We are pleased to announce the appointment of Sender Liberman, MDCM, to the role of Assistant Dean, International Affairs, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS), McGill University, effective April 1, 2024. Dr. Liberman replaces Howard Bergman, MDCM, who was the first person to hold this position. We thank Dr. Bergman for his leadership in setting the strategic direction for the International Affairs office, strengthening FMHS ties with the Gulf Coast countries, including through an innovative International Summer School for medical students from this region, and building links with new partners around the world.
Dr. Liberman is a two-time graduate of McGill having received a Bachelor of Science in Honours Anatomical Sciences followed by a medical degree. His post-graduate training includes a residency in General Surgery at McGill, and a fellowship in Colon and Rectal Surgery at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County, University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center, and Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. He later completed the Teaching Scholar Program and the Telemachus Scholars’ Program. He served as an Osler Fellow for the MDCM Class of 2016 and the Class of 2022.
Dr. Liberman is Full Professor of Surgery and Oncology, and Director, General Surgery Residency Program at McGill, and Attending Surgeon, Colon and Rectal Surgery at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC). He is a member of the Surgical Recovery (SuRe) working group (colorectal) at the MUHC.
From 2015 to 2020, Dr. Liberman was Director of the Colon and Rectal Surgery Residency Program at McGill, and prior to that he was the Director of the McGill-Rwanda Surgical Education Program. Since 2013, he has held an Honorary Associate Professor position in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Rwanda. Dr. Liberman has twice received the Clinical Teaching Award in the General Surgery Residency Program at McGill and was named to the Faculty Honour List in 2019.
Dr. Liberman’s advisory and committee responsibilities are numerous and include serving as Vice-Chair of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Colorectal Surgery Specialty Committee, and as member of the Colorectal Cancer Canada Medical Advisory Board. He also currently serves as Vice-President of the Canadian Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons. Dr. Liberman is also Co-Chair of the Principles of Surgery Exam Board for the Royal College Canada International-Kuwait Institute for Medical Specializations partnership.
Dr. Liberman is widely recognized for his expertise in minimally invasive surgery, colorectal cancer and colorectal cancer surgery. He has given nearly 40 invited lectures, talks, and presentations, authored more than 90 publications and book chapters, and presented more than 80 abstracts and presentations. His research ranges from specific issues in colorectal and rectal cancer to patient outcomes after surgery and prehabilitation. He has been supported by various organizations including the Rossy Cancer Network and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
As Assistant Dean, International Affairs, Dr. Liberman will provide strategic oversight of the international and business development activities in the FMHS. He will report to the Vice President (Health Affairs)/Dean of Medicine and Health Sciences, and work closely with the leadership of the University’s International Office, and represent the Faculty at internal and external meetings.
Together with the Assistant Dean, Admissions and Equity and Enrollment, Dr. Liberman will work with current partners in the Gulf Coast countries to sustain and strengthen postgraduate medical education offerings and recruitment. He will also review other FMHS international activities and new opportunities within the International Office’s scope of operations and establish priorities and an action plan for further development.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Liberman on his appointment and wishing him every success in his new role.
Lesley Fellows, MDCM, DPhil
Vice-President (Health Affairs)
Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Christian Pineau, MDCM
Vice-Dean, Academic Affairs