Meet Our Residents

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Where did you go to medical school?

King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS).

Why did you choose general surgery? 

I chose general surgery because you see the difference the same day, no dull moments, just immediate impact and satisfaction for patients and surgeon.

What is your favourite part of the program?

The variety and volume, one week you’re in a busy ACESS block, the next you’re seeing complex subspecialty cases. There is also early hands-on experience and strong resident support.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I enjoy padel and tennis, and I love traveling and exploring different cultures.

Where did you go to medical school?

University of Alberta

Why did you choose general surgery?

I loved the variety within general surgery between the procedures we do as well as the patients we take care of.

What is your favourite part of the program?

The staff and residents within the program have been amazing and very welcoming! They have been very supportive throughout my residency so far and looking forward to working with them over the next 5 years.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work ?

I like to crochet outside of medicine. I've started to make some clothes which is a new challenge for me.

What do you wish someone had told you before starting residency?

It's okay to feel like you don't know anything when starting residency and that you'll feel more confident as you go through residency and learn more. 

Where did you go to medical school?

I went to medical school here at the University of Calgary! I am a proud Spiny Lumpsucker as part of the class of 2025!

Why did you choose general surgery?

I was really interested in a specialty where I can retain a broad wealth of knowledge with a high degree of medicine involved, while having the opportunity to participate in immediate definitive management. I naturally explored General Surgery during clerkship and grew deeply passionate in the field. I loved the bread and butter procedures as well as the more complex cases that present on subspecialty services. This ultimately led me to choose General Surgery for my residency and future

What is your favourite part of the program?

The people in the program are amazing! I am fortunate to be part of a fantastic and sizable cohort of fellow R1s, as well as to have very supportive seniors and staff. I am also Calgary born and raised so being able to provide back to the community that has given me so much feels all the more gratifying.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work and/or fun fact about yourself?

I love working out - my go-to fact to share during residency interviews was that I can bench 225lbs! When I am not at the gym, I like to relax by playing video games or exploring new food places with friends around Calgary. 

What do you wish someone had told you before starting residency?

Even though starting residency seems daunting, you adapt and learn very quickly in each rotation. Residency truly is a time where you get to work in a specialty that you have been interested in for so long, and the impact you have on patients is extremely rewarding given you have a much more direct impact on their care!

Where did you go to medical school?

Memorial University of Newfoundland

Why did you choose general surgery?

I chose general surgery because I feel it’s the ultimate “jack of all trades” specialty that is diverse, dynamic, and deeply human. Coming from an unconventional path into medicine, I’ve always enjoyed adapting to new challenges and learning a wide range of technical skills. General surgery offers the chance to care for patients across a broad spectrum of complex conditions while forming meaningful connections through life-changing moments, such as guiding someone through cancer surgery and recovery. It’s hands-on, impactful, and endlessly rewarding. 

What is your favourite part of the program?

The people and the place! The staff surgeons at the University of Calgary are exceptional and dedicated educators who prioritize resident learning and foster a supportive environment. Outside the hospital, Calgary’s proximity to the mountains and its outdoorsy community makes weekend adventures convenient and helps bring a bit of balance to the stress and pressures of residency. You can often catch me scrambling up mountains, camping with friends, river surfing, and snowboarding when I’m not on call.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work and/or fun fact about yourself?

My path to medicine has been anything but linear. Believe it or not, I began as a marine biologist, working with the federal government and completing an MSc studying deep-sea sponges where I even discovered a new species – you can see the article here. But witnessing my family’s challenges navigating the healthcare system firsthand inspired my passion for medicine and strengthened my commitment to improving healthcare for underserved communities. I found the pivot to medicine surprisingly natural and the parallels between aquatic systems and the human body are closer than you might think. I’d be happy to chat more about it over coffee!

What do you wish someone had told you before starting residency?

General Surgery residency demands far more of your time in the first year than you might expect, and the stress can be greater than you imagined. The leap in responsibility from medical student to resident is steep, but the learning is immensely rewarding, and the training wheels come off quickly. You won't know everything and that's okay. Residency isn't about perfection; it's about learning quickly, adapting on the fly, and growing through experience.

Where did you go to medical school?

University of Alberta

Why did you choose general surgery? 

General surgery brings together technical precision and the human side of medicine. The specialty also has an amazing breadth that keeps me constantly learning, from the fast pace of trauma to the nuance of oncology. Above all, I'm driven by the privilege of using our dynamic skill set to make a meaningful impact and care for patients during their most vulnerable moments.

