Constituency group leader candidates

Dr. Angela Laughton

Dear Colleagues,

Thank you for taking the time to vote and to learn about the candidates. I recognize how hard everyone is working amid increasing demands and limited resources.

Many of you may know me or my name from previous OMA involvement. For those who don’t, I have practiced in Ottawa since returning for my family medicine residency in 2007. Over the years, I have worked in a variety of settings in our district - from Renfrew to Winchester and throughout Ottawa but now currently am primarily at TOH as a hospitalist/GPO in medical oncology.

I became actively involved with the OMA ten years ago, during the 2016 cuts and failed tPSA, which highlighted a significant disconnect between the organization and its members. That period motivated a groundswell of engagement and advocacy. Since then, through the efforts of many dedicated colleagues, the OMA has evolved - securing binding arbitration and making progress on physician working conditions and remuneration - though there remains significant work to do to rebuild trust and confidence.

Following the OMA’s Governance Transformation, the regional executive role is still being clarified. Having attended multiple General Assembly meetings, I see both the potential and the challenges of the new system. I served on our inaugural executive under this structure and feel the team has made progress in bringing initiatives for local physicians.  

My experience in community and hospital practices, urban and rural settings, and multiple funding models (FFS, AFP & capitation) allows me to understand the diverse realities of practice.  Working closely with residents and learners keeps me connected to the challenges facing new and early-career colleagues.  As Vice-Chair, I hope to work constructively & collaboratively with District 8 colleagues and regional leadership on the executive and to ensure our members’ priorities are clearly represented and advanced to PLG.

Thank you for your consideration,

Angela

Dr. Nili Kaplan-Myrth

I have spent my life advocating for equitable access to health care. 

I have a PhD in Anthropology from Yale, where I studied Indigenous health policy and politics. Since 2011, I've been a community-based family physician, providing comprehensive care in central Ottawa. I worked in fee-for-service and FHG models, and since 2022 in a FHO. I am also Assistant Professor in the Dept of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa.

I've held formal leadership roles in medicine, including: OMA Issues and Policy Panel, Priority & Leadership Group 2021-2022; OMA District 8 Riding Urban Delegate 2021-2022; OMA Section on General & Family Practice District 8 Delegate 2021-2022; OMA Women's Outreach Committee 2016-2018; OCFP Residents’ Committee Chair 2009-2010; FMWC Resident Representative, 2008-2009; Advisory Committee on Equity, Diversity and Gender, University of Ottawa 2004-2007; Aboriginal Health Working Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa 2006-2007.

I stepped into a broader leadership role in the Covid-19 pandemic, advocating for equitable access to health care in Canada. I engaged with the media, published articles, spoke at town halls, and gave a keynote addresses at the OCFP Family Medicine Summit.

In 2021, I reached out to Prime Minister Trudeau and hosted a National Covid-19 Vaccination Strategy roundtable with healthcare professionals and advocates, the Minister of Health, and the Prime Minister to discuss Canadian vaccination strategies. I was presented with the OCFP' Award of Excellence in 2022. In 2024, I pubished my fourth book, Breaking Canadians: Health Care, Advocacy, and the Toll of Covid-19, which was awarded the Foreward Indies Book of the Year.

I was recently accepted in Harvard University's Global Public Health Leadership Program (2025-2026). My goal through that training is to to encourage more family physicians to be leaders in health care.

I look forward to working with the OMA to represent family medicine for District 8.

Dr. Sebastian Mavromatis

Hello everyone,

My name is Sebastian Mavromatis, and I am a first-year resident in Nuclear Medicine at the Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa. I am running for Vice-Chair of District 8 in the hope of working for you and with you all, to continue advocating for our profession and ensuring that your voice and the voice of our entire constituency is heard by our local and provincial government.

Having spent almost my entire life in Ottawa, I have witnessed firsthand the struggles, the challenges and the shortcomings both physicians and patients face in this region. As a resident, I have also noticed that there is a lack of younger representation across virtually all constituencies in the OMA. I hope to help change that by encouraging my colleagues to get involved and be more engaged within our districts and across this province.

As Vice-Chair, I aim to bridge the gap between the voices of the more than 5,700 doctors working on the ground throughout this district, from Deep-River to Lancaster. I want to strengthen communication so that all of your concerns and ideas are consistently brought to the table, contributing to meaningful change to better the communities we serve.

I have already had the privilege of advocating for this District during the incredible campaign at Queen's Park this past October. The passion from physicians across our District was evident, and it reinforced how vital it is for decision-makers to hear directly from those on the ground. As Vice-Chair, I hope to continue working with our leaders to organize meaningful advocacy events, create accessible forums for physicians to share their ideas and concerns, and translate those concepts into initiatives that can be brought forward and implemented.

It would be a privilege and an honour to serve as your Vice-Chair, to work alongside and represent you in advocating for our colleagues and our community. Thank you for your time, and your commitment to our wonderful profession.

Dr. Pamela Liao

Dr. Laura Kistemaker

I am excited to apply to serve on the OMA's Women Forum. I am passionate about promoting gender equality and supporting female leadership and professional growth.

