London lands pioneering surgeon to national research and training centre

(LONDON, Ontario) London has attracted an internationally renowned surgeon and scientist to further develop its world-class program of research in minimally invasive surgery and interventions at London Health Sciences Centre. Dr. Christopher Schlachta has joined the senior leadership team at CSTAR (Canadian Surgical Technologies & Advanced Robotics) as Medical Director, to facilitate further academic and scientific growth as well as provide leadership in new research grant development and recruitment of scientists. “In the face of a national demand for hospitals to recruit the best, we are pleased that Dr. Schlachta chose to come to London”, says Tony Dagnone, President and Chief Executive Officer, London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC). “It further strengthens the hospital’s commitment to providing the best possible care.” Dr. Schlachta comes to London from Toronto where he held a leadership role at St. Michael’s Hospital as Division Head of General Surgery. Originally from Montreal, Dr. Schlachta trained in general surgery at The University of Western Ontario where he developed an interest in laparoscopic surgery and minimally invasive surgery. He has since gone on to establish a national and international reputation for clinical excellence and innovation in the field. “I am very excited to be working with the outstanding research teams at CSTAR to build on its reputation as a world leader in discovery, development, training, and most importantly to continue to advance patient care”, says Dr. Schlachta. “Research has proven that the benefits of minimally-invasive surgery including robotics, are less trauma to the patient, quicker recovery time and a shorter hospital stay. The future potential of these technologies is limitless.” Dr. Schlachta will also practice as a general surgeon at both LHSC and St. Joseph’s Health Care London (SJHC) and will join The University of Western Ontario’s Department of Surgery as an Associate Professor. “As Londoners, we are proud of our city’s strong reputation as a centre of health excellence,” notes Mayor Anne Marie DeCicco. “And, Dr. Schlachta’s welcome arrival at CSTAR once again reinforces our keen ability to recruit the best and the brightest to our community.” “Dr. Schlachta’s appointment as Medical Director is an important step in the continuation of CSTAR’s international leadership position in the area of minimally-invasive surgical and interventional technologies and techniques”, explains Dr. Joseph Gilbert, Chief Administrative Officer at Lawson Health Research Institute. “He is a welcome addition to our league of scientists at Lawson who perform leading edge clinical and basic research which ultimately benefits patient care.” According to Dr. John Denstedt, Citywide Chief of Surgery at LHSC and SJHC, “Dr. Schlachta is part of the new wave of professionals that is helping to bring life and time-saving techniques into operating rooms for patients in London, across Canada and around the world. Continued collaboration between all partners, including the Department of Surgery at The University of Western Ontario, will enable optimal success of this pioneering program.” Bigraphy: Dr. Christopher M. Schlachta is originally from Montreal, where he completed his undergraduate degree and medical school at McGill University. After interning at the Toronto General Hospital he trained in General Surgery at the University of Western Ontario. It was there that he first developed an interest in laparoscopic surgery and returned to Toronto as the inaugural fellow of the Minimally Invasive Surgery Training Program at the former Wellesley Hospital. After two and half years of subspecialty training in laparoscopic surgery and a certificate in Clinical Epidemiology and Health Care Research from U of T he joined the staff at Wellesley and the faculty of the University of Toronto. Just four years into practice he was appointed Division Head of General Surgery at St. Michael’s Hospital where he has received awards for medical student and resident teaching as well as authoring more than 100 published abstracts, journal articles, and textbook chapters. Dr. Schlachta is an active member of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and Chair of the Canadian Association of General Surgeons’ Committee on Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Surgery. CSTAR (Canadian Surgical Technologies & Advanced Robotics) is Canada's national centre for developing and testing the next generation of minimally invasive surgical and interventional technologies and techniques, including robotics. CSTAR trains the surgeons of the future and shares expertise around the world. Building on world and national firsts pioneered by surgeons in London, CSTAR was launched in December 2001. CSTAR is as a collaborative research program of London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and Lawson Health Research Institute (Lawson), and is affiliated with The University of Western Ontario. Visit CSTAR today at www.c-star.ca For more information, please contact: Jayne Graham Special Projects Manager Lawson Health Research Institute (519) 685-8500 ext. 77696