Dr. Brakel earned his BHSc (Biomedical Discovery and Commercialization) from McMaster University and his MD from the University of British Columbia. At McMaster, he was recognized with a BioCanRx National Cancer Immunotherapy Studentship, and placement on the Provost Honours Roll for achieving a perfect GPA.
Throughout his training, he has been involved in research spanning basic, translational, and clinical neuroscience. His laboratory research has focused on identifying genetic vulnerabilities of brain tumour stem cells and developing novel therapies for malignant brain tumours. He has contributed to the development of several preclinical immunotherapies and targeted therapies for glioblastoma and other central nervous system malignancies.
Clinically, he has participated in research across several areas of neurosurgery, including neuro-oncology, skull base, pediatric, and cerebrovascular neurosurgery, with a focus on advancing surgical techniques and patient care.
Dr. Brakel is well-published in journals such as Nature Medicine, Science Translational Medicine, and International Journal of Stroke, and has presented his research extensively including two podium presentations at the Canadian Neuro-Oncology Meeting. He looks forward to pursuing a career focused on advancing the treatment of neurosurgical disease through research and innovation.
Dr. Alhatmi was born and raised in Ibri, Oman, and earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the National University of Science and Technology in Oman. In 2020, she was honored with the Community Service Award for her outstanding contributions to extracurricular activities and community service.
Demonstrating strong leadership skills, Dr. Alhatmi was elected Student Council President and representative during her medical studies. One of her notable initiatives was organizing TEDxNUScitech, reflecting her commitment to innovation and public engagement. As an active member and certified trainer of the International Federation of Medical Students' Associations (IFMSA), she made significant contributions to the development of her peers in the medical community.
Her interest in neurosurgery was further solidified through electives and clinical rotations, where she gained a better understanding of the field. She was later granted a scholarship to begin her residency at the University of British Columbia (UBC).
In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, practicing yoga, traveling to embrace new cultures and experiences, reading Arabic literature, and has a special interest in Arabic poetry.
Dr. Dhillon earned his medical degree (MD) and Bachelor of Science (BSc) from the University of British Columbia.
In medical school, Karan was involved in implementing changes within the medical curriculum. He met with the federal medicine review board to provide patient group perspectives regarding new drug guidelines. He was also involved in neuro-oncology and pediatric neurosurgery research. Prior to starting residency, he received the George W. Leroux Memorial Scholarship.
Karan enjoys playing ice hockey and watching the Vancouver Canucks. He also enjoys playing tennis and hiking."
Dr. Yang earned her MD, MSc in Neuroscience, and BSc in Physiology at McGill University. In graduate school, Angela studied the role of hippocampal inputs to the striatum in reward-processing behaviour in mice.
During medical school, she transitioned to clinical research focusing on neuro-oncology, in particular the role of early repeat resection in high grade glioma. During her free time, Angela enjoys travelling and going on road trips
Dr. Hounjet is a first-year resident in the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of British Columbia.
Born and raised in rural Saskatchewan, she is of Metis and settler descent and is passionate about Indigenous health. She, along with her colleague Emily Green, spearheaded the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Report Card Project which provided a voice to Indigenous medical students across the country. She has had the privilege of acting as a consultant to the Federal Government during the National Dialogue on Indigenous Health. This year she was the honored recipient of both the Canadian Association of Medical Education Rising Star Certificate of Excellence for her work in improving Indigenous health education both at a local and National level, as well as the Dr. Graham Clay Presidential Prize.
She hopes to continue to work to improve access to safe medical care for Indigenous people, especially from a surgical perspective, as she continues through her residency.