Medcan Medical Team
Medcan has assembled a team of dedicated, experienced, and respected medical professionals to provide our clients with the best in medical care.

Medcan Medical Team: Directors
James J. Aw, MD, DOHS, CTH (TM)
Medical Director
Dr. Aw is the Medical Director of the Medcan Clinic. He oversees the physician team, clinical protocols and medical programs and is involved with strategic research and business development at Medcan. His interests are in occupational, preventive and travel medicine. He is a senior consultant for several companies in various industries including medical directorship for one of North America's largest international financial institutions and has been involved in corporate medicine for over 10 years. Dr. Aw is a graduate of the University of Ottawa School of Medicine (MD) and diplomate in occupational health and safety (DOHS) from McMaster University. He has acquired post-graduate training in international health and travel medicine in the U.K. (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine), Uganda (U. of Makerere), Barbados (U. of West Indies) and U.S.A. He is a certificant of the core curriculum in occupational medicine from the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, previously an American Board Certified Independent Medical Examiner (CIME) and certified in Travel Health (CTH) by the International Society of Travel Medicine. He maintains an active primary care clinical practice based in Toronto's financial district with past experience in community based medicine. Dr. Aw has previously been a physician peer reviewer for the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, published peer reviewed articles in his areas of interest and participates in clinical trial research. Dr. Aw is a member of the National Corporate Medical Associates of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York and maintains ongoing clinical observerships at Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine in Baltimore, USA.
Tim Cook, MD, FRCPC, DTMH, MPH
Associate Medical Director
Dr. Cook is a specialist in internal medicine and tropical medicine. He is a medical graduate of Queen's University (gold medalist), obtained his fellowship in internal medicine (FRCPC) from the University of Toronto and his diploma in tropical medicine (DTMH) from the London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. He has held multiple senior medical appointments in the military (retired lieutenant colonel) and has served as a medical consultant to industry in travel medicine. Dr. Cook is an active lecturer and currently an associate staff in the department of Internal Medicine at the University Health Network and Mt. Sinai Hospital in Toronto. He has served on a Pandemic Flu Preparedness committee with the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care and is an advisor to the Canadian Forces Directorate of Preventive Medicine. His areas of interest include infectious diseases, lipid disorders, endocrinology and preventive medicine.
Leslie Beck, RD
Director, Nutrition
As one of Canada's leading nutritionists, Leslie is the Director of Nutrition at the Medcan Clinic, where she operates a successful private practice. Leslie offers clients dietary advice, customized meal plans, and science-based recommendations on the use of nutritional supplements. Leslie is recognized by the media as an authority on nutrition and food issues and is an experienced communicator in television, radio and print media. She writes a weekly column in The Globe and Mail, Canada's national newspaper and appears weekly on CTV as Canada AM's nutrition expert. Leslie's nutrition advice can also be heard weekly on Montreal's CJAD Morning Radio and Toronto's EZ Rock Radio. Leslie is the best-selling author of 9 books on nutrition and health: Heart Healthy Foods for Life, Foods that Fight Disease, The No-Fail Diet, Healthy Eating for Preteens and Teens, Leslie Beck's Nutrition Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy, Leslie Beck's Nutrition Guide to Menopause, Leslie Beck's 10 Steps to Healthy Eating, Leslie Beck's Nutrition Encyclopedia, and Leslie Beck's Nutrition Guide for Women. Her books are published by Penguin Canada. Leslie consults with many leading businesses and international food companies located in Canada, the U.S. and Europe. She delivers nutrition seminars and workshops to corporate groups in North America. Having a strong interest in sports nutrition, Leslie acted as nutritionist to the Canadian International Marathon and the NBA's Toronto Raptors Basketball Club. Leslie keeps fit herself by running, cycling, and weight training. Born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, Leslie obtained her Bachelor of Science (Dietetics) from the University of British Columbia and proceeded to complete the dietetic internship program at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto. She studied a Masters in Epidemiology at the University of Toronto. She is a member the College of Dietitians of Ontario and Dietitians of Canada. Visit Leslie at www.lesliebeck.com. Her website is updated weekly.
Jill Davies, M.Sc., CCGC,
Director, Genetics
Jill Davies is the Genetics Program Director at the Medcan Clinic. With over 10 years of experience in genetic counselling, Jill works in partnership with Geneticist Dr. Lea Velsher to develop and deliver leading-edge preventive genetic services at Medcan. Prior to joining Medcan, Jill provided genetic counselling services related to prenatal and general genetics at the Rouge Valley Health System. During her years in practice, she has provided a range of genetic services, from classical genetics to genomics, including pharmacogenomic testing. Her special interest is in the role of genetics in primary care and preventive medicine. Her focus is to bring the most advanced genetics knowledge to individuals to help them optimize health and manage risk for disease. Jill received her Master of Science degree in Genetic Counselling from the University of Manchester, UK. She is a Canadian board certified genetic counsellor and an active member of the Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors (CAGC).
Timothy Devlin, MD, FRCP(C)
Director, Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Clinic
A graduate of the University of Toronto medical school, Dr. Devlin is a practicing Gastroenterologist with dual specialties in Gastroenterology and General Internal Medicine. He has held positions as Chair Pharmacy and Therapeutics and the Chair of Records at The Scarborough Hospital. He currently serves as an Instructor at the University of Toronto. Dr. Devlin has been with Medcan for over 10 years, and is responsible for the high quality and safety standards of the Medcan Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Clinic.
