Featuring Dr. Akshay Varghese, Endocrinologist, and Dr. Emily Aleksa, Otolaryngologist (ENT)

Sault Area Hospital welcomes husband-and-wife physicians Dr. Akshay Varghese, Endocrinologist, and Dr. Emily Aleksa, Otolaryngologist (ENT), to our hospital and community.

For both physicians, Northern Ontario has always felt like home. Dr. Varghese was raised in Sudbury, while Dr. Aleksa is a Sault Ste. Marie native. After completing their medical training at NOSM University and residency training at Western University, they are excited to begin their careers together in the Sault.

Dr. Varghese completed his Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Biology at Laurentian University in 2016 and a Master of Public Health at Western University in 2017 before attending NOSM University, where he graduated in 2021. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine and Endocrinology & Metabolism at Western University in 2026 and joins Sault Area Hospital and Group Health Centre as a full-time Endocrinologist.

“Endocrinology brings together so many things I enjoy — multisystem pathology and physiology, while also considering the impacts of nutrition and overall public health on a patient’s wellbeing.”

Dr. Aleksa earned her Bachelor of Science from Queen’s University in 2017 before attending NOSM University, where she graduated in 2021. She completed her residency in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Western University in 2026 and is now returning home to practise as an Otolaryngologist at Sault Area Hospital and Group Health Centre.

“I enjoy seeing a variety of patients, from all different ages and with different needs. It’s rewarding to be able to help people improve their quality of life.”

Both physicians are looking forward to providing specialized care closer to home for patients who may otherwise have to travel outside the community. As NOSM University graduates, they also hope to contribute to the education of future physicians, inspired by the preceptors and mentors who had such an important impact on their own training.

The opportunity to work in a smaller community hospital was another important part of their decision to come to Sault Ste. Marie. They have been impressed by the strong sense of teamwork at SAH, along with the facilities, technology, resources and support available to care for patients.

“Sault Ste. Marie really felt like the total package for us,” they say. “We are close to family, we get to work in a team-focused environment, and we have the opportunity to provide care to a community that has always felt like home.”

Outside of work, they enjoy an active lifestyle, running, weightlifting, participating in sports, hiking and camping.

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Varghese and Dr. Aleksa to Sault Area Hospital and the Sault Ste. Marie community. We look forward to all they will bring to our patients, learners and healthcare community.