April 15, 2025

From Surgeon to Patient to P2A Rider: Dr. Yaron Shargall rides in support of St. Joe’s

Before his knee surgery, thoracic surgeon, Dr. Yaron Shargall, wasn’t sure if he could continue his love of cycling, let alone climb a mountain in Norway. But two months after a simultaneous total bilateral knee replacement using state-of-the-art robotic technology and performed by renowned orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Anthony Adili, Dr. Shargall was back on his bike, traveling to Europe, and hiking up an 800-metre mountain – entirely pain-free.

Now, one year after his surgery, and with 9,000 more km on his bike and his new knees, Dr. Shargall will be taking on the 45km route in Paris to Ancaster: A Ride for Research. This Canadian Cycling classic takes place on April 27 and raises funds to support groundbreaking health research at St. Joe’s. This will be Dr. Shargall’s third year participating in the event together with his sons, Omer and Asaf.

“The event’s connection between the Hospital, the community and physical health is second to none. Through Paris to Ancaster, we’re raising awareness of the incredible services and research studies available at St. Joe’s. Our community can ride, get involved and donate,” says Dr. Shargall. “I’m a surgeon, but I’m also a grateful recipient of St. Joe’s care and compassion. Having the combination of exceptional surgical skills paired with the newest robotic surgery technology has dramatically improved my quality of life…as it does for so many other patients we serve.”

Each robotic surgery St. Joe’s performs is part of research that is being used to improve patient care and continue the Hospital’s advocacy for government funding of robotic surgery. In 2019, St. Joe’s performed Canada’s first robotic knee replacement surgery using the MAKO Rio Robotic System – the same system Dr. Adili used to operate on Dr. Shargall. An international leader in robotic surgery, St. Joe’s is one of very few hospitals in Canada leveraging this innovative approach to joint replacement. To date, more than 5,000 patients have received robotic surgery at our Hospital, and over 500 of those procedures were joint replacements.

For the past 10 years, Paris to Ancaster has partnered with St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation and The Research Institute of St. Joe’s Hamilton, inviting race participants, like Dr. Shargall, to ride and raise funds to support health research underway at St. Joe’s. Your pledges can help support high-tech research that is slowing the progression of prostate cancer, understanding the impact of the legalization of cannabis, leveraging virtual reality technology to build essential skills in a safe, low-risk environment and so much more.

Support Team Shargall at the Paris to Ancaster: Ride for Research or donate to support health research at St. Joe’s.