James Haroun, MD, FRCP(C)
Director, Medical Imaging
Dr James Haroun is a specialist in Diagnostic Imaging. After completing a Bachelor of Science degree (Honours Physiology) at McGill University, he attended medical school at The George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C., where he achieved the Dean's Honours List, and became a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha honour society. Following in his father's footsteps, he then completed his residency in radiology at the University of Toronto. He then completed a fellowship in Cross-sectional imaging at St. Michael's Hospital (University of Toronto). He currently specializes in CT/MRI. In addition to cross sectional imaging, he has a keen interest and breadth of knowledge of many facets of radiology, including ultrasound and bone density. He also possesses a vast experience and special interest in mammography.
Kevin C. Kain, MD, FRCPC
Director, Global Health
Dr. Kain is a specialist in global infectious diseases, microbiology, travel and tropical medicine. He received his medical degree (cum laude) from the University of Western Ontario, undertook his residency training at the University of British Columbia, and post-doctoral research training as a Senior Research Associate in the Department of Immunology, at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Washington DC. Dr. Kain is the Director, McLaughlin-Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network (UHN) - Toronto General Hospital; the Director, Global Health, McLaughlin Centre for Molecular Medicine, University of Toronto; Director, The Center for Travel and Tropical Medicine at the UHN-Toronto General Hospital; a Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto, and holds a Canada Research Chair in Molecular Parasitology. Dr. Kain has worked extensively in the tropics and sub-tropics including New Guinea, Uganda, Kenya, Madagascar, Honduras, Laos, Thailand, Indonesia and the Amazon basin. Dr Kain was profiled by TIME magazine as one of “Canada’s Best in Medicine”. He also received the: Distinguished Service Award, Global Health Education Consortium, University of California (2006) and John Evans Lectureship in Global Health (2006). He has served as chairperson on Health Canada’s Committee to Advise on Tropical Medicine and Travel, the Scientific Advisory Board of the Malaria Foundation, Board member of the Programme for Appropriate Technology (PATH) Canada, and as a consultant to many organizations including the World Health Organization, Red Cross, Canadian Blood Services, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta.
Robert Myers, MD, FRCPC, FACC, ABIM
Director, Medcan Cardiology
Dr. Myers obtained his medical degree at the University of Manitoba and completed fellowship training in internal medicine and cardiology at the University of Toronto and Boston University. He is a staff cardiologist at Sunnybrook & Women’s College Health Science Centre (SWCHSC) and Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine, University of Toronto. Dr. Myers is trained in echocardiography and has a special interest in congestive heart failure as well as patient education. He is founder and director of the AstraZeneca/SWCHSC Congestive Heart Failure Clinic. In addition to several published peer reviewed articles, he is the author of four books on medical related topics geared towards patients. Dr. Myers has sat on various university and hospital committees and is a cardiology quality assurance assessor for the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
Gus Peller, MD
Director, Medcan Wellness Program
Dr. Peller is a medical graduate of the University of Toronto and completed two years of a residency in internal medicine at McMaster University before deciding to go into private practice. He has over 25 years experience in primary care both in Canada and for 10 years running a private practice in the United States (New York State). He has had multiple hospital privileges in various medical departments including intensive care, obstetrics, internal medicine and pediatrics and was an emergency room physician. His areas of interest include preventive medicine and primary care.
Rajiv Singal, MD, FRCSC
Director, Medcan Urology
Dr. Singal obtained his medical degree and fellowship training in surgical urology (FRCSC) from the University of Toronto. He has been trained in endourology and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (kidney stone diseases) at the University of Western Ontario and completed a comprehensive surgical internship at the Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. Dr. Singal is the Head, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery at the Toronto East General Hospital (TEGH) and is a lecturer with the University of Toronto. He has received teaching awards and is the current Supervisor of the Clinical Surgical Fellows in Endourology, TEGH, University of Toronto and teaches urology for University of Toronto medical students and Family Practice Residents. Dr. Singal has held various leadership positions in academic affiliated hospital settings and sits on various committees including Chair of the Infection Control and Laser Safety Committees at TEGH. He has published several articles in his areas of interest and presented at international conferences. Dr. Singal is a principal investigator in several ongoing clinical research studies for diseases of the prostate.
Medcan Medical Team
William Bateman, MD, Dip Aviation Medicine
Senior Medical Consultant
Dr. Bateman is a medical graduate of Queen’s University and diplomate in Aviation Medicine from the RAF School of Aviation Medicine in the United Kingdom. He specializes in military, aerospace and diving medicine and is a Canadian Forces Flight Surgeon and Advanced Diving Medical Officer as well as being a certified SCUBA diver and pilot. He was a former Medical Officer in the Canadian Forces (1980-2000) with previous rank of Commander and currently Medical Officer at Research and Development CANADA (Toronto) where he is involved with training and education. He also sits on various committees that establish guidelines and standards in the practice of aviation medicine. Dr. Bateman has been an active Emergency Medicine physician at various hospitals since 1985; having worked shifts in the University Health Network (Toronto), Woodstock General Hospital (Woodstock), West Parry Sound Health Centre (Parry Sound) as well as the Niagara Health System, Grand River/St. Mary’s Hospital (Kitchener) and University Hospital (London). Dr. Bateman has been an Advanced Cardiac Life Support Instructor (ACLS) since 1988. He is an on-call surgical assistant at Humber River Regional Hospital in Toronto. Dr. Bateman is a lecturer in the Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto since 2000. He has published several articles in medical journals in his areas of specialty.