I am a Northern Physican and currently serve as the rural representative on the OHT. Over the years, I have been involved in initiations that support women in medicine. I have advocated for systemic changes at OMA Days at Queen's Park, working with policymaker to tackle challengs facing female physicians. I have also been a part of Canadian Women in Medicine, attending conferences and workshops for many year to learn and share strategies for work life balance and professional empowerment. 

Mentoring medical residents and students has given me a firsthand understanding of how challenging it can be to balance family life with career advancement. One area I care deeply about is financial inequalitis for female physicians, including disparities in pay and leadership opporunities. I want to contribute to efforts that help close these gaps and support female physicians in reaching their full career potential. 

I enjoy being part of a team and hope that my experience on the OHT committee, rural committee and my various boards before my career in medicine will help make the Women's Forum successful. 

Thanks for your consideration.

Dr. Nili Kaplan-Myrth

I am a community-based family physician. I provide comprehensive care to approximately 1400 patients, with a particular interest in women’s health, GP psychotherapy and GBLQ and transgender health. I spent fifteen years before my MD doing a Master’s degree, PhD and post-doc in Medical Anthropology, and I have taught a women’s health course in Women and Gender Studies at the University of Ottawa.

I have participated on many Boards and committees over the yeras, including the OMA Issues and Policy Panel, Priority & Leadership Group; OMA District 8 Riding Urban Delegate; OMA Section on General & Family Practice District 8 Delegate; OMA Women's Outreach Committee; OCFP Residents’ Committee Chair; Advisory Committee on Equity, Diversity and Gender, University of Ottawa; Aboriginal Health Working Group, University of Ottawa.

I have always collaborated with women in identifying issues in health care. At the end of medical school, I published my second book, Women Who Care: Women’s Stories of Health Care and Caring, with physicians, nurses, social workers, caregivers, and patients across Canada. My third book, Much Madness, Divinest Sense: Women’s Stories of Mental Health Care, was published during residency.

Sadly, there continue to be many challenges faced uniquely by women physicians: systemic inequalities with remuneration, access to OR time, and recognization of women's health issues within our health care system.

It would be an honour to join women at the OMA again.

Dr. Fatima Bhetasi

I am a community pediatrician with 18 years of experience in primary and consultant pediatrics and a longstanding commitment to advancing equity for women-identifying physicians. Early in my career, I practiced hospital-based pediatrics alongside office practice. When call requirements shifted to 24-hour in-house coverage, I made the difficult decision to step away from call responsibilities to balance family commitments—an experience that highlighted how institutional policies can disproportionately impact women physicians and influence career progression.

My leadership roles have focused on advocacy, governance, and system-level change. As treasurer and later president of my local medical society, I worked to strengthen physician engagement, support colleagues entering practice, and represent physician concerns at a policy level. Within pediatrics, I have collaborated with peers to address gender-based pay inequities and advocate for fair compensation structures. Training through the Rotman Physician Leadership Course has further equipped me with skills in negotiation, stakeholder engagement, and strategic leadership.

I am also proud to have co-founded the Niagara Women Physician Journal Club, creating a safe and collegial forum for discussion, mentorship, and collective advocacy. As an international medical graduate and woman physician, I am motivated to contribute to the OMA Women Forum by advancing policies that promote equity, retention, and leadership opportunities for women physicians. I would be honoured to serve as a Member at Large.

Dr. Mamta Gautam

I am seeking to serve as a Member-at-Large on the OMA Women’s Forum to build on my long-standing leadership and advocacy work and to advance the strategic priorities of women physicians across Ontario.

For over three decades, my work has focused on physician health, wellbeing, and leadership, with a particular emphasis on addressing system-level factors that contribute to inequity, burnout, and barriers to advancement. I am recognized nationally and internationally as a leader in physician wellbeing and have expanded this work to include leadership development, organizational change, and culture transformation. Central to my work is a commitment to equity, inclusion, psychological safety, and belonging.

As a woman physician and psychiatrist who has cared for physician colleagues since 1990, I have a deep understanding of the challenges women physicians face across the career trajectory, including pay inequity, underrepresentation in leadership, slower academic advancement, higher burnout, and work–family strain. I have advocated for policies and programs that address these issues, including parental leave, mentorship and sponsorship, promotion pathways, and supportive workplace infrastructure.

My advocacy experience includes collaboration with physicians, health system leaders, medical organizations, and government interest holders. I have participated in national advocacy efforts, engaged with Health Canada on health human resources, and understand the importance of effective government relations in advancing physician priorities.

I am passionate about advancing women in medicine and would bring experience, collaboration, and strategic insight to the OMA Women’s Forum.

Dr. Juhu Kamra

In my professional career, I have held leadership roles in academia, administration and medical education followed by a decade in community radiation oncology.  On this journey, I have experienced significant burnout with its attendant repercussions.  I have had to learn to prioritize self-care to cope with the stressors and demands of professional life while trying to balance an active home life of wife, mother, daughter and caregiver.

This is a story that all of us have faced to one degree or another.  Key to our experience and resilience is the creation of community that allows us to connect, support and strengthen each other.

