Welcome to the Department of Surgery at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, where we have a long tradition of excellence in patient care, teaching and research.  From our pioneering work on transplantation, to the first Canadian totally endoscopic closed-chest robotic coronary artery bypass surgery on a beating heart, the department has been innovating and transforming the field of surgery and patient care for decades. 

Over the past six years, the Department of Surgery has undergone a significant transformation. As one of the largest Clinical Departments in the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, the Department of Surgery includes 86 surgeons, 15 research scientists, approximately 56 adjunct professor/surgeons in communities across Southwestern Ontario, and a highly skilled cadre of staff to support administrative and research activities. The Department of Surgery's expansion has been crucial in advancing the goals of our scholarly mission. Caring for patients is at the core of everything we do, but what differentiates us is our ability to remain innovative through our research and teaching.

Research and knowledge-creation have been a hallmark of the department since its inception. This approach has enabled us to move many innovations more quickly from the lab to the bedside.  Our affiliation with Robarts Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, and CSTAR (Canadian Surgical Technologies & Advanced Robotics), provide a collaborative learning environment that stimulates innovation.  Of particular note are the facilities at CSTAR, Canada's leading national, interdisciplinary centre for the development, introduction, evaluation and education of new minimally invasive surgical technologies.  CSTAR collaborates with The Department of Surgery to develop and deliver education and surgical skills simulation programming necessary for use of its newly developed technologies by both students and working surgeons.

In early 2009, the Department developed a strategic plan designed to create a road-map for the next five years. These directions, goals, and supporting actions were further refined with the inclusion of feedback from across the Department, the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, and the Hospitals to ensure organizational alignment and broad based consultation.

I am profoundly grateful to all of those who have contributed their time, ideas, good fortune and support to help us shape our vision for the next five years.  While there are challenges that lie ahead, I am confident we have the talent, initiative, and determination to achieve our goals.  I know that each of us strives to achieve our personal best; but it is collectively that we will advance the future of the Department of Surgery to the next level of success.

John D. Denstedt, MD, FRCSC, FACS

Richard Ivey Professor and Chair/Chief

Department of Surgery