PGY-2
Dr. Taylor Duda

Hometown: Regina, Saskatchewan
Undergraduate: BscHons Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Saskatchewan
Medical School: University of Saskatchewan
Why did I choose Neurosurgery? Started with good mentors and wet lab brain dissection courses, and the more exposure I had, the more I knew what I wanted to do. I think being in an operating room for the first time is a very dichotomous experience and in my case, it quickly became the only career I wanted to choose.
Why McMaster Neurosurgery? McMaster offers the full package. Complete support, fantastic co-residents and staff relationships, high quality academics, high volume, and high acuity, interdisciplinary support, surgical experience from day one, and an ever-improving program.
Professional Interests: Still everything! Every time I spend time in a discipline, I find it more and more interesting. So far…vascular, pediatrics, skull base, functional tumour, spine…everything. Medical education is another passion of mine. International neurosurgery is a growing interest.
Other Interests: Family, good beer, many nerdy activities I don’t tell my co-residents about, racquetball,
good whiskey, squash, reading (fiction & non-fiction), movies.
Dr. Melissa Lannon

Hometown: Labrador City, Newfoundland
Undergraduate:
Bachelor of Science (Honours) Behavioural Neuroscience – Memorial University 2012
Bachelor of Nursing – Memorial University 2014
Medical School: Memorial University of Newfoundland 2018
Why did I choose Neurosurgery? I am interested in the diagnosis of disease criteria. I did research in neuroscience throughout undergrad neurosciences worked as a neurology nurse, so I considered neurology briefly, but ultimately, I found my comfort zone in the OR. I also enjoy caring for high acuity patients and being there for patients & families during the most impactful moments of their lives.
Why McMaster Neurosurgery? I love the people, the support system here, nice co-residents, staff & the care team at HGH all have quickly made Hamilton home after moving from Newfoundland for the first time.
Professional Interests: Functional Neurosurgery, trauma, and critical care
Other Interests: Yoga, hiking, swimming, and travel