Cardiac Surgery

PGY-1 

DR. CHARLOTTE MCEWEN

PGY-​2 

DR. A​I​S​W​A​R​Y​A M​A​D​H​U

PGY-3

Dr. Adam Eqbal

Hometown: Mississauga, ON

Undergraduate: Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences, McMaster University

Medical School: Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University

Why did I choose ​this specialization? I chose cardiac surgery for many reasons. To put it simply, I am fascinated by cardiovascular anatomy and physiology and I fell in love with the operating room as a work environment. The procedures are technically demanding, life-saving, and have excellent outcomes for patients!

Why McMaster?​ As you can see above, I have spent many years here and it is now the place I call home. There is a distinct and strong sense of community, not only within our division, but the institution as a whole which makes you feel comfortable.

​Professional Interests: Clinically at this time in my career, I am intrigued by the full spectrum of cardiac surgery from adults to pediatrics. Outside of clinical work, my professional interests include innovation, design/architecture, and health systems.

Other Interests: Travelling, cooking, playing musical instruments, sports, and spending time with my friends and family.

Dr. Mariam Alboom

Hometown: Dubai, UAE

Medical School: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

Why did I choose ​this specialization? I always considered the heart having a mind of its own. The anatomy and physiology always intrigued me. To be able to witness a beating human heart, stop it and then watch it function normally is another level of art. I just love the challenges it has to offer. 

Why McMaster?​ McMaster is known for the worldwide impact and research. In addition, it is affiliated with one of the largest cardiac surgical centres in Canada. I also enjoy Hamilton as a city in terms of proximity to surrounding areas and lifestyle. 

​Professional Interests: I am keeping my options open for the time being. As every field, cardiac surgery is also expanding in terms of techniques and specialization. One of the areas I find myself interested in are heart failure/transplant and VAD.

Other Interests: I really enjoy hiking, camping and yoga. Cooking, good books and podcasts are my go to! I also enjoy photography, recently into astrophotography.

Visiting Resident - Dr. ​Rachel ​Eikelboom

PGY-4

Dr. Ans Fakiha

Dr. ​Nezar Alsaeedi

PGY-5

Dr. Sophie Weiwei Gao

Hometown: Born Wuhan, China, grew up in Montreal, Quebec

Medical School: McGill University

Why did I choose ​this specialization? Cardiac surgery is the most exciting specialty in medicine. Its acuity, its patient population, its incredibly complex and invasive surgeries yet with wonderful outcomes are all aspects that attracted me to this specialty. 

Why McMaster?​ Amazing resident group, incredible hands on experience with high volumes, word class research, supportive and open-minded colleagues, plentiful opportunities to make the most out of residency.

​Professional Interests: Minimally invasive surgery.

Other Interests: Travel, pottery, outdoor adventures, innovation

Dr. Saurabh Gupta

Hometown: Milton, ON

Undergraduate: Honours Bachelor of Sciences, Western University

Medical School: Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University

Why did I choose ​this specialization? There was really nothing else I could imagine myself doing. I loved that a cardiac surgeon needs to have a good grasp of medicine, be proficient at all kinds of procedures, and be able to perform surgeries requiring extremely fine motor skills. There is also the decision-making process of who to operate on and when to operate, which is fascinating. The specialty also has a healthy involvement in academia and research, which I was very keen in as well. Lastly, there is something truly fascinating and “cool” about stopping a heart, fix whatever is wrong with it, and then have the heart come back to life.

Why McMaster?​ For two reasons – the hands-on experience and the research experience. In our program, each resident is on a team of two or three cardiac surgeons and develops a mentor-mentee relationship with them. Straight from junior years, you are encouraged to spend as much time in the OR as possible, without competition for space or time from colleagues. Secondly, the research experience and mentorship is unparalleled at McMaster University. In the last four years, I had full support of my program, as well as the Clinician Investigator Program in completing a Master’s degree. Not only that, there’s been incredible guidance throughout the process and lots of learning.

​Professional Interests: Surgically, I am interested in complex valve and aortic interventions (from structural heart and endovascular repairs to open surgical approaches).
Academically, I am interested in research around perioperative management of cardiac surgery patients, knowledge translation within cardiac surgery, as well as medical education.

Other Interests: I love to travel – hiking and trekking are a big passion. Motorcycles – I have been riding for over 10 years. 

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