breast reconstruction and breast care. She is excited to care for the people of Saskatchewan.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, jogging, and hiking. She is excited to explore this beautiful province.

In her final year she performed a community surgery rotation which led her to her current position at the Battleford Union Hospital.

Her interests are varied and include acute care, quality improvement, and resident education. She is grateful to have the opportunity to practice in her home province.

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JOURNAL of the DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

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FACULTY AWARDS, APPOINTMENTS & PROMOTIONS

Ray Deobald, MD, FRCSC Division of General Surgery

Trustin Domes, MD, FRCSC Division of General Surgery

Nathan Ginther, MD, FRCSC Division of General Surgery

New Appointment in Surgery: Medical Director, Breast Health Center

Promotion to Associate Professor Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan

Promotion to Associate Professor Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan

Award Recipient: 2022 Louis Horlick Spirit of the College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan

Gary Groot, MD, PhD, FRCSC, FACS Gordie Kaban, MD, FRCSC Division of General Surgery Division of General Surgery

Pam Meiers, MD, FRCSC Division of General Surgery

Award Recipient: 2023 Canadian Cancer Society’s Inclusive Excellence Prize

New Appointment in Saskatchewan Health Authority: Area Chief of Staff (Saskatoon)

New Appointment in Surgery: Vice Chair (Regina Campus), Department of Surgery Academic Leadership Team

November 2023 | SKALPEL

JOURNAL of the DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

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Ivar Mendez, MD, PhD, FRCSC, FACS Sarah Miller, MD, FRCSC Division of Neurosurgery Division of General Surgery Award Recipient: 2023 Teladoc Health Transformational Leadership Award 2022 Office of the Order of Canda

New Appointment in Surgery: Director of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI), Department of Surgery Academic Leadership Team

Michael Moser, MD, MSc, FRCSC Division of General Surgery Award Recipient: 2022 Logan Boulet Humanitarian of the Year

Saskatchewan Transplant Team (Co-Chair: Dr. Gavin Beck)

Award Recipient: 2022 Logan Boulet Team Award

Lissa Peeling, MD, FRCSC Division of Neurosurgery

David Sauder, MD, FRCSC Division of Orthopedic Surgery

Niroshan Sothilingam, MD, FRCPC Division of General Surgery

Award Recipient: 2023 Excellence in Teaching Award from Residents Doctors of Saskatchewan

Award Recipient: 2022 Program Director of the Year, Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME), College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan

Promotion to Associate Professor Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan

2023 USASK, College of Medicine PGME Award for Excellence in Enhancing Resident Learning SKALPEL | November 2023

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JOURNAL of the DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

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RESIDENT AWARDS

Aiya Amery, MD Division of General Surgery Residency Program

Zarrakh Baig, MD Division of General Surgery Residency Program

Samantha Bird, MD Division of General Surgery Residency Program

- Department of Surgery,

- Department of Surgery,

- Department of Surgery,

Resident Travel Award

Resident Travel Award

- Department of Surgery,

Resident Research Award - Department of Surgery, Resident Research Incentives Program

Resident Travel Award - Department of Surgery, Resident Research Award

Emily Chan, MD Division of Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program

Tanner Hall, MD Division of General Surgery Residency Program

Nolan Hunka, MD Division of General Surgery Residency Program

- Department of Surgery,

- 2023 CAGS Resident Teacher

- Department of Surgery,

Resident Travel Award

Award

Resident Travel Award - Department of Surgery, Resident Research Award - 2022 Department of Surgery, Bronze Shovel Award November 2023 | SKALPEL

JOURNAL of the DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

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Kyle Irvine, MD Division of General Surgery Residency Program

Nicholas Jette, MD Division of General Surgery Residency Program

Nebojsa Kuljic, MD Division of Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program

- 2023 Department of Surgery, Bronze Shovel Award

- Department of Surgery, - Department of Surgery,

- CanMEDS Professional Award - Department of Surgery, Resident Research Incentives Program

Nicole Labine, MD Division of General Surgery Residency Program

Eva Liu, MD Division of Neurosurgery Residency Program

Kristen Marciniuk, MD Division of Neurosurgery Residency Program

- CanMEDS Communicator Award

- Department of Surgery,

Resident Research Award

Resident Research Incentives Program

SKALPEL | November 2023

- Department of Surgery, Resident Research Award Resident Travel Award - Department of Surgery, - Department of Surgery, Resident Research Incentives Program Resident Research Incentives Program

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JOURNAL of the DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

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RESIDENT AWARDS (continued)

