Joshua Vorstenbosch
Assistant Professor
MD, PhD, FRCSC
My research focuses on how the body reacts to implantable non-rigid biomaterials. We use non-rigid biomaterials for a broad range of surgeries, such as breast reconstruction, hernia repair, and ocular lens replacement. While these materials are all safe, when adverse tissue reactions such as chronic inflammation or fibrosis occur at the tissue-implant interface, the implanted device becomes non-functional and patients suffer significant morbidity. To better understand why these adverse reactions happen, my lab studies the impact of various surgical and biomaterial factors on the tissue reaction at the implant interface. We are interested in using this information to develop surgical, molecular, and biomaterial solutions to improve the biocompatibility of non-rigid implants and their associated surgical outcomes.
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- Breast Reconstruction
- Microvascular Complex Oncologic Reconstruction
- Lymphedema Surgery
Dr. Joshua Vorstenbosch, MD PhD FRSCS is an attending plastic surgeon at the 91社区 Health Centre, an Assistant Professor of Surgery at 91社区, and a Junior Scientist at the Research Institute of the 91社区 Health Centre. Dr. Vorstenbosch earned both his medical degree and PhD at 91社区, where he studied under the supervision of Dr. Anie Philip. He also completed a fellowship in microvascular oncologic reconstruction at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.
Dr. Vorstenbosch鈥檚 research lab focuses on the healing response following implantation of biomaterials. Using human capsular tissue surrounding breast implants as a model, he studies the cellular and molecular singling at the tissue-implant interface. His lab is investigating what differentiates normal tissue tolerance to an implant from the development of chronic inflammation, which often leads to pathologic fibrosis or in rare cases, cancer.
In his clinical practice, Dr. Vorstenbosch performs complex oncologic reconstructive surgery, primarily following breast cancer. He offers a full breadth of reconstructive options ranging from using a patient鈥檚 own tissue to using implants. Dr. Vorstenbosch is also leads the surgical lymphedema program at the MUHC, providing cutting-edge surgical treatment to patients affected by lymphedema.