Dr. Nina Ahuja, BScHons, MD, FRCSC, CHE
Meet Dr. Nina Ahuja...
Dr. Ahuja was born in Timmins, Ontario and raised on the property of a gold mine in neighboring small town South Porcupine. When she graduated from high school in 1991, she moved 'down south' where she completed her undergraduate degree at University of Waterloo. From there studies led her to McMaster University for medical school, and then University of Ottawa where she completed residency in ophthalmology. She began her surgical practice in Hamilton in 2003.
With a passion for teaching, Dr. Ahuja was a key contributor in establishing the Ophthalmology Residency Program at McMaster University, a program that began in 2005. Over the years she has won numerous awards for excellence in teaching, and for contributions to residency education as past Program Director, Academic Division Head for Ophthalmology, and President of the Association of Canadian University of Professors of Ophthalmology (ACUPO). In 2023, she was recognized for her outstanding contributions by the Canadian Ophthalmological Society as recipient of the esteemed Women in Ophthalmology Champion for Change Award. Dr. Ahuja is currently a national examiner for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
Dr. Ahuja's Mission: To produce transformative, impactful and emotionally intelligent healthcare leaders through her innovative Docs in Leadership initiatives based on best practices - programs that support compassion, connection, wellness and expertise for the betterment of our patients, providers and systems.
In addition to her roles in academia, Dr. Ahuja has held several leadership positions in hospital administration including Medical Staff Association President at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton (SJHH), and member of the SJHH Medical Advisory Committee and SJHH Joint Board of Governors. She is presently member of the Board of Directors at St. Joseph's Healthcare Foundation. With her commitment to ongoing professional development, Dr. Ahuja has completed her Masters Certificate in Healthcare Management from Schulich School of Business (York University), Certificate in Legal Aspects of Healthcare Administration (Dalhousie University), and she has earned her Certified Health Executive designation from Canadian College of Health Leaders. Dr. Ahuja has also earned her Excellence in Executive Leadership Certificate from Rotman School of Management (University of Toronto), and is an EQ-i 2.0® Certified Emotional Intelligence Instructor.
Drawing from her years of experience as a frontline healthcare provider, private practice owner, and physician leader in both academic and healthcare organizations, in 2019, Dr. Ahuja founded Docs in Leadership to promote and deliver physician-developed leadership curriculum based on best practices and in the context of health systems. She is an engaging and sought-after keynote speaker, author of bestselling book "Stress in Medicine: Lessons Learned Through My Years as a Surgeon, from Med School to Residency, and Beyond" and writer for Psychology Today in her blog, "Striving High: Understanding the Unique Joys and Stresses of High Achievers". Her online Docs in Leadership Emerging Leaders program, "From Stress to Success in Your Medical Education and Beyond" (formerly "Managing Stress in Med School and Residency" has been extremely well-received with students reporting "transformative" results in setting them up for success from early on in their career.
Dr. Ahuja is a happily married "bonus mom" and enjoys sketching, going for walks, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.