Update: On January 8, 2017 Dr. Ben Tse stepped down as Chief of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, and remains active as an Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Humber River Hospital.

Tell us a little about yourself!

I have been at Humber River Hospital for 38 years, and have been Chief of Obstetrics & Gynaecology for 17. I have delivered thousands of babies, saved a few mothers’ lives, and started a new type of gynaecological surgery 25 years ago when everybody thought I was crazy. When I was appointed at York Finch and Humber Memorial in 1979, dual appointments were pretty unheard of! I’m also an Associate Professor at McMaster and Queen’s University.

In one sentence, how would you explain your job to a friend?

I tell my granddaughter that I catch babies.

What is the most interesting birth you’ve ever been part of?

Back in the day (before we had ultrasounds) we would deliver a baby, and then… Surprise! A second one would come out!

One of Humber’s Birthing Suites

If you had to guess, how many babies would you say you’ve delivered over the course of your career?

I wish I could tell you, but I stopped counting after 1,000.

This October, you’ll be delivering our colleague Lindsay’s baby! Is it special working with HRH staff?

It is definitely different working with staff as patients – but I’m used to it.

Do you think Lindsay’s having a boy or a girl? We have a pool going…

I’m not telling!

What excites you the most about Humber River Hospital right now?

I think that Humber River Hospital has a great future. I’m so proud to be here. It’s a beautiful place, and we’re really changing patient care for the better. The building is beautiful, and we have the most exciting technology!

Lucina is a childbirth simulator at Humber

What are your three favourite pieces of technology at our Hospital?

First is Lucina. She’s a childbirth simulator that we added to our Maternal and Child Program this year. She has integrated maternal-fetal physiology which allows Humber staff to train on all the stages of delivery while she “delivers” her baby. She also simulates a number of complications so staff can practice responding with medical intervention in a controlled environment.

The second is the Hospital’s minimally invasive surgical equipment (like the da Vinci robotic surgical system).

And the third would have to be the brand new ultrasound equipment we started using when we moved to the new building.

What is something awesome that you’ve done in the last year?

Rebuilding our department from the ground up and hiring new, young, excellent OB-GYNs that will carry on for the next 25 years.

What inspires you?

Doing the best job for my patients.

Are you a grateful patient of Dr. Tse’s? If you need a way to express exactly how thankful you are, consider showing your appreciation with a Gift of Gratitude. Dr. Tse will be recognized with a special pin and personalized card from you, and your donation will help future patients at Humber River Hospital receive great care. Click here to get started.