Dr. Julie Ann Van Koughnett

Dr. Julie Ann Van Koughnett is an Associate Professor in the Divisions of General Surgery and Surgical Oncology at Western University. She has active privileges at London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Health Care, and is based at University Hospital. She is the Program Director of the General Surgery residency training program. 

Dr. Van Koughnett graduated from the University of Guelph with a BSc in Bio-Medical Science, and then attended medical school at Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, where she also completed her residency training in General Surgery. During residency, Dr. Van Koughnett earned a Master of Education degree in Health Professions Education Specialization from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. She was the recipient of the G.E. Meads Award from the Division of General Surgery at Western for teaching and technical excellence during residency. 

Dr. Van Koughnett completed a fellowship in Colon and Rectal Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic Florida before joining the Division of General Surgery at Western University. Her clinical and research interests lie in colorectal oncology, minimally invasive techniques in colon and rectal surgery, and surgical education. She has authored numerous journal articles and book chapters. She was the Program Director of the Surgical Foundations program at Western until 2022, and has been the recipient of numerous teaching awards in the Department of Surgery, Department of Oncology, and Western University. Dr. Van Koughnett has served on many local and national education and surgical committees, and given numerous presentations at national and international conferences. She is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Ontario Association of General Surgeons. 

Dr. Van Koughnett is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, with specialist certifications in General Surgery and Colorectal Surgery. She is also board-certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery.