Recorded on June 4, 2025.
Join us this week where USask anesthesia PGY5 residents (and soon to be staff) Drs. Alixe Pellerin, Alison Knapp, and Angela Hodgson, as well as anesthesia PGY1 Dr. Nigel Hey, discuss their journey through residency over the last 5 years.
Dr. Alixe Pellerin was born and raised in Saskatoon. Prior to medicine, she worked as an emergency room nurse. She is the founder of "Airway, Breathing, Coffee", a free anesthesia medical education site focused on infographic creation. When she isn’t working, Alixe loves baking, taking her dogs for long walks, and cooking with her husband.
Dr. Alison Knapp is a PGY5 anesthesia resident at the University of Saskatchewan. She completed medical school in Toronto, and will be joining the USask Department of Anesthesia as a new staff in July of 2025.
Dr. Angie Hodgson is a current R5 anesthesia resident at usask. She will be working in Saskatoon as an anesthesiologist starting in July, and is excited to join the awesome group we have here. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, running, playing tennis, and spending time with friends and family, and her partner, Preston.
Dr. Nigel Hey is a first year anesthesia resident here at the USASK Saskatoon site. He was born and raised in Saskatoon, but did the majority of his medical school in Regina. His medical interests include palliative care and ICU. Outside of work, Nigel enjoys exercising, playing sports, and prioritizing time with friends and family.
Please note that while this podcast is run by healthcare professionals, it is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing beats care that is individualized to your own unique medical needs, so if you have any questions about content covered in this podcast that relates to your own health, please speak with your doctor today.
Additionally, the views expressed on this show are our own and do not necessarily represent those of the USask Department of Anesthesiology.
Recorded on February 5, 2025.
Join us this week where Shawn Silver, a second year medical student and prior STARS and ICU nurse with a master's degree in medical education, discusses his unique relationship with medical education and insight into how different medical professionals develop their own skillsets.
Shawn Silver is a second year medical student at USask at the Saskatoon campus. He was born on a farm outside of Prince Albert. He graduated from USask with a BScN in 2012 from the Prince Albert campus. After moving to Saskatoon in 2012, he worked as an RN at RUH Emergency and Adult ICU before starting at STARS as a Flight Nurse and Mobile Education Leader. He obtained his Master of Education in Health Professions Education from USask in 2023. Shawn loves to share his passion for medical education, focusing on resuscitation, trauma, PoCUS, and all things that are simulation.
Dr. James Macaskill is a PGY-1 in Anesthesia based in Saskatoon. He was born in South Africa and completed his undergraduate degree in Economics, followed by his MD at the University of Saskatchewan. Outside of medicine, he enjoy traveling with his wife, Jess, and making music with friends!
Please note that while this podcast is run by healthcare professionals, it is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing beats care that is individualized to your own unique medical needs, so if you have any questions about content covered in this podcast that relates to your own health, please speak with your doctor today.
Additionally, the views expressed on this show are our own and do not necessarily represent those of the USask Department of Anesthesiology.
Recorded on May 30, 2025.
Join us for grand rounds this week where Dr. Paige Fox, a plastic surgeon and associate professor at the Stanford University School of Medicine, discusses sustainability and environmentally-friendly practices in the operating room.
Dr. Paige Fox is Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who specializes in hand surgery, reconstructive microsurgery, as well as peripheral nerve and brachial plexus surgery. She is an Associate Professor in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive surgery in the Department of Surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Fox has a passion for sustainability and health care's effect on the environment. She serves as the Medical Director of Sustainability for Stanford Health Care where she is involved in efforts to green the OR and the clinics.
Please note that while this podcast is run by healthcare professionals, it is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing beats care that is individualized to your own unique medical needs, so if you have any questions about content covered in this podcast that relates to your own health, please speak with your doctor today.
Additionally, the views expressed on this show are our own and do not necessarily represent those of the USask Department of Anesthesiology.
