From High School Troublemaker to Director of Obstetrics

The OBGYN surgeon completed his medical degree and residency at McGill; did a Master of Science in Epidemiology and fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery. He follows in the footsteps of his dad, also a physician.

Q: What were you like in high school?
A: I was known as The Troublemaker. I liked to crack jokes and goof around. But I was also nerdy—a mischievous bookworm!

Q: If you hadn’t studied medicine, what was your second option?
A: I was set to study computer engineering but switched to medicine at the last second. I wanted a career that impacted people’s lives. Also, I think my dad secretly hoped his sons would become doctors. My older brother, a lawyer, is woozy at the sight of blood; my other brother is a political scientist. That left me to continue the family tradition!

Q: Why did you become an obstetrics and gynecology surgeon?
A: It was the right fit. I had a fantastic mentor, Dr. Srinivasan Krishnamurthy. Plus, OBGYN is challenging—the needs of a 70-year-old woman are vastly different than a pregnant 30-year-old’s. It is rewarding to make a difference throughout my patients’ lives.

Q: Were you a bratty kid?
A: Absolutely! I blamed my brothers for everything. One time, I hit my oldest brother—then ran to my mom, claiming he hit me! As she scolded him, I stood behind her, grinning and sticking my tongue out!

Q: What do you do in your spare time?
A: Spare time? What’s that? With three boys—ages 12, 10, and 8—free time is a rare luxury. Life is non-stop! When I can carve out a little ‘me time’, I go on long rides on my electric bike. It’s just me, the open road, a little speed, and the wind in my hair.

Q: What is your idea of the perfect day?
A: A perfect day is all about family—spending time with my wife and sons. No one is fighting or squabbling! The weather is nice, the chores are done, and I can kick back with a good meal and a few cocktails. A simple, relaxed day at home with no to-do list! That is happiness.

Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
A: A great day is when surgeries go well, patients are recovering or heading home, and the surgical residents have had a good learning experience. That is what being a doctor is all about.

Q: What makes the team in the Birthing Centre special?
A: First, we’re a big team, and everyone is dedicated and passionate about what they do. What stands out to me is how the nurses adapt to each family’s needs. When a baby is born, some families throw a big party, and the nurses join in—taking photos and sharing the joy. Other parents prefer a quiet, intimate moment, with their newborn and the nurses tiptoe around so they can soak it all in. It’s that ability to read the room and support each family in their own way that makes our team truly special.

Q: What are you most proud of?
A: I love my work, but I know I am replaceable, we all are. Heck, my younger colleagues are already better than me at most things. So, my greatest source of pride is my sons. Watching them grow, succeed in school, and thrive in their activities means everything to me. They are, without a doubt, the greatest achievement of my life, and I am thankful to my dear wife for all that I have.

Q: The Children’s Foundation’s goal is to raise funds to support women with high-risk pregnancies. What would you say to Quebecers considering supporting this cause?
A: I think Quebecers know our health care system is under pressure. Our ability to provide state-of-the-art care is being challenged. It is not just the lack of staff; the cost of some medicines and medical equipment is skyrocketing. As a physician, it is frustrating to know there are technologies on the market that could make a significant difference in a woman or newborn’s life, but we can’t afford them. You can change the ending of this story and make huge difference in the lives of pregnant moms and their newborns by making a donation.