Subita Behki, MD, CCFP
Senior Medical Consultant
Dr. Behki is a medical graduate of Queen's University. She completed a family medicine residency at the University of Ottawa, and trained residents for many years in sexual health and general medicine. Before joining the Medcan team, Dr. Behki had an active family practice for 12 years in downtown Toronto where she communicated with her patients in both English and French. In the past she has written articles and spoken about a variety of Primary Care and Women's Health issues. Most recently she was featured on CTV's Balance.
Edward Bekeris, B. Eng, P. Eng, MSc(A), MD
Senior Medical Consultant
Dr. Bekeris obtained his medical degree at the University of Western Ontario, clinical internship at St. Joseph's Hospital and Masters of Science (Applied) in Occupational Health at McGill University. He has been an emergency medicine physician, hospitalist and medical staff associate at William Osler Health Centre/Etobicoke General Hospital since 1992. Dr. Bekeris is a member of the Hospital's Disaster Response Committee. Dr. Bekeris has over 20 years experience in both the military (Senior Medical Officer/Flight Surgeon in the Canadian Armed Forces) and commercial aviation medicine fields. He was the former Chief Medical Officer, Air Canada (2004-2009) and previous Director, Regional Occupational Health Services, Air Canada (1992-2003). His role with the airline included providing healthcare support to pilots and flight crew in addition to oversight of preventive corporate health and safety programs including travel medicine. Dr. Bekeris is also an Aviation Medical Officer with Transport Canada and remains a Reserve Medical Officer for the Department of National Defence. His original professional work was as an aerospace engineer before specializing in aviation medicine. Dr. Bekeris is an appointed Civil Aviation Medical Examiner. He also has experience working in community health clinics with the Public Health Departments of Toronto (1992-2001) and North Bay (1987-1992). His areas of interest include preventive medicine.
Shirley Blanc, B.Sc., O.D.
Optometrist
Dr. Blanc obtained her Bachelor of Science in Honours Science at the University of Waterloo. She then went on to graduate with a Doctorate of Optometry in 2001. Her studies at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry included a four month internship with a multi-disciplinary ophthalmological and optometric practice in Salt Lake City where she gained experience in ocular pathology and therapeutics. Dr. Blanc has worked in both private practice, and in a laser eye surgery setting performing pre- and post-operative assessments, and counselling patients on risks and candidacy for surgery. Dr. Blanc is a member of good standing in the Canadian Association of Optometrists, Ontario Association of Optometrists and the College of Optometrists of Ontario.
Catherine Campbell MSc, MD, CCFP, FCFP, Diploma Sports Medicine (CASM)
Senior Medical Consultant
Dr. Campbell obtained her medical degree from McMaster University, School of Medicine, residency in family practice at the University of British Columbia (CCFP) and has fellowship status with the College of Family Physicians of Canada (FCFP). She is a Diplomate in Sports Medicine from the Canadian Academy of Sports Medicine, Diplomate and certified in Sports Medicine by the American Board of Family Practice and has a Master of Science (MSc) with a major in exercise physiology, Dalhousie University. Dr. Campbell also completed a year of general surgery residency at the University of British Columbia. She has over 20 years experience in family practice both in Canada and the United States where she was Medical Director, Preventive Medicine, Park Plaza Hospital and Clinical Assistant Professor of Family Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. She has held various leadership positions during her career including Director, Occupational Medicine and Chief of Family Practice Section, Columbia/HCA Medical Center Hospital and Chief of Staff, Intracare Hospital in Houston. Dr. Campbell has been very active in the field of sports medicine. She is the current Medical Director, FIFA U20 Men’s World Cup (Toronto Site) and past team physician for the Canadian Women’s World Cup Soccer Team attending 5 world cup competitions and over 40 international competitions (2000-2007) as well as acting as a physician for Skate Canada events. She also has extensive coaching experience for high performance athletes at both national and international levels. Dr. Campbell has published several articles in peer reviewed medical journals in her areas of interest as well as being a speaker at several medical conferences. Her interests are in wellness and preventive health.
David Carr, MD,CCFP(EM)
Senior Medical Consultant
Dr. Carr obtained his medical degree from the University of Ottawa, Family Medicine Residency at the University of Toronto (Sunnybrook and Women’s College Health Sciences where he was Chief Resident) and Emergency Medicine Certification (EM) from the Canadian College of Family Physicians at the University of Western Ontario. He is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Family and Community Medicine, Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Toronto and Assistant Director of Education, University Health Network (UHN). Dr. Carr is a certificant of the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CCFP). He is active emergency physician staff at the University Health Network, York Central Hospital and Sunnybrook Hospital and a stadium physician at the Rogers Centre. Dr. Carr remains an instructor for the Ontario College of Family Physicians, Emergency Medicine Primer and a member of various organizing committees at UHN. He has a particular interest in Toxicology and Peripheral Arterial Disease and is a chapter author in medical education texts. Dr. Carr has received and been nominated for various awards in teaching and clinical skills in emergency medicine and has presented at various professional medical meetings in emergency medicine.