Braeden Newton, MD Division of Neurosurgery Residency Program

Nicole Pendleton, MD Division of Neurosurgery Residency Program

Amit Persad, MD Division of Neurosurgery Residency Program

- Department of Surgery,

- PGME Award for Excellence in the

- Department of Surgery,

Resident Travel Award

- Department of Surgery, Resident Research Incentives Program Award

Resident Travel Award - Department of Surgery, Resident Research Incentives Program Award

Lauren Ready, MD Division of Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program

Megan Spafford, MD Division of General Surgery Residency Program

Patrick Toyota, MD Division of Neurosurgery Residency Program

- Department of Surgery,

- Department of Surgery,

- Department of Surgery,

Resident Best Publication Award - Department of Surgery, Resident Research Incentives Program

CanMEDS Leadership Role

Resident Research Incentives Program

Resident Travel Award

November 2023 | SKALPEL

JOURNAL of the DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

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ADVANCEMENTS IN VASCULAR SURGERY

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Saskatchewan’s first percutaneous endovascular repair of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm with new conformable endoprosthesis active control system.

Dr. Jennifer Culig and Dr. Nick Peti, Vascular Surgery and Endovascular specialists, perform Saskatchewan’s first percutaneous endovascular repair of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm with new conformable endoprosthesis active control system.

Gore’s new endovascular repair solution has come to Canada and debuts here in Saskatoon as the first of its kind deployed in Saskatchewan.

Previous endovascular stents have not been able to treat extreme proximal neck anatomy and have therefore excluded patients not anatomically qualified from receiving endovascular treatment. This new device allows for better device positioning and angulation control allowing the options for treating anatomic aortic angles of more than 60 to 90 degrees which would otherwise preclude patients from treatment with this minimally invasive approach. This technology can treat aneurysm distal neck diameters that are smaller and aortic necks that are shorter providing more treatment possibilities for patients with a wider range of anatomy. Gore endoprosthesis with active control system maximizes conformability and seal by angling the device to achieve orthogonal placement to aortic blood flow lumen. This new device has a unique combination of conformability to patient’s anatomy, precision in capabilities addressing a clinical need for patients with difficult to treat endovascular anatomy.

Dr. Jennifer Culig and Dr. Nick Peti implant a novel stent design for treatment of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Saskatoon is the first to embrace this new technological advance in Saskatchewan.

By embracing new endovascular technologies, Saskatoon expands treatment options for patients who previously would have been turned away for unsuitable anatomy.

The Vascular surgery division in Saskatoon is committed to bringing innovation, invention and novel technologies to Saskatchewan enabling treatment of a wider variety of vascular pathologies. With this they aim to offer broader treatment options for their patients in province.

SKALPEL | November 2023

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JOURNAL of the DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

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UNDERGRAD EDUCATION UPDATE

Our department continues to make strong and consistent contributions to undergraduate medical education. Built on a solid foundation, we are moving through curricular changes under the direction of the College of Medicine. Our leadership team at the three main sites (Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon) have been working hard to edit the multiple choice questions we received from our department members early on in the pandemic in the pursuit of creating an in-house multiple choice exam for the year three clerks who complete their core rotation in surgery. This exam will replace the NBME this coming academic year. Thank you to all who contributed questions! We are always looking to expand our question bank and welcome new submissions at any time.

We hosted our annual education awards banquet mid-October with a special guest speaker from Ottawa, Dr. Stuart Oake at the Remai Modern Art Gallery. The event gave the Department an opportunity to celebrate our faculty’s engagement in teaching. We are looking for ways to make your involvement in education easier and understand the challenges of availability with OR scheduling. Please look out for sign up genius emails if you are keen and interested in teaching. Please reach out to me if you would like to be more involved.

Your contribution makes our work teaching the next generation of doctors a success. From the medical school graduation survey, students consistently rank the learning environment in surgery as “very good” or “excellent”. Thank you for helping us uphold a high standard of surgical education in our province.

Surgical Undergrad Education, Urology Half-day

Alexandra Mortimer, MD, FRCSC

Assistant Professor, Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Department of Surgery Director, Surgical Undergraduate Education November 2023 | SKALPEL

JOURNAL of the DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

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TEACHING AWARDS BANQUET

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Award recipients were selected by an awards committee based on multiple criteria including teaching contributions, evaluations, and nominations from learners.

The Silver Shovel Award, recognizing the faculty member with the most outstanding contribution to surgical education, was awarded to Dr. Sarah Mueller.

Dr. Sarah Mueller, Silver Shovel Award

Dr. Kyle Irvine, Bronze Shovel Award

The Bronze Shovel Award, recognizing the resident with the most outstanding contribution to surgical education, was awarded to Dr. Kyle Irvine.

