Dr.Nina Ahuja

Dr.Nina Ahuja graduated from medical school at McMaster University then completed her residency in ophthalmology at University of Ottawa. She began her surgical practice in Hamilton in 2003 and was a key contributor in establishing the ophthalmology residency program at McMaster, a program that started in 2005. Over the years she has held several senior leadership positions in hospital, academic and advocacy organizations including St. Josephs Healthcare Hamilton where she was President of the Medical Staff Association, member of the Medical Advisory Committee, and Joint Board of Governors. She is presently on the Board of Directors for St. Joseph Healthcare Foundation, and member of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) Equity Diversity and Inclusion Working Group, and COS Council on Advocacy.

Passionate about surgery, education and leadership, Dr. Ahuja has won numerous awards for excellence in teaching (Surgical Teacher of the Year (2019, 2018, 2014, 2009), Resident Appreciation Award (2017, 2016), and for contributions to residency education including as past Residency Program Director for ophthalmology at McMaster University. She is currently President for the Association of Canadian University of Professors of Ophthalmology (ACUPO), Academic Division Head for Ophthalmology at McMaster, and an examiner for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Drawing from her experiences as a frontline healthcare provider, private practice owner, educator, and physician leader, in 2019 Dr. Ahuja founded Docs in Leadership to promote and deliver physiciandeveloped leadership education. Through her Docs in Leadership Emerging Leaders Program and Physician Online Community, Dr. Ahuja’s goal is to connect with MD trainees and practicing physicians to help them thrive, personally and professionally, by transforming them into emotionally intelligent physicians and leaders from early in their career. Author of bestselling book, “Stress in Medicine: Lessons Learned Through My Years as a Surgeon, from Med School to Residency, and Beyond”, Dr. Ahuja writes a blog for Psychology Today called, “Striving High: Understanding the unique joys and stresses of high achievers”. She has been an invited guest on several podcasts in Canada and the US to talk about leadership education and physician wellness.

Together with her team, Dr. Ahuja is committed to providing the highest level of care to her patients. We wish you the very best for your upcoming surgery.

Award Winning Medical Educator

• Surgical Teacher of the Year (2019, 2018, 2014, 2009)
• Resident Appreciation Award (2017, 2016),
• Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Award for Contributions to Medical Education (2015)

Senior Academic Leader (current and past positions)

• President, Association of Canadian University Professors of Ophthalmology
• Academic Division Head, Ophthalmology, McMaster University
• National Specialty Certification Examiner, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
• Residency Program Director, Ophthalmology, McMaster University

Senior Hospital Leader (current and past positions)

• Member, Board of Directors, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation
• President, Medical Staff Association, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton
• Member, Joint Board of Governors, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton
• Member, Medical Advisory Committee, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton

Thought Leader

• Founder of Docs in Leadership and creator of innovative programs for leadership and wellness development in healthcare www.docsinleadership.com
• Author of bestselling book, “Stress in Medicine: Lessons Learned Through My Years as a Surgeon, from Med School to Residency, and Beyond” https://geni.us/StressInMedicine Recognized by the Canadian National Business Book Award jury as a recommended read (2021)
• Blog writer for Psychology Today called, “Striving High: Understanding the unique joys and stresses of high achievers” Click here
• Invited guest on several podcasts in Canada and the US to talk about leadership education and physician wellness Click here

Additional Certifications

• Certified Health Executive, Canadian College of Health Leaders
• EQ-i 2.0® Certified Emotional Intelligence Instructor