Meet Our Fertility Doctors

Dr. Pamela Calderon completed her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry at the University of British Columbia prior to working at the BC Cancer Research Centre.  She then went on to complete medical school at the University of British Columbia and received her designation of Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in the specialty of Obstetrics and Gynecology.  Dr Calderon has practiced as an Obstetrician Gynecologist at a tertiary care centre in British Columbia and has also spent time at several rural communities in the province in addition to regular international volunteer work.  She is actively involved in teaching and mentoring of medical learners as a UBC Clinical Instructor.  Dr Calderon brings her passion for, and dedication to, women’s health to the area of fertility and reproductive medicine.

Dr. Dunne is a specialist in infertility and egg freezing. She is doubly certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Obstetrics & Gynecology and in Gynecologic Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility. After studying science at McGill University and the University of London (UK), Dr. Dunne obtained her medical degree from the University of Western Ontario. She then completed her residency and subspecialty training at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. Dr. Dunne is also a registered sonographer for gynecologic ultrasound with the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

Dr. Dunne’s goal is to provide compassionate and patient-centered care based on a foundation of scientific evidence. She has participated in numerous clinical studies and published research on in vitro fertilization, gynecologic surgery and ovarian disease. She is also active as a reviewer for the Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology Canada. Dr. Dunne is a Clinical Associate Professor with UBC in the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and is a regular lecturer to the UBC medical students and medical residents of both Family Practice and Ob/Gyn departments.  Committed to providing her patients with the most up-to-date techniques in fertility care, Dr. Dunne has travelled to the United States and Europe to study at some of the world’s most progressive clinics.

As a mom and a professional, Dr. Dunne appreciates the importance of fertility and the challenges that women can face in creating their families. She is committed to understanding each patient’s unique circumstances and developing a treatment plan that best suits a couple’s, or individual’s vision for growing a family. This could include fertility treatments, such as insemination, in vitro fertilization or donor eggs for those wishing to conceive right away, or egg freezing for women who want to preserve the option of conceiving in the future. Dr. Dunne supports that families come in all shapes and sizes and she is proud to be part of the diverse team at PCRM. In 2018, Dr. Dunne was a recipient of the Business In Vancouver Forty Under 40 Award. and was named a Recipient of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 for 2019.

Dr. Havelock graduated from the University of Manitoba with B.Sc. and M.D. degrees. He completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Alberta, then a three-year fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Havelock is certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. His focus is on in vitro fertilization (IVF) and tubal reconstructive surgery.

Dr. Havelock is the Chair of the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Special Interest Group at the Canadian Fertility Andrology Society (CFAS). He is also a staff Gynecologist in the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at UBC, and serves as a clinical lecturer.

GREI Sub-Specialty Residency Program

On May 1st, 2012, Dr. Havelock was appointed the Director of the Fellowship Training program in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI). Dr. Havelock has had a career-long interest in education, and the promotion of physician professionalism and high quality medical care.

Applicants to the GREI subspecialty residency program must be graduates (or current residents) of a Canadian Obstetrics and Gynecology residency program.  UBC accepts one subspecialty resident for this program every other year.  The program is two-years in duration.

Please contact the program secretary, Amy Castiglione, for more information.  Application details are available on the UBC Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology website.

Dr. Roberts has B.Sc. (hon) and M.D. degrees from the University of British Columbia. He completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at McGill University, then a three-year fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York. Upon completing his training, Dr. Roberts was appointed Assistant Professor in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, where he served as a Reproductive Endocrinologist and Director of the Donor Egg Program at Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island. Dr. Roberts is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His focus is on uterine surgery, fertility preservation, and in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Dr. Roberts is a trustee on the Burnaby Hospital Foundation. He is also on the board of directors for the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society (CFAS) as the National Continuing Professional Development director. He was recently elected president of the CFAS for the term 2016 & 2017. His academic duties with the UBC Faculty of Medicine include dual appointments in the departments of OB/GYN and Anaesthesia, Pharmacology & Therapeutics as a Clinical Instructor.

Dr. Roberts is active in both clinical and basic science research, with several publications and prize for Best Basic Science Paper at the Conjoint Annual Meeting of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and CFAS in 2005.

Dr. Seethram completed his M.D. and specialty training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Alberta between 1988 to 1997. He did his undergraduate medical degree in Edmonton, and interned in Winnipeg at the University of Manitoba. His specialty training was completed at the University of Alberta. Dr. Seethram’s early practice was more focused on surgical and laparoscopic management of women’s health, but in the last ten years, his focus has shifted to a combined practice with infertility, IVF and prenatal genetics. He has extensive ultrasound background and training, and is focused in First Trimester Screening for genetic abnormalities, as accredited by Fetal Medicine Foundation. He is also a Clinical Associate Professor at the UBC Faculty of Medicine, as well as the University of Alberta, and teaches in the Medical School and Fellowship programs.

