Resident Spotlight: Dr. Hans Lafford
With students and trainees back in the classrooms – and hospitals – Medical Imaging is catching up with one of our new PGY6 Nuclear Medicine Residents, Dr. Hans Lafford, who started his second residency and first with the University of Toronto (UofT) this year.
The first in his family to pursue medicine – and one of a few to undertake academia – Dr. Lafford initially chose medicine for it’s challenging, intellectually stimulating and rapidly growing nature. Before receiving his Doctor of Medicine (MD) at Dalhousie University, Dr. Lafford completed a Masters in Health Administration (MHA) and a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc. Honours) at the same university. Before beginning medical school, he spent time volunteering as an assistant in an x-ray department, which is what first piqued his interest in medical imaging.
“That initial exposure sparked my fascination with imaging, and in my second year of medical school, I did an elective in nuclear medicine which introduced me to the field and further exposure in my residency solidified my interest,” Dr. Lafford says. “What attracted me to both diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine were the variety of organ systems covered, solving different clinical puzzles every day and cool pathology!”
Since starting his Nuclear Medicine Residency in July, Dr. Lafford has already accumulated many highlights, including being awarded the Dr. Kathy Yip Award in Nuclear Medicine, recognizing his contributions to research, clinical service and mentorship. He’s also enjoyed learning the diverse approaches to imaging across the various clinical systems and hospitals throughout Toronto.
“I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to work with passionate nuclear medicine physicians and also immerse myself in such a vibrant city,” says Dr. Lafford, originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia. “Living in Toronto for this residency has been one of the highlights, as it has provided a unique cultural and professional experience that enriches the learning experience.”
Part of that experience has been learning pediatric nuclear medicine at Toronto’s The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), which Dr. Lafford describes as “exceptional teaching.” The residency has also taught him rare presentations of rare diseases and radiopharmacy in his first year.
“I’m early on in the program, but I’ve already met wonderful nuclear medicine physicians at UHN (University Health Network) and Sunnybrook,” Dr. Lafford lauds. “I’m really looking forward to the many more experiences to come in the next two years.”
Once finished the two-year program, Dr. Lafford plans to return to Calgary, where he completed his Diagnostic Radiology Residency at the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, and join EFW Radiology, which has strong ties with the University of Calgary Diagnostic Radiology Department.
“I’m really looking forward to applying the comprehensive skills and knowledge I’ve gained here to make a meaningful impact on patient care.”
Dr. Lafford has worked in Canada’s healthcare in some capacity for over a decade, including working as a medical student at Dalhousie University, as well as his work with the Nova Scotia Health Authority and Alberta Health Services. He has contributed to numerous research papers and presentations and has won several academic awards, including the Alex and Kaye Cummings Radiology Scholarship Program and Dr. Jaun A. Embil Award for Excellence in Infectious Diseases Research, among others.
Since 2011, Dr. Lafford has maintained membership with numerous professional associations, including the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, the Canadian Association of Nuclear Medicine and the European Association of Nuclear Medicine, to name a few. In his spare time, Dr. Lafford enjoys playing tenor saxophone, the drums and piano.