My focus would be to advocate for our community of women physicians.  Specifically within the OMA Women's Forum, I would focus on championing gender-based equity in our professional and leadership roles and encouraging life/work harmony in an increasingly challenging setting of physician shortages and growing occupational demands.  We must continue to incorporate self-care while comprehensively advocating for global changes.

In addition, I believe that the OMA Women's Forum has a vital role in systemically advocating for women's health issues, an area of medicine that is underrepresented in research and therefore clinical care.

In the creation and reset of a new Forum, we have the ability to set strategic goals that align with our values and needs.  I would very much appreciate being a part of this process and would be privileged to represent you in this endeavor.

Dr. Tina Whitty

I am honoured to put my name forward for the OMA Women's Forum. As a late career community-based anesthesiologist, I bring 24 years of experience as a woman physician practicing in Ontario. From 2021-2025, I served on the Board of Canadian Women in Medicine, including as its President in 2024.

Being involved with a grassroots organization like CWIM-designed to support women physicians in all aspects of their lives-has given me a unique perspective on the issues that matter most. These include gender pay inequity, career sustainability, underrepresentation and lack of recognition in leadership and academics, access to women-specific professional development and the need to reduce administrative burden.

Through this work, I have had the opportunity to listen to diverse voices across Canada, build and manage priorities, and translate them into actionable initiatives. I have led within an organization built by and for women physicians, and I am confident I can help a new Forum grow with purpose, credibility and impact.

We have a unique opportunity to shape how women physicians are heard within the OMA for years to come. I would value this opportunity to help shape an inaugural Women's Forum that is inclusive, action-oriented and grounded in the lived experiences of women physicians across Ontario. Thank you for your consideration.

Dr. Michelle Cohen

As the former Vice Chair and current Interim Chair of OMA Women I have overseen its transitional years going from Committee to Forum.

In my time in leadership on the Committee, I prepared and delivered a gender pay gap report to the Negotiations Task Force in 2023 in preparation for contract negotiations. I have continued to represent OMA Women in the most recent negotiation cycle by advocating to the Physician Payment Committee for changes to the Schedule of Benefits that would reduce gender pay inequity.

I also took part in planning and moderating a series of educational webinars for women in medicine that OMA Women put on in 2024 and 2025.

Outside of my work with the OMA, I’m a long-time advocate for women’s health and women in medicine. I’ve written on health equity, policy, and communication in mainstream news outlets and I’ve also published research on the gender pay gap in Canadian medicine.

In continuing this important work, I want to help make OMA Women a strong voice for change.

Dr. Sandra Landolt

I am applying for the Member-at-Large position to contribute my leadership experience, advocacy skills, and commitment to advancing equity for women physicians. I am a founding member and past president of Canadian Women in Medicine, where I worked to elevate the voices of women physicians and address systemic barriers affecting career progression and compensation.

I currently serve as Chair of the Ontario Medical Association Section of Dermatology, representing physicians in organized medicine and engaging directly in medical politics, policy discussions, and advocacy. This role has strengthened my understanding of governance, negotiation, and the importance of representation at decision-making tables.

In parallel, I have built a successful social-media platform, @the_silver_dermatologist, using earned media to educate and advocate for midlife women, including physicians, on aging, menopause, and women’s health. Through this work, I promote evidence-based knowledge, challenge stigma, and encourage women physicians to engage confidently in public discourse and leadership. 

My experience with government relations is rooted in advocacy and agenda-setting rather than formal lobbying. Through leadership roles in organized medicine and a public platform built on earned media, I highlight issues affecting women physicians and women’s health, helping shape public discourse, reduce stigma, and support evidence-informed policy conversations. I understand the importance of clear messaging, credibility, and sustained engagement in influencing government priorities. Thank you for your consideration. I would be honoured to serve and contribute meaningfully to advancing equity, representation, and leadership opportunities for women physicians.

Dr. Darija Vujosevic

Dr. Anca Matei

I am seeking the role of Member-at-Large to contribute a strong equity-focused, policy-driven, and rural-informed voice to the Women’s Forum. I hold a Master’s in Global Health Policy, and much of my career has been spent in low-resource settings in Canada and internationally, where effective advocacy depends on pairing education with thoughtful policy development. These experiences have shaped my belief that advancing equity for women physicians requires both system-level change and practical, frontline solutions.

As an OBGYN practicing in a rural community, I see how geographic and resource constraints uniquely affect women physicians—whether through call burden, limited supports, or challenges balancing family-building with demanding schedules. I hope to bring forward this rural lens to ensure the Forum’s work reflects diverse practice realities across Ontario.

If elected, I will bring a collaborative, informed, and equity-driven perspective to advance the Women’s Forum’s priorities and strengthen the voice of women physicians across Ontario.

Dr. Joyce Ting-Wai Cheung

As a queer woman leader in medicine, I am passionate about advancing equity, inclusion, and advocacy for women physicians. I seek to serve as Member at Large on the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) Women’s Forum to bring forward a voice rooted in intersectionality, collaboration, and compassion. With experience in organizational leadership, policy engagement, and strategic advocacy, I am well-positioned to help address the evolving needs of our constituency.

