This month we feature Dr. Scot Hamilton, Clinical Embryology Skills Development Laboratory Director and part of our MHSc in Laboratory Medicine team who was awarded the The John B. Walter Prize for Course & Curriculum Design & Development last year for his involvement in the program.
Dr. Hamilton has just been promoted to Associate Professor, effective July 1, 2025.
How long have you been at LMP and what does your role involve?
I joined the LMP Department in 2020 to help launch the new MHSc Program for training Pathologist’s Assistants and Clinical Embryologists. I have been a Clinical Embryologist and then Laboratory Director since 1990 and was thrilled to have the opportunity to develop the next generation of Clinical Embryologists.
Tell us about your research.
I became the Laboratory Director of Mount Sinai Fertility as the MHSc program was starting and was allowed to dedicate significant time to course development and teaching. Although I participate in clinical research projects led by Fellows in the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) Program (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology). I have been actively involved in teaching since I was a graduate student and the opportunity to teach in this new program gave me an incredible opportunity to do something significant.
What led you to pursue your current career path?
I was always interested in biology and medicine. I was fortunate to be able to pursue projects that increasingly focused on reproduction. During my PhD work, I studied in vitro fertilization (IVF) in rodents applying techniques also used in humans. This project occurred at Western University’s (then University of Western Ontario) Physiology department and my lab was down the hall from one of the first IVF programs in Canada. A part-time job as an IVF technologist combined with human fertility research work guided me to this rewarding career and I was later offered the opportunity to set up an ART lab in Winnipeg Manitoba. I never looked back.
What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?
I would have difficulty choosing my proudest accomplishment (professional). Leading the development of the first ART Laboratory in Winnipeg (1997) was special for me because this was not easy at that time. However, being recognized as a critical player in developing our MHSc program is equally significant for me.
What was the best career advice you ever received?
My father always told me that “If you enjoy your job, you will never work a day in your life”. Although I feel like I have worked a few days in my life, I have thoroughly enjoyed my career. Too many people become disenchanted because they choose a career for money or some other superficial reason.
What has been an important learning experience in your life?
The most important learning experiences almost always come from mistakes I have made. Whether work-related or life-related, I always reflect on what I did wrong and what I should have done differently. The goal is to transfer that knowledge and apply it broadly to prevent similar future mistakes in other areas.
Who is an influential person in your life and why?
Aside from my parents that supported me throughout my developing education and career, I have had several influential mentors. At this time, I acknowledge Dr. Mathias Gysler who was the Medical Director of my IVF program in Mississauga and passed away too early. Matt would say yes to any challenging project and then entice me to take on at least half the work. Without his drive, I would not have become President of the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society (CFAS) and may not have become involved in developing our MHSc program. My work with Heather Shapiro and Ted Brown began nearly a decade before the program launched. Matt suggested I participate.
What would it surprise people to know about you?
I am a descendant of Robbie Burns’ Landlord, friend and drinking buddy. My Great, Great, Great……... Grandfather’s house still stands in Machline, Scotland. I wore a kilt to all three of my children’s weddings.
What activities do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I am an avid musician and spend too much time with a guitar or piano when I am at home. I am also an old-timer hockey player (very senior house league) and a hard-working cottager.
What is your favourite album, film and novel?
Album: Born to Run (Springsteen)
Film: A Few Good Men (tough choice)
Novel: Pillars of the Earth
Who would be your dream dinner guests?
Bruce Springsteen, Jerry Seinfeld and Gordon Ramsay (need him to cook).
Where or what is your favourite place?
Anstruther Lake (Kawarthas).
If you were stuck on a deserted island but had all your basic needs taken care of (i.e. food and water), what two items would you bring with you and why?
My guitar because I’d have the time to enjoy it and my wife because she reminds me to put sunscreen on and eat. What else could I need?.......... Big cooler with ice and beer please.