Recorded on May 23, 2025.
Join us for grand rounds this week where Dr. Leah Ferguson, an associate professor within the College of Kinesiology at the University of Saskatchewan and Certified Mental Performance Consultant, discusses performance optimization and practical performance enhancement tips for individuals in healthcare. Please note that due to technical difficulties, sections of this presentation unfortunately had to be removed.
Leah Ferguson is a citizen of the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan and Associate Professor in the College of Kinesiology at the University of Saskatchewan. Her research focuses on sport psychology and Indigenous Peoples' wellness, where she works with Indigenous and non-Indigenous athletes, youth, girls, and women to collaboratively enhance sport experiences and wholistic wellness outcomes. She is particularly interested in the role of self-compassion as a resource for girls and women to overcome challenges and setbacks to flourish in sport and life. She is a Mental Performance Consultant with the Sport Medicine & Science Council of Saskatchewan, a Professional Member of the Canadian Sport Psychology Association, and a Certified Mental Performance Consultant®. She translates her sport psychology research into practice through her applied work with athletes, teams, coaches, and sport parents, ranging from grassroots to high performance levels, to facilitate well-being and performance for positive sport experiences.
Please note that while this podcast is run by healthcare professionals, it is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing beats care that is individualized to your own unique medical needs, so if you have any questions about content covered in this podcast that relates to your own health, please speak with your doctor today.
Additionally, the views expressed on this show are our own and do not necessarily represent those of the USask Department of Anesthesiology.
Recorded on May 9, 2025.
Join us for grand rounds this week where Dr. Kevin Wong, an anesthesiologist practicing in Saskatoon, Canada, and Kent Earle, a physiotherapist practicing in Saskatoon, Canada, discuss pain reprocessing therapy and its use in treating chronic pain.
Kevin Wong is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Saskatchewan. He completed his medical degree at the University of Saskatchewan, followed by residency training in Anesthesiology at McGill University.
Kent Earle is a licensed practicing physiotherapist working in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Working in a large rehabilitation center, he sees a wide range of clinical populations from musculoskeletal injuries and chronic pain to performance enhancement.
Please note that while this podcast is run by healthcare professionals, it is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing beats care that is individualized to your own unique medical needs, so if you have any questions about content covered in this podcast that relates to your own health, please speak with your doctor today.
Additionally, the views expressed on this show are our own and do not necessarily represent those of the USask Department of Anesthesiology.
Recorded on May 2, 2025.
Join us for grand rounds this week where Cassidy Bell, a PGY-3 anesthesia resident in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, discusses neurodivergence and neuro-affirming care in the perioperative setting.
Cassidy is a third-year resident in the University of Saskatchewan Department of Anesthesiology. She is proudly born and raised in Saskatoon and completed her undergraduate degree in Anatomy and Cell Biology as well as her medical degree at the University of Saskatchewan. She has a passion for making anesthesia more inclusive and her current resident research project is on equity, diversity, and inclusion in the Department of Anesthesiology. Outside of work, Cassidy is an animal lover and can usually be found snuggled up with her dog and two cats at home or exploring in the mountains with her dog and husband, Connor.
Please note that while this podcast is run by healthcare professionals, it is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing beats care that is individualized to your own unique medical needs, so if you have any questions about content covered in this podcast that relates to your own health, please speak with your doctor today.
Additionally, the views expressed on this show are our own and do not necessarily represent those of the USask Department of Anesthesiology.
Recorded on April 11, 2025.
Join us for grand rounds this week where Drs. Keltie Anderson, Ahmed Cherry, and Henry Bi, a rheumatologist, orthopedic spine surgeon, and anesthesiologist respectively practicing in Saskatoon, discuss their approaches to patients with rheumatoid arthritis in the perioperative period.
Please note that while this podcast is run by healthcare professionals, it is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing beats care that is individualized to your own unique medical needs, so if you have any questions about content covered in this podcast that relates to your own health, please speak with your doctor today.
