Featuring Dr. Stephane Thibodeau

We welcome Dr. Stephane Thibodeau, Radiation Oncologist to SAH and the community!

Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Dr. Thibodeau has returned home to practice medicine. “My plan was always to come back – I just didn’t know I would end up choosing radiation oncology as my specialty. I chose this specialty because it has a profound positive impact on patients at almost every part of the cancer journey, all within a coordinated team-based approach to care,” he says.

Dr. Thibodeau earned his undergraduate degree in human rights at the University of Ottawa, then pursued a Master’s degree in Public Administration at Queen’s University. Dr. Thibodeau attended medical school at NOSM University and completed his residency in Radiation Oncology at Queen’s University. “I completed my third year NOSM clerkship in Sault Ste. Marie and through this early exposure, I knew I wanted to practice medicine here. The atmosphere is inviting and collegial, and I feel well-supported to be able to pursue other interests such as research and teaching,” he says. “The building is beautiful and a great quality working environment has a significant impact on a person’s well-being.”  

Since the inception of radiation therapy services in 2011, SAH has been working in partnership with Health Sciences North (HSN) to secure radiation oncology coverage. Dr. Thibodeau is SAH’s first full-time local radiation oncologist. “I will embrace the opportunity as the first full-time local radiation oncologist while maintaining our excellent connections with other centres,” he says. “The cancer program at SAH has maintained relationships with many out of town resources and this ensures local availability to our patients should they need them.”

According to Dr. Thibodeau, SAH’s cancer centre has a collaborative team, is well-established within the hospital and broader community, and operates seamlessly with support from HSN. “It is also good to see that patients have access to radiation oncology clinical trials, which I aim to expand,” he adds.

Dr. Thibodeau enjoys spending time with his family. “It is great to have so many family members close by – parents, in-laws, siblings, cousins. We frequently visit family on St. Joseph Island.” He appreciates the many activities available for his kids. Dr. Thibodeau enjoys the outdoors with his children on the waterfront, hub trail, and skiing and taking the family on road trips to nearby small towns wherever they have lived over the years. “I also look forward to frequenting with my family, the many familiar restaurants that have been staples of the Sault community since I was a kid and I enjoy the growing diversity in local restaurants as well.”

Welcome home Dr. Thibodeau and family!