Western anesthesia Residents
Zaid Alhasani
Medical School: University of Cork, Ireland
I was born and raised in the Greater Toronto Area in an Iraqi-Canadian family. After completing two years of Life Sciences at McMaster University, I attended the Direct Entry Medicine program at UCC in Ireland, where I spent the last five years of my life.
Studying in Ireland has given me the opportunity to travel Europe, explore various cultures, and meet people from around the world. I love rock climbing (…and pretty much all other sports), hiking, cooking, and playing the guitar. I’m extremely excited to come back home and spend the next five years training in my dream specialty!
Zach Androschuk
Medical School: University of Western Ontario
I was born and raised in Sarnia, Ontario. I completed Biomedical Sciences at the University of Guelph, medical school at Western – Windsor campus, and Family Medicine residency at Queens University. For the last three years I have been a military physician in Petawawa, while also practicing Emergency Medicine in nearby rural hospitals. With my wife, Carly, we have two children: Zeke and Eve. My wonderful marriage has survived hanging pictures in various homes throughout the years and we are hoping for the best as we move to our next home in the London area. Outside of medicine, I spend most of my time hanging out with family and friends and I think Survivor is a great show. I enjoy playing most sports; I played football during undergrad, but now have branched out to basketball, hockey, ultimate frisbee, tennis, squash, or pickleball. I’m incredibly grateful to be joining the Anesthesia team at Western!
Paymon Azizi
Medical School: University of Toronto
I was born in a small town in Quebec but moved to Markham at an early age where I grew up. I completed my undergraduate training at McMaster in Hamilton and then moved to Toronto for my Master’s and MD/PhD training at the University of Toronto. Outside of medicine my passions include hiking, rock climbing, board games, and coffee. I am excited to join the team at Western!
Cindos Barakat
Medical School: Western University
Bio: I was born and raised in London. I did both my undergrad and medical school at Western. I have a big family with 4 siblings, spanning an age range of 20 years. I am very excited to be staying in London and joining the anesthesia team! During my spare time I enjoy cooking, Netflix, ice skating, learning to snowboard and spending time with my family.
John Bartolacci
Medical School: Dalhousie University
Bio: I was born and raised in Halifax, NS. I completed my Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience at Dalhousie University. Following my undergrad, I started working as a paramedic with Emergency Health Services. Shortly after, I returned to Dalhousie for medical school.
In my spare time I enjoy doing anything active, such as cycling, running, tennis, and going to the gym. I also enjoy going to concerts, sporting events, and checking out new restaurants. I am very excited to be heading to London for residency and look forward to joining the team at Western.
Sherif Bekhet
Medical school: Assiut University
I am from a small city in mid-south Egypt called Assiut. I graduated from the medical school at Assiut University, and obtained a Master’s degree in Anesthesia from the same school. I went to Queen’s university for a fellowship in Anesthesia and that’s when I decided that I want to have a career in Anesthesia in Canada. I am really thrilled to join Western University Anesthesia program and to be part of the team.
I really enjoy scuba diving, swimming, playing basketball and hiking.
Keely Bensted
Medical School: University of Calgary
Bio: I am a born and raised Calgarian and am looking forward to starting this next adventure in my first ever new city of London. Lucky for me, I have my partner (Shayne) and my husky-wolf mix (Squall) making the move with me, so I have some support for this journey!
In my spare time I love to play soccer and have been playing competitively since I was 4 years old; I am hoping to join a team upon my move to London. I am also into biking as this has been my main mode of transportation throughout my medical degree. Whenever I have time off I love to hike and snowshoe with my partner and pooch and am hoping excited to begin exploring Ontario! Oh and I am in love with any and all things Batman... Batman themed wedding obsessed :)
David Boersma
Medical School: Trinity College Dublin (Ireland)
Bio: I was born and raised in the beautiful Ottawa Valley before moving to Nova Scotia to study Kinesiology at Acadia University. During my time out east I was an athletic therapist for both the football and hockey teams. From there I moved to British Columbia for two years where I worked on a ski hill and trained as a primary care paramedic before moving yet again, this time across the pond to Ireland, for medical school.
Outside of medicine I enjoy traveling to new places, being outdoors, skiing, fishing, golfing and many other sports. I am very excited to be part of the anesthesiology team at Western!
Jordyn Clark
Medical school: University of Saskatchewan
I was born and raised in Saskatoon, SK where I completed both undergrad and medical school. I originally started residency here in London in Urology, before realizing my goals and interests were more aligned with a career Anesthesia. I am very excited to be joining the Western Anesthesia program! Outside of work, I enjoy travelling, reading, running, golf and spending time with my new puppy Charlie.
