Humans of LMP: Stephan Ong Tone

Each month we speak to a member of the Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology community and find out more about them as part of an initiative from our Wellness, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Committee (WIDE).

This month, we feature Dr. Stephan Ong Tone, cross-appointed to LMP from the Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Sciences, who received the Richard G. Hegele Award for Excellence in Research and Innovation at our recent Annual Celebration of Excellence.

How long have you been at LMP and what does your role involve?

I am clinician-scientist and early career researcher at Sunnybrook Research Institute, beginning my position in 2020. I am an assistant professor in the department of ophthalmology and vision sciences and cross-appointed in the department of laboratory medicine and pathobiology at the University of Toronto.  

As a corneal surgeon, I treat patients with corneal diseases through corneal transplantation. In the clinic and operating room, I teach medical students, Ophthalmology residents and Cornea fellows. In the lab, I supervise LMP graduate students as we investigate corneal diseases and corneal regeneration.   

Tell us about your research

My research focuses on corneal diseases, understanding corneal endothelial biology and trying to uncover novel ways to regenerate the cornea. I have a strong research focus on Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy, a leading cause of corneal transplantation, and Descemet's Stripping Only (DSO), a novel surgical procedure that does not require a cadaveric donor tissue and restores function through corneal endothelial cell migration.

My research program builds on my success in conducting state-of-the-art basic science, translational, and clinical research that is coupled with my specialized surgical expertise. This has allowed me to identify knowledge gaps in the care of individuals affected by corneal diseases, propose strategies to elucidate pathogenic mechanisms leading to corneal dysfunction, develop novel therapeutics such as AAV-based gene therapies aimed at preventing disease progression, and improve surgical outcomes. 

What led you to pursue your current career path?  

During my undergraduate studies at McGill, I knew that I was interested in pursuing a career in medicine, but it wasn't until my honours research project that I was exposed to basic science discovery research. This led me to pursue training through the MD-PhD program where I was focused on understanding nerve regeneration and a possible career as a neurosurgeon.

However, I was exposed to ophthalmology through my uncle who is an ophthalmologist, and this changed my career paths. I then completed my residency in Ophthalmology at U of T, followed by a two-year clinical-research cornea fellowship at Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School.

As a surgeon-scientist, I have the unique opportunity to be able to perform surgery on my patients in the morning, and then be in the lab in the afternoon testing these surgical specimens.         

What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?

I am proud that I have been able to build my clinical and surgical practice, and my research program on corneal regeneration. During my time as an independent researcher, I have been successful at securing peer-reviewed research grants, published manuscripts through my lab, and have successfully graduated a LMP Masters student.  

What was the best career advice you ever received?  

Life as a surgeon-scientist is hard, as you have to balance your clinical, surgical and research duties. The best career advice I received was that I had to find a research and clinical focus that complimented each other. To do this, I focus my practice on patients with corneal diseases, such as Fuchs dystrophy, where I can recruit them for research studies and have access to their surgical specimens that I can take to the lab for our basic science research. When we find potential therapeutics, we can translate these finding into the same patient population in my clinical practice.   

What has been an important learning experience in your life?

During medical school, I lost my mother to pancreatic cancer. She was such an important person in my life and it was devasting to lose her. However, what I learnt from that experience was to maintain perspective about life, and the important things to focus your time and energy. So when I find myself worrying about somewhat trivial things, I remind myself to maintain perspective. 

Who is an influential person in your life and why?

Hard to pick just one. My parents played a big role in shaping me into the person I am today, and stressing the importance of being well balanced through family life, work and social activities.

My wife Celina has been incredibly supportive of me and my career, and I truly could not do what I do without her.

In my professional life, my fellowship supervisor Dr. Ula Jurkunas continues to be a role model, as she has shown me that you can be successful at being a corneal surgeon-scientist. 

What would it surprise people to know about you?  

I climbed to Mount Everest basecamp with my wife in 2014.

What activities do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I enjoy spending time with my three kids, and playing sports such as golf, hockey, soccer, and cycling. 

What is your favourite album, film and novel?

Album: The Notorious B.I.G. - Greatest Hits

Film: Good Will Hunting

Novel: Life of Pi by Yann Martel

Who would be your dream dinner guests?

Paul Kariya, Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux.

As a Asian-Canadian kid that played competitive hockey, I always looked up to Paul Kariya and would be interesting to talk to him about the challenges and success he encountered during his professional hockey career.

Where/what is your favourite place?

A nice sunny beach with my family. 

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 laptop for entertainment and connection to outside world. A surfboard to take advantage of the opportunity.