About Us
All of the rheumatologists within the Dr. William G. Bensen Centre for Arthritis Excellence are proud graduates of the McMaster University Rheumatology Fellowship Program, one of Canada’s leading academic training centres in rheumatic disease care.
With strong academic foundations and specialized clinical expertise, our physicians are dedicated to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care. We serve a broad and diverse patient population across Hamilton, Niagara, Greater Toronto Area, and surrounding communities, offering personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. Through collaborative, patient-centred care, we aim to improve quality of life and long-term health outcomes for individuals living with rheumatic diseases.
Please note that we do not assess referrals primarily for chronic pain or fatigue, fibromyalgia, or hereditary connective tissue and hypermobility syndromes.
Our Physicians
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Dr. Arthur Lau, MD, FRCPC, Rheumatology
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Dr. Ola Wierzbicki, MD, FRCPC, Rheumatology
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Dr. Matthew Wong-Pack, MD, FRCPC, Rheumatology
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Dr. AJ Teel, MD, FRCPC, Rheumatology
Dr. Arthur N. Lau, MD, FRCPC, Rheumatology
EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Science (BSc) (2005) University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Doctor of Medicine (MD) (2008) McMaster Univeristy, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
CERTIFICATIONS:
Rheumatology (2013) Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
Internal Medicine (2012) Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
FACULTY APPOINTMENTS:
Associate Clinical Professor McMaster University, Department of Medicine,
Division of Rheumatology
Dr. Arthur Lau is an Associate Professor in the Division of Rheumatology at McMaster University and holds the Actavis Chair in Rheumatology for Better Bone Health Research. He earned his medical degree from McMaster University, where he also completed his residency training in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology. Dr. Lau subsequently completed the Clinical Investigator Program, alongside a Master of Science in Health Research Methodology at McMaster.
He is a founding partner of the William G. Bensen Centre for Arthritis Excellence where he currently serves as Medical Director.
Dr. Lau collaborates with several leading academic research organizations, including the Ontario Best Practices Research Initiative (OBRI), which focuses on inflammatory arthritis, and GERAS (Geriatric Education and Research in Aging Sciences), which aims to promote healthy aging and support independence among older adults. He holds courtesy staff privileges at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and Hamilton Health Sciences, including McMaster University Medical Centre, Hamilton General Hospital, and Juravinski Hospital.
His clinical and research interests include the screening and management of osteoporosis, as well as innovative models of care to improve the identification and treatment of inflammatory arthritis.
Dr. Ola Wierzbicki, MD, FRCPC, Rheumatology
EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Sciences (BSc)
Doctor of Medicine (MD) (2011) Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland
CERTIFICATIONS:
Rheumatology (2016) Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
Internal Medicine (2015) Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
Dr. Ola Wierzbicki is a dedicated and compassionate rheumatologist known for her clinical thoroughness, attentive care, and patient-centered approach. She completed her Rheumatology Fellowship training at McMaster University, where she developed a strong foundation in the diagnosis and management of rheumatic diseases.
She is exceptionally knowledgeable, kind, and attentive. She takes the time to listen, answer questions thoroughly, and ensure her patients feel heard and validated. Her prompt and proactive approach to investigation and treatment has made a meaningful difference in the lives of many, especially those who had previously struggled to find answers elsewhere. She is known for treating people, not just conditions.
She collaborates with leading academic research groups, including the Ontario Best Practices Research Initiative (OBRI), which focuses on inflammatory arthritis.
Dr. Wierzbicki is committed to providing timely, evidence-based care while fostering a respectful and collaborative environment for her patients.
Dr. Matthew Wong-Pack, MD, FRCPC, Rheumatology
EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) (Honours) (2015) McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Doctor of Medicine (MD) (2020) University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Master of Biomedical Innovation (MBI) (09/2025 - ongoing) McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
CERTIFICATIONS:
Rheumatology (2025) Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
Internal Medicine (2024) Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
FACULTY APPOINTMENTS:
Adjunct Clinical Professor, McMaster University, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology
Dr. Matthew Wong-Pack is a rheumatologist at the William G. Bensen Centre for Arthritis Excellence, where he also serves as Chief Technology Officer and Digital Health Lead, overseeing the integration and advancement of clinical technologies.
He obtained his medical degree and completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Toronto, before returning to Hamilton to complete his Rheumatology Fellowship at McMaster University.
Dr. Wong-Pack is completing a Master of Biomedical Innovation (MBI) at McMaster University, a multidisciplinary, post-graduate program designed to bridge the gap between health technology development and its adoption in the biomedical sector. The MBI program equips graduates with the expertise to drive innovation and implement solutions to address current and emerging healthcare challenges.
He is an Adjunct Clinical Professor in the Division of Rheumatology at McMaster University. He holds courtesy staff privileges at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and Hamilton Health Sciences, including McMaster University Medical Centre, Hamilton General Hospital, and Juravinski Hospital. He collaborates with leading academic research groups, including the Ontario Best Practices Research Initiative (OBRI), which focuses on inflammatory arthritis, and Geriatric Education and Research in Aging Sciences (GERAS), which promotes healthy aging and supports independence among older adults.
Dr. Wong-Pack is also a clinical supervisor for the Advanced Clinician Practitioner in Arthritis Care (ACPAC) Program.
His clinical and research interests include autoimmune inflammatory arthritides such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and axial spondyloarthropathies as well as osteoporosis.
Dr. AJ Teel, MD, FRCPC, Rheumatology
EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Science, Honours Biological Sciences with Thesis (2016)
University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, CanadaDoctor of Medicine (MD) (2020)
Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
CERTIFICATIONS:
Rheumatology (2025) Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
Internal Medicine (2024) Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
FACULTY APPOINTMENTS:
Adjunct Clinical Professor
McMaster University, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology
Dr. Aaron (A.J.) Teel is a rheumatologist at the Dr. William G. Bensen Centre for Arthritis Excellence in Hamilton, Ontario.
He completed his medical degree and internal medicine residency at Western University, followed by rheumatology fellowship training at both Western University and McMaster University.
Dr. Teel has a strong background in medical education, having served as Chief Medical Resident in Internal Medicine at Western University, where he led teaching initiatives and contributed to curriculum development for residents and medical students.
Dr. Teel holds an Adjunct Clinical Professor appointment in the Division of Rheumatology at McMaster University, where he is actively involved in clinical teaching and mentorship of medical trainees.
His research has focused on both non-inflammatory and inflammatory rheumatic conditions, including osteoarthritis, immune checkpoint inhibitor–associated rheumatic diseases, and idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. He has served as primary author on multiple peer-reviewed publications and has presented his work at scientific meetings.