The UBC Department of Orthopaedics is delighted to announce four new division heads. Guided by our shared vision of “pain-free mobility for all”, the Department continues its journey toward becoming a global center of excellence.
Dr. Jordan Leith, Head, Arthroscopy Division
Dr. Jordan Leith has been a member of the UBC Department of Orthopaedics for 24 years. Dr. Leith is fellowship trained in Shoulder, Elbow and Sports Medicine and has dedicated the majority of his practice to the care of athletes of all ages and levels. He also has a Master’s Degree in Health Care and Epidemiology from UBC.
“I am honored to step into the role of UBC Division Head of arthroscopy and sports medicine. My passion lies in ensuring quality care and driving advancements in arthroscopic surgery. As Division Head, my goal is to cultivate a nationally recognized sports and arthroscopy division by fostering collaboration among provincial surgeons. Together, we will prioritize enhancing clinical excellence, education, and research.”
Dr. Cassandra Lane Dielwart, Head, Comprehensive Orthopaedics Division
Dr. Cassandra Lane Dielwart, also known as “Lane,” is an Orthopaedic Surgeon specializing in joint replacement surgery with a focus on Shoulder and Knee Arthroscopic Surgery and Orthopaedic Trauma surgery. She completed her residency at the University of British Columbia and pursued fellowships in Orthopaedic Trauma at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, and in Shoulder and Knee Arthroscopy at UBC. Joining the Kelowna Bone and Joint surgical team in 2017, she concurrently became a faculty member at the university, focusing on teaching medical students and residents. Dr. Dielwart has since taken on the role of resident and medical student rotation coordinator for Orthopaedics at the Southern Medical Program, overseeing a highly sought-after orthopaedic rotation. In 2022, she made history by being elected as the first female and under-40 President of the British Columbia Orthopaedic Association, as well as the first member of the LGBT community to lead a provincial association in Canada. Dr. Dielwart’s leadership continues to drive change for patients and surgeons in British Columbia, fostering a strong partnership between the BCOA and UBC.
“I am so honoured and excited to take on this role within the Department of Orthopaedics. I truly believe that British Columbia is home to some of the most talented Orthopaedic surgeons across Canada, if not the world. I hope to continue to grow the partnership between the BCOA and UBC, and draw in and engage the talent from around this province. I want to build upon the relationships created during my BCOA presidency, and while continuing to advocate for patients and surgeons, also expand the provincial engagement in teaching and education.”
Dr. Kelly Apostle, Head, Foot & Ankle Division
Dr Kelly Apostle is a graduate of the University of British Columbia Orthopaedics residency program. She completed a fellowship in foot and ankle surgery at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle Washington before starting practice at the Royal Columbian and Eagle Ridge Hospitals. Her primary clinical interests are deformity correction, arthritis and lower extremity trauma. She is the physician director of the Fraser Orthopaedic Research Society and a member of the Canadian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, The Canadian Orthopaedic Trauma Association, The Orthopaedic Trauma Association and the Canadian Orthopaedic Association. She is active in medical student and resident education and is a Clinical Associate Professor with the University of British Columbia.
“I am excited to be taking on the role of Division Head for Foot and Ankle. We have an accomplished group of talented surgeons in our division and I look forward to leading them in a collaborative effort to advance research, education, engagement and clinical excellence.”
Dr. Patrick Chin, Head Upper Extremity Division
Dr. Patrick Chin is an active staff member of the Vancouver General and UBC Hospitals, as well as a Clinical Associate Professor and faculty member in The Department of Orthopedics at the University of British Columbia. He completed his orthopedic residency at Queen’s University. Dr. Chin completed his Fellowship Training in Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine with an emphasis on Knee and Shoulder Reconstruction Surgery at the University of Western Ontario and Adult Shoulder and Elbow Reconstruction Surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. He joined the faculty at UBC in 2006 after spending the first three years in community practice on Vancouver Island. Dr. Chin’s clinical practice focus is on arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery of the knee, shoulder, and elbow. He also currently serves as the president for the Canadian Shoulder and Elbow Society.
“I am honoured and excited to be given the opportunity to build this new upper extremity division from the ground up at UBC Orthopaedics. My immediate goal is to engage my other colleagues to build this together so that we are inclusive, diverse and sustainable as a division within the Department. My vision is to have a division of high performance clinicians and researchers that will contribute not only locally, nationally but internationally in Upper Extremity Research, Education and Patient Care.”
As we embark on this new chapter, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the outgoing division heads for their exceptional leadership and dedicated service to the Department:
- Arthroscopy – Dr. William Regan
- Comprehensive Orthopaedics – Dr. Michael Moran
- Distal Extremities – Dr. Alastair Younger
Their dedication and invaluable contributions have made an enduring impact on the advancement of our Department.
This transition not only symbolizes a fresh era of leadership but also aligns with the strategic goals of the UBC Department of Orthopaedics, reinforcing our commitment to excellence, collaboration, and the pursuit of pain-free mobility for all.
Join us in welcoming our new division heads to their new leadership roles on March 1st, 2024!