David Caspari, MD, PEng., FACP, FRCP(C), MBA
Senior Medical Consultant
Dr. Caspari is a specialist in Emergency Medicine and Internal Medicine and has extensive experience in preventive health at the Medcan Clinic. He is also the Director of Medcan's Physician Mentorship Program. Dr. Caspari is a graduate of the University of Toronto medical school and has also completed an Executive MBA and an Engineering degree. In addition to his responsibilities at Medcan, Dr. Caspari has served as a Vice President, Strategic Health Development at Monsanto Canada and is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto.
Farrell Cogan, MD, CCFP, MBA
Senior Medical Consultant
Dr. Cogan is a medical graduate of the University of Toronto and received his MBA at the Schulich School of Business, York University. He has over 20 years of clinical experience in primary care and is active staff in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at North York General Hospital. Dr. Cogan is a lecturer in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto for medical students and examiner for the College of Family Physicians of Canada. He has been a consultant in occupational health in the private sector and has a special interest in preventive health care and diabetes.
Lori Coman-Wood, MD
Senior Medical Consultant
Dr. Coman-Wood obtained her medical degree at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario and completed her internship training at Women's College Hospital, University of Toronto. She has been on Active or Courtesy Staff as a member of the Department of Family Practice at the Credit Valley Hospital since 1988. Dr. Coman-Wood has extensive clinical experience in community based primary care and family practice. She has been a member of several hospital based committees in various areas including Pediatrics, Asthma Education and a past executive member for the Department of Family Medicine, Credit Valley Hospital (1995-1997). Her interests are in preventive medicine.
Ilona Dreyzin, MD, CCFP, FCFP
Senior Medical Consultant
Dr. Dreyzin obtained her medical degree from the University of Toronto and completed a Family Practice Residency program (CCFP) at Mount Sinai Hospital. She is a fellow of the College of Family Physicians (FCFP). She is active staff at North York General Hospital where she also is a surgical assistant. Dr. Dreyzin is a teacher and supervisor for students in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Northern Ontario School of Medicine and the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. She maintains a family practice with over 15 years of experience in primary care. Dr. Dreyzin is also a certified Pilates instructor with professional interests in fitness and preventive medicine.
Lorne Greenspan, MD, FRCP(C)
Senior Medical Consultant
Dr. Lorne Greenspan is a Senior Medical Consultant at the Medcan Clinic. He has held clinical leadership roles at Medcan and has contributed to a high calibre of medical care using new modalities and innovative risk management strategies. Prior to Medcan he was Deputy Clinical Director of Emergency Medicine at the Toronto General Hospital and remains an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto. He has consulted to national and international medical organizations, government and private enterprises.
Steven Hirsch, MD, CCFP, FCFP
Senior Medical Consultant
Dr. Steve Hirsch is a graduate of Dalhousie University Medical school and the Residency Program of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto. He currently practices Family Medicine in Mississauga in a group practice, where he was managing partner. He is on Active Staff, Department of Family Medicine, the Credit Valley Hospital. He was an Emergency Physician at the hospital from 1985 to 2004. In addition to serving as Chief of Family Medicine at the Credit Valley Hospital, he has chaired and served on numerous committees. Dr. Hirsch is presently Lead Physician of the CVH Family Health Group of Mississauga, a group of 40 physicians providing comprehensive family medicine care at various offices throughout the city. Dr. Hirsch is a trained facilitator and facilitates many educational workshops for physicians and the public. Dr. Hirsch is also on staff at the North York General Hospital, Dept of Emergency Medicine, where he works at the Branson Site, Urgent Care Centre. Dr. Hirsch has been a Senior Medical Consultant at the Medcan Clinic for 11 years, and has a special interest in preventive medicine and health promotion.
Vera Kohut, BSc, MD, CCFP
Senior Medical Consultant
Dr. Kohut is a medical graduate of the University of Calgary with a background in pharmacology and is a certificant of the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CCFP). She has over 25 years of clinical experience in family practice and hospital based care including acute and chronic care from obstetrics (over 1300 deliveries), pediatrics to elder care. Dr. Kohut is a physician at Mt. Sinai Hospital and was previously affiliated with Peel Memorial Community Hospital (1981-1996). She is a clinical instructor of medical students, interns and residents in Family Medicine and Obstetrics with the University of Toronto as well as a past examiner for the College of Family Medicine. Dr. Kohut has worked in multidisciplinary primary care and infertility clinic settings in Toronto since 1996. She has held various leadership and committee roles with the Peel District Health Council, Peel Memorial Hospital and the Ontario Medical Association. In 2008, Dr. Kohut was appointed to the Assisted Human Reproduction, Canada Science Advisory Panel, Health Canada. She has an avid interest in sports, health and nutrition as well as preventive medicine.
Susy Lin, MD, CCFP
Senior Medical Consultant
Dr. Lin is a graduate of the University of Toronto Medical School. She completed her residency in Family Medicine at The Toronto Hospital (now known as the University Health Network). Dr. Lin has also completed additional training in travel medicine through the Swiss Tropical Institute. She has been Certified in Travel Health through the International Society of Travel Medicine. Her expertise includes women’s health, travel medicine and preventative health medicine.