Anita Dabirzadeh
Medical School: McGill University
I was born in Iran and immigrated to Canada with my family. I grew up in Ottawa and went to Western University for my undergraduate degree in Health Sciences. After that, I went to McGill University to do a Master’s in Public Health Epidemiology and ended up staying at McGill for medical school.
Outside of the hospital, I love to cycle, conquer new summits, and curl up with good book! I’m so thrilled to be coming back to London and couldn’t be more excited to join the Anesthesia program at Western!
Nathan Doggett
Medical School: Dalhousie University
I was born in the small town of Bridgewater, located in southwestern Nova Scotia. I completed undergrad in Biology and Kinesiology at Acadia University. I then completed a Master of Science degree at U of T before returning to NS for medicine at Dalhousie University. Outside of school I enjoy running, CrossFit, rugby, playing guitar and watching hockey. I am thrilled to be joining the anesthesia team at Western!
Minakshi Doobay
Medical School: University of Western Ontario
I was born and raised in London. I went to Western University and did my BSc. in Psychology, then I did medical school here as well! I am looking forward to spending the next 5 years in my hometown learning this wonderful specialty.
Outside of medicine, I love public speaking. If you need an MC or amateur auctioneer, let me know! I also enjoy singing and trying out new cuisine. To me, music and food are great ways to explore new cultures.
Farzad Izaddoust Dar
Medical school: Queen’s University
I moved to Canada with most of my family when I was 7 years old and grew up in the GTA. I came to Western to complete my undergraduate degree in cell & developmental biology and continued my academic interests at University of Toronto, dept of physiology with a Master’s in cardiac electrophysiology. My interest in Anesthesia was sparked early on in medical school, and I am tremendously excited to return to Western and start my training as an anesthesia resident. Outside of work, I enjoy driving, riding motorcycles, and everything to do with technology.
William Elia
Medical School: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Bio: Hi there, I'm Will! I grew up on a small farm outside of Toronto with my two brothers. After graduating from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in 2021, I spent the last two years working as a foundation/junior doctor in the UK. It's great to be back on home soil and starting my anesthesia residency at Western University. In my free time, I enjoy exploring new places, trying out different cuisines, and occasionally getting lost in a good true crime book or podcast. I'm looking forward to being a part of the anesthesia team at Western and meeting my new colleagues!
Jake Engel
Medical School: University of Ottawa
Bio: I was born and raised in the GTA. I completed my undergrad in Medical Sciences at Western before heading to medical school in Ottawa.
Outside of medicine, I love staying active and playing sports at any opportunity I get. In particular, I play basketball, tennis, and flag football. An interesting fact about me is that I know how to barefoot water ski – exhilarating sport but painful wipeouts!
I am thrilled to come full circle and return to London to join the Western anesthesiology team! Go Stangs!
Michael Jay
Medical School: UBC Northern Medical Program
I’m from the small town of Summerland, located in the Southern Okanagan of BC. I completed my BSc in Microbiology at UBC Okanagan in Kelowna and MD at the UBC Northern Medical Program in Prince George, BC.
Outside of medicine I am a big fan of racket sports, particularly tennis, squash and table tennis. I also love the game of golf and just about anything outdoors including hiking, skiing, fishing, camping, etc. I am thrilled to be moving out to London this summer and to be able to join the anesthesia team at Western!
Eric King
Medical School: University of Alberta
I was born and raised in Calgary along with my 3 brothers (my poor mom). I completed my undergrad in Kinesiology at the University of Calgary and then moved to Edmonton for Medical school. Outside of Medicine, I enjoy staying active with hockey, rock climbing, snowboarding and going to the gym. I am very excited for the next chapter in London!
Lauren Kolodzey
Medical school: Western University
Born and raised in Hamilton, I completed my undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering at McMaster University, graduate studies in Clinical Engineering at the University of Toronto, and medical degree at Western University. As a result of my training, I am particularly interested in the challenges that arise at the interface of humans and technology in healthcare. Anesthesia is my perfect match and I am so grateful to be joining the program here at Western. Outside of medicine, I spend my time as a movie buff, book worm, amateur acrylic painter, avid hiker, and vegetarian foodie.
Rachelle Lassaline
Medical school: Western University
I grew up on a farm outside of Petrolia, Ontario, and left my small town to study Chemistry at McMaster University. I then came closer to home for medical school at Western University and am thrilled to be continuing my training here in London.
Outside of the hospital, I spend my free time reading, playing board games and planning overly elaborate baking projects. I enjoy hiking and have recently started kayaking. I grew up playing all sorts of sports, but now mostly stick to volleyball and running. I’m excited to be joining the anesthesia team at Western!