Additionally, the views expressed on this show are our own and do not necessarily represent those of the USask Department of Anesthesiology.
Recorded on April 4, 2025.
Join us for grand rounds this week where Dr. Michael Dinsmore, an anesthesiologist at Toronto Western Hospital and University of Saskatchewan alumnus, discusses brain ultrasonography in the perioperative and critical care setting.
Michael Dinsmore is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine at Toronto Western Hospital, where he also serves as the Program Director for Neuroanesthesia. He completed his medical degree at the University of Saskatchewan, followed by residency training in Anesthesiology at the University of Toronto and a fellowship in Neuroanesthesia at Toronto Western Hospital. Dr. Dinsmore's academic and research interests center on technological innovation in perioperative care, including the development of novel tools and techniques in anesthesia. His current work includes advancing opioid-sparing strategies in spine surgery, and exploring the clinical utility of transorbital ultrasonography.
Please note that while this podcast is run by healthcare professionals, it is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing beats care that is individualized to your own unique medical needs, so if you have any questions about content covered in this podcast that relates to your own health, please speak with your doctor today.
Additionally, the views expressed on this show are our own and do not necessarily represent those of the USask Department of Anesthesiology.
Recorded on March 21, 2025.
Join us for grand rounds this week where Dr. Anulika Nwakaeze, a PGY3 anesthesia resident at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, discusses evidence surrounding the use of video laryngoscopy in adult intubations as an alternative to traditional direct laryngoscopy.
Anulika is a third-year resident in the Department of Anesthesiology in Saskatoon. She completed her undergraduate degree at McGill University, followed by a master's degree in the Neurobiology of Aging and Depression at the University of Toronto, and her medical degree at the University of Alberta. She has a special interest in medical education and is conducting her resident research project on caregiver understanding of pediatric fasting guidelines. Outside of medicine, Anulika is passionate about travel, and loves to explore new restaurants in Saskatoon with her partner.
Please note that while this podcast is run by healthcare professionals, it is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing beats care that is individualized to your own unique medical needs, so if you have any questions about content covered in this podcast that relates to your own health, please speak with your doctor today.
Additionally, the views expressed on this show are our own and do not necessarily represent those of the USask Department of Anesthesiology.
Recorded on March 7, 2025.
Join us for grand rounds this week where Dr. Colin Ellis, a respirologist and sleep medicine specialist in Saskatoon, discusses Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), including epidemiology, diagnosis, pathophysiology, and recent developments in training modalities.
Dr. Ellis is a respirologist and sleep medicine specialist practicing in Saskatoon. He completed internal medicine and respirology training at the University of Saskatchewan before completing a 1-year sleep medicine fellowship at UBC in Vancouver. He specializes in sleep-related breathing disorders, and has special interest in the management of hypoventilation disorders and non-invasive ventilation.
Please note that while this podcast is run by healthcare professionals, it is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing beats care that is individualized to your own unique medical needs, so if you have any questions about content covered in this podcast that relates to your own health, please speak with your doctor today.
Additionally, the views expressed on this show are our own and do not necessarily represent those of the USask Department of Anesthesiology.
Recorded on January 31, 2025.
Join us for grand rounds this week where Dr. Kerri Schellenberg, a neuromuscular neurologist at the University of Saskatchewan and director of the ALS/MND clinic and EMG lab at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, discusses ALS, the role of the ALS/MND clinic, and the role anesthesiologists' play in the administration of Tofersen.
