Class Notes
News from your classmates
Summer 2026
Class of 6T1
Dr. Otto KAHN, now living in California, has published his second memoir, A Lifelong Curiosity — Reflections on a Life in Medicine, written together with his wife, Irene. The book blends scientific history with personal reflection, tracing how curiosity shaped his journey from the University of Toronto to a long career in cardiology. Dr. Kahn pays tribute to the mentors and early innovators who influenced his thinking and inspired his work. The memoir is available on Amazon.
Class of 6T3
Dr. Perry COOPER — Chair of Meds 6T3 Reunion Committee: On May 30, 2026 a special reunion was held at The Kimpton Saint George Hotel in Toronto by the Class of 6T3 marking 63 years since we graduated in 1963. How could we not celebrate? Twenty-six guests (14 classmates) from across the country, Vancouver to Newfoundland, gathered for a reception followed by dinner and the warmth and camaraderie of reuniting. We now look forward to #65 in 2028, if not sooner.
Class of 6T4
Dr. Agnes V. KLEIN has just retired after 52 years in the federal public service. She started with the thought of only a temporary position, but the work proved to be so interesting in drug regulations that she decided to stay and serve the public in that manner. She went from being an evaluator to a division chief and a bureau director and was part of the varied updates and improvements in the regulations and the manner in which the work was accomplished. She ended her career as the medical advisor to the director general in biologics and radiopharmaceuticals. A celebration was held in her honour and she received numerous accolades and a lifetime achievement award. Dr. Klein is looking forward to reading, doing crafts, keeping in touch with friends and family, near and extended, as well as travel as the occasion arises. She considers keeping busy when retiring from a profession as important for both physical and mental health.
Class of 6T6
Dr. Howard LANGER is proud to announce that his grandson Isaac Begun has just finished first year of the MD Program at U of T, Mississauga campus, making him the third generation following in the footsteps of his grandfather and Dr. Shawn Langer (Class of 1996).
Class of 6T7
Dr. Shim FELSEN When I am not doing short locums for friends and colleagues, my wife and I are busy travelling to visit our grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who are scattered around the world. At last count, I will soon have nine great-grandchildren, and I hope that more will soon be on their way.
Class of 6T8
Dr. Peter NEWMAN After closing my own practice, I did practice supervisions for some years on behalf of the CMPA, for our colleagues in difficulty. Since then I've been enjoying more time for family, travelling, skiing, and writing. I'm marvelling to be old enough to have a daughter practising medicine, and a grandson in medical school.
I'm excited to announce that my new book, In Harm's Way, has just been published. It's a collection of true stories, almost all from my medical practice, written in the style of creative non-fiction. They take place in Uganda, Rwanda, Israel, Dominica, the Arctic and the Amazon, as well as Toronto and Vancouver. There are also some scenes from medical school that I think you'll relate to!
In Harm's Way is available through local bookstores, and online at Amazon, Indigo, and Barnes & Noble. All proceeds from the book will be donated to Médecins Sans Frontières and the Canada-Africa Community Health Alliance. Learn more
Class of 6T9
Dr. Robert LIFESO After a spine surgical career spanning the globe, including many years as the first and only spine surgeon in Saudi Arabia, Bob Lifeso has retired and settled down in Sarasota, Florida. He ultimately retired as a Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, Rheumatology and Radiology at SUNY Buffalo. Love to correspond, reunite and reminisce with members of the Medical Class of '69.
Dr. Abraham CHAITON Still in practice as a Rheumatologist in Toronto at Hennick Humber Hospital and Sunnybrook Medical Centre!
Class of 7T1
Dr. Nancy HOUSER WOOD The 17th epidemic of Ebola was declared May 15 in Ituri Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. For Drs. Philip and Nancy Houser Wood ('71), this province has been their focus since 1973, and the nurses and doctors they have trained are fully involved in responding to the epidemic. Donations for PPE may be sent to Global Interaid, 22 East 12th Street, Hamilton, ON L9A 3X1.
