Queen’s University Appoints Dr. Oluwadamilola Fayanju as Head of Surgery: A New Era of Equity and Innovation
Queen’s University has announced the appointment of Dr. Oluwadamilola “Lola” Fayanju as the new Head of the Department of Surgery, effective July 15, 2026, for a five-year term. This appointment, recommended by Dean Lisa Tannock, also includes her role as Head, Department of Surgery at Kingston Health Sciences Centre, and holder of the Britton Smith Chair in Surgery.
A Focus on Health Equity in Surgical Oncology
Dr. Fayanju’s arrival marks a significant step towards prioritizing equity and patient-centered outcomes in cancer care. Her research centers on identifying and addressing disparities in care, particularly within breast cancer treatment. This includes improving prognostication and treatment for aggressive breast cancer variants, and integrating patient-reported outcomes and social determinants of health into care delivery.
Addressing Disparities in Cancer Treatment
Dr. Fayanju’s perform directly addresses a critical need in healthcare. Studies consistently demonstrate that disparities exist in access to timely cancer treatment, often linked to socioeconomic factors and systemic biases. Her research aims to identify and dismantle these barriers, ensuring all patients receive the care they deserve.
From Penn Medicine to Queen’s: A Trajectory of Leadership
Dr. Fayanju joins Queen’s University from the University of Pennsylvania, where she served as the inaugural Helen O. Dickens Presidential Professor in the Perelman School of Medicine and founding chief of the Division of Breast Surgery for Penn Medicine. She also held key positions as surgical director of the Rena Rowan Breast Center and program director for Implementation Innovation at the Penn Center for Cancer Care Innovation.
Integrating Research and Clinical Practice
Throughout her career, Dr. Fayanju has successfully integrated research findings into clinical practice. At Penn Medicine, she led multidisciplinary clinical programs, developed research infrastructure, and championed the inclusion of equity, implementation science, and outcomes measurement within a major academic health system. This experience will be invaluable as she leads the Department of Surgery at Queen’s.
Mentorship and the Future of Surgical Leadership
Beyond her research and clinical accomplishments, Dr. Fayanju is a dedicated mentor. She has supervised and supported numerous students, residents, fellows, and junior faculty, fostering the next generation of surgical leaders. In 2024, she was recognized as an ‘outstanding mentor’ by the Association of Women Surgeons.
The Importance of Diverse Healthcare Workforce
Dr. Fayanju’s commitment to promoting a diverse healthcare and medical research workforce is particularly noteworthy. A diverse team brings a wider range of perspectives and experiences, leading to more innovative solutions and improved patient care.
Professional Affiliations and Contributions
Dr. Fayanju is actively involved in several professional societies, currently serving as President of the Surgical Outcomes Club, on the Board of Directors for the Society of Surgical Oncology, and on the editorial boards for Annals of Surgery, the Annals of Surgical Oncology, and JCO Oncology Practice.
Looking Ahead: Potential Trends in Surgical Oncology
Dr. Fayanju’s appointment signals a potential shift towards a more integrated and equitable approach to surgical oncology. Several trends are likely to shape the future of the field:
Personalized Medicine and Genomic Profiling
Advances in genomic profiling will enable more personalized treatment plans, tailored to the specific characteristics of each patient’s cancer. This will require surgeons to collaborate closely with oncologists and geneticists.
Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques
Minimally invasive techniques, such as robotic surgery, are becoming increasingly common, offering patients faster recovery times and reduced complications.
Data-Driven Healthcare and Artificial Intelligence
The employ of data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) will play a growing role in surgical decision-making, helping surgeons to identify patterns, predict outcomes, and optimize treatment strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Dr. Fayanju’s primary research focus?
A: Dr. Fayanju’s research focuses on advancing equity and patient-centered outcomes in cancer care delivery, with a particular emphasis on addressing disparities in treatment and improving outcomes for aggressive breast cancer variants.
Q: What is the Britton Smith Chair in Surgery?
A: The Britton Smith Chair in Surgery is a prestigious position within the Department of Surgery at Queen’s University.
Q: Where did Dr. Fayanju complete her medical training?
A: Dr. Fayanju received her MD and Master of Population Health Sciences from Washington University in St. Louis, and completed a fellowship in Breast Surgical Oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Q: What professional societies is Dr. Fayanju involved in?
A: She is currently President of the Surgical Outcomes Club, on the Board of Directors for the Society of Surgical Oncology, and on the editorial boards for Annals of Surgery, the Annals of Surgical Oncology, and JCO Oncology Practice.
Did you know? Dr. Fayanju’s research has been supported by the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
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