Overview
Welcome to the division of urology at McMaster University. On behalf of the faculty, staff, residents and fellows, it is my pleasure to introduce you to our program.
Our mission is based on excellence in clinical care, research, education and innovation. These pillars form the basis on which the division of urology was founded and they remain the principle tenets for our growth and development.
All faculty within the division participate in undergraduate and postgraduate surgical education and research. There is a wide array of surgical and research expertise spanning the entire spectrum of urologic sub-specialtiesm with a strong infrastructure and support for academic endeavors. Contribution and dedication from geographic full-time faculty, adjunct faculty, research associates and collaborating research institutes have all helped in making our division a tremendous success over the last decade.
We are ideally situated in the Golden Horseshoe of southern Ontario, with respect to a diverse and large patient population. Core services are delivered through St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and Hamilton Health Sciences, together comprising multiple hospitals with high level tertiary services, including robotic surgical platforms.
I encourage you to explore the website to learn more about the division of urology at McMaster University. Please feel free to reach out to Lauren Douglas or myself for any questions you may have as you browse.
The Department of Surgery’s division of urology at McMaster University has grown to consist of nine full-time and five part-time geographic faculty members, as well as two part-time rurally-based faculty members. The division provides specialty urological care for Hamilton and the surrounding communities through St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and Hamilton Health Sciences. The division is noted for its education, research and clinical centres of excellence at each of its teaching sites. St. Joseph’s Healthcare, the regional centre for hemodialysis, nephrology and renal transplantation, has hosted over 1,000 major urologic procedures and is recognized as one of the busiest minimally invasive urologic surgical centres in Canada. Among the Hamilton Health Sciences Hospitals: the McMaster Children’s Hospital provides pediatric urology care, the Juravinski Cancer Centre at the Henderson site has a urological oncology program and trauma-related urological care is provided at the Hamilton General site, through the Regional Trauma Centre.
In addition to providing innovative clinical services, the division boasts the 14,000 square feet McMaster Institute of Urology, located in the Mary Grace wing at St. Joseph’s Healthcare in Hamilton. Designed to provide full sub-specialty urologic care to patients throughout Ontario, the multi-million dollar infrastructure is home to an interactive learning centre, its own urology library, research offices, a conference room and twelve exam rooms. By streamlining the referral process and educating patients about sub-specialty care, the newly implemented education and referral model for patients and family physicians guarantees patients a higher-quality of care at a faster rate. Resources available to patients and physicians include access to web-based information, computer models, counseling and clinicians.
The division of urology is also home to one of Canada’s newest urological residency programs, granted by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in 2002. The division facilitates the education of 11 residents and one fellow, providing the optimum material for training residents in a comprehensive program complimented by availability of urologists and scientists to provide the infrastructure for research training, as well as post training fellowships. By combining research and clinical expertise, the division provides for its residents and fellows state of the art, cutting edge treatment modalities that are evolving on a regular basis, ensuring knowledge translation of all new technologies.
Education
Information Box Group
Research
Overview
Clinical and basic urology research at the McMaster division of urology is carried out by our professional staff of fourteen urologists and scientists. Prostate cancer, kidney cancer, stone disease, transplantation, benign prostate hyperplasia, infertility, erectile dysfunction, pediatric urology, female urology, incontinence, lower urinary tract reconstruction and neurogenic bladder dysfunction are all sub-specialty areas in which our faculty has particular expertise and stand on the cutting edge of research and clinical application.
The division of urology is also actively involved in numerous clinical trials in kidney cancer, prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, urinary tract infection, hydronephrosis and kidney transplantation. The division also enjoys the expertise of three research assistants: Elizabeth Sidorkiewcz, Camilla Tajzler and Simreet Hansra. Our urology residents are actively involved in research activities of the division.
Our basic science research program is spearheaded by Dr. Jehonathan Pinthus, who is actively involved in prostate cancer basic science research projects.
The clinical research program is led by Dr. Luis Braga, MSc (HRM) and PhD, and has a main focus on outcomes research of the main urological procedures, as well as systematic reviews and evidence based surgery.