Natalie Mamen, MD, CCFP (EM, Dip Sports Med)
Senior Medical Consultant
Dr. Mamen obtained her medical degree from McMaster University, Family Medicine Residency at the University of Toronto (where she was Chief Resident at Toronto East General Hospital), Emergency Medicine Certification from the Canadian College of Family Physicians and a Diploma in Sports Medicine. She holds a Masters of Science in Exercise Physiology from York University as well as being an accomplished varsity level athlete in various sports (Provincial and National Titles in Gymnastics; Queen’s University All Canadian). Dr. Mamen is a certificant of the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CCFP). She is a full time emergency medicine physician at Toronto East General Hospital where she is active teaching residents and medical students in addition to having hospital privileges at Mt. Sinai Hospital. She is a Lecturer, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto and Tutor, Determinants of Community Health, University of Toronto. Dr. Mamen has received awards in the areas of teaching excellence and most recently the 2008 Winner of the Toronto East General Hospital Emerging Teacher of the Year Award (emergency department).
Carolyn McGowan, MD, CCFP
Senior Medical Consultant
Dr. McGowan obtained her medical degree from the University of Toronto ('95), pre-med undergraduate at Queen's University (B.Sc) and completed her training in family medicine at the University of Western Ontario. She is a certificant of the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CCFP). Her work experience has involved a combination of community based medical clinics in Toronto, general medicine in Northern Ontario as well as primary care services for the University of Guelph Student Health Services. Dr. McGowan has also been a surgical assistant for the Shouldice Hospital. Dr. McGowan's interests are in preventive health.
Janet Richardson, MD, CCFP (EM), FCFP
Senior Medical Consultant
Dr. Richardson obtained her medical degree from the University of Western Ontario. She is a certificant and fellow of the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CCFP, FCFP) and specializes in Emergency Medicine (EM).  She is active staff in emergency medicine at the William Osler Health Centre and has been training physician residents from the University of Toronto and McMaster University in Family and Emergency Medicine for the last 12 years.  Dr. Richardson also maintains a primary care practice in addition to being a staff physician for Peel Public Health.  She has been a past examiner for the College of Family Physicians of Canada and a former member of various hospital and university based committees.  She has a special interest in wellness and preventive medicine.
Suneet Sihota, B.Sc., O.D.
Optometrist
Dr. Sihota obtained her Bachelor of Science and Doctorate of Optometry degrees from the University of Waterloo in 2007. Prior to joining Medcan, she practiced primary care in Brampton, ON. Dr. Sihota has also practiced as a clinical supervisor at the University of Waterloo. During her time as an intern she worked at the Eye Associates of Pinellas in Florida where she gained experience with ocular pathology and therapeutics. Dr. Sihota is a member in good standing of the College of Optometrists of Ontario and the Ontario Association of Optometrists.
Dan Stephen, MD, CCFP, DOHS
Senior Medical Consultant
Dr. Stephen obtained his medical degree from the University of Toronto and completed his residency program in Family Medicine at Toronto Western Hospital. He is a Certificant of the College of Family Physicians (CCFP) and a Diplomate in Occupational Health and Safety, McMaster University. Dr. Stephen has over 30 years experience in clinical medicine and family practice. He has been a previous emergency physician at Toronto Western Hospital as well as former Assistant Medical Director in long term health care institutions (Belmont House for the Aged). He specializes in occupational health and has been past medical officer for various industries including Molson Ontario Breweries, medical consultant for the Workers Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) and is currently a medical consultant in the aerospace industry (Honeywell). Dr. Stephen’s areas of interest include preventive and clinical medicine.
Lianne Tile, MD, MEd, FRCP (C)
Senior Medical Consultant
Dr. Tile is a general internist at the Toronto General Hospital (TGH) and the University Health Network (UHN). She is attending clinical staff in the Internal Medicine Inpatient Consultation Service at Mt. Sinai Hospital and UHN as well as in the Osteoporosis Clinic at TGH. Dr. Tile holds a doctorate in medicine (MD) from Queen’s University, and she completed her postgraduate fellowship specialty training in internal medicine (FRCP) at Queen’s University and the University of Toronto. She was chief resident at St. Michael’s Hospital during her training. She also holds a Masters of Education in health professional education from the University of Toronto and is certified as a clinical bone densitomitrist and by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Tile is currently a co-investigator with several clinical trials of osteoporosis and women’s health at University Health Network. Her other interests include medical consultation, and curriculum design.
Kiran Virdy, MD, CCFP, FCFP
Senior Medical Consultant
Kiran Virdy, MD, CCFP Dr. Virdy obtained her medical degree from the University of Toronto and completed a Family Practice Residency program at Women’s College Hospital. She is a certificant of the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CCFP). Dr. Virdy has been working in private family practice in community based settings for over 10 years servicing culturally diverse patient populations. She has a special interest in preventive medicine.
Janice Weiss, MD
Senior Medical Consultant
Dr. Weiss is a medical graduate of the University of Toronto with over 20 years experience in primary care as a general medical practitioner in both academic and community medical settings. She is active staff at the Scarborough Hospital and courtesy staff at the Rouge Valley Health System and Humber River Regional Hospital. Dr. Weiss was founder and director of the Prenatal Unit and former Chief of the Department of Family Practice at the Scarborough Grace Hospital (1989-1991). Dr. Weiss has an active general practice and is part of a physician group in a community medical clinic. In the past, she has been a physician surgical assistant in orthopedics at the Humber River Regional Hospital, former emergency room staff physician at the Scarborough Hospital and the Centenary Hospital (now the Rouge Valley Health System) and had obstetrical privileges. Dr. Weiss has also been involved in several committees over the years, most recently involved with planning CME programs such as the Annual Clinical Practice Update Day in Endocrinology & Diabetes.
