Who We Are
Welcome to the Department of Surgery at McMaster University. Our large faculty contribute extensively to our unique ability to provide specialty care for Hamilton and the surrounding communities through St. Joseph’s Healthcare and the Hamilton Health Sciences. Committed to integrating innovative clinical care, world-leading research and outstanding educational resources, the Department of Surgery aspires to continue being leading department in academic surgery both nationally and internationally.
We are surgeons
The McMaster University Department of Surgery aspires to maintain its reputation as a leading department in academic surgery, both nationally and internationally.
We are educators
The Department of Surgery is internationally renowned for its research collaborations and innovations that are transforming surgery and medical training, establishing new frontiers in medicine and expanding the boundaries of surgical expertise. Each of our Royal College accredited surgical programs focuses on educating and training surgeons in an environment of cutting edge technology and emerging methodologies.
We are researchers
Our faculty, fellows, residents, medical students and research staff are involved in research that impacts the lives of millions of individuals, transforming surgical care. The challenge for us is not in our productivity but in our communication and translation of the evidence we are creating. This communication is but one of a number of important department initiatives to improve connectedness in our research successes and milestones. We all share in the pride of our collective successes.
We are clinicians
On top of world-leading research and outstanding educational resources, we are committed to integrating innovative clinical care to our everyday practice.
Information Box Group
CREATE Learn More
In surgery, together we CREATE. Discover the transformative mission and vision for the Department of Surgery.
Support Learn More
How your support helps us lead innovations in teaching and research to assure the highest quality care to patients.
Awards and Accolades
Order of Canada, Dr. Mohit Bhandari, C.M., O.Ont.
Mohit Bhandari is a pre-eminent leader in the field of orthopaedic surgery. A surgeon with the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery at McMaster University, he has conducted pioneering research relating to intimate partner violence and has led multiple, large-scale clinical trials. His advocacy on behalf of domestic violence victims has sparked a global conversation about the important role health care workers play in identifying and responding to abuse. A professor at McMaster University, he is also recognized as an influential mentor to students and surgical colleagues alike.
Member of the Order of Canada
Awarded on: May 11, 2018
Invested on: March 14, 2019
Order of Canada, Dr. Mehran Anvari, O.C., O.Ont.
Visionary surgeon Mehran Anvari is a leader in the field of medical robotics. An expert in minimally invasive procedures, he performed the worl’s first remote telerobotics surgery. Founding director of the Centre for Surgical Invention and Innovation, he applies space technology to medicine to improve access to and efficiencies within the health care system, and has steered the development of a cancer-detecting automated robot. As a devoted mentor and educator at McMaster University, he supports the training of a new generation of surgeons and nurses.
Member of the Order of Canada
Awarded on: May 11, 2018
Invested on: March 14, 2019
Canada Research Chairs
Dr. Olufemi Ayeni, Canada Research Chair in Joint Preservation Surgery
Dr. Mohit Bhandari, Canada Research Chair in Surgical Innovation
Dr. Sheila Singh Canada Research Chair in Human Cancer Stem Cell Biology
Dr. Richard Whitlock Canada Research Chair in Cardiovascular Surgery
University Scholar Recipients
University Scholar Recipients
McMaster awards the honorific title University Scholar to mid-career researchers for their international achievements, commitment to knowledge, excellence in education, and dedication to serving communities. Recipients receive a research award of up to $60,000 from the provost, vice-president academic, and their dean.
Dr. Olufemi Ayeni July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2026
Dr. Richard Whitlock July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Sheila Singh – July 1, 2017 – June 30, 2021
Dr. Mohit Bhandari – July 1, 2025- June 30, 2019
Distinguished University Professor: Dr. Mohit Bhandari 2021
Faculty must have an outstanding and sustained research record that demonstrates international impact plus a commitment to excellence in teaching and learning and a history of service that benefits the community. No more than two per cent of all full-time faculty members can hold the title.
Endowed Chairs
Juravinski Thoracic Surgery Professorship: Dr. John Agzarian
John A. Bauer Chair: Dr. Anthony Adili