2026 Symposium Session 2

Dr. Farshad Nassiri is a Staff Neurosurgeon within the Division of Neurosurgery, Sprott Department of Surgery, at University Health Network and the Krembil Brain Institute. Dr. Nassiri is also a Scientist with the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, as well as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto.

Dr. Nassiri specializes in caring for patients with benign and malignant skull base tumours, such as acoustic neuromas meningiomas, pituitary tumours. His research laboratory uses cutting-edge molecular and computational techniques to uncover the drivers of tumour formation and treatment response, paving the way for personalized diagnostic strategies and treatment options. He is the Chair of the Medical Advisory Committee for the Acoustic Neuroma Association of Canada.  

Dr. Seamus Boyle graduated from University College Cork (UCC), Ireland, in 2013 with degrees in Medicine and Pharmacology. He completed his higher surgical training at the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland in 2024. He went on to complete a Cochlear Implant Fellowship at the National Hearing Implant and Viani Research Centre in Dublin and was awarded the TWJ Major Fellowship in 2025. He is currently completing his second fellowship in Neurotology and Skull Base Surgery at Toronto General Hospital under Professor John Rutka. His academic interests include otology, neurotology, hearing implants, patient satisfaction, and quality improvement. 

Dr. Ivan Radovanovic is an Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Toronto and a neurosurgeon at Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network (UHN). He completed his medical degree and neurosurgery training in Geneva, Switzerland, followed by advanced fellowship training in neuro-oncology/skull base and cerebrovascular surgery at Toronto Western Hospital. He previously served as staff neurosurgeon at Geneva University Hospitals before joining UHN in 2013. His clinical interests include cerebrovascular disease and brain tumours, with an emphasis on minimally invasive neurosurgical techniques. His research program within the Toronto Western Neurovascular Group (Krembil Brain Institute) focuses on the molecular and developmental biology of vascular malformations and brain tumours. 

Dr. Roberge is Full Professor at the University of Montreal and adjunct professor at McGill University. He is a residency graduate of McGill and a fellow of Stanford and St-Jude Children’s research hospital. He currently practices at CHUM in Montreal. He is current past president of the Canadian Association of Radiation Oncology (CARO) and co-chair of the CCTG CNS oncology group. Amongst different clinical and research endeavors, he has strong interests in radiosurgery and radiation treatment of non-malignant disorders.

Dr. Suganth Suppiah is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Toronto and a Surgeon-Scientist at Toronto Western Hospital (UHN). He completed his medical degree at Western University and neurosurgical training at the University of Toronto, along with a PhD focused on the molecular biology of peripheral nerve sheath tumours. He subsequently completed a fellowship in complex peripheral nerve surgery at the University of Calgary. His clinical practice focuses on neurofibromatosis-related tumours and peripheral nerve and spine tumours, with a research program centred on understanding the genetic and molecular drivers of disease and developing novel therapeutic approaches.

Dr. Derek Tsang is a radiation oncologist and Associate Professor in Radiation Oncology at the University of Toronto. He practices at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, and The Hospital for Sick Children. His clinical focus includes paediatric oncology, adult neuro-oncology, and stereotactic radiosurgery, while his research centers on re-irradiation strategies and reducing the late effects of radiotherapy. He is involved in international clinical trials and serves on editorial boards for major oncology journals.

Michelle Gillespie is the National Operations Director of the Acoustic Neuroma Association of Canada (ANAC) and a dedicated patient advocate. With a background in engineering and project management across both the private and public sectors, she previously held a leadership role overseeing municipal water and wastewater infrastructure projects. Michelle was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma in 2019 and underwent urgent brain surgery in early 2020, followed by a complex recovery involving facial paralysis, single-sided deafness, balance challenges, and multiple facial reanimation surgeries. Inspired by the support she found through ANAC, she began volunteering in 2022 and now leads national operations, bringing a strong commitment to improving awareness, access to care, and support for individuals navigating life after an acoustic neuroma diagnosis.