David Wortzman, MD, FRCPC
Senior Medical Consultant
Dr. Wortzman obtained his medical degree from the University of Toronto and specialty training in Emergency Medicine (FRCPC) at McGill University where he was Chief Resident. He completed a clinical fellowship in Trauma at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto. Dr. Wortzman has over 20 years of clinical experience in hospital settings and remains a Lecturer, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto. He was former Chief of Emergency Medicine and Clinical Director of Emergency Medicine Program, York Central Hospital (1996-2001); Trauma Team Leader and Emergency Physician Staff, Sunnybrook Medical Centre (1988-1992) and since 1990 remains an Emergency physician at Markham Stouffville Hospital. He has also been a flight physician for Skyservice Lifeguard, Coroner for the Province of Ontario and Clinical Director for Parkview Ambulance Services. Dr. Wortzman has held various leadership positions in both academic settings and industry. He was Director of Safety and Special Access in a biopharmaceutical company (2001-2003) that developed Phase II/III protocols for a blood substitute product for Coronary Arterial Bypass Surgery and Anemia. Most recently he was Director of Medical Affairs at Wyeth Pharmaceuticals (2003-2008) where he was responsible for all therapeutic areas and clinical operations of Phase IV Clinical Studies and Phase III studies for marketed products. He also developed clinical and publication plans for all therapeutic areas and oversaw the Medical Affairs Department. Dr. Wortzman received industry awards as a therapeutic expert in vaccines and has presented to municipal, provincial and federal public health authorities specifically on Pneumococal Vaccines. Dr. Wortzman remains active in the area of medical and regulatory affairs for the pharmaceutical industry. He has published articles in his areas of interest of emergency medicine and has presented at both national and international medical meetings (Emergency Medicine, Vaccines). His clinical interests include peventive medicine.
Medcan Medical Team: Specialists
Jeff Axler, MD, FRCP(C)
Senior Medical Consultant, Gastroenterelogy
Dr. Jeff Axler obtained his medical degree from the University of Toronto and began a general practice in Niagara Falls. He returned to Toronto to complete his Internal Medicine and Gastrointestinal (GI) residencies and did an extra year’s fellowship research in Nutrition with Dr. Khush Jeejeebhoy. In 1984 he joined Etobicoke General Hospital and since then has been practicing community gastroenterology. Dr. Axler helped build the GI program in Etobicoke and later expanded it to Brampton. He has led this program as Division Head of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy at William Osler Health Centre for the past four years, and looks forward to opening the new state-of-the-art Brampton Civic GI Unit in the Fall of 2007. He has served as an external consultant for the GI group at McMaster in Hamilton, and has been a GI medical-legal expert in the Superior Court of Justice for Ontario in Ottawa. He is affiliated with the University of Toronto, Mount Sinai, North York General, and Highlands Hospital, where he serves as a summer camp physician for two weeks annually. Dr. Axler is a partner of Toronto Digestive Disease Associates, a GI clinical research company in Toronto. Dr. Jeff Axler has served on the OAG Board of Directors for the last ten years, six of which have been on the Executive where he has served as Secretary, Treasurer and Vice-President. He is currently the Section Chair of Gastroenterology at the OMA and the OAG representative on Cancer Care Ontario’s Colonoscopy Guidelines Committee.
 Alan Barolet, MD, PhD, FRCPC
Senior Medical Consultant, Cardiology
Dr. Barolet received his medical degree (MD) and PhD from the University of Toronto. He is a specialist trained both in internal medicine and cardiology certified by the Royal College of Physicians of Canada. Dr. Barolet completed his fellowship training in Interventional Cardiology at St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto. He is a staff physician, Division of Cardiology at Mount Sinai Hospital and University Health Network with a special interest in Interventional Cardiology and Assistant Professor, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. Dr. Barolet has conducted research and published several articles in his areas of interest of cardiology. He remains active with teaching at the University and was recently awarded the 2008 Individual Teaching Excellence Award, Undergraduate at Mt. Sinai Hospital recognizing exemplary teachers nominated by their students.
Carl Bloom, MD
Senior Medical Consultant, Radiology
Dr. Bloom has relocated to Toronto from Montreal where he was Assistant Professor of Diagnostic Radiology at McGill University (1999-2006). He completed his medical schooling and residency at McGill University and completed two radiology fellowships at the University of Toronto, with additional training at the University of Pennsylvania. He specializes in abdominal and musculoskeletal imaging and has held medical directorship positions in magnetic resonance imaging at the Jewish General Hospital (1999-2006).
