The CNIS Team
Dr. Ronald Lett
CEO & Director of Curriculum Development
Founder of the Canadian Network for International Surgery (CNIS), Dr. Ronald Lett did his undergraduate medical training and post-graduate surgical training at the University of Alberta. He completed his Masters in Injury Epidemiology at McGill University and has appointments as Adjunct Professor of Surgery at McGill University and at the University of British Columbia. He has led CNIS in various capacities since 1995 and has completed 14 Canadian government-funded projects in 7 African countries. These projects have focused on surgical and obstetrical skills training, injury prevention and surgical information transfer.
Dr. Jan Christilaw
Director of Women's Health
As President of BC Women’s Hospital, Dr. Christilaw is a powerhouse for advancing women’s health in British Columbia and a global leader in maternal care. Her 25+ years of accomplishments include: Appointed Member, Order of Canada (2017); President of BC Women’s Hospital; Expert Advisor, Canadian Institute for Health Information for Maternity; UBC Clinical Professor; Founding Chair, Aboriginal Maternity Committee; and Chair, BC Consensus Panel on Cesarean Birth – all while delivering thousands of babies in British Columbia.
Dolores Cviticanin
Office Manager & Project Coordinator
Dolores Cviticanin completed her Bachelor degrees at Sciences Po and UBC before finishing her MSc in International Public Policy at UCL in September 2020. She has previously worked UN Women and health-focused consultancies. She has also written for the United Nations Association of Canada and e-International Relations before. Dolores is passionate about feminism, health and public policy.
Helen Thayakaanthan
Accountant
Helen is a designated CPA, CMA, having several years of finance management and accounting experience for non-profit organizations and is taking accountability in finance, donations, payroll, taxes, and regulatory compliance. She is passionate about continuous organizational improvement and the impact that finance professionals can make throughout successful organizations. While there are many parts of her job Helen enjoys, her favourite aspect of her role is understanding challenges faced by various stakeholders within an organization and facilitating a postive resolution for all.