Driven by innovation,
guided by compassion
Dr. Kashif Irshad is Chief of the Division of Thoracic Surgery at William Osler Health System in the Greater Toronto Area. He earned his medical degree and a Master of Science in Experimental Surgery at McGill University, trained in thoracic surgery at McMaster University, and completed a fellowship in minimally invasive thoracic surgery at the University of Pittsburgh (UPMC) — widely regarded as one of the world’s leading hubs of innovation in thoracic surgery.
He has spent his career bringing advanced, less-invasive surgery to patients close to home — advancing minimally invasive and robotic techniques at Osler and helping establish the hospital as a recognized centre for advanced thoracic and esophageal surgery. He also founded Canada’s first lung cancer screening program, which helped shape Ontario’s province-wide screening initiative.
Today, more than 95% of lung operations at Osler are performed minimally invasively under his leadership, and over 80% of his lung cancer surgeries use a robotic approach — meaning less pain, fewer complications, and a faster recovery for his patients.
Canadian Firsts & Milestones
- ◆ First Canadian series of Minimally Invasive Esophagectomies — Canadian Surgery Forum 2009
- ◆ Founded Canada’s first lung cancer screening program at William Osler Health System — 2014
- ◆ Performed the first robotic lung resection at William Osler Health System
- ◆ Introduced the Nuss procedure to William Osler Health System — minimally invasive pectus excavatum repair
- ◆ Featured on CTV National News for innovations in minimally invasive lung cancer surgery
- ◆ 95%+ of lung resections performed minimally invasively
“I have dedicated my career to the advancement of new and innovative techniques in minimally invasive thoracic surgery — not because they are technically interesting, but because they are genuinely better for patients. Less pain, faster recovery, and getting people back to the lives they love.”— Dr. Kashif Irshad, MD, MSc, FRCSC — Chief of Thoracic Surgery, William Osler Health System
Khairunnisa (KD) is a dedicated Surgical, Clerical & Administrative Coordinator at the Division of Thoracic Surgery at William Osler Health System, with a passion for delivering exceptional patient care and ensuring a seamless surgical experience from consultation to recovery. With extensive experience coordinating surgical procedures, managing patient communications, and supporting multidisciplinary healthcare teams, she serves as a trusted guide throughout every patient’s surgical journey.
Known for her attention to detail, compassion, and organizational excellence, KD is committed to making every step of the process as smooth and stress-free as possible — believing that clear communication and patient advocacy are essential to achieving the best outcomes.
Outside of work, KD is an avid reader and lifelong learner. She also volunteers actively within the Ismaili community, dedicating her time to service initiatives that reflect her deep commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Minimally invasive,
maximally precise
Dr. Irshad offers robotic-assisted surgery, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), and laparoscopic techniques for the vast majority of thoracic conditions — 95% of lung resections at Osler are performed minimally invasively.
Dr. Irshad has dedicated his practice to bringing minimally invasive thoracic techniques to patients in the Greater Toronto Area.
“Thoracoscopic lobectomy is associated with decreased morbidity, shorter hospitalization, less post-operative pain, and improved preservation of pulmonary function compared with conventional thoracotomy.”
Journal of Clinical Oncology — VATS Lobectomy Evidence