As a physician working in family medicine and palliative care—fields with high representation of women yet persistent structural inequities—I have witnessed firsthand the need for systemic change. My work creating an innovative locum platform (LOCVM) reflects my commitment to supporting flexible, family-friendly models that enhance wellness and retention. I have also collaborated with institutional and government partners to promote inclusive leadership and equitable policies across healthcare.

If elected, I will focus on advancing gender pay equity, leadership representation, and inclusive policy frameworks that uplift women of all identities. Through evidence-based strategy and authentic collaboration, I will help ensure the Women’s Forum remains a powerful advocate for systemic equity and collective empowerment.

Dr. Beth Perrier

I am seeking membership in the Women’s Forum to contribute the perspective of a family physician actively engaged in health policy and physician advocacy. As a comprehensive community physician, I see firsthand how system design, compensation structures, and policy decisions disproportionately affect women physicians, particularly in positions where care complexity and unpaid labour are often undervalued.

My policy work with SGFP has focused on sustainable practice models, physician wellness, and supporting equitable advancements in compensation models with attention to how these issues intersect with gender, caregiving responsibilities, and career stage. I have experience analyzing policy proposals, contributing to advocacy efforts, and collaborating with physician leaders to ensure that women’s voices and lived experiences are reflected in decision-making. I have also worked with organizational and government stakeholders which allows me to translate frontline clinical realities into actionable policy recommendations.

Through the Women’s Fora, I hope to help advance policies that support equity, leadership development, and sustainability for women physicians, and to strengthen the collective advocacy capacity of women in medicine in our own association and across Ontario.

Dr. Mitchell Brown

18 yrs into practice- fellowship trained in both the UK and Canada- working in a medium sized, busy, understaffed hospital.  Interested in the roll to  advance some concepts on the creation of province wide pool of anaesthesia locums. Ideally associating this with a province wide 'locum- status' supported by the CPSO and eventually with buy in from all hospitals. As the current chief and program director for surgical services at my hospitals- I see that there needs to be a better way to access well trained and available staff.   Wondering if such  a broader approach, on a provincial level, may yield dividends.   The second concept I am interested  in is the creation and funding for anaesthesia residency programs based mainly in community hospitals which are tied back to Tertiary level centers for speciality anaesthesia modules.

Regards,

Mitch

Dr. Ayman Rofaeel

I have a long history of administrative work at my hospital (Guelph General Hospital) while advocating for all issues that are vital for our anesthesiology group. We were able to accomplish many strategic goals geard towards imrpoving patients care and investing in anesthesia human resources, Anesthesia Care Team (ACT), and state of the art medicall equipment. We have changed some policies within our hospital with primary focus of improving patient's care, especially those requiring urgent or emergent care.

Being aware of all issues faced by community anesthesiologists as well as my administrative experience, I bvelieve I can be in a better position to continue to advocate for the best interets of my colleagues. 

Thank you

Ayman Rofaeel

Dr. Saleh Al-Nahdi

Dr. Joseph Koval

I am seeking the Member-at-Large position because I am committed to strengthening the practice of anesthesia across Ontario and ensuring our Section continues to be a respected, solutions-focused voice within the OMA and with government. As Department Chief of Anesthesia at my hospital, I lead a diverse team and work daily at the intersection of clinical care, administration, and health system operations. This role has given me a clear understanding of the policy, staffing, and compensation pressures facing anesthesiologists province-wide.

My academic background includes undergraduate training in economics and a Master’s in Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality, which has shaped my approach to leadership: evidence-informed, practical, and focused on measurable improvement. I have led initiatives to standardize perioperative practices, improve drug availability processes, and enhance OR efficiency through close collaboration with surgeons, nursing, and hospital leadership.

In my role as Department Chief, I regularly engage in discussions on physician resource planning, funding constraints, and the downstream impact of provincial policy decisions on access to care. My training in economics allows me to critically assess compensation models, incentive structures, and workforce sustainability, and to advocate for positions that are fiscally realistic while protecting the value of anesthesiology. I understand how government priorities, hospital funding, and OMA advocacy intersect.

Ontario’s anesthesiologists face increasing demands and evolving expectations in perioperative medicine. I aim to advance the Section’s strategic priorities by bringing a balanced, analytical, and collaborative perspective to the Board, advocating for fair compensation, sustainable staffing models, and policies that support high-quality care and physician well-being.

Dr. Daniel Cordovani

I encounter issues in our health care system, particularly in the perioperative sphere, on a nearly daily basis. I felt frustrated with my inability to affect change beyond what I do for my own patients. That’s why I joined Ontario’s Anesthesiologists in 2024, and I am now running for re-election. I want to continue to influence needed changes.

I am proud of the advocacy accomplishments of this executive team, including the $60 million investment to support a daily in-hospital stipend for anesthesiologists, expected to be implemented in April 2026. My goal is to continue this work, bringing a systems perspective to the issues frontline clinicians encounter. Budgets are siloed, and decision-makers need to understand that investments in some areas save money in others.