Dr. Seethram’s research interests include placental function and the impact of early placental disorders on expression of placental proteins. He is also interested on the impact of the early endometrium on implantation, and currently is participating in a multicentre trial on the effect of the endometrium and its bacterial balance on pregnancy rates.

He is also interested on the impact of fertility treatments on women, couples, and families and has a keen interest on ensuring that people receive practical and productive advice, while keeping evidence-based practice at the centre of care.

Dr. Ahn obtained her B.Sc (Honours) in Physiology from the University of Toronto. She then moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia, where she completed her medical school, residency, and fellowship training at Dalhousie University. She is a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada as a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology and a subspecialist in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. She is board eligible for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Dr. Ahn’s academic interests include fertility preservation, reproductive endocrinology (PCOS, premature ovarian insufficiency, recurrent pregnancy loss), reproductive surgery, and IVF.

Dr. Ahn is a clinical lecturer for the Faculty of Obstetrics & Gynecology at the University of Alberta. She enjoys teaching resident doctors and family physicians about management of infertility, and endeavours to facilitate timely access to infertility treatments.

Dr. Ahn is a native of Toronto, Ontario, but has lived and worked in Nova Scotia for the past 11 years. She and her husband are excited to make Edmonton their new home.

Dr. Jennifer Hilton is a fertility doctor and specialist as well as an experienced obstetrician/gynecologist and fertility researcher. Dr. Hilton started her training in reproductive medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. She completed a Master of Science degree in Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences studying ovarian function and imaging. Dr. Hilton obtained her medical degree at the University of Saskatchewan and subsequently completed residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Calgary. Dr. Hilton practiced obstetrics and gynecology and provided fertility treatments and care in Regina, Saskatchewan before moving to Vancouver for sub-specialty Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons training in Gynecologic Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility through the University of British Columbia. Through her medical practice, Dr. Hilton collaborated with fertility clinics across Canada and the USA to provide fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF) for her patients.

Dr. Hilton advocates for improving access to fertility care. She worked with patient advocacy groups and the government of Saskatchewan to develop a fertility care pathway with education materials for patients and physicians. She has presented at local, national and international conferences, and she enjoys teaching all levels of medical learners. Dr. Hilton’s clinical and research interests include ovarian stimulation, ultrasound assessment of fertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, fertility related gynecologic surgery, time-lapse embryo assessment and IVF treatment.

Dr. Ilnitsky completed her B.Sc. with distinction in Biological Sciences and Doctor of Medicine at the University of Alberta. She continued her post-graduate training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Alberta, and Gynecologic Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Western University.

Her research has been published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Canada, and she has presented her research throughout North America at various conferences. Last year she was awarded the Department of OB/Gyn Paul Harding Research Day Award, and has also received the James Crookes Surgical Award, the Canadian Blood Services Summer Student Internship Award, and the Canadian Blood Services Excellence in Leadership Award.

Dr. Liang obtained her undergraduate and medical degrees at the University of Alberta. She also completed her residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Alberta. She subsequently completed her fellowship training in Gynecologic Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Western University. She is certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.

Dr. Liang’s academic and research interests include assisted reproductive technology, fertility preservation, and weight and fertility. She has published peer-reviewed research articles and book chapters.

Dr. Liang is proud to call Edmonton her home and is excited to join the team at PCRM. She hopes to provide evidence-based, compassionate care in helping patients achieve their reproductive goals. Dr. Liang is able to provide patient care in both English and Mandarin.

Dr. Peggy Sagle received her MD from the University of Western Ontario, followed by residency training at McMaster University and a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology at St Mary’s Hospital Medical School in London, UK. She returned to Canada to join the faculty at McMaster University where she completed a Masters degree in Design, Measurement and Evaluation.

In 1997, she and her husband were recruited to the University of Alberta, where she is currently a Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Much of her academic career has been devoted to medical education. Dr. Sagle has held various leadership positions including Department Chair, and Associate Dean Undergraduate Medical Education. She is currently Chair of the Royal College exam committee for Gynecological Endocrinology and Infertility (GREI), the national exam which certifies specialists in this field.

Her areas of expertise include PCOS, the effects of obesity on reproduction and the emotional impact of infertility. Dr. Sagle feels it is important to allow patients choice in their care while still practising within evidence based guidelines.

She enjoys living in Edmonton with her husband, two adult daughters, a Devon Rex cat and a Tibetan Spaniel.

Dr. David Smithson joins the team at PCRM excited to be coming to Western Canada.  The opportunity to live and work in the community of Edmonton, which balances a plethora of outdoor opportunities and a rich festival and cultural scene served as a big draw to the region for him.

Dr. Smithson graduated with first class honours from Queen’s University’s Smith School of Business in Kingston, Ontario.  He then attended Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry in London, Ontario, where he received his medical degree.