Kerri Schellenberg MD, MMedED, is an Associate Professor of Neurology at the University of Saskatchewan, and a fellowship trained neuromuscular neurologist. She is the Director of the ALS/MND clinic and Director of the EMG Lab at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon. As the current chair of the Canadian ALS (CALS) physician research group, the co-chair of the Neuromuscular Disease for Canada (NMD4C) Clinical Trials Network, and board member for the Scientific Medical Advisory Council (SMAC) for ALS Canada, she has formed multiple national and international research collaborations. Her research includes participation in multiple Phase II and III treatment trials, authorship on the Canadian guidelines for ALS care, publications specific to ALS care in Saskatchewan, and ALS healthcare provider wellness. With a Masters of Medical Education from Dundee University, she has supervised multiple medical students and residents, and serves as the Competency Committee chair for neurology at USask.
Please note that while this podcast is run by healthcare professionals, it is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing beats care that is individualized to your own unique medical needs, so if you have any questions about content covered in this podcast that relates to your own health, please speak with your doctor today.
Additionally, the views expressed on this show are our own and do not necessarily represent those of the USask Department of Anesthesiology.
Recorded on January 19, 2025.
Join us this week where we continue our conversation with Drs. Jason Brooks and Anne-Marie Friesen, discussing a wide array of topics related to performance, adaptability, and resiliency in medicine.
Over the last 20 years as a mental performance coach, Jason has collaborated with outstanding performers in diverse fields—from elite athletes, performance artists, physicians and tactical law enforcement officers, to business leaders and entrepreneurs. Through these experiences, Jason has observed how these individuals develop unique sets of beliefs and practices that equip them to thrive in demanding performance settings, and that contribute towards them living their best life. He continues to share and expand on these ideas through his coaching practice, and also through the many talks and seminars that he conducts across North America.
Dr. Anne-Marie Friesen is a senior anesthesia resident based in Saskatoon. Originally from Ottawa, she began her career as an intensive care nurse before transitioning into medicine. Outside of her medical career, Dr. Friesen has a strong passion for fitness, with her athletic journey beginning in powerlifting, where she competed at the provincial level. She has since transitioned to bodybuilding, now competing at the national level with the goal of earning her pro card. The discipline and focus she’s developed through both her medical and athletic pursuits have shaped her approach to overcoming challenges, always striving for continuous growth in both her personal and professional life.
Dr. Friesen also has this to say about Dr. Brooks:
"I first met Dr. Jason Brooks as a medical student, balancing my passion for powerlifting with an emerging interest in performance psychology during a challenging time in my life. The loss of a close friend to suicide, just before the COVID pandemic, left me grappling with grief and tough questions. It was in those moments of uncertainty that I began to explore the power of my inner narrative, learning that hope and change are always within reach. Dr. Brooks played a pivotal role in that journey, guiding me to see that transformation is possible and that we can achieve far more than we often believe. Thank you, Dr. Brooks."
Please note that while this podcast is run by healthcare professionals, it is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing beats care that is individualized to your own unique medical needs, so if you have any questions about content covered in this podcast that relates to your own health, please speak with your doctor today.
Additionally, the views expressed on this show are our own and do not necessarily represent those of the USask Department of Anesthesiology.
Recorded on January 19, 2025.
Join us this week where Dr. Jason Brooks, a performance and personal development coach, and Dr. Anne-Marie Friesen, a PGY-4 anesthesia resident at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, discuss a wide array of topics related to performance, adaptability, and resiliency in medicine.
Over the last 20 years as a mental performance coach, Jason has collaborated with outstanding performers in diverse fields—from elite athletes, performance artists, physicians and tactical law enforcement officers, to business leaders and entrepreneurs. Through these experiences, Jason has observed how these individuals develop unique sets of beliefs and practices that equip them to thrive in demanding performance settings, and that contribute towards them living their best life. He continues to share and expand on these ideas through his coaching practice, and also through the many talks and seminars that he conducts across North America.
Dr. Anne-Marie Friesen is a senior anesthesia resident based in Saskatoon. Originally from Ottawa, she began her career as an intensive care nurse before transitioning into medicine. Outside of her medical career, Dr. Friesen has a strong passion for fitness, with her athletic journey beginning in powerlifting, where she competed at the provincial level. She has since transitioned to bodybuilding, now competing at the national level with the goal of earning her pro card. The discipline and focus she’s developed through both her medical and athletic pursuits have shaped her approach to overcoming challenges, always striving for continuous growth in both her personal and professional life.