What is your favourite part of the program?

There's a lot to admire about the program, but its location stands out to me most--being in a vibrant, easily commutable city that also offers outstanding operative exposure. Of course, being so close to the foothills and mountains is a huge bonus.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Badminton, skiing, music, exploring new restaurants, and spending time with family.

What do you wish someone had told you before starting residency?

One of my mentors once told me that in residency, the days are long but the years are short. With that in mind, I've come to appreciate that the small wins--comforting a patient or supporting a colleague--matter just as much as the big successes, and they're often what make the journey feel truly worthwhile.

Where did you go to medical school?

University of Alberta

Why did you choose General Surgery?

I was drawn to General Surgery because of its breadth, acuity, and impact. It offers the opportunity to care for patients at some of the most critical moments in their lives while combining decisive intervention with thoughtful, longitudinal problem-solving. I also value the teamwork, technical precision, and tangible results that come with operative care.

What is your favourite part of the program?

My favourite part is the camaraderie within the team. The environment is fast-paced and challenging, but there’s a strong sense of mutual support and shared purpose. Every day offers the chance to learn from excellent mentors while developing independence and confidence in managing complex surgical patients.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of the hospital, you’ll most likely find me on the ski hill or running. If I’m not outdoors, I’m probably at a Pilates or spin class, or hanging with friends and family!

What do you wish someone had told you before starting residency?

That it’s okay not to know everything on day one. The learning curve is steep, but progress comes from consistency and curiosity! Protecting time for rest and the things that keep you grounded makes you a better learner and resident.

Where did you go to medical school?

I graduated from Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in Iran.

Why did you choose general surgery?

I’ve always loved the hands-on nature of surgery and the immediate impact it can have on patients’ lives.

What is your favourite part of the program?

The friendships and support among residents and staff—it really feels like a team.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I enjoy cooking and fine dining—if I weren’t a doctor, I’d probably be a chef!

What do you wish someone had told you before starting residency?

That coffee is a resident’s best friend! But teamwork and resilience are what really get you through.

Where did you go to medical school?

University of Calgary

Why did you choose general surgery?

I chose general surgery because I enjoy the balance of both medicine and surgery that the specialty entails. I also appreciate the broad and diverse patient population we get to work with. My favorite surgery is a pectus excavatum repair. 

What is your favourite part of the program?

My favorite part of the program is our staff. They are all great mentors and care about our learning. I especially enjoy being able to receive great surgical teaching on my home territory - Treaty 7. 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work and/or fun fact about yourself?

Outside of work, I enjoy cheering for the Calgary Flames, snowboarding, watching football (go Detroit lions) and hanging out with my friends and family.Fun fact, the photo of me was taken on my reserve - Blood Tribe First Nation! 

What do you wish someone had told you before starting residency?

Enjoy the process and it will all work out. You learn a lot just by showing up every day. 

Where did you go to medical school?

University of Calgary

Why did you choose general surgery?

I witnessed the impact of emergency surgery as a medical student and was drawn to the acuity as well as the breadth and diversity of practice that general surgery offers. 

What is your favourite part of the program?

That’s easy: the people! My co-residents are extremely supportive and have found it easy to develop close relationships with staff and mentors. 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work and/or fun fact about yourself?

I love to spend my time outdoors spend most of my free time skiing in the winter (alpine, backcountry, nordic) or cycling and backcountry camping in the summer. 

What do you wish someone had told you before starting residency?

Don’t be afraid to order that uber eats on call. Eating is essential!

Where did you go to medical school?

University of Calgary!

Why did you choose general surgery? 

I really enjoyed internal medicine and the decision making there, but I also love working with my hands and doing procedural skills. General Surgery was a great fit for me where I do get to make medical decisions while getting to be a part of very cool surgeries. 

Do you have a favourite surgery? 

My favourite surgery is a bread and butter appendectomy! It is so rewarding to see patients recover quickly and get to go home feeling so much better.

What is your favourite part of the program?

The best part of our program is my co-residents! It really feels like we are a family. I also love the flexibility we have to build our careers!

Fun fact about yourself?

 I am currently in New York City for a Master’s program and my new favourite hobby right now is thrifting.

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you have given to yourself at the start of residency?

Residency is a safe environment to learn! I felt so overwhelmed with the responsibility before I started, but then I found out how supportive and amazing my senior residents and staff are. It made me feel a lot more comfortable and definitely improved my learning experience.

What do you enjoy most about living in Calgary?

I live close to the Bow River downtown and it is such a nice area to go for a run. I also love trying new restaurants, Calgary has a great food scene!

