Tell us about where you currently live (city/country) and how you ended up in this location.

In 2006, my wife and I decided to move or family to Vancouver British Columbia. We were both born and lived half our lives in the U.S. so the decision to immigrate to Canada was a big one, but we have never regretted that decision. Vancouver is a exciting and beautiful destination with excellent schools and a safe multicultural society. We live much of our life outdoors hiking, biking, skiing, and boating. And our kids love it.

Tell us about your work - your job title, where you work, how long you've worked in the field, areas of focus or research, etc.

I have been working as a urogynaecologist for more than 25 years, always as an academic physician. I always had difficulties with my mentors' emphasis on focused discovery, and consequently, my discovery has spanned all pillars from anatomy, to clinical and surgical trials, to epidemiology. My present research focus is on preventing obstetrical trauma, and related to that, patient centred outcomes for labour. In addition to my clinical and academic interests, I hold several administrative roles, including Regional Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology for Vancouver Coastal Health, and Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology for the University of British Columbia.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined IUGA right out of Fellowship training. As an aspiring academic I wanted to be at the centre of academic urogynaecology, where I would meet the people defining the field and hear the latest evidence. The venue for that was IUGA, even as it is today.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

Leading the Local Organizing Committee for the Annual IUGA Conference in Vancouver in 2017 was a tremendously rewarding experience. I got to know the leadership of IUGA intimately and participate in creating its magic.

What is the last book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it?

Presently, I am reading "Song off Solomen" by Toni Morrison, because her recent death brought to my attention that I had missed her. I have not finished it yet, but the writing is great.

What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

In addition to mountain biking, downhill and cross country skiing, and boating, I have taken up silversmithing. It get all of the pleasure of working with my hands that surgery offers, with none of the postoperative care.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

I have an identical twin who is a movie producer. My wife is also a twin.