Dr. Friesen also has this to say about Dr. Brooks:
"I first met Dr. Jason Brooks as a medical student, balancing my passion for powerlifting with an emerging interest in performance psychology during a challenging time in my life. The loss of a close friend to suicide, just before the COVID pandemic, left me grappling with grief and tough questions. It was in those moments of uncertainty that I began to explore the power of my inner narrative, learning that hope and change are always within reach. Dr. Brooks played a pivotal role in that journey, guiding me to see that transformation is possible and that we can achieve far more than we often believe. Thank you, Dr. Brooks."
Please note that while this podcast is run by healthcare professionals, it is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing beats care that is individualized to your own unique medical needs, so if you have any questions about content covered in this podcast that relates to your own health, please speak with your doctor today.
Additionally, the views expressed on this show are our own and do not necessarily represent those of the USask Department of Anesthesiology.
Recorded on January 17, 2025.
Join us for grand rounds this week where Dr. Liam Dowling, a 3rd year anesthesia resident at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, discusses the history of anesthesia.
Liam is a third-year resident with the Department of Anesthesiology in Saskatoon. He was born and raised in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario. He spent eight years at Queen's University in Kingston completing his undergraduate degree in biology and math as well as his medical degree. He is an avid fan of creative writing, a diligent cruciverbalist, and loving parent to his cat River.
Please note that while this podcast is run by healthcare professionals, it is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing beats care that is individualized to your own unique medical needs, so if you have any questions about content covered in this podcast that relates to your own health, please speak with your doctor today.
Additionally, the views expressed on this show are our own and do not necessarily represent those of the USask Department of Anesthesiology.
Recorded on January 10, 2025.
Join us for grand rounds this week where Dr. Jonathan Bailey, an anesthesiologist at Dalhousie University, discusses healthcare provider burnout and strategies for behavioural and organizational change.
Dr. Bailey is an anesthesiologist and Assistant Professor at Dalhousie University. He completed his undergraduate and medical degrees at the U of S. He holds a master's degree in epidemiology and has completed a fellowship in Regional Anesthesia at Dalhousie. His clinical and research interests include acute pain, regional anesthesia, physician wellbeing, and global health. Dr. Bailey is the Medical Director for Serving and Engaging Communities in the Department of Anesthesia and the Rwanda Lead for the Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society International Education Foundation (CASIEF). He is a Vital Anesthesia Simulation Training (VAST) instructor and co-chair of the VAST Steering Committee. He is a co-author of VAST Wellbeing, which has now been delivered in 10 countries to hundreds of healthcare providers.
Please note that while this podcast is run by healthcare professionals, it is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing beats care that is individualized to your own unique medical needs, so if you have any questions about content covered in this podcast that relates to your own health, please speak with your doctor today.
Additionally, the views expressed on this show are our own and do not necessarily represent those of the USask Department of Anesthesiology.
Recorded on December 20, 2024.
Join us for grand rounds this week where Sebastien Turcotte, a third year anesthesia resident at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, discusses the perioperative experience of patients with English as a second language.
Sebastien is a third year resident with the Department of Anesthesia in Saskatoon. He was born and raised in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and grew up in a francophone family. He completed his undergraduate bachelor's degree and medical degree at the U of S. He has experience with the FrancoDoc program, both at a local and national level, offering medical terminology in French courses for health care workers. Outside of work, Sebastien enjoys spending time outdoors golfing, biking, and exploring his new love of pickle ball.
Please note that while this podcast is run by healthcare professionals, it is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing beats care that is individualized to your own unique medical needs, so if you have any questions about content covered in this podcast that relates to your own health, please speak with your doctor today.