Remaining at Western for his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Smithson was granted fellowship through certification with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.  He then returned to Eastern Ontario, this time to the University of Ottawa, where he completed his subspecialty training in Gynecologic Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.

Dr. Smithson’s primary goal is to provide the best evidence-based reproductive care with a patient-centric focus.  Ultimately, he hopes to assist all those who come to the clinic with their journey to achieve the goal of building a family.

His areas of clinical interest include male factor infertility, fertility preservation, third-party reproduction, and surgical techniques which optimize fertility treatments.

Dr. Smithson’s research interests include health economics and decision modelling, a topic in which he’s published peer-reviewed journal articles and has made several oral presentations.  Medical education has long been a priority for Dr. Smithson.   He plans to continue his participation in medical student and resident teaching at the University of Alberta.

Over the years, Dr. Smithson has been involved in several professional organizations including the Council of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility committee of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada.

Dr. Phil Bach did his undergraduate training at McGill University before pursuing his medical degree and specialty training in Urology at the University of Alberta. He then completed a fellowship in Male Reproductive Medicine and Microsurgery at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City. Upon finishing his training, he was appointed Assistant Professor in the Division of Urology at the University of Alberta. His main urological practice is based out of the Northern Alberta Urology Centre and the University of Alberta Hospital. Dr. Bach is board-certified in Urology by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and is board-eligible with the American Board of Urology.

Dr. Bach’s clinical and research areas of expertise are in male factor infertility and sexual dysfunction. He has published numerous scientific papers and book chapters and presented his research at national and international conferences. He also enjoys teaching all levels of medical learners both directly and via the development of educational tools.

Dr. Victor D.W. Chow is originally from Toronto and settled in Vancouver in 1993. His medical degree was obtained from Queen’s University in 1993. After a rotating internship year at Lions Gate Hospital with UBC, he completed a research year and entered the Urology program at UBC, obtaining his fellowship (FRCSC) in 1999. Further sub-specialty training in the field of andrology and male infertility was performed at the University of Toronto (Mount Sinai Hospital) in 2000. Dr. Chow also is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). His main urological practice is based out of North Vancouver at the Lions Gate Hospital. In addition, he runs a weekly teaching clinic specializing in male infertility at the Department of Urologic Sciences where he holds the appointment of Clinical Associate Professor.

Dr. Ryan Flannigan’s practice is specialized in male infertility, vasectomy reversals, non-obstructive azoospermia and sexual medicine. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Calgary, Urology training at the University of British Columbia and additional 2-year subspecialty training in Male Reproduction and Microsurgery at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York. Dr. Flannigan is an Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia where his practice in male infertility and sexual medicine is based out of Vancouver General Hospital. He has been the recipient of numerous international awards and serves as the Director of Male Reproduction and Sexual Medicine Research in the University of British Columbia Department of Urologic Sciences in addition to holding an Adjunct Assistant Professor position at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York for male reproduction research. He is actively involved in male infertility research including clinical trials and technological innovations as well as investigating the genetic and molecular mechanisms contributing to male infertility.

https://flanniganfertility.ca/

Dr. Poon completed his M.D. and specialty training in Urology at the University of British Columbia. He subsequently obtained sub-specialty training in the field of andrology and male infertility at Northwestern University in Chicago in 2008. His general urological practice is with the Metrovan Urology Group. He is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia. He has been the President of the BC Urological Society, Section of Urology representative at the SSPS/BCMA and Chief of Surgery at Richmond Hospital.

Dr. Christopher Wu completed his Medical School at the University of British Columbia and his Urology
Residency at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. He then completed Fellowship training in Male
Reproductive Medicine and Andrology at the University of Toronto under the auspices of Drs. Keith Jarvi,
Kirk Lo, and Ethan Grober, with a special focus on urological microsurgery and penile reconstruction
procedures.
He practices general adult and pediatric urology in the Fraser Health Authority. He is based out of
Burnaby Hospital but also works at the Eagle Ridge Hospital in Port Moody as well as the Royal
Columbian Hospital in New Westminster. His areas of interest include Male Infertility, Andrology, as well
as Minimally Invasive urologic procedures.

Dr. Samantha Wong-Merrick completed her medical degree and OBGYN Specialty training at UBC. Earlier this year she sought additional training under the supervision of PCRM’s Co-Directors to enhance her skills in pelvic ultrasound and knowledge of infertility treatment protocols. Dr. Wong-Merrick spent her childhood between Bangladesh and British Columbia. She now lives on Vancouver Island with her family. Many Vancouver Island physicians may already have met Dr. Wong-Merrick during her locums for OB/GYN practices in high-risk obstetrics and gynecologic surgery. She is also involved in clinical teaching of medical students and residents. Dr. Wong-Merrick has volunteered on medical missions to underserved populations in Ecuador and Guatemala and is proud to offer services in Spanish.