I have been an Anesthesiologist at Hamilton Health Sciences, McMaster University, for 13 years. My adult anesthesia practice is full service, including trauma, OB&GYN, vascular, neurosurgical, orthopedic, urology, interventional radiology, radiation therapy, pre-op clinic, and acute pain service. Regarding my leadership experience, I have served as the Anesthesia Undergraduate Program Director for seven years and, more recently, was selected as Associate Chair of Education—an honour reflecting the trust my colleagues place in me. In these roles, I have implemented changes in the curriculum and supported faculty in their academic journey. I have been recognized with teaching awards at local and national levels. I also serve on the Board of Directors for our university-affiliated billing agency and completed the Faculty of Health Sciences Academic Leadership Program, which helped me refine my skills as a leader.

You can trust me to use the influence of the OMA to promote real solutions for perioperative care in Ontario.

Thank you for considering me as your representative.

Dr. Janet McMullen

Thank you for considering my nomination for the position of Early Career Representative for the Pediatrics Section of the OMA. If elected, I would bring to this position:

-A strong foundation in medical leadership experience: During residency, I served on the General Council (1 year) and Board of Directors (2 years) of the Professional Association of Residents of Ontario (PARO). In these roles, I served on several committees, including the Negotiations Team and OMA Academic Medical Forum, and played a leadership role in multiple initiatives, notably leading the Transition through Residency and Teaching to Teach programs. These experiences have equipped me with skills and insight essential to meaningfully contribute to the work of the OMA Pediatrics Section.

-Diverse practice experience: Now in my sixth year of independent practice, I have practiced in both pediatric generalist and subspecialist capacities in inpatient, hospital-based outpatient and community outpatient settings. My exposure to diverse practice settings has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the varied practice environments and challenges faced by early career pediatricians, enabling me to represent a breadth of perspectives thoughtfully and authentically.

-Commitment to advocacy and health systems change: Significant reform is required to ensure a sustainable health care system that supports patients and families while appropriately valuing the time, expertise and contributions of health care providers. As Early Career Representative, I would welcome the opportunity to collaborate with the Pediatrics Section executive, the OMA and section members to advocate for policies and systems changes that enable pediatricians to deliver optimal health care for the children and youth of Ontario.

Thank you for your consideration. It would be both an honour and a privilege to serve as your Early Career Representative.

Dr. Patricia A M Horsham

Dr. Daniel Edward Wang

Hello OMA colleagues,  

Six months ago, I volunteered to act as the Early Career Representative of the Pediatric OMA Executive Team and now hope to be formally elected into this important role. I am a primary and consultant pediatrician at Midtown Pediatrics and hospitalist pediatrician at Michael Garron Hospital in Toronto. I graduated residency 2.5 years ago.   

In my short time as the Early Career Representative, I promoted ideas around pediatric billing and data analysis at executive meetings and presented to pediatric residents on early career finances. I was also nominated by the executive to act as the digital health lead to promote pediatric digital health stewardship more broadly, for which I am already planning a pediatric digital health session for the Spring 2026 Pediatric Section OMA AGM.  

If elected, I will not only advocate for province-wide fiscal stewardship for pediatricians, but ensure pediatricians’ views are represented both at the OMA and in province-wide digital health initiatives, as well as leverage technology to streamline pediatric care. With rapid advancement in technologies, from wearable devices and advanced simulation suites, to the broad and diverse applications of artificial intelligence, I feel it extremely important for Ontario pediatricians to not only understand the risks and benefits of such technology, but also be an active voice in its design and implementation.  

I would also enjoy working directly with you on your ideas to utilize technology for better pediatric care.  Please feel free to contact me at daniel.wang@tehn.ca.  

As background, I completed residency and medical school at the University of Toronto; prior to that, I led a management consulting practice at Deloitte LLP. I hold an MBA and MS from the University of Michigan and a BEng from McGill University.    I would be honoured to continue to represent you as the Early Career Representative.  

Thank you.  

Dan

Dr. Ted Mitchell

Dr. Monica Faria

Dr. John Leonardo

I am seeking the position of Member at Large for the OMA Section of Chronic Pain to advocate for patients living with chronic pain and for the physicians who care for them.

As an anesthesiologist working in the an OHP setting over the past 12 years, I have firsthand experience with the realities of chronic pain care outside of large academic centres. I see the impact of long wait times, limited access to interdisciplinary resources, and the challenges of providing evidence-based pain management within a constrained system. This perspective informs my commitment to practical, achievable solutions that reflect real-world practice.

I have served as a Member at Large for the past 2 years and I will continue to work collaboratively to support improved access to interdisciplinary, patient-centred pain management, advocate for balanced and evidence-informed policy, and represent the diverse perspectives of physicians providing chronic pain care across the province. 

I am dedicated to continue contributing constructively to the Section of Chronic Pain and to represent its members with integrity, pragmatism, and respect.

Thank you for your consideration.

Dr. Mani Rajarathinam

I am asking for your support for Member at Large to bring a perspective grounded in education, global best practices, and fiscal responsibility to the Chronic Pain Section. 