Class of 7T6
Dr. Paul STEINBERG We are excited to be expecting a second grandchild in July. A later delivery this year will be the publication of Psychoanalysis in Practice: A Contemporary Approach for Psychotherapists, a sister volume to Psychoanalysis in Medicine.
Class of 7T8
Dr. Peeter POLDRE Peeter serves as a public member on the Council of Early Childhood Educators, both on the Executive and Discipline Committees. His wildlife, sports and community photography can be seen on Instagram where he has surpassed 1,000 posts. He volunteers for several charities including Peel Crime Stoppers and the Estonian Foundation of Canada.
Dr. Peter DODEK continues to enjoy a mix of science, education, volunteering and fun, including jazz piano, tap dancing and daily exercise. "I could give retirement lessons!"
Class of 8T0
Dr. Chris RICCI When I reached my 40th year of practice as an anesthesiologist at Hamilton Health Sciences, I decided to retire. My insight was: There may be fewer years after 70 than before. Happy to be retired (6 months now).
Class of 8T1
Dr. King Chuen Peter LI I am honoured to be appointed the Founding Dean of a new medical school at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. This is the second technology- and innovation-based medical school that I have had the opportunity to lead as Founding Dean. Read the announcement
Dr. Adriana PECORARI The 45-Year Class Reunion for Meds 8T1 will take place on Saturday October 24, 2026, at the Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel, 600 Hwy 7, at 6 p.m. For more information contact Adriana Pecorari at 5angels@rogers.com.
Class of 8T2
Dr. Paolo PIANOSI I officially retired December 2024 but continue to moonlight one week per month as a pediatric pulmonologist... we spend North American winters in Lima.
Dr. Doreen YEE Doreen has been promoted to associate professor in the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine effective July 1, 2026.
Class of 8T3
Dr. Nicholas LEYLAND Installed as president of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.
Class of 8T6
Dr. Robert BANKS will be inducted into the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame on Sept. 17 in Ottawa.
Dr. Drue MANDEL and Dr. Sandra Landolt will host the Medical Class of 8T6 40th anniversary reunion on November 21 at the Chelsea Hotel, Toronto.
Dr. Keith MARTIN After graduating, Keith practiced family and emergency medicine, served as an MP from 1993-2011, and since 2012 has been founding Executive Director of CUGH.
Class of 8T7
Dr. Peter BZONEK Retiring from full-time family practice August 1, 2026 after a 36-year career.
Class of 8T8
Dr. Shafiq QAADRI Welcoming third-generation MD daughter Shamsa; now teaching at TMU School of Medicine after 15 years in Parliament.
Class of 8T9
Dr. Paul THISTLE 31 years of medical service in Zimbabwe; appointed to the board of the Health Professions Authority of Zimbabwe and in 2024 received THE ONE International Humanitarian Award from Rotary. Visit Dr. Thistle's website.
Dr. David DIXON Published a new book, God and Babies: Glimpses of the Divine. Visit Dr. Dixon's website
Class of 9T0
Dr. Steven FRIEDMAN Promoted to full professor in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine effective July 1, 2026. Read the announcement
Class of 9T1
Dr. Jeffrey WERGER Daughter Megan graduated as a member of the U of T MD Class 2T6 and is completing OBGYN residency at McMaster.
Class of 2000
Dr. Abha GUPTA Registration is open for the 2026 Adolescent & Young Adult Symposium taking place on September 23 and 24, 2026 in-person at SickKids and online.
Dr. Grant CHEN Received the WT Aikins Award for Individual Teaching Performance: Foundations.
Class of 1T1
Dr. John SAUVÉ The 1T1 graduating class held its first reunion in May 2026, marking 15 years since graduation.
Class of 2T5
Dr. Emily NGUYEN Recipient of the 46th Annual Sopman Humanitarian Award for the PGY1 category in Surgery.