The University of Toronto Surgical Skills Centre at Mount Sinai Hospital is pleased to welcome Dr. Oleg Safir as the newly appointed D.H. Gales Director Surgical Skills Centre. Dr. Safir replaces Dr. Helen MacRae of Mount Sinai Hospital who has been the D.H. Gales Director of the lab for the past 10 years.
Oleg is an Orthopaedic surgeon at MSH who graduated from the Medical Academy in Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine in 1990; Oleg completed his training in Orthopaedic surgery at the University of Tel Aviv, Israel. In 2006 Oleg completed a clinical and research fellowship in Adult Lower Extremity Reconstruction at MSH where he demonstrated exceptional clinical and academic skills. In 2008 Oleg completed a Masters Degree from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto and a fellowship at the Wilson Centre for Research in Education. Dr. Safir's clinical academic interest is in lower extremity reconstruction focusing on the revision arthroplasty of the hip and the use of osteotomies and osteochondral allograft transplantation around the knee. In his educational studies his main interest was in self-directed learning in the acquisition of surgical skills.
He is currently involved with the Competency-based Curriculum program for the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery. He is the leader for module-one, now called the Toronto Orthopaedic Boot Camp, which is a one-month course at the Skills Centre focusing on teaching and training new residents on surgical skills.
It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome Oleg to our group and look forward to his eagerness and educational background to move us into our next phase of growth.

(416) 586-4800 x2611

Ms. Satterthwaite holds an RPN diploma from Scarborough General Hospital and an honours diploma in Operating Room Techniques from Humber College. For the past 10 years she has managed the SSC, including supporting the development and delivery OSATS and PAME examinations, implementing of PGY-1 core curriculum, supporting research programs, aiding divisional specific and undergrad year 3 programming and continuing medical education sessions. Ms. Satterthwaite also offers consults for the development of medical education programs.

(416) 586-4800 x7471

Mr. Leung joined the Surgical Skills Centre in 2001 as Assistant Manager and serves as the primary resource for technology related issues. Mr. Leung also serves as an adjunct and support to our Manager’s office in day-to-day operations. With a B.Sc. degree in Pharmacology and a Certificate in Business, Mr. Leung offers a unique and diverse set of knowledge and skills that contributes to the successful implementation of medical curricula. His previous work experience in healthcare facilities, where his focus was medical products and surgical instrumentation, contributes in achieving our daily objectives and goals in delivering an efficient and effective medical and surgical learning experience by all who attend our training sessions.

416) 586-4800 x2620

Mrs. Rego has worked at Mount Sinai Hospital for over 30 years, and has been at team member in the Surgical Skills Centre for the past decade. She holds a diploma in Sterile Supply Processing from Centennial College. In 2001 and 2006 Ms. Rego was the proud recipient of the Karen McGibbon Award of Excellence from Mount Sinai Hospital. She enjoys working one-on-one with both the medical students and surgical residents and offering guidance to the enthusiastic group of co-op students and volunteers who frequent the lab.

(416) 586-4800 x2620 and x2455

Mrs. Romanova has been a part of the team at the SSC since 2002. She holds an M.D. diploma from Riga Medical Institute, Latvia, and a PhD in medical Science from the University of Russia. She attained a certificate in Large and Small Animal Care from the University of Toronto. Before joining the team, Marina worked as a Cardiology Research Technician at St. Michael’s Hospital vivarium. Appreciation of individuals with such a wide range of education and experience working together efficiently is very satisfying to Ms. Romanova. She also finds that problem solving with co-workers and working and coming together as a team is especially rewarding.

(416) 586-4800 x2620 and x6539

Ms. Thomas began working in the lab part-time in 2005 after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Bioethics from the University of Toronto in 2000. She assists with all course duties, lab set-up, the annual report and assists with administrative tasks, such as invoicing. Ms. Thomas appreciates that while at work, she is able to continue her learning experience. Serenity and her husband are expecting their first child in April 2010, and along with the rest of the lab crew, is anxiously awaiting the arrival of the newest team member!

(416) 586-4800 x6613

Mr. Faria joined the team full time in February 2008 following an intensive co-op from Central Commerce Collegiate. His keen interest and team spirit is a wonderful asset to the group. Jason assists with course duties and setups, audio-visual and lab inventory. He is responsible for ordering lab supplies and coordinating with medical companies to ensure the successful implementation of courses.

(416) 586-4800 x6539

Ms. Banton attended George Brown College, Special Events for Destination Tourism program, from which she graduated in 2005. Her work life at Mount Sinai Hospital began in 2009 with Five Star Catering as the Event Coordinator.  A new opportunity at the Surgical Skills Centre allowed Ms. Banton to join the team in September 2010 as the full time business officer. At the centre, her duties include front office reception as well as administrative functions. Dionne completed her certificate in Employee Development from Mount Sinai Hospital in June 2011.  Dionne has transitioned well into this new position with full support from all team members.