As an Associate Professor and Program Director for Pain Medicine Residency at Western University, I navigate complex training standards every day. Holding Royal College Subspecialist Affiliate status in Pain Medicine, alongside my Fellow of Interventional Pain Practice (FIPP) and Certified Interventional Pain Sonologist (CIPS) certifications, I am deeply committed to clinical excellence. My perspective is broadened by teaching and professional engagements across Canada, the UK, the USA, Europe, India, and the UAE, as well as my national work shaping the "Competence by Design" curriculum through the Royal College Subspecialty Committee.

Crucially, I possess the governance experience necessary to navigate our current healthcare landscape. As a voting member of the Governing Council for the Academic Medical Organization of Southwestern Ontario (AMOSO) and a Director for the Clinical Teachers Association at Western University, I participate in the governance of Alternative Funding Plans and advocate for physician resources. I understand the intricacies of compensation negotiation and government policy.

I am eager to work with other leaders to secure robust standards and fair funding for our field. I ask for your support to represent you at the OMA.

Dr. Pranab Kumar

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Chronic Pain: Member-at-Large position on the Ontario Medical Association.

As a physician who has been trained in Chronic Pain and practising at a university hospital in Toronto, I am deeply committed to improving the lives of people living with complex chronic pain. My prior experiences in pain societies such as ASRA and NANS education committee, and my future tenure as the secretary of the World Institute of Pain (Canadian Chapter) will allow me to translate these experiences at OMA platform.

I am confident I possess the qualities necessary to make a meaningful contribution to your organization. Advocacy & Communication Skills: I have actively engaged in advocacy efforts, including in conferences, patient education workshops,  and problem-based discussions in CMEs. These experiences have honed my ability to communicate complex issues clearly and effectively to diverse audiences. I understand the principles of interdisciplinary care among pain patients, and if given the opportunity, I would look forward to active involvement in the OMA committee.

Thank you for considering my expression of interest.

Dr. Jillian Macdonald

I am pleased to submit my statement of interest for the position of Secretary of the OMA Chronic Pain Section. As the only female physician currently serving on the committee, and as a physician with lived experience of chronic pain, I bring both a distinct perspective and a deep personal commitment to the work of this section.

I have previously served in the role of Secretary and am familiar with the responsibilities, expectations, and workflow of the position. In this capacity, I have developed strong, productive working relationships with other committee members which has allowed for effective communication, continuity, and collaborative leadership in support of the section’s goals.

My clinical practice, combined with my personal experience navigating chronic pain, has reinforced the importance of compassionate, evidence-based, and patient-centered care. I believe leadership informed by lived experience and diverse perspectives strengthens our discussions and supports thoughtful advocacy for both physicians and patients.

As Secretary, I would continue to bring strong organizational skills, clear communication, and consistent follow-through to support the section’s activities. I value transparency, collaboration, and inclusivity, and I remain committed to contributing meaningfully to the mission of the Chronic Pain Section within the OMA.

Dr. Mahesh Palanisamy

Dear Members of the OMA Pain Section,

I am writing to formally express my interest in the position of Secretary for the Ontario Medical Association Pain Section.

I have a strong and sustained interest in advancing pain medicine in Ontario, both clinically and at a systems level. Through my work in hospital-based, and community pain settings, I have seen firsthand the increasing complexity of pain care, the growing demand for services, and the significant administrative and policy challenges faced by pain physicians and our patients.

I am particularly interested in the Secretary role because I believe effective communication, organization, and engagement are foundational to a strong and influential Pain Section. Clear documentation, timely dissemination of information, and coordinated collaboration with OMA leadership are essential if we are to meaningfully advocate for improved access to pain services, fair physician remuneration, and recognition of pain medicine as a critical component of Ontario’s healthcare system.

My professional background includes fellowship training in interventional and chronic pain, active involvement in academic teaching, and experience working across multiple healthcare environments in Ontario. This has given me a broad perspective on the diverse practice models within pain medicine and the shared challenges that unite us as a specialty.

I am motivated to contribute my time and organizational skills to support the Pain Section’s initiatives, facilitate engagement among members, and help ensure that the perspectives of practicing pain physicians are accurately represented within the OMA. I see this role as an opportunity to serve our community, strengthen collaboration, and help shape the future direction of pain care in Ontario.

Thank you for considering my expression of interest. I would be honoured to contribute to the work of the OMA Pain Section in this capacity.

Sincerely,

Dr. Mahesh Palanisamy

Dr. Davindra Singh

It has been a privilege to serve as Vice Chair of the OMA Section of Dermatology, and I am seeking your support to continue this work at a pivotal time for our specialty.

With 30 years in practice and experience across three specialties, I bring a broad, practical perspective grounded in clinical realities and sustained leadership. I have held multiple board positions in medicine and the charitable sector and, as a recent graduate of the OMA Physician Leadership Program, bring current leadership training to this role.

I have been a vigorous advocate for dermatology and a spokesperson on the growing dermatology crisis in Ontario, consistently raising awareness and advancing practical solutions. As Chair of the Billing Subcommittee, I have led the Section’s work on complex dermatology billing, including the fight for appropriate language and recognition of A021 and A020. I have worked with clinical experts and legal advisors to ensure these codes accurately reflect the complexity of care provided by medical dermatologists. I have also spoken at DAO meetings on billing optimization and consistency, with the goal of improving income stability and sustainability across all practice settings.

