Shaf Keshavjee

Dr Shaf and Katie

Shaf Keshavjee is a prominent Canadian thoracic surgeon, scientist, and innovator known for his contributions to the field of lung transplantation. He is the current Surgeon-in-Chief at the University Health Network (UHN) in Toronto, Ontario, and a professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Toronto.

Early Life and Education

Shaf Keshavjee was born in Nairobi, Kenya, and later moved to Canada with his family. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto, where he also earned his medical degree. Keshavjee pursued his surgical residency at the University of Toronto and further specialized in thoracic surgery.

Career

Keshavjee has made significant advancements in the field of lung transplantation. He is renowned for developing the Toronto Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion System, a technique that allows donor lungs to be maintained and assessed outside the body before transplantation. This innovation has significantly increased the number of viable lungs available for transplant and improved patient outcomes.

He has held various leadership positions, including the role of Director of the Toronto Lung Transplant Program. Under his leadership, the program has become one of the largest and most successful lung transplant programs in the world.

Research and Innovations

Keshavjee's research focuses on improving the outcomes of lung transplantation. His work includes the development of gene therapy techniques to repair damaged lungs and the use of stem cells to regenerate lung tissue. He has published numerous articles in leading medical journals and has been invited to speak at conferences worldwide.

Awards and Recognition

Shaf Keshavjee has received numerous awards for his contributions to medicine and surgery. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and has been recognized with the Order of Ontario. His work has also earned him the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Personal Life

Keshavjee is married and has children. He is known for his dedication to his patients and his passion for advancing the field of lung transplantation.

See Also

• Lung transplantation
• Thoracic surgery
• University Health Network
• University of Toronto