Alaa Awadalla, MD, FRCOG, FRCSC

Teaching is a privilege and honourable responsibility given to us to disseminate the knowledge and skills and grow wiser and better. The learner is showing interest and spending this time of life to learn. My teaching depends on empowering learners to feel safe in the environment and feel confident that they will not be causing harm as we are there to support, guide and teach them. The learner is the provider of tomorrow and the teacher of the next generation. I learned from humble kind giants in medicine and I felt safe learning in their shadow, I grew up in knowledge and skill and it is my turn to do the same and help the learners to shine and unleash their potential abilities. 

I've had the opportunity to engage in three consecutive learning programs, which included a focused two-year training in minimal invasive surgery as part of the Oxford rotation in the UK. My journey began with a five-year residency in OBGYN in my hometown of Tanta, Egypt. After earning my first OBGYN diploma from Ain Shams University in Cairo, I qualified to join the program at the Coptic Hospital in Cairo, affiliated with the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynecology in London, UK.

The third phase of my training took place in the UK, where I obtained the MRCOG and furthered my expertise in advanced minimal invasive procedures under the guidance of Mr. M. Gillmer at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. This experience can be likened to the current fellowship training.

All these experiences were rooted in obstetrics and gynecology programs, you work super hard then you celebrate life delivering babies, you recover and get energized to learn again.

I was later invited by the CMO of James Paton Hospital in Gander, Newfoundland, to provide expertise in minimal invasive surgery. This initiative not only benefited patients in Gander but also played a role in teaching residents from St. John's Hospital.

Relocating to Winnipeg in 2004 was a pivotal move, and I was warmly welcomed by the department, allowing me to continue honing my skills in minimal invasive surgery. Serving as the Chair of the MIS committee from 2012 to 2020 was a fulfilling experience, collaborating with a dedicated team.

Over the course of 19 years, I had the privilege of overseeing 13 chief residents and I will continue to be proud of them and grateful for their hard work for what I learned from them. I crossed the 1000 laparoscopic hysterectomy mark two years ago thanks to the team that supports every surgery.

I share a large obstetrics service with eight amazing colleagues and that allows me to feel confident and free to do more minimal invasive work and come back to deliver babies and energize myself with the miracle of delivering babies, before I go back to another round of enjoying the art that comes with doing surgery.

For the past six years, I have served as the chair of the Victoria Hospital Standard Committee, a crucial role in ensuring the provision of best practices. Additionally, I contributed to the medical community by serving on the SOGC committee for gynecology guidelines from 2014 to 2020, actively participating in the review and discussion of each publication.

From 2018 to 2020, I had the honour of representing physicians as the chair of the medical staff of Manitoba on the Winnipeg Health Authority Board. These varied roles have allowed me to contribute to health care practices and guidelines, enriching both my professional and personal journey.

Education

Fellowship of the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (2011)

Fellowship of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (2004)

Membership of the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (1997)

Diploma of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ain Shams University, Cairo (1989)

Graduated from Medical School, Tanta, Egypt, Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (1984)