Dr. Mike Moser, Gold Scalpel - Pre-clerkship Award

Dr. James Ardell, Gold Scalpel - Clerkship Award

Dr. Gordie Kaban, Gold Scalpel - Residency Award

Dr. Jenn Oucharek, Surgical Foundations Kvinlaug Award

Dr. William Dust, Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. Stuart Oake, Keynote Speaker

The Gold Scalpel Awards, recognizing individuals with the most significant contribution to the different phases of the surgical education curriculum, were awarded to Dr. Michael Moser (pre-clerkship), Dr. James Ardell (clerkship) and to Dr. Kyle Irvine (postgraduate).

The Surgical Foundations Kvinlaug Award, choosen by the residents in the program and recognizing the surgery faculty member with the most outstanding contribution to surgical foundations teaching, was awarded to Dr. Jennnifer Oucharek.

Dr. William Dust was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions to surgical education.

The banquet concluded with an address from our keynote speaker, Dr. Stuart Oake from the University of Ottawa.

SKALPEL | November 2023

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JOURNAL of the DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

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ROBOTIC SURGERY SUCCESS

Dr. Bathini, OR Case using the DaVinci Robot

DaVinci Robot

Saskatchewan’s first Robotic Surgical Program launched on September 12, 2022. We introduced the da Vinci X 4th generation robot (a Western Canada first) into Theatre 8 at St. Paul’s Hospital. Since inception, it has been the most successful robotic surgery launch in Canada in terms of the number of cases combined with number of specialties using it in the first 6 months after launch. Currently we have completed over 320 robotic cases, spanning 3 surgical subspecialties (urology, gynecologic oncology, and thoracic surgery). We now have 10 fully trained surgeons; 4 in urology, 2 in gynecologic oncology and 4 in thoracic surgery. We are continuing to expand the number of surgeons and specialties that can have access to the robot but have almost reached full capacity in terms of robotic utilization.

This program’s success thus far is largely attributed to our excellent OR teams. The two main lead robotic nurses, Sean Peace and Jamye Ladebruch-Cathcart, have become incredibly proficient in all types of robotic surgery cases. Not only have they been instrumental in ensuring the cases run smoothly but they have also done a tremendous job of disseminating their knowledge to their colleagues to ensure that several nurses have the necessary to skills to be in the robotic room.

The commitment from nursing and the OR manager at St. Paul’s has helped ensure this program functions as smooth as possible daily. In addition, our colleagues from anaesthesia have continued to provide excellent support and patient care.

The anesthetists have been than more than willing to adapt to some of the nuances and challenges associated with robotic surgery.

This year the St. Paul’s Foundation will continue their ongoing support for robotic surgery by fundraising for a new ventilator and a robotic ultrasound probe, both of which will be placed in the robotic theatre. This will allow our anesthesia colleagues to continue to provide the best care possible while the surgeons will strive to undertake increasingly complex cases.

Thank you everyone for your efforts in making the robotic surgery program so successful and allowing us to provide exceptional care for our patients.

Varun Bathini, MD, FRCSC

Assistant Professor, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery Provincial Lead, Saskatchewan Surgical Robotics Program

November 2023 | SKALPEL

JOURNAL of the DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

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NEW PROGRAM FOR PHYSICIAN ASSISTS

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Potential NEW College of Medicine Program: Master of Physician Assistant Studies The Government of Saskatchewan’s Health Human Resources Action Plan (Sept 2022) has a four-point plan to address current challenges and build a stronger, more sustainable healthcare workforce by recruiting, training, incentivizing, and retaining healthcare workers.

The “train” pillar includes the potential of new programming and specifically addresses Physician Assistants (PA) as a new profession that could be added to the health workforce.

Across Canada, there are three accredited PA programs, with several universities exploring or implementing programs. There are over 700 practicing PAs in Canada, but the profession is relatively unknown in Saskatchewan.

What is a Physician Assistant?

Physician Assistants are clinicians who practice under the supervision of a licensed physician. They are highly skilled and can work in any clinical setting, including on multidisciplinary health teams; their scope of practice is determined by supervising physicians. PAs have been shown to reduce wait times and cost of care, improve efficiencies, decrease burnout and workload on physicians, and reduce patient length of stay.

Physician Assistant in Surgery Practice In Winnipeg, PAs supporting orthopaedic surgical services were found to be essentially cost neutral (when compared to using GP surgical assists), saved their supervising physicians 204 hours per year, decreased wait times for primary hip and knee surgeries by 30% and increased the surgical throughput of those surgeries by 42%. A study in Ontario found that surgery teams with PAs had an earlier discharge rate than teams without, residents spent fewer hours inputting information into the electronic records database, and reported that PAs improved their rotation and quality care . Another Ontario study on PAs as part of acute care surgery teams found that PAs provided consistency and effective management of ward issues and patient care plans, organization of team members, and timely emergency department consultations .