Clinically, my work spans medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology, as well as clinical trials. As part of my active practice, I am in regular discussion with colleagues about the challenges they face. This allows me to represent diverse interests while targeting areas of greatest need, including lower-income practices, and improving access in underserved regions.

Looking ahead, I will continue strengthening Section governance by proposing formal subcommittees (e.g., governance; member engagement and recruitment; succession planning). I am also proud to have led efforts to establish an executive retreat to support strategic alignment.

I respectfully ask for your vote so we can keep moving forward for our specialty, our patients, and our members.

Dr. Joel Glen DeKoven

My leadership approach in dermatology is grounded in ensuring that our specialty is appropriately recognized, supported, and sustained within Ontario’s healthcare system. Dermatology encompasses diverse areas requiring advanced training, experience, and infrastructure—particularly in medical and surgical domains that carry significant clinical complexity and responsibility yet are not always fully reflected in remuneration models.

A key priority is accurately capturing the expertise, time, and system value of dermatologic care.

Important progress has been achieved in complex consultations, advanced therapies, and Mohs surgery, demonstrating that evidence-based advocacy can lead to sustainable improvements. Further attention is warranted for longitudinal skin cancer care, phototherapy, and contact dermatitis — areas requiring specialized knowledge, continuity, and substantial resources, where dermatologists provide unique expertise.

Effective advocacy must be credible, data-driven, and economically sound. Such initiatives strengthen dermatology’s standing within medicine and ensure our work remains ethical, clinically meaningful, and appropriately valued.

My career reflects sustained commitment to dermatology across academic, hospital, and community settings. I am credentialed at 3 Toronto teaching hospitals, serve as a consultant at Sunnybrook, and maintain an active community practice. I am a Professor of Medicine, was Program Director of the U of T Dermatology Residency Program, am a member and immediate past President of the North American Contact Dermatitis Group and have 140 peer-reviewed publications. I have served on multiple professional committees, including the U of T Dermatology Postgraduate Education Committee, the CDA’s Skin Health Program Committee, and the Board of the American Contact Dermatitis Society.

I would welcome the opportunity to serve as Vice Chair in support of the Division and its members.

Dr. Anastasia Shamsuyarova

I am seeking the position of Member at Large for the OMA Dermatology Section to help advance equitable and sustainable dermatologic care across Ontario.

As a University of Toronto graduate and practicing dermatologist in Northwestern Ontario, I bring a strong understanding of both urban–academic and rural–remote practice realities. My work serving Indigenous and northern communities has highlighted systemic gaps in access, compensation models, and administrative burden that directly affect patient outcomes and physician sustainability. These experiences position me well to advocate for policy and compensation structures that better reflect the complexity, time intensity, and geographic challenges of dermatology practice across the province.

I have a demonstrated track record of advocacy and collaboration, including developing regional outreach clinics, partnering with regional hospitals, actively working on UofT and NOSM collaboration, and contributing to educational initiatives for learners and allied health professionals. I have also been actively involved in discussions around alternative funding models, access to advanced therapies, and reducing barriers created by prior authorization and administrative processes.

I am particularly interested in supporting the Dermatology Section’s strategic priorities related to fair remuneration, workforce planning, access to care, and engagement with government and payer stakeholders. I value collaborative, respectful dialogue and am committed to representing the diverse voices of Ontario dermatologists in interactions with OMA leadership and government partners.

I would be honoured to contribute my experience, perspective, and energy to the Dermatology Section as Member at Large.

Dr. Bhavik Mistry

Dr. Geeta Yadav

I’m running for Member-at-Large because I believe dermatologists need clear, experienced advocates to protect our role and ensure our compensation reflects the complexity, acuity, and scope of what we do. I run a high-volume, independent practice and regularly navigate rising patient expectations, administrative burdens, and increasing scope creep from other providers. 

Alongside my clinical work, I serve in senior governance roles at the University of Toronto, including as Chair of the University Affairs Board, where I’ve gained firsthand experience understanding budgets, overseeing academic compensation structures, and engaging with government relations. I’ve also spent the past six years on the University of Toronto’s Governing Council as an elected alumni member, where I’ve helped shape institutional strategy and policy. In parallel, I’ve been an active voice for equity and inclusion in dermatology, contributing to national consensus work and industry-led initiatives that prioritize representative care and research.

What matters most to me in this role is keeping community and academic dermatology front of mind at decision-making tables—when fee schedules are revised, when funding priorities shift, and when our voice risks being drowned out.

Dr. Rob Bobotsis

My name is Rob Bobotsis, and I am a dermatologist and Mohs micrographic surgeon practicing in Toronto for almost 3 years. I am running for Member at Large of our OMA section.  

I have been really impressed by the transparency, hard work and dedication members of the current OMA executive have demonstrated. They have achieved meaninful changes to our remuneration and have inspired me to run with the goal of continuing to advocate for the future financial health of our practices, value patients and other providers hold for dermatology and improving the current systems by which our specialty operates. 