Aaron Blumenfeld, MD, FRCSC 
Senior Medical Consultant, Urology
Dr. Blumenfeld obtained his medical degree and completed his surgical residency training in Urology at the University of Toronto. He is dual-fellowship trained, having completed an Endourology fellowship at the Toronto East General Hospital, as well as an MIS/Robotics Urologic Oncology fellowship at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, New York. Dr. Blumenfeld has received several awards in teaching and research as well as scholarships during his undergraduate training. He is an expert in performing surgery with the Da Vinci Surgical Robotic System in the management of localized prostate cancer, invasive bladder cancer, and small renal masses. He is currently active staff at Lakeridge Health in Oshawa, and previously held staff positions at Roswell Park Cancer Institute and various hospitals in Ontario. Dr. Blumenfeld has published several papers in his varied areas of interest in urology.
Julia M. Carroll MD, FRCPC
Senior Medical Consultant, Dermatology
Dr. Carroll completed her dermatology training at the University of Toronto. Prior to her dermatology training she completed medical school at Dalhousie University, graduating Alpha Omega Alpha, and also attained a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Acadia University. She is an active member of the Canadian Dermatology Association, Canadian Medical Association, Ontario Medical Association, Toronto Dermatologic Society, American Dermatologic Society and the American Academy of Dermatology. Besides her busy dermatology practice, she is actively involved in the teaching of residents and medical students. She also acts as a spokesperson and consultant for a number of major skincare brands. Dr. Carroll approaches her interest in Cosmetic and Medical Dermatology with warmth and enthusiasm. Her patient-focused method provides optimal dermatologic care. As a dermatologist, Dr. Carroll is an expert in a number of cosmetic dermatologic procedures including Botox Cosmetic® injections, dermal fillers such as Juvederm® and Restylane®, Soft Lifts®, sclerotherapy and varicose vein treatment, chemical peels and laser procedures.
Paul Cohen, MD, FRCPC, DABD
Senior Medical Consultant, Dermatology
Dr. Cohen obtained his medical degree and fellowship in dermatology from the University of Toronto and is a Diplomat of the American Board of Dermatology. He is a recipient of the Ben Fisher Galderma Fellowship in Clinical and Surgical Dermatology award. Dr. Cohen completed additional fellowship training in the areas of pediatric, surgical and cosmetic dermatology. He has published articles and been a lecturer in various aspects of dermatology. He is active in the media and is currently Canada AM's resident dermatologist and has appeared in over 80 television programs.
David Fitchett, MA MB BChir MD (Cantab), MRCP (UK), FRCP(C), FACC, FESC
Senior Medical Consultant, Cardiology
Dr. David Fitchett graduated from Cambridge University in the United Kingdom in 1970, and continued his clinical training at The Middlesex Hospital Medical School, London. His cardiology training was at The Brompton and Hammersmith Hospitals where he completed his MD thesis in Clinical and Experimental Studies of Heart Muscle Disorders. In 1978 he went to The Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal where he was director of the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) for more than 10 years, and medical director of the cardiac transplant program. He is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC), The European Society of Cardiology (FESC) and of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada (FRCPC). In 1997 he came to St Michael's Hospital in Toronto as Director of the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Dr Fitchett has over 200 reviewed publications, abstracts, and book chapters His research interests are clinical trials in acute coronary syndromes, and the impact of diabetes and metabolic syndrome on heart disease. He was a leader in the development of the 2008 Canadian Diabetes Guidelines. Currently Dr Fitchett is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto and a Staff Cardiologist at St Michael's Hospital.
Ryan Groll, MD, FRCSC
Senior Medical Consultant, Urology
Dr. Groll obtained his medical degree at the University of Toronto and is a Clinical Surgical Fellow in Endourology and Laparoscopy at Toronto East General Hospital, Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, University of Toronto. He has received subspecialty training in advanced reconstructive urological laparascopy. He has received awards during his training as well as scholarships for academic achievement. Dr. Groll has published several research publications in his areas of interest in urology.
Michelle Levy, MD, FRCPC
Senior Medical Consultant, Dermatology
Dr. Levy graduated with honours from the University of Toronto's Faculty of Medicine in 1999. Following the successful completion of residency training in dermatology in 2004, Dr. Levy worked with a world-renowned dermatologic surgery practice in New York and New Jersey, becoming skilled in cosmetic dermatologic procedures. She has co-authored several publications on various topics in dermatology and has done clinical research in laser medicine. She is a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, as well as a diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology. Dr. Levy currently practices general dermatology in Toronto. She has lectured on her specialty to audiences of physicians and medical students, and regularly teaches dermatology to physicians-in-training.
Jodi Lofchy, MD, FRCPC
Senior Medical Consultant, Psychiatry
Dr. Jodi Lofchy is Director of Psychiatry Emergency Services at the University Health Network in Toronto. She is also Director of Undergraduate Education for the Department of Psychiatry and Associate Professor at the University of Toronto. After receiving her medical degree from Toronto University, Dr Lofchy completed her training in Vancouver, BC, followed by several years practicing as a GP. Dr Lofchy returned to Toronto to undertake the residency program in Psychiatry. This was followed by a 2-year Fellowship in Emergency Psychiatry at the Clarke Institute of Psychiatry where she was subsequently appointed Director of Emergency Services. Dr Lofchy has been involved in the development of formal teaching programs in Emergency Psychiatry at the University of Toronto and has assisted other universities in the creation of similar programs, having published widely in the areas of innovations in emergency education and medical education. She is currently Chair of the Canadian Psychiatric Association's Standing Committee on Education and was formerly Chair of the Canadian Organization of Undergraduate Psychiatric Educators. Dr Lofchy has been an invited lecturer, nationally and internationally, to speak on Emergency Psychiatry and Education, and has been the recipient of numerous teaching awards for excellence and innovation in education. These awards include the CPA's Paul Patterson Education Leadership award, the APA's Nancy Roeske Certificate of Recognition for Excellence in Medical Student Education and the American College of Psychiatrists' Award for Creativity in Education. Dr Lofchy is also a joint recipient of the CPA and Council of Psychiatric Continuing Education's (COPCE) Most Outstanding Continuing Education Activity in Psychiatry in Canada.
