Jul 3, 2024

Welcome to our new postgraduates 2024!

Programs: Postgraduate, Agile education
A montage of photographs of peoples faces
By Jenni Bozec

While some may wind down for summer, for our postgraduate and postdoctoral trainees, their work is just beginning! On July 1, our new trainees start their clinical programs. 

Our new residents will spend usually five years in LMP, depending on their program, and rotate through various clinical hospital laboratories across the Greater Toronto Area. Clinical Fellows can spend one or two years in their clinical specialty, and those in the Postdoctoral Diploma program for two years. 

If you see them, please say hello – welcome to LMP!

Meet some of our incoming postgraduates below.

Incoming Residents

Amal Alkhoori

Amal Alkhoori

Diagnostic and Molecular Pathology Resident

Before joining LMP, I obtained my medical degree from United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) in 2022. My journey into the field of pathology began at UAEU, where I worked as a teaching assistant in the Department of Pathology. In this role, I instructed medical students and contributed to departmental research. Additionally, I gained valuable experience through a pathology observership at Sheikh Shakbout Medical City (SSMC).

I am excited to start the next phase of my journey by joining the Diagnostic and Molecular Pathology program at U of T. I look forward to exploring various disease processes and new diagnostic advancements, including the use of Artificial Intelligence.

Majed Alotaibi

Majed Alotaibi

Diagnostic and Molecular Pathology Resident

I graduated from medical school in July 2023 and worked as a Pathology Teaching Assistant for a couple of months while applying to Diagnostic and Molecular Pathology residency in Canada.

I’m looking forward to training as a Diagnostic and Molecular Pathology resident under diverse and experienced pathologists across all these training sites. I am eager to learn from some of the best pathologists in the world, across diverse subspecialties. I also look forward to doing some cool research projects and using my free time to explore beautiful Toronto while trying to find a good shawarma place.

Sara Babran

Sara Babran

Diagnostic and Molecular Pathology Resident

Before joining LMP, I graduated from Iran in 2019 and spent 1.5 years working as a general physician in a remote area. I then moved to Canada to pursue a master's degree at the University of Montreal, where I conducted research at the Montreal Heart Institute.

At LMP my primary focus will be to deepen my expertise and advance my career as a pathologist. I am particularly excited about the opportunities to explore cutting-edge developments in digital pathology and the integration of AI in the field. Additionally, I am passionate about oncology research and look forward to contributing to this area. Being part of U of T, one of the world's top pathology centers, I am eager to engage in lifelong learning and make a meaningful impact on patients' lives through my work.

Anupam Goyal

Anupam Goyal

Diagnostic and Molecular Pathology Resident

I did my medical degree and post graduation in Pathology in India. Over the years while practicing I gained expertise in my area of work while serving in public health mainly in rural and sub-urban settings. 

I am thrilled to join the LMP family, and I hope to gain insight into diagnostic sciences to provide the best patient care. I am enthusiastic about connecting and collaborating with my fellow colleagues, other residents, staff and attending physicians on my new venture. 

Chinelo Iwegim

Chinelo Iwegim

Medical Microbiology Resident

I completed my undergraduate medical education at University of Benin, Nigeria. Prior to my residency at LMP, I had general practice and public health experience which exposed me to the burden of communicable diseases in the community and made me curious to study the agents impacting the populace across the spectrum of medical care. I had a few years of postgraduate training in Medical Microbiology before moving to Canada. Since then, I have worked in various allied health professions in community clinics, home health, palliative care and most recently, as an infection prevention and control practitioner in long term care, hospice, mental health and community clinic settings.

At LMP, I hope to work collaboratively with other learners and faculty to provide optimal patient care and research in re-emerging infections and infection control. I look forward to developing proficiency in research, providing support to other clinical specialties and simplifying medical microbiology education to undergraduate learners.

Katerina Schwab

Katerina Schwab

Diagnostic and Molecular Pathology Resident

I received my BSc (Combined Honours Chemistry and Biochemistry), MSc in Chemistry and then returned once more to complete my MD at UBC in 2024. 

During my medical studies I saw the indispensable role pathologists play in the accurate diagnoses on which treatment decisions are made for patients. During my forensic pathology rotation, I saw the importance of accurate forensic investigations not only for the justice system but also adequate reporting and advice for public health in the heat waves, and for closure for the families.

