By: Allison Currie
Lachlan McPhee was in the fifth grade when he had his first experience with cancer. A friend was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a type of bone cancer that mostly affects children and young adults. After a lengthy stay at the IWK, he recovered. While the final outcome wasn’t what anyone would wish for, the care and treatment extended his life for three more years. This time allowed him to share valuable moments with his friends, including hitting the winning run to capture a Major Little League Championship with his teammates. He sadly passed away in the eighth grade, but during his life, he championed what was the Children’s Wish Foundation alongside his friend. Lachlan wanted to continue volunteering even after his friend’s passing.
Lachlan continued to volunteer at the IWK until he turned 18, the maximum age for the youth volunteer program, often commuting with his mom, who was also an infection prevention and control nurse at the same hospital.
With so much time spent in the hospital, and with his family’s connections, it’s no surprise that as university approached, Lachlan decided to pursue something related to healthcare.
“I had volunteered until I was 18, and then I was looking at universities and various programs, considering what I wanted to do after high school,” says Lachlan. “I was interested in biology and health, but also in how everything ties together—from traditional care to the economics of it all, and also the personal ties for me through family and experiences.”
Lachlan completed his undergrad at St. Mary’s University, majoring in biology and minoring in economics, before pursuing his MBA at Dalhousie University. Eventually, he had to start thinking about where to apply for residency. It was around this time that his father, Darren McPhee, was diagnosed with prostate cancer, an event that would help guide Lachlan’s future career plans.
Darren had completed an at-home fecal immunochemical test, followed by several colonoscopy follow-ups, one of which likely caused irritation and an elevated prostate-specific antigen level, which can indicate cancer. Although his levels weren’t consistently elevated in follow-up blood tests, his family doctor was cautious and referred him to a urologist. After further testing, the urologist suggested a biopsy. Darren agreed, and less than two weeks later, while at work, he received the call confirming he had prostate cancer.
Once diagnosed, Darren was faced with a few treatment options: traditional surgery, radiation, or robotic surgery using the advanced da Vinci X system. Supported by the Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub, the da Vinci X robot has become a revolutionary tool in modern surgery. It has four robotic arms and a 3D camera, allowing for unparalleled precision and minimally invasive procedures, even in the most delicate or difficult-to-reach areas.
The goal of robotic surgery is to minimize pain, shorten hospital stays, speed up recovery, and improve long-term outcomes.
A firm believer in the power of innovation and technology, and with the urologist’s recommendation, Darren quickly chose robotic surgery.
“I’m not really old school,” says Darren, a social worker with the Province of Nova Scotia and the secretary-treasurer with the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union. “I’m all for technology and innovation. I did my research, and while there are some potential risks, I knew robotic surgery generally had fewer complications. The surgery itself went well, and all my biopsies showed no cancer—everything was contained, and the procedure was a success. This surgery, with such great outcomes, allowed me to quickly return to my normal activities and life—most thankfully, without the worry of cancer.”
Laura Croft, Clinical Director, Innovation at the Health Innovation Hub, is thrilled to hear stories like this, though she’s not surprised since Nova Scotia Health is leading the way in robotic surgeries.
“Robot-assisted surgery enables movements so tiny and precise that they would not be possible with the human hand alone. Surgeons can make smaller incisions and perform more precise surgeries, aiming to reduce patient pain, minimize hospital stays, and enhance recovery outcomes,” says Croft. “Nova Scotia Health has become a national leader in surgical robotics, having established a centre of excellence and leading the country with six robots in operating rooms and one used for training, thanks to the generous support from the QEII Health Sciences Centre Foundation and the Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation.”
Darren credits his successful outcome to early diagnosis and the expertise of his medical team in selecting the best treatment. He now makes every effort to ensure everyone he knows is talking about prostate cancer and the importance of staying on top of colon health. He’s also incredibly proud of Lachlan and the drive and curiosity that have shaped his education and future career.
Serendipitously, as Lachlan was still deciding where to do his corporate residency, past MBA students visited his class to discuss their work at the Health Innovation Hub. They even highlighted successes such as the da Vinci X robot. Lachlan decided to apply for a corporate residency and was accepted. Looking ahead, Lachlan hopes to continue his career with Nova Scotia Health or a similar organization, where he can bridge the gap between healthcare and business to help people.
“My family’s ties to healthcare, along with my personal experiences, have inspired me to give back,” says Lachlan. “The system not only treated my best friend with excellent care for three years, but it also cured my dad. I’ve had incredible opportunities, and they’ve really shaped who I am. I can’t imagine passing up the chance to make a positive impact on others, just as my family has been impacted.”
Lachlan is currently immersed in an eight-month corporate residency with the Health Innovation Hub, where he’s gaining valuable hands-on experience in areas like integrating new technologies into complex healthcare systems, collaborating with innovators, and researching cutting-edge tools and devices.
Driven by personal experience, education, and the insights he’s gaining through his residency, Lachlan’s future is bright. Fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and enthusiasm are crucial for addressing healthcare challenges, making it vital to engage the next generation in shaping its future.