Daryl S Kucey, MD, MSc, MPH, FRCSC
Senior Medical Consultant, Vascular Surgery
Dr. Kucey obtained his medical degree at the University of Alberta, graduating with First Class Standing and Distinction. He completed the General Surgery Residency Training Program at the University of Toronto and during this time also completed a Masters of Science degree (MSc) in Cell Biology. During his general surgery training Dr. Kucey was exposed to Vascular Surgery and chose to complete a full residency program in Vascular Surgery at the University of Toronto. He is a fully certified surgeon by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada with a certificate of special competence in Vascular Surgery. In addition, he is a Board Certified Vascular Surgeon by the American Board of Surgery. Following surgical training he attended the Harvard School of Public Health and received a Masters of Public Health (MPH) Degree. Dr. Kucey joined Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre as a Staff Surgeon as well as a Clinical Scientist within the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) located at Sunnybrook. He has been extremely active with the Canadian Society for Vascular Surgery and is currently President of the Society.
Michael Robinette, MD, FRCSC
Senior Medical Consultant, Urology
Dr. Robinette graduated from the University of Toronto Medical School and completed his postgraduate surgical Urology Fellowship training in Toronto in 1974. He spent a year in London England at the London Hospital studying transplant and tumour immunology and returned to Toronto in 1976 to become a consultant surgeon at the Toronto General Hospital. His primary areas of interest are renal transplantation, urological cancer and stone disease.
Ted Shapero, MD, FRCP(C)
Senior Medical Consultant, Gastroenterology
Dr. Shapero is a medical graduate of the University of Toronto who completed fellowship specialty training in Internal Medicine (Toronto General Hospital) and Gastroenterology (Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal) in addition to a research fellowship in Hepatology, University of Southern California. Dr. Shapero has held leadership and clinical staff appointments in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and The Scarborough General Hospital. He was past Chief of Medicine, Scarborough General Hospital (95-99) and established the endoscopy units at both Sunnybrook and Scarborough General Hospitals (Director, Endoscopy Unit). He has been a member of several executive committees in hospital academic settings. He was a former Lecturer and Assistant Professor, Faculty of Medicine at University of Toronto and has published several articles in peer reviewed journals. Dr. Shapero currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Ontario Association of Gastroenterologists since 2008 and actively collaborates on research with the Institute of Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES). He has also lectured extensively with a particular interest in colorectal cancer screening in the community and remains active in clinical gastroenterology.
Wilfred Steinberg, MD, FRCS(C)
Senior Medical Consultant, Gynecology
Dr. Steinberg is a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology. He obtained his medical degree and fellowship specialty training in Obstetrics and Gynecology from the University of Toronto. He is Active Teaching and Clinical Staff with St. Michael’s Hospital and Assistant Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Toronto. His areas of interest include mature women’s health, colposcopy for HPV (human papilloma virus), contraception and abnormal uterine bleeding. Dr. Steinberg has held various leadership positions including past Medical Director of the Women’s Health Centre and President Medical Staff Association at St. Michael’s Hospital in addition to past executive and committee positions within the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) and College of Physicians and Surgeons regarding reproductive care, maternal mortality and adolescent sexuality. He maintains on the Executive Committee Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at St. Michael’s Hospital and has ongoing teaching and lecturer responsibilities both at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels with the University of Toronto. He has published several articles in his field of specialty and has been an invited speaker, coordinator and chair of educational programs at both national and international conferences. Dr. Steinberg has also consulted on legal and ethical issues in medicine for the OMA as well as other women’s health topics for governmental agencies. In addition to his academic and clinical responsibilities, Dr. Steinberg has been actively involved in developing outreach continuing medical education (CME) programs for community based and primary care physicians. He was recently co chair of the 2008 Women’s Health Update for Seacourses and the University of South Florida (Tampa). For the past 10 years, Dr. Steinberg has been the contributing editor on women’s health for Patient Care, a journal of specialist reviews directed towards primary care physicians as well as several editorial and advisory committees for various peer reviewed publications.
Lea Velsher, MD CM, FRCP(C), FCCMG
Geneticist
Dr. Lea Velsher is a graduate of McGill University. She did her postgraduate training in pediatrics at the Montreal Children’s Hospital followed by a fellowship in genetics at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Dr. Velsher is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada, a Fellow of the Canadian College of Medical Geneticists, and a diplomat of the American Board of Medical Genetics. She is currently on active staff at North York General Hospital and a lecturer at University of Toronto. Dr. Velsher is active in the OMA, the Northern Regional Genetics Program and is a consultant for the Familial Colon Cancer Clinic at Toronto Sunnybrook Regional Cancer Centre. Her interests include genetics of adult diseases and the integration of genetics into primary care practice.
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