After graduating from McMaster University Medical School, Dr. Nina Ahuja completed her residency in ophthalmology at University of Ottawa in 2003. She started her surgical practice in Hamilton and was a key contributor in establishing the ophthalmology residency program at McMaster resurrected in 2005. Throughout her career, Dr. Ahuja has held several leadership roles in hospitals and academic institutions, including serving as President of the Medical Staff Association at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Residency Program Director for Ophthalmology and Academic Division Head at McMaster University, and President of the Association of Canadian University Professors of Ophthalmology (ACUPO). She is currently on the Board of Directors for St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation, Hamilton.

Drawing from her experiences as a frontline healthcare provider, private practice owner, educator and physician leader in both healthcare and academic organizations, in 2019 Dr. Ahuja founded “Docs in Leadership” to develop and deliver emotionally intelligent leadership programs for physicians, residents and medical students. A Canadian College of Health Leaders Certified Health Executive and certified Emotional Intelligence coach, Dr. Ahuja has received numerous awards for teaching excellence and contributions to medical education. Recently Dr. Ahuja was presented with the 2023 Women in Ophthalmology Champion for Change Award from the Canadian Ophthalmological Society, recognizing her work in EDI, positive physician culture and leadership development.

Committed to advancing physician education in emotionally intelligent leadership and well-being through her comprehensive programs, Dr. Ahuja is a sought-after speaker and has been an invited guest on several podcasts in Canada and the US to talk about leadership education, emotional intelligence, equity diversity inclusion, and physician wellness. She is author of bestselling memoir, “Stress in Medicine: Lessons Learned Through My Years as a Surgeon, from Med School to Residency, and Beyond” and writes a blog for Psychology Today on the unique joys and stresses of high achievers, called "Striving High". Dr. Ahuja is a happily married "bonus mom" who enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Financial disclosure: Dr. Ahuja has/had an affiliation (financial or otherwise) with a commercial organization:

1. Bayer Canada
2. Bausch and Lomb
3. Docs in Leadership Inc.
4. Laval University
5. University of Calgary
6. University of Ottawa
7. University of Montreal
8. University of Saskatchewan
9. Western University