Additionally, the views expressed on this show are our own and do not necessarily represent those of the USask Department of Anesthesiology.
Recorded on December 13, 2024.
Join us for grand rounds this week where Shawn Silver, a second year medical student at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, discusses quality improvement research in the critical care setting.
Shawn Silver is a 2nd year medical student in Saskatoon. Shawn worked as a registered nurse in the Emergency Department, Adult ICU, and Critical Care Transport. He obtained a MEd in Health Professions Education and worked as an educator with STARS. His focus is on medical simulation, airway management, resuscitation, high performing team dynamics, and quality improvement.
Please note that while this podcast is run by healthcare professionals, it is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing beats care that is individualized to your own unique medical needs, so if you have any questions about content covered in this podcast that relates to your own health, please speak with your doctor today.
Additionally, the views expressed on this show are our own and do not necessarily represent those of the USask Department of Anesthesiology.
Recorded on November 29, 2024.
Join us for grand rounds this week where Dr. Melissa Wood, a General Surgeon and Surgical Oncologist with the Department of Surgery at the University of Saskatchewan, discusses quality improvement and ergonomics in the operating room.
Dr. Melissa Wood is a General Surgeon and Surgical Oncologist with the Department of Surgery at the University of Saskatchewan. She obtained her undergraduate degree with a BSc in Microbiology and Immunology at UBC Vancouver, and her Doctor of Medicine from the U of A. She completed her General Surgery Residency at the U of S and obtained her Royal College Certifications in General Surgery and the Clinical Investigator Program (CIP) in 2022. She completed an MSc in Surgical Science and Practice with Distinction at the University of Oxford in the UK as part of CIP. She completed her General Surgical Oncology Fellowship at the University of Calgary in 2024. In her free time, she enjoys walking her dog with her husband, downhill skiing, spin classes, road biking, and gardening. She has a diverse scope of research interests that span topics including surgical education, quality improvement, human factors, and surgical oncology.
Please note that while this podcast is run by healthcare professionals, it is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing beats care that is individualized to your own unique medical needs, so if you have any questions about content covered in this podcast that relates to your own health, please speak with your doctor today.
Additionally, the views expressed on this show are our own and do not necessarily represent those of the USask Department of Anesthesiology.
(REUPLOAD)
Recorded on November 15, 2024.
Join us for joint grand rounds this week where Drs. Murray Dease and Lexy Regush, an anesthesiologist and obstetrician-gynecologist respectively in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, discuss non-obstetric surgery for the pregnant patient.
Please note that while this podcast is run by healthcare professionals, it is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing beats care that is individualized to your own unique medical needs, so if you have any questions about content covered in this podcast that relates to your own health, please speak with your doctor today.
Additionally, the views expressed on this show are our own and do not necessarily represent those of the USask Department of Anesthesiology.
Recorded on November 22, 2024.
Join us for grand rounds this week where Dr. Allan Meldrum, a third-year anesthesia resident at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, discusses the use of social media as a tool for medical education.
Originally from Chilliwack, British Columbia, Allan completed his undergraduate degree in Honours Physics and Biology at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan campus. He then completed his medical school training at UBC Vancouver and is currently completing his anesthesiology residency training as a PGY-3 at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon. He is a co-creator and co-producer of the U of S Department of Anesthesiology's resident podcast, "Airway, Breathing, Conversation", and enjoys managing the department's YouTube channel, "USask Anesthesia". He has a passion for medical education, and is currently completing his resident research project developing educational materials for Preoperative Assessment Clinic (PAC) patients regarding the roles and responsibilities of anesthesiologists. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, playing music, and home-cooking with his wife.
Please note that while this podcast is run by healthcare professionals, it is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing beats care that is individualized to your own unique medical needs, so if you have any questions about content covered in this podcast that relates to your own health, please speak with your doctor today.
Additionally, the views expressed on this show are our own and do not necessarily represent those of the USask Department of Anesthesiology.