Physician Assistants in Saskatchewan In March 2023, the Government of Saskatchewan introduced legislative changes to allow licensing of PAs in the province, and this was supported by a $1.3M investment in the 2023/24 budget to create 12 PA positions across the healthcare system for the first time. These positions will be posted in October 2023 and include placements across the province.

The College of Medicine Program Proposal The proposed program will be a 24-month, full time Master’s level program with 20 seats to begin. An in-person learning model and clinical placements across the province (in Year 2), with rotations across the healthcare spectrum will ensure that graduates can support our varying provincial healthcare needs. This program will be funded through the 2024-25 Provincial Budget process, and will begin in Fall 20254.

Bohm ER, Dunbar M, Pitman D, Rhule C, Araneta J. Experience with physician assistants in a Canadian arthroplasty program. Can J Surg. 2010 Apr;53(2):103-8. PMID: 20334742; PMCID: PMC2845948.

2 Dies N, Rashid S, Shandling M, Swallow C, Easson AM, Kennedy E. Physician assistants reduce resident workload and improve care in an academic surgical setting.

JAAPA. 2016 Feb;29(2):41-6. doi: 10.1097/01.JAA.0000476214.34937.50. PMID: 26818645.

3 Lack A, Saddik M, Engels P, Lethbridge S, Nenshi R. Can J Surg Oct 2020, 63 (5) E442-E448; DOI: 10.1503/cjs.002119 4 https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2023/october/31/physician-assistant-training-program-to-proceed 1

SKALPEL | November 2023

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JOURNAL of the DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

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SURGICAL EXPANSION IN THE NW

Meadow Lake Surgical Team (left to right - back row): Dr. Steve Loden (GP Anesthesia), Kristin Morin (OR/PACU Nurse)Dr. Joan Wheat Hozack (Orthopedic Surgeon), Shiela Graham (OR Nurse), Karen Martinson (Zimmer Rep), Erin White (UofS PGY3 Clerkship Student) (left to right - Front row): Karen Selinger (OR/PACU Nurse), Kristinn Lajeunesse (OR Nurse Manager)

Creative problem solving has been in full force around the province as teams work to find ways to decrease surgical waitlists.

Operating room space and personnel are available outside the tertiary centres so bringing surgeons and patients to the resources has allowed growth of our surgical programs in the NW. General Surgery has expanded from two sites to all three with Dr. H. Duplessis travelling from North Battleford to Meadow Lake monthly, doing day surgeries. He joins Dr. A. Seguin who has been doing endoscopy and providing minor general surgery and C-section surgical coverage there as a local GP surgeon for years.

With the loss of Dr. M. Schubert, the gynecology service in Meadow Lake was suspended and that was a significant loss for women in the NW area of the province. Dr. D. Nault has thankfully picked it up, travelling from North Battleford once a month and again is providing clinic consults and surgical services to patients in the north.

The most challenging growth has been the expansion of orthopedic surgery, including knee arthroplasty, from a single site in Lloydminster to all three surgical centres in the region. It has taken a fair bit of planning, coordination of team members and some purchasing of equipment to make it feasible. Our efficient arthroplasty program in Lloydminster which ensured plenty of pre-op patient education and streamlined post-op care already had us boasting the shortest length of stay in the province for joint replacement patients, and we worked hard to make sure the process was replicated in each site. We have kind support from hospitalists in North Battleford and family physicians in Meadow Lake taking on the role of MRP for patients staying overnight without a surgeon in town. Patients chosen for surgery outside Lloydminster are our lowest risk patients and are prepared for a single night stay if all goes according to plan!

There is no doubt orthopedic expansion is expensive. We are managing to keep costs under control with the sharing of equipment between sites. Three new power sets were purchased for use in the NW with one set living in Meadow Lake, one in North Battleford, and the third travelling between the two sites as needed. Support from our Zimmer Reps also allows us to move instrument pans and products between sites. Cases are carefully coordinated to ensure that any extra equipment which needs to be borrowed from Lloydminster is organized and our surgeons, OR managers, equipment nurses and Zimmer Reps are in steady contact making sure all goes smoothly.

With many thanks to management and surgical leadership and to all the team members from nursing to physiotherapy and occupational therapy to anesthesia, I’m proud to be part of the surgery team in the NW, finding creative ways to deliver more for patients.

Joan Wheat-Hozack, MD, FRCSC

Assistant Professor & Area Department Lead (NW), Department of Surgery November 2023 | SKALPEL