Dr. Saurabh Gupta is a cardiovascular surgeon at the New Brunswick Heart Centre, joining in June of 2024. He earned his Bachelor of Science, Honours in 2011 and completed his Doctor of Medicine in 2015 – both at Western University. Dr. Gupta trained in cardiac surgery at McMaster University, graduating in 2022. During his residency, he also obtained a Master’s of Science in Health Research Methodology, focusing on Knowledge Translation.
In 2023, Dr. Gupta completed a fellowship at the University of Alberta in 2023, focusing on aortic and complex valve surgeries. Finally, he completed a transcatheter valve intervention and aortic surgery fellowship at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. His surgical interests are around complex valve surgeries (especially aortic root and aortic surgery) and transcatheter valve interventions, as well as atrial fibrillation surgery. The CCS recently interviewed Dr. Gupta to discuss his journey, and the important lessons he’s learned along the way.
Q: What drew you to the profession of cardiovascular surgery?
When I initially got into medical school, I wanted to work with Doctors Without Borders and I thought that becoming a general surgeon or trauma surgeon would be an asset to work in that environment. Going through my medical school though, my general surgery mentor recommended that I go into cardiac surgery. There was no cardiac surgery option where I went to medical school, but AATS was happening in Toronto that same year; he paid for me to attend the conference, and I must say I never looked back. It was love at first conference.
I then went on to do my first elective in cardiac surgery at Dalhousie University, in Halifax. My preceptor was Dr. J.F. Legare, and at the end of my time there, we discussed my candidacy. Dr. Legare told me that he felt I had what it takes, and wrote me a strong letter of recommendation. Fast forward to ten years later and he is now the Chair of my division – I get to work with him!
Q: Is there a specific element or skillset in cardiovascular surgery that you particularly enjoy?
As cliché as it sounds, I love every single surgery and cardiac surgery case. Just yesterday, I did a very tough coronary bypass grafting case, which I quite enjoyed for its complexity. For a lot of surgeons, it may not be what we usually love, but it was a tough case, and I enjoyed it because of that.
But, if you were to ask me to pick a single type of surgery, I would say all aortic surgeries. They involve a high adrenaline rush, can be stressful, but they’re one of my favorite procedures because of the acuity and what we are able to do for a patient. Many of my mentors are aortic surgeons and they helped me fall in love with it.
Q: It sounds like you enjoy a challenge then. Have there been any particular challenges on your road to becoming a cardiovascular surgeon that have been a turning point for you?
You know, during residency, the challenges are always obviously the journey itself. It’s a very demanding residency and a tough time. I don’t think that it needs to be laid out any further than that. From my personal perspective, I think getting into medical school in Canada was a challenge. I am an immigrant – my family moved here when I was 12-13 years old, and I think there’s a misunderstanding – culturally – of what it takes to get into a Canadian medical school.
The challenge wasn’t so much so the medical school applications and elements like that – it was more so how to explain to my immigrant parents that this is what’s required? I think I knew what my plan was when it came to applying, but believing it, and having my parents believe it too, was a different ball game. For example, I didn’t need to get that 4.0 GPA to get into medical school and had to convince my parents to trust me on that, but also had to convince myself. It was OK if I had a 3.8 or a 3.9 or even a 3.75 GPA, which is what I had in my best two years. But that’s okay because I focused on other things too, like living a life that’s rich with extracurriculars, volunteering, travel and multiple jobs.
You don’t necessarily want a physician who has a 4.0 GPA. You want a doctor who understands what it means to be all those things, plus a scholar. So, I think my challenge just came from coming from a very, very different culture and different place of what it means to be good at school and figuring out how to change that mentality to be able to succeed in Canada.
Q: What is something that keeps you motivated each day?
I think for me, nothing feels better than when a patient is doing well and when you can walk in and see them sort of smile the next day – it’s very motivating. Working with a great team also keeps me very energized. I’ve only been on staff for a few months now but am so lucky to work where I work. Everybody around me wants to see me succeed. Lastly, I love traveling and that keeps me going too.
Q: Is there something you’re excited to learn about or experience in the next few years?
We have a busy research program here at the New Brunswick Heart Centre, so I’m excited to grow as a researcher and get involved in larger trials. My colleagues here are supportive and the perfect people to learn that from. From a personal perspective, one of my life goals is to climb the seven summits.The next few climbs that I would like to do are Mont Blanc and to traverse around the Ecuadorian Volcanoes. After a busy week, a good hike and a stroll in nature is absolutely the ticket.
Q: What would you recommend to trainees or early career CCS members?
Get involved. Reach out and network as much as you can – Come to CCC, come to CSCS. The more you show up, the more opportunities show up for you, right? If you’re willing to work hard, network, and be kind to others, doors will open for you. Dr. Steve Meyer, a cardiac surgeon in Edmonton once told me that to get a good residency spot, or even a good job, you need the Three A’s – Are you “Available, Affable, Able”? So, ask yourself how you can demonstrate those traits.
I can’t believe we’ve gone this whole interview and I’m only just now mentioning Dr. Michelle Graham, the current CCS President. She has helped me and mentored me in innumerable ways over the years, and it just goes to show that someone as busy as she is will still make time to support you and help you grow. You never know who you will meet at CCS and who will be able to help you in your career.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share with potential CCS members?
I think the only thing I would share is that sometimes we are so busy in our lives as cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and other allied health professionals and physicians, that we don’t realize the importance of being involved at a national level, or even at a provincial level or local level. I would say if you’re thinking about joining CCS, just do it! Give yourself a couple of years to experience all that it can offer, understand how it could impact and benefit your career, and then go from there.
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