The overarching goal of the McMaster University fellowship program in skull base surgery and minimally invasive neurosurgery is to provide post graduate training in the diagnosis and surgical management of skull base lesions and treatment of neurosurgical disorders using minimally invasive surgical techniques. While the fellowship would be predominantly clinical, it is expected that there would be a significant academic component including research, teaching and anatomical practice. This fellowship emphasizes minimally invasive/endoscopic approaches to the paranasal sinuses and skull base for treatment of pathologies including infection, optic nerve lesions, CSF leak management, clivus and upper C-spine lesions and resection of benign and malignant sinonasal neoplasms utilizing trans-nasal and transorbital endoscopic corridors.
Deadline to apply is May 1 (for fellowship start July 1 in following year)
Skull Base Fellows
Dr. Ezequiel Yasuda
July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2024
Dr. Yasuda completed his medical degree with honours at the University of Buenos Aires, followed by an intensive neurosurgery residency at the same university’s prestigious “José de San Martín” Teaching Hospital. His dedication to advancing neurosurgical techniques led him to undertake a fellowship at McMaster University. During his 2-year neurosurgery fellowship at McMaster, Dr. Yasuda was actively involved in a range of complex neurosurgical procedures and contributed to significant research projects, resulting in numerous publications and presentations at international conferences related to endoscopic endonasal and endoscopic transorbital techniques. His time at McMaster played a pivotal role in his professional development. Dr. Yasuda went on to practice in Spain before returning home to Beunos Aires, where he continues to implement the advanced techniques and innovative approaches he mastered during his fellowship.
Dr. William Owiti
July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Owiti was born and raised in the Western part of Kenya, in a lake side city called Kisumu. He completed medical school at The Moi University college of health sciences in Eldoret Kenya and the residency program in Neurosurgery at the Chaim Sheba medical center in Israel. After residency he moved to the United Kingdom to continue training as a Registrar. After completing his fellowship at McMaster, Dr. Owiti has begun practising MIS procedures back in his home country of Kenya. and focused on building a team based approach to care for skull base patients.
Dr. Frederic Van Havenbergh
July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
Dr. Van Havenbergh was born and raised near Antwerp, Belgium, and completed his medical education at the University of Leuven, where he also finished his neurosurgical training in July 2024. During his studies he had the opportunity to gain international experience through elective programs in New Zealand and South Africa. Over time, he became increasingly drawn to neurosurgery, which ultimately guided him toward specialization in the field and joining us at McMaster for the skull base fellowship! After completing his fellowship, Dr. Van Havenbergh will return to Antwerp to join the neurosurgical team and begin his practise specializing in minimally invasive procedures.