In a rapidly advancing specialty our faculty is on the forefront of innovation. We welcome your interests in our urology research and clinical studies. If you would like additional information, please contact me.
Alumni
Dr.
Information Box Group
2019
Dr. Jason Akerman
Hometown: Saint John, NB
Undergraduate: McMaster University
Medical School: Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador
Why did I choose Urology? Between my second and third years of medical school, I spent the summer doing research and attending operating rooms with a urologist. I found urology had the perfect mix of interesting surgical procedures and outpatient management/consultation.
Why McMaster Urology? Of the programs I visited on elective, McMaster offered the best combination of clinical exposure, patient volume and operative experience.
Urological Interests: Oncology, general urology
Other Interests: Running, sailing, skiing
Dr. Derek Bos
Hometown: Timmins, Ontario
Undergraduate: Health Sciences at Western University
Medical School: Northern Ontario School of Medicine
Why did I choose Urology? Urology is an exceptional surgical specialty that allows you to enhance the quality of life of your patients both medically and surgically. Even as a subspecialty, urology offers such a wide breadth of pathologies. It’s an exciting time to be in the field, as urology is on the forefront of technology advanced surgical techniques, including robotic surgery.
Why McMaster Urology? The top-tier laparoscopic program at McMaster is an aspect of the program that sets it apart from the rest. Residents in the program possess exceptional surgical skills, allowing them to excel once in practice. The collegial atmosphere amongst staff and residents was a major draw for me.
Urological Interests: Endourology. But still exploring the field as urology has so much offer.
Other Interests: Spending time with family and friends, hockey, golf and travelling.
2018
Dr. Taehyoung Lee
Hometown: Ottawa, ON
Undergraduate: Biomedical Science at University of Ottawa
Medical School: Queen’s University
Why did I choose Urology: Balance of surgical and medical management of patients which allows urologists to truly make a positive impact on their health and quality of life. Patients are also generally very appreciative of the outcome.
Why McMaster Urology: McMaster urology really has the best of both worlds: amazing surgical exposure, excellent teaching and supervision by the staff, as well as collegial atmosphere that allows for an enjoyable training experience
Urological Interests: I am still exploring different aspects of the field as a junior member of the community.
Other Interests: Soccer, fitness, many more.
Dr. Nathan Wong
Hometown: Edmonton, Alberta
Undergraduate: BSc. Pharmacology Honours with Distinction, University of British Columbia
Medical School:Doctor of Medicine,University of British Columbia
Why did I choose Urology? Dynamic speciality with the greatest diversity in surgical procedures and techniques.
Why McMaster Urology? Excellent staff, residents and facilities.
Urological Interests: Everything. In particular, urologic oncology and minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopic, robotic and endoscopic procedures).
Other Interests: Surgical simulation and education.
Research Publications: ResearchGate
2017
Dr. Soojin Kim
Dr. Shawn Dason
Dr. Christoper Wu
Dr. Rahul Bansal
2016
Dr. Christopher Morris
Hometown: Carlisle, Ontario
Undergraduate: University of Western Ontario
Medical School: McMaster University
Why did I choose Urology? It is a dynamic speciality on the forefront of minimally invasive surgery and robotic surgery. It is also has a diversity of sub-specialities that are incorporated into even a general urologists practice that make everyday unique.
Why McMaster urology? Early operating room exposure with very high surgical volumes, great staff and mentors and an amazing group of residents.
Urological Interests: Minimally invasive surgery and uro-oncology
Other Interests: Spending time with friends, family and my two dogs, cycling, golf, travelling
Dr. Vladimir Ruzhynsky
I was born in Kiev, Ukraine. I moved to Canada in 1997 and completed my BSc (Hons), PhD (cellular and molecular Medicine) and MD at the University of Ottawa. I joined the McMaster Urology Residency program in July 2011. I chose McMaster urology because of the program’s strengths (i.e., early and diverse surgical exposure, large volume of cases, best minimally invasive surgery experience and a great group of mentors and colleagues).