Where did you go to medical school?

University of Manitoba

Why did you choose general surgery?

For the breadth of practice, opportunity to work in both acute and elective settings, mix of medical and surgical complexity. But mostly, I felt that my personality fit well with the general surgery staff and residents I worked with in medical school. 

 Do you have a favourite surgery?

My favourite surgery is anything that involves a multi-visceral resection. 

What is your favourite part of the program?

I love my co-residents! I also think our exposure to surgical oncology is excellent.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work and/or fun fact about yourself?

I enjoy curating Spotify playlists and scrolling through TikTok.

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you have given to yourself at the start of residency?

It goes by faster than you think! Try to enjoy even the hard days.

What do you enjoy most about living in Calgary?

I love downtown Calgary— lots of great food, music, art and green space.

Where did you go to medical school?

University of Calgary

Why did you choose general surgery? 

I chose general surgery because it combines my love for medicine and my passion for operating. We have the opportunity to manage complex, acutely ill patients on the ward and perform technically challenging procedures that can have an immediate, life-changing impact. The best part is that I get to do it all with people whom I consider my good friends. 

What is your favourite part of the program?

The people I work with.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work and/or fun fact about yourself?

I love going on long runs - which includes running marathons, painting/drawing (for my humble art business @artbyfajr on instagram)... and I have a pretty wicked sweet tooth. 

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you have given to yourself at the start of residency?

Enjoy the chaos and camaraderie of residency - it flies by. 

What do you enjoy most about living in Calgary?

I love running in downtown. 

Where did you go to medical school?

Mcmaster University

Why did you choose general surgery? Do you have a favourite surgery?

I chose general surgery because I really loved the mix of acuity and elective practice, as well as all the subspecialty options afterwards! I have a special interest in cancer patients and found it deeply inspiring to work with cancer patients in a surgical context.

What is your favourite part of the program?

The people! We have an exceptionally close group of residents and we are a very close family. The staff are  incredibly supportive and are truly excellent role models and teachers

What do you enjoy doing outside of work and/or fun fact about yourself?

I absolutely love exploring the mountains. I try to get away on a hike with my camera as often as I can.

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you have given to yourself at the start of residency?

Just keep trying! Each "failure" is only opportunity to learn, the more you try the more you learn. Keep up your hobbies, it'll keep you refreshed and ready to deal with whatever residency throws at you. You'll meet so many amazing peers and role models throughout this journey and you'll be more supported than you can imagine.

What do you enjoy most about living in Calgary?

Again the mountains!! We are truly lucky to be in such a beautiful part of the country with endless opportunity for adventure.

Where did you go to medical school?

McMaster University

Why did you choose general surgery? 

It's the best! You develop such a varied and interesting skillset both from a technical/surgical perspective but also in resuscitating sick patients.

Do you hve a favorite surgery? 

My favorite operation would be either a nice lap right hemi or an anterior resection.

What is your favourite part of the program?

As cliche as it sounds, the people - I think the relationship between the faculty and residents at our program is fantastic, and makes our demanding clinical workload much more enjoyable and rewarding.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work ?

Napping with my cat Binky!

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you have given to yourself at the start of residency?

Run. Kidding! One of my mentors told me to keep my foot on the gas and never let up, and I think that's served me nicely during my training thus far - surgical training is iterative and the more you build comfort in one area, the more opportunities you tend to have to build on that

What do you enjoy most about living in Calgary?

I'm originally from Ontario, so the mountains and consistent sun are big pluses! People are also very friendly and in general I find the atmosphere fairly lighthearted.

Where did you go to medical school?

University of British Columbia

Why did you choose general surgery?

I first fell in love with emergency general surgery when I was a medical student- the acute abdomens, the emergent colon resections, and operating in the abdomen in the middle of the night to try and save someone’s life. But, I also learned that General surgery has so much variety in the types of procedures and surgical care we deliver electively, and I really enjoyed that part of general surgery as well. 

Do you have a favourite surgery?

It’s hard to pick one favourite surgery, but I would say- a laparoscopic total colectomy.

What is your favourite part of the program?

The people are the best part- both the residents as well as the staff. You look forward to seeing them in the halls and working with them. We also have a lot of fun outside of the hospital at social events! Additionally, our program directors and program assistants are truly the best.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I love being outdoors and in the mountains in all the seasons- hiking, backpacking, cross country skiing to name a few. 

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you have given to yourself at the start of residency?

The time will fly by, so take advantage of all the teaching and learning opportunities around you.

