Walid A. Farhat

Dr. Farhat is a Pediatric Urologist with The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto since 2001. He has a particular clinical interest in minimal invasive surgery; including laparoscopic, single port and endourologic procedures in children. Dr. Farhat also has a vested interest in education, and is actively involved in the organization of several laparoscopic courses that are taught on both national and international levels. In 2009 he was appointed as the Surgeon-in-Chief of Education for Perioperative Services at The Hospital for Sick Children. Dr. Farhat’s research revolves around tissue engineering and bladder development. The urinary bladder has become more of an example of dynamic organ; therefore all research findings may eventually be translated into different areas of interest, particularly cardiovascular and intestinal regeneration. Organ tissue engineering and organogenesis is dependent on the presence of suitable scaffolds and extracellular matrix, cells and growth factors. Hence, his lab has identified the different components of the natural scaffold that results in normal or abnormal regeneration. They also studied its mechanical properties, understanding that the mechanical properties are unique and important for different organs. In terms of cells and cell sourcing, his lab has been investigating different cell phenotypes for the purpose of urinary bladder regeneration. Furthermore, Dr. Farhat has been actively involved in studying and assessing the role of mechanical stimulation on cell matrix interaction in the context of dynamic organ regeneration. For that purpose his lab has invented a machine that allows cell seeded scaffolds to be subjected to different mechanical stimulation. Finally they have been working closely with other collaborators in studying and assessing cell specific regeneration and angiogenesis in different animal models, using non-invasive MRI imaging and use of natural scaffolds in different organs (calvarium).

Biography Updated on 29 January 2012

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