In addition, I was excited by the amount of new innovations in pathology. From genetic markers of disease and investigations into molecular mechanisms of disease, to AI and digital pathology, I’m excited to enter a field where there is always something new around the corner.

I am looking forward to all the amazing opportunities LMP has to offer, from research into AI applications in pathology, opportunities for forensics exposure at the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, and the large cohort of esteemed researchers and specialists in the field of Diagnostic Molecular Pathology.

Brandon Tse

Brandon Tse

Hematological Pathology Resident

I recently graduated from medical school at the University of Toronto, where I also completed an undergraduate degree previously! I've always had both a clinical and research interest in hematology, and later in my training was lucky to discover laboratory medicine and its various specialties. 

I'm very excited to be joining the Hematological Pathology residency program here at U of T for the next four years. I'm most looking forward to meeting future colleagues and mentors within LMP and continuing to unravel the diverse facets of hematopathology as a career!

Read Brandon’s Q&A with Temerty Medicine.

Glenn Walpole

Glenn Walpole

Diagnostic and Molecular Pathology Resident

I am excited to be joining LMP to begin residency training in diagnostic and molecular pathology. After completing an HBSc in Biochemistry at McMaster University, I joined the MD/PhD program at the University of Toronto. My graduate degree completed in the Cell Biology Program at SickKids sought to understand how intracellular fungal and bacterial pathogens hijack the host innate immune system to their advantage.

I have long been fascinated by the possibility of understanding and mapping out microscopic findings that glean insight into not only a patient’s clinical course, but also provide opportunities to alter that course and their wellbeing. I have thus found a natural home in pathology! I am thrilled to be joining LMP where I will have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the practice of pathology and what may lay ahead in the field from many world-class clinician teachers, investigators, and scientists across the University of Toronto.

Boaz Wong

Boaz Wong

Diagnostic and Molecular Pathology Resident

Prior to joining LMP, I graduated from the MD/PhD program at the University of Ottawa. My graduate thesis studied strategies to help engineered viruses target and kill different cancers. I also have a Bachelor of Medical Science degree from Western University with a specialization in physiology.

I’m looking forward to connecting with the vast oncology research network in Toronto which aligns with my research interests. With an interest in molecular pathology, I hope to conduct research and contribute towards bringing cutting-edge diagnostics and treatments for our cancer patients. I’m excited to develop strong clinical skills in pathology and meaningful relationships with faculty, researchers and fellow learners within LMP. Finally, I am looking forward to returning to my hometown of Toronto for these next 5 years of training.

Incoming Postdoctoral Diploma Program trainees

Chien-Yi Lu

Chien-Yi Lu

Clinical Chemistry

Before joining the LMP program, I completed a PhD in Biochemistry at the University of Toronto, where I studied platelet formation and an inherited bleeding disorder. I also trained as a Medical Laboratory Technologist in Taiwan before my graduate training.

It is exciting to join the Clinical Chemistry Fellowship at LMP. I look forward to learning from great people and gaining experience in laboratory diagnosis during my hospital rotations.

Andra Banete

Andra Banete

Clinical Microbiology

Before joining LMP, I completed a Doctorate in Microbes, Immunity, and Inflammation from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario studying innate immune responses to virus infection. After finishing my doctoral studies in 2020, I joined the COVID-19 testing team at Kingston Health Sciences Centre. I then joined the Sunnybrook Research Institute for a Postdoctoral Fellowship studying SARS-CoV-2 and MPOX at the Toronto High Containment Facility.

I am excited to join LMP as a Clinical Microbiology Fellow to deepen my expertise and contribute to advancements in infectious disease diagnosis and treatment.

Mehdi Hooshmandi

Mehdi Hooshmandi

Clinical Chemistry

I am thrilled and honored to join the Clinical Chemistry program at the Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology (LMP) department, where I aspire to make a significant contribution to health care.

Before joining the Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology (LMP) department, I earned my PhD in Neuroscience from McGill University. My research focused on the role of mRNA translational control in fragile X syndrome and autism spectrum disorders.

I look forward to receiving comprehensive training from the esteemed professors and mentors at the world-class hospitals and health centers affiliated with the University of Toronto. I view this fellowship as an opportunity not only to acquire essential knowledge and skills to make a significant impact on patient outcomes and overall well-being but also to gain the expertise needed to train future generations and advance current analytical methods and tests.

This story showcases the following pillars of the LMP strategic plan: Inclusive Community (pillar 1) and Agile Education (pillar 5).