What do you enjoy most about living in Calgary?

The endless sunshine and easy access to the beautiful Rocky Mountains. 

Where did you go to medical school?

UBC Vancouver

Why did you choose general surgery? 

The diversity of experience drew me to general surgery - patients of all ages, acute to chronic problems, endoscopic/laparoscopic/open interventions, benign diseases alongside malignancy, etc. Plus, I had great general surgeons as mentors that encouraged me to pursue this.

What is your favourite part of the program?

First, the people are excellent across the board it and make it feel like community. Second and more practically, we get to operate a lot. 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work and/or fun fact about yourself?

Outside of work I like to get outdoors and go biking, hiking, skiing, running, whatever. Fun fact, I'm about to become a dad. 

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you have given to yourself at the start of residency?

My advice - take a nap

What do you enjoy most about living in Calgary?

Calgary is sunny, livable, full of good restaurants, and close to the mountains. 

Where did you go to medical school?

University of Alberta

Why did you choose general surgery? 

I chose General Surgery because I loved the idea of making a difference in a patient’s care almost immediately with an intervention. I liked the wide variety surgeries and acuity that we see as general surgeons, so it leaves a lot of opportunities for different types of practice. 

What is your favourite part of the program?

There are so many! I love the residents and staff that I work with, they make really tough days tolerable. I also think that we have awesome operative exposure and opportunities to operate, even as junior residents which makes our learning experience awesome. 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work and/or fun fact about yourself?

Outside of work I love to travel and cook. I love trying new restaurants, especially if they have a good cocktail menu.  I am very close to my family, so anytime that I can spend with them is great.

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you have given to yourself at the start of residency?

Residency is tough. There are going to be days you don’t want to do it , and it doesn’t mean you don’t love what you do. Ask for help if you need it and go easy on yourself. 

What do you enjoy most about living in Calgary?

This city is a great size - big enough that it has everything I need but not so big that I can’t drive anywhere within a reasonable amount of time. There are great restaurants to try and ample shopping opportunities! The people are what makes this city so special though - the people that I've met here make me want to stick around.

Where did you go to medical school?

I completed my medical school at the University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine.

Why did you choose general surgery? 

I fortunately found great mentors in general surgery during my clerkship training who I looked up to and sought aspiration from. I really enjoyed being in the operating room and seeing consults; the bread and butter appendicitis and cholecystitis consults were never boring to me and every gallbladder was a unique case in the operating room. I was captivated by the scope of practice of general surgeons, and having the breadth of experience that makes you comfortable dealing with any surgical emergency. I also realized that I had the same mentality and work ethic as former residents in the program, and felt like I belonged with the general surgery family.

What is your favourite part of the program?

The people. Our program has the best resident cohort that gets along and looks after each other. We also have amazing staff who are very approachable and care to train us to become competent and independent general surgeons.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work and/or fun fact about yourself?

I absolutely enjoy my naps when I can nap. I love going for walks (basically made my brother walk all around Turkey saying something was only few blocks away). I enjoy travelling and trying out new foods/ restaurants. I recently got engaged, and am very excited to start this new chapter of my life. 

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you have given to yourself at the start of residency?

Take a break when you can, step away from work on your weekends and evenings off, and prioritize eating/ sleeping/ spending time with your loved ones. General surgery training is a grind but having some balance in life (even if minimal) makes a huge difference. 

What do you enjoy most about living in Calgary?

I have lived in Calgary for almost 8 years now and still keep finding new things to explore here. The city has certainly grown geographically and in many other aspects- there’s some excellent restaurants here that me and my fiancé frequent often; there’s many trails throughout the city for evening strolls; many festivals to enjoy during the summer; and abundant shopping options for a shopaholic like me. 

Where did you go to medical school?

Western University

Why did you choose general surgery?

I was drawn to the breadth of knowledge required for general surgery and the opportunity to make patients better quickly. Surgery also requires a unique trust with patients and I enjoy building these relationships.

What is your favourite part of the program?

The supportive relationships we have with our co-residents, fellows, and staff. The culture here allows us to celebrate our wins while also constantly striving to improve. We also have an excellent relationship with nurses and allied health, which makes for an enjoyable and supportive learning environment.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I enjoy checking out live music events, spending time with friends, trying new group fitness classes, and attempting to make the perfect americano.

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you have given to yourself at the start of residency?

I would tell myself at the start of residency to be kind to myself and others. Residency is hard, but it’s much more enjoyable if you make friends with those around you. And also drink more water!