Allen Li
Medical School: McMaster University
I was born in China and moved to Canada at a young age. I grew up in the GTA region and initially came to Western for my Bachelor of Medical Sciences degree. After temporarily moving to study medicine in Hamilton, I’m thrilled to be back in London. My passion for medical education and physiology led me to pursuing anesthesia. Outside of medicine, I enjoy hiking/camping, playing sports, travelling, trying new food, and gaming. I’m looking forward to being part of the Western team!
Eric Liu
Medical School: University of Western Ontario
I am a proud “London lifer” - grew up in London and completed my undergraduate, Master’s, and medical school here at Western. I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the Western anesthesia team!
In my free time, I enjoy rock climbing, badminton, volleyball, making Strava art on the road bike, and finding the next addition to my ever-growing board game collection.
Mark Lukewich
Medical school: University of Toronto
I grew up in Scarborough, Ontario and completed my undergraduate degree in Life Sciences and PhD in Physiology at Queen’s University. I returned to the GTA for medical school at the University of Toronto and have 2 young sons that were born during this time. I am excited to begin my Anesthesiology residency training at Western University and am looking forward to exploring the local trails and camping in and around London.
Kendra Naismith
Medical School: Western University
A little about me: I am from Markham, ON. I completed my undergrad at the University of Toronto with a double major in Physiology and Human Biology: Health & Disease, as well as a minor in Latin. I completed medical school at Western – Windsor Campus. Outside of medicine I love to rock climb, hike, knit, and play piano. I also enjoy spending time with friends, especially when board games are involved. My golden retriever-lab mix puppy, Pippa, and I are so excited for this new adventure in London, and I can’t wait to join the Western anesthesia team!
Derek Nap
Medical School: Western University
Bio: I was born and raised in Sarnia and have spent most of my life in Southwestern Ontario. I did my undergrad and medicine at Western, and am stoked to be returning for the three-peat!
I enjoy being active with hockey/skiing in the winter and rollerblading/diving in the summer.
William Newmarch
Bio: I am originally from Kamloops, British Columbia but moved to Kingston for my undergrad where I studied civil engineering at Queen’s University (don’t judge me). I worked in engineering for a few years before heading across the Atlantic to study medicine in Ireland. I was thrilled to match back to Canada in internal medicine but felt that my true passion was in anesthesia. I am very excited to now be joining the anesthesia program here at Western.
Outside of medicine, I enjoy travelling and basically any outdoor activity. After a year of residency, I also enjoy catching up on some sleep!
Edward Noh
Medical School: University of Manitoba
I am South Korean, but I was raised in Winnipeg. I felt compelled to escape so I completed my undergraduate degree in Health Sciences at McMaster University. It appears as though fate has allowed me to escape the grasp of my hometown once more (just kidding Winnipeg, I still love you).
I am a very simple man. I enjoy lifting weights.
Jill Querney
Medical School: Northern Ontario School of Medicine
Bio: I was born and raised in Sudbury ON, where I also completed medical school. I did my undergraduate degree at Western University, and am happy to be coming back to London ON to join the Anesthesia Department (I originally started residency in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, but injured my wrist)!
In my spare time I enjoy cooking, running, and playing with my dog, Cookie.
Bill Regan
My full name is William, but I have gone by Bill or Billy my entire life. I was born at Joe’s here in London but was raised as the eldest of four in Vancouver. I did my undergrad at UBC and ran with UBC’s Track team during my time there. Following my undergrad, I moved to Edmonton where I completed my dual medicine and master’s degrees. While in Edmonton I also enjoyed outdoor hockey and snowboarding on the mountains nearby. Prior to residency my other hobbies included playing the saxophone and surfing.
Matthew Roche
Medical School: Western University
I completed my undergrad at the University of Waterloo in Health Science and medical school at Western University. London is home for me, and I am thrilled to be returning to Western for my Anesthesia training.
Outside of school you can find me on the tennis/squash court or playing table tennis. I also enjoy watching Formula 1 (go Hamilton!) and hope to attend races in the future. I enjoy hiking and have recently taken up skiing. I grew up eating Indian food, but I am constantly looking for new culinary adventures.
I am looking forward to starting the next chapter with everyone at Western!
Joobin Sattar
Medical School: Queen’s University
Bio: I moved to Canada with my family at a young age and grew up in Toronto. I ended up doing my undergrad at U of T in the physiology specialist program and followed that up with a Masters in cardiac physiology. I’m really excited to continue this passion in anesthesia!
Outside school, I enjoy any and all racquet sports, especially a good game of squash. I’ve also had the chance to dabble in entrepreneurial ventures in the past and hoping to start it again at some point in the future. Lastly, I’m learning to cook Persian dishes, but still have had no success in mastering the family recipes.