My pastimes include: outdoor activities in general, soccer, enjoying time with family and friends, photography, and kayaking
2015
Dr. Eric Cole
Medical School: Queen’s University
Undergraduate: University of Guelph
Interests/extracurricular: volleyball, skiing, hiking, squash, espresso
Current research interests: Reconstructive and endourology, surgical wait times, management of the negative prostate biopsy
Why Mac? Outstanding early hands-on experience, close-knit group of collegial residents, excellent mentorship and support from faculty
Dr. Ian Wrigh
Hometown: Kelowna, British Columbia
Undergraduate: University of Alberta (B.Sc in Biochemistry)
Medical School: University of British Columbia
Why did I choose Urology? It offers a wide variety of surgical procedures (lap, open, endo) that often have excellent outcomes. As a surgical specialty, urology is on the cutting edge of technological innovation. We manage both medical and surgical problems. Practicing urologists enjoy a balanced lifestyle.
Why McMaster Urology? We have a great group of residents in Hamilton. The program is hands-on with early surgical exposure and strong laparoscopic training. Our staff urologists are supportive and personable.
Urological Interests: Laparoscopy and robotics
Other Interests: Sports (skiing, volleyball, hockey, ultimate), traveling, eating great food
Dr. Rami Ellis
Hometown: Mississauga, Ontario
Undergraduate: McMaster University
Medical School: McMaster University
Urological Interests: Minimally invasive surgery and medical education
Hobbies Outside of Medicine: jet setter and food aficionado
2014
Dr. Alum Abdulla
Hometown: Burnaby, BC
Undergraduate Degree: Kinesiology Simon Fraser University
Medical Degree: University of British Columbia Northern Medical Program (NMP)
Why I chose McMaster Urology? This program offers world class laparoscopic training which I believe is an asset to any Canadian urologist. Furthermore, the residents and staff are a great group to work with and you are not too far from the nightlife in Toronto.
Urological Interests: Community urology with an emphasis on minimally invasive surgery.
Other Interests: Playing sports, drinking beer and watching sports, poker and exploring the outdoors.
Dr. Christopher Allard
Hometown: Burlington, Ontario
Undergraduate: Queen’s University
Medical School: University of Toronto
Why did I choose Urology: Best combination of open surgery, minimally invasive procedures and medicine.
Why McMaster Urology: Excellent people (residents, staff, nurses, etc.) with the perfect balance of guidance and autonomy.
Dr. Keith Barrett
Hometown: Burlington, Ontario
Undergrad: University of Calgary
Med School: University of Calgary
Why I chose Urology: Surgical specialty but with strong medical component. Good mix of outpatient and inpatient practice. Broad variety of procedures – open surgery, minimally invasive surgery (MIS), endoscopy.
Interests in Urology: MIS/robotics, general urology
Other interests: travel, staying fit
Dr. Shahid Lambe
Hometown: Mumbai, India
Undergraduate: D.Y. Patil Medical College
Postgraduate: General surgery King Edward Memorial Hospital, Mch. Urology Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh. I joined McMaster urology for a fellowship in renal transplant. Post fellowship decided to stay back and was fortunate enough to get into Mcmaster urology.
Why Mcmaster: Mcmaster urology has a perfect blend of academics and operative experience. The colleagues are the best group of residents I have experienced.
Urologic Interests: Renal transplants, urethral reconstruction
Other interests : Spending time with family, playstation
Dr. Piotr Zareba
Education
- Doctor of Medicine: University of Calgary, Calgary, AB
- Master of Public Health: Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA
Publications & Presentations
- Zareba P, Zhang J, Yilmaz A, Trpkov K.The impact of the 2005 International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) consensus on Gleason grading in contemporary practice.Histopathology 2009; 55(4):384-91.
- Zareba P, Duivenvoorden W, Beatty L, Lhotak S, Lu JP, Austin R, Daya D, Pinthus J. LKB1 drive adiponectin receptor 1 expression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Moderated poster presentation at the American Urological Association (AUA) Annual Meeting (2012), Atlanta, GA.
- Zareba P, Abdulla A, Bowen J, Hopkins R, Tarride JE, Whelan JP.Changes in erectile function after photoselective vaporization of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Moderated poster presentation at the AUA Annual Meeting (2012), Atlanta, GA.
- Zareba P, Fiorentino M, Flavin R, Martin N, Andersson SO, Andren O, Fall K, Rider JR, Mucci LA.Perineural invasion and lethal prostate cancer. Moderated poster presentation at the SociétéInternationaled’Urologie Annual Congress (2012), Fukuoka, Japan.
- Zareba P, Pettersson A, Gerke T, Fiorentino M, Flavin R, Rider JR, Giovannucci E, Finn S, Loda M, Mucci LA. Immunohistochemical expression of BRCA1 and prostate cancer progression in a large radical prostatectomy cohort. Podium presentation at the SociétéInternationaled’Urologie Annual Congress (2012), Fukuoka, Japan.
Interests
Travel and food
2013
Dr. Adeel Sheikh
Markham Stouffville Hospital
Dr. Sabeer Rehsia
Laparoscopic fellow
Dr. Rehsia is currently staff Urologist at the Grace Hospital Winnipeg, Manitoba
2012
Dr. Zachary Klinghoffer
Advanced Laparoscopy and General Urology
Rouge Valley Health System
405-1371 Neilson Road
Toronto, Ontario
M1B 4Z8
Phone: 416-479-7680
Website: http://www.scarboroughurology.com
Dr. Jason Kovac
FRCSC (2012)
MD/PhD (2007, University Western Ontario)
MSc (2001, Queen’s)
BSc/BEd (1999, York University)
I graduated from the urology program at McMaster University in Hamilton in 2012. McMaster offers one of a kind training in laparoscopy and minimally invasive surgery. This surgical training is coupled with staff leadership allowing trainees to excel in an intellectually stimulating environment. Currently, I am a reproductive medicine and andrology fellow at the Baylor College of Medicine (Houston, Texas) working under the mentorship of Drs. L. Lipshultz and D. Lamb. I anticipate pursuing an academic faculty research position with a combined focus on erectile dysfunction and infertility.
2011
Dr. Niki Kanaroglou
BASc, MD, FRCSC
Pediatric urology fellow at the Hospital for Sick Children Children in Toronto. BASc, MD, FRCSC.
Dr. Ayman Raees
MD, MRCSI, FRCSC
Laparoscopic and endourologist
Bahrain Defence Force Hospital
Dr. Bechir Hage
Urologist, Cité De La Santé, Laval (PQ) Canada
2010
Dr. Kevin Kwan
Milton District Hospital
Georgetown Hospital
Dr. Rohan Shahani
Postgraduate Education: Toronto University
Clinical fellow at McMaster University
Dr. Brian Yang
BSc (Hon), MD, FRCSC, urology
Eagle Ridge Hospital
2009
Dr. Suman Chatterjee
Urologist Brampton Civic and Headwaters Hospital
2008
Dr. Britton Tisdale
BSc, PHM, MD
Assistant professor of urology, University of Buffalo
Dr. Jamie Wong
MD, FRCSC
Medical Director
Urologic, laparoscopic and robotic surgeon
Jenkins Clinic, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
2007
Dr. Michael Chang
HBSc, MSc, MD, FRCSC
Urological Surgery
Lakeridge Health Oshawa
2006
Dr. Saleh Binsaleh
MD, FRCSC
Associate Professor of Surgery
Consultant Urologist and Andrologist
Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University
King Khalid University Hospital
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Dr. Robert Sabbagh
BPharm, MSc, MD, FRCSC Associate Professor, University of Sherbrooke
Dr. Naji Touma
MD, FRCS(C)
Completed a minimally invasive urological fellowship at the Centre for Minimal Access Surgery at McMaster University (2010).