Carolyn Scott
Medical School: Western University
Bio: I was born and raised in Toronto, then moved to England to study biochemistry at the University of Oxford. I worked in England for a few years afterwards, as a management consultant, before changing careers and returning to Canada for medical school here in London.
Outside of medicine, I enjoy playing hockey and tennis as well as watching endless amounts of trash reality TV. I'm a diehard Leafs fan and also love to bake and try out new recipes on my willing taste tester, my partner Matt.
David Shin
Medical School: McMaster University
I was born in South Korea, but immigrated to Canada with my family shortly after and grew up in Toronto. I went to McMaster for my undergraduate degree in Health Sciences, and ended up staying in Hamilton for medical school as well. Outside of medicine, I enjoy photography, running, hiking, squash, and playing video games. I also love rewatching seasons from Friends and The Office. I’m looking forward to joining the team at Western!
Priyanka Singh
Medical School: Western University
Bio: My name is Priyanka Singh and I’m from London, ON. I did my undergrad at Western in business administration and medical sciences, and then completed medical school at Western as well. I am excited to be joining the Western anesthesia team for residency and can’t wait to meet everyone! Outside of medicine, I love playing tennis and have branched out to trying pickleball. I also love travelling and spending time with friends trying new restaurants or watching Netflix.
Rohin Tangri
Medical School: University of Western Ontario
I'm from Mississauga, and I attended Western for undergrad and medical school. I love the campus bagels, so I knew I couldn't leave yet.
I have learned so much clinical wisdom from medicine podcasts. One day, I would love to build my own for anesthesia trainees and med students.
Come chat with me about weight-training, anime, and Korean-fried chicken!
Jelena Tanic
Medical School: Western University
Bio: I completed my undergraduate and Master’s degrees in Lab Medicine and Pathobiology at the University of Toronto, and continued my work there as a research associate which I thoroughly enjoyed. Following this I moved to Western for medical school, and am very excited to continue my journey here for residency! In my spare time I stay active by playing a bit of volleyball, tennis, and snowboarding in the winter. I also love coffee, travelling, painting very poorly, and any type of puzzling!
Amanda Wen
Medical School: Western University
I was born in Toronto, but moved to Belgium soon after. I came back to Toronto when I was 6 (where I was quickly set straight on the correct franco-ontarian pronunciation of things!), and ended up attending the University of Toronto for a BSc in Human Biology. I then journeyed to Western for my medical degree and am excited to stay in London for residency! My partner, Kevin, will be starting his residency training at Western as well in Ophthalmology. Together, we have a five-year-old German shepherd mix Kida, who has an an affinity for all things muddy, and three gerbils. In my free time, I like to play piano, work out, go snowboarding with friends, learn art history and Danish, and I am currently fostering a new love for baking bread.
Jonathan West
I was born and raised in Toronto and did my undergrad degree in the US and a Master’s in chemistry at McMaster. I completed my medical degree in Ireland and I am really looking forward to living and training in London! My interests include baseball, football, golf, working out, playing guitar and watching Jeopardy!
Harley Williams
Medical School: Western University
Bio: Happy to report the London Lifer energy is strong here! I was born and raised a few streets over from University Hospital and was thrilled to return to Western for my Master’s and medical school after a short stint at Queen’s University for my undergrad in Kinesiology.
Outside of medicine, you can catch me anywhere outdoors, whether it’s the ski slopes, soccer field, or on a plane somewhere new. I couldn’t be more excited for this next adventure with Western Anesthesia!
Grace Xu
Medical school: McMaster University - Waterloo Regional Campus
I grew up in Waterloo and went to McMaster for my undergrad in Health Sciences, then ended up back home in Waterloo for medical school at Mac. In first year, I happened to look behind the blue curtain out of curiosity on an orthopedics observership and I guess I never looked back. I’m so excited to join the Western anesthesia fam and explore London!
Feel free to chat with me about houseplants, badminton, or favourite cookie or instant pot recipes. I also enjoy a good cup of coffee but I don’t discriminate when it’s 5am.
Sofia Zhang-Jiang
Medical School: University of British Columbia
Born and raised in Chile, I moved to BC in 2010. I completed my undergrad at McMaster and medical school at UBC and am very excited to head to Western for my anesthesia residency. In my spare time, I like writing, rewatching Friends, doing DIY projects, going for walks, and trying new restaurants. Looking forward to joining the specialty!
Kado Zimmo
Medical School: Dalhousie University
Bio: A Londoner from the beginning, I was born and raised here and completed my undergraduate degree at Western University in Medical Sciences. I went on to complete Medical School in Halifax at Dalhousie University, and am thrilled to return to London for Residency. In my spare time, I enjoy the outdoors, exercising, and spending time with my oversized family. I’ve recently discovered foods and the joys it brings and am a newly self-acclaimed (but not yet great) foodie.