Faculty
Information Box Group
Luis Braga
Professor
Urology
Office Location
McMaster Children’s Hospital
1200 Main Street West
Hamilton, Ontario
L8N 3Z5
Administrative Support Staff
Andrea Sisson
Email: sissoa1@mcmaster.ca
Melissa McGrath
Phone: 905-521-2100 ext. 73654
Email: mcgram2@mcmaster.ca
Marc Anthony Fischer
Assistant Clinical Professor
Urology
Office Location
419-1 Young Street Suite
Hamilton, Ontario
L8N 1T8
Administrative Support Staff
Julia Nicholson (Clinical Support Staff)
Leslie Pleshcan (Practice Manager)
Marc Anthony Fischer
Assistant Clinical Professor
Urology
Shahid Lambe
Assistant Professor
Office Location
St. Joseph’s Healthcare
50 Charlton Avenue East
Hamilton, Ontario
L8N 4A6
Administrative Support Staff
Lexie Clark
Email: leclark@stjosham.on.ca
Edward Matsumoto
Associate Professor
Urology
Office Location
St. Joseph’s Healthcare
Institute of Urology
50 Charlton Avenue East
Hamilton, Ontario
L8N 4A6
Administrative Support Staff
Lauren Douglas
Phone: (905) 522-1155 ex. 33380
Email: ldougla@mcmaster.ca
Lori Maloney
Email: maloney@mcmaster.ca
Carmelita Bueno
Phone: 905 522 1155 ext. 36186
Email: buenoc@mcmaster.ca
Jen Hoogenes (Clinical Research Coordinator III)
Phone: (905) 522-1155 ext. 32280
Email: reamja@mcmaster.ca
Laura Nguyen
Assistant Professor
Urology
Office Location
Hamilton General Hospital
237 Barton Street East
Hamilton, Ontario
L8L 2X2
Kevin Piercey
Associate Professor
Urology
Office Location
St. Joseph’s Healthcare
Institute of Urology
50 Charlton Avenue East
Hamilton, Ontario
L8N 4A6
Administrative Support Staff
Mary MacNeil
Email: macnem@mcmaster.ca
Jehonathan Pinthus
Professor
Urology
Office Location
Juravinski Cancer Centre
699 Concession Street
Hamilton, Ontario
L8V 5C2
Administrative Support Staff
Joanne Atanas
Email: atanas@hhsc.ca
Bobby Shayegan
Associate Professor
Urology
Office Location
St. Joseph’s Healthcare
Institute of Urology
50 Charlton Avenue East
Hamilton, Ontario
L8N 4A6
Administrative Support Staff
Tiffany Sklepowich
Email: sklepotj@mcmaster.ca
Piotr Zareba
Assistant Professor
Urology
Office Location
Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre
711 Concession Street
Hamilton, Ontario
L8V 1C3
Administrative Support Staff
Courtney MacAulay
Phone: 905-521-2100 ext. 47109
Fax: 905-521-8333
Luis Braga
Professor
Urology
Office Location
McMaster Children’s Hospital
1200 Main Street West
Hamilton, Ontario
L8N 3Z5
Administrative Support Staff
Andrea Sisson
Email: sissoa1@mcmaster.ca
Melissa McGrath
Phone: 905-521-2100 ext. 73654
Email: mcgram2@mcmaster.ca
Luis Braga
Professor
Urology
Office Location
McMaster Children’s Hospital
1200 Main Street West
Hamilton, Ontario
L8N 3Z5
Administrative Support Staff
Andrea Sisson
Email: sissoa1@mcmaster.ca
Melissa McGrath
Phone: 905-521-2100 ext. 73654
Email: mcgram2@mcmaster.ca
Marc Anthony Fischer
Assistant Clinical Professor
Urology
Office Location
419-1 Young Street Suite
Hamilton, Ontario
L8N 1T8
Administrative Support Staff
Julia Nicholson (Clinical Support Staff)
Leslie Pleshcan (Practice Manager)
Marc Anthony Fischer
Assistant Clinical Professor
Urology
Office Location
419-1 Young Street Suite
Hamilton, Ontario
L8N 1T8
Administrative Support Staff
Julia Nicholson (Clinical Support Staff)
Leslie Pleshcan (Practice Manager)
Shahid Lambe
Assistant Professor
Office Location
St. Joseph’s Healthcare
50 Charlton Avenue East
Hamilton, Ontario
L8N 4A6
Administrative Support Staff
Lexie Clark
Email: leclark@stjosham.on.ca
Shahid Lambe
Assistant Professor
Office Location
St. Joseph’s Healthcare
50 Charlton Avenue East
Hamilton, Ontario
L8N 4A6
Administrative Support Staff
Lexie Clark
Email: leclark@stjosham.on.ca
Edward Matsumoto
Associate Professor
Urology
Office Location
St. Joseph’s Healthcare
Institute of Urology
50 Charlton Avenue East
Hamilton, Ontario
L8N 4A6
Administrative Support Staff
Lauren Douglas
Phone: (905) 522-1155 ex. 33380
Email: ldougla@mcmaster.ca
Lori Maloney
Email: maloney@mcmaster.ca
Carmelita Bueno
Phone: 905 522 1155 ext. 36186
Email: buenoc@mcmaster.ca
Jen Hoogenes (Clinical Research Coordinator III)
Phone: (905) 522-1155 ext. 32280
Email: reamja@mcmaster.ca
Edward Matsumoto
Associate Professor
Urology
Office Location
St. Joseph’s Healthcare
Institute of Urology
50 Charlton Avenue East
Hamilton, Ontario
L8N 4A6
Administrative Support Staff
Lauren Douglas
Phone: (905) 522-1155 ex. 33380
Email: ldougla@mcmaster.ca
Lori Maloney
Email: maloney@mcmaster.ca
Carmelita Bueno
Phone: 905 522 1155 ext. 36186
Email: buenoc@mcmaster.ca
Jen Hoogenes (Clinical Research Coordinator III)
Phone: (905) 522-1155 ext. 32280
Email: reamja@mcmaster.ca
Laura Nguyen
Assistant Professor
Urology
Office Location
Hamilton General Hospital
237 Barton Street East
Hamilton, Ontario
L8L 2X2
Laura Nguyen
Assistant Professor
Urology
Office Location
Hamilton General Hospital
237 Barton Street East
Hamilton, Ontario
L8L 2X2
Kevin Piercey
Associate Professor
Urology
Office Location
St. Joseph’s Healthcare
Institute of Urology
50 Charlton Avenue East
Hamilton, Ontario
L8N 4A6
Administrative Support Staff
Mary MacNeil
Email: macnem@mcmaster.ca
Kevin Piercey
Associate Professor
Urology
Office Location
St. Joseph’s Healthcare
Institute of Urology
50 Charlton Avenue East
Hamilton, Ontario
L8N 4A6
Administrative Support Staff
Mary MacNeil
Email: macnem@mcmaster.ca
Jehonathan Pinthus
Professor
Urology
Office Location
Juravinski Cancer Centre
699 Concession Street
Hamilton, Ontario
L8V 5C2
Administrative Support Staff
Joanne Atanas
Email: atanas@hhsc.ca
Jehonathan Pinthus
Professor
Urology
Office Location
Juravinski Cancer Centre
699 Concession Street
Hamilton, Ontario
L8V 5C2
Administrative Support Staff
Joanne Atanas
Email: atanas@hhsc.ca
Bobby Shayegan
Associate Professor
Urology
Office Location
St. Joseph’s Healthcare
Institute of Urology
50 Charlton Avenue East
Hamilton, Ontario
L8N 4A6
Administrative Support Staff
Tiffany Sklepowich
Email: sklepotj@mcmaster.ca
Bobby Shayegan
Associate Professor
Urology
Office Location
St. Joseph’s Healthcare
Institute of Urology
50 Charlton Avenue East
Hamilton, Ontario
L8N 4A6
Administrative Support Staff
Tiffany Sklepowich
Email: sklepotj@mcmaster.ca
Piotr Zareba
Assistant Professor
Urology
Office Location
Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre
711 Concession Street
Hamilton, Ontario
L8V 1C3
Administrative Support Staff
Courtney MacAulay
Phone: 905-521-2100 ext. 47109
Fax: 905-521-8333
Piotr Zareba
Assistant Professor
Urology
Office Location
Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre
711 Concession Street
Hamilton, Ontario
L8V 1C3
Administrative Support Staff
Courtney MacAulay
Phone: 905-521-2100 ext. 47109
Fax: 905-521-8333
Quick Links
Contact
Information Box Group
Lauren Douglas
Educational Program Coordinator
Residency Program
Lauren Douglas
Educational Program Coordinator
Residency Program
Lauren Douglas
Educational Program Coordinator
Residency Program
Lauren Douglas
Educational Program Coordinator
Residency Program