I believe the perspectives I would provide would be beneficial to the entire section as I have a unique mixed practice, working as an academic in a teaching hospital and in community clinics where I provide a wide range of services to my patients (mohs surgery, general dermatologic surgery, and medical dermatology).  

For those of of you who know me, I am professional and ethical, love and value dermatology greatly and enjoy working in teams. I work in group practices and I chose the academic space because I love educating. I am curious and will work hard to master and explain difficult but relevant concepts and updates in understandable terms for our section. I have experience working in various committees including the CDA's Education Committee and Residents and Fellows Society. 

As a member in the first few years of pratice, there are specifically two unique perspective I plan to contribute as an OMA exec:

-the needs of new graduates

-how we can best shape dermatologic practice in Ontario for future decades to come

Burnout is a huge problem and point of discussion with many of my friends and colleagues. How we are paid and our perceived value as physicians are direct contributors to these sentiments. Thank you for your time and consideration. I am happy to speak further directly or via phone/email (437-928-1995, rob.bobotsis@sunnybrook.ca).

Dr. Sameh Hanna

To my Dermatology Colleagues in Ontario:

I have been an ad hoc member of the OMA section on Dermatology for many years.  In that time I have observed the considerable effort and dedication that our section leadership, particularly Drs. Landolt, Murray & Gupta, have devoted to trying to advocate for Dermatologists in Ontario. 

I've also seen firsthand how the system for modernizing the schedule of benefits is broken, lacks procedural fairness and transparency and is especially fraught for a small section like ours.

I am in the process of becoming our section's tariff lead over the next year. During my time as associate tariff lead, I will continue to learn as much as possible about the nuances of financial costing and fee negotiation with the MOH via the OMA from our current tariff lead, Dr. Murray. In that process, becoming a member-at-large will allow me to be a voting member on matters of significance to our section.  

I am gratified that many new faces in Ontario Dermatology have voiced an interest in being involved in our section's governance and I see a real opportunity to work alongside these colleagues to advocate vigorously for meaningful change for our specialty in Ontario.

As I see it, we need to make clear to the MOH the absolute importance of respectful and meaningful funding modernization for medical dermatology. We need to advocate for our unique value among medical specialists and we need to express, via every legal and procedural avenue open to us, that we expect a fair and open process in negotiations with the Ministry.

I look forward to serving my community in this new capacity if given the opportunity.  Thank you for considering me for this position.

Dr. Yvette Miller Monthrope

I have had the privilege of serving on the OMA Section of Dermatology Executive for the past five years, both as Treasurer and as a Member-at-Large. During this time, I have worked closely with fellow executive members to advocate for fair and appropriate compensation for our specialty. While we have made meaningful progress—including the introduction of important new billing codes for complex dermatology—significant work remains.

My time on the executive has provided me with a deeper understanding of how funding decisions and policy changes are made. As a practicing dermatologist for the past 16 years, I have seen firsthand how these decisions directly affect patient care and the long-term sustainability of our practices.

In this context, and amid increasing external pressures—rising patient volumes, inflation, and administrative burdens—I have worked alongside other members of the executive to support improved funding across medical and surgical dermatology, particularly in areas that are increasingly difficult to sustain in both community and academic settings.

I remain deeply committed to the Section of Dermatology and would welcome the opportunity to continue serving on the executive. If elected, I will continue to bring forward the ideas and priorities of our members while supporting efforts to improve funding.

Dr. Eric Mutter

I have spent the last 8 years of my career working in both a large academic hospital setting and across rural emergency departments across Ontario, gaining a deep appreciation for the system saving and underappreciated work we all do daily.

I am currently a member of the CAEP Committee on Finance and Audit (COFA), a position that involves examining and reviewing both financial documents and strategy for our national advocacy organization. Locally, I am the Co-Billing Lead for our group of 90+ physicians, one of the largest in Canada. Through this work, I have a deep understanding of the OHIP Billing Manual (and its many frustrations for ERPs!). Additionally, I have created novel curriculum for residents at the University of Ottawa in financial literacy and transition to financial practice, on top of work as a business consultant in the healthcare space. Educationally, I have completed a Personal Finance Certificate (McGill) and am currently enrolled in a Financial Accounting certificate program (Harvard).

It would be an honour to serve the Section on Emergency Medicine as your Treasurer and bring my deep understanding of finance to the constituency group. While the recent PSA was a good start, the Emergency Group needs to continue to advocate that the work done by all its members – in departments of all volumes, locations, and structures – continues to receive the recognition it has been lacking, and so critically deserves.

Thanks for your consideration!

Dr. Michael Charnish

Dr. Angela Marrocco

My name is Angela Marrocco, and I am seeking re-election as the Chair of the Section on Emergency Medicine.

Emergency Medicine is a system safety net, and a key partner for patient needs across diverse specialties and geographic locations.  It has been both challenging and rewarding to lead our Section as we advocate for support in these important roles.

Over the course of my most recent term, I have helped our members achieve the following:

15% Increased base funding to small and northern emergency departments EDAFAs

A base increase for small regional EDAFA centres to mitigate regional site differences

Increased H codes by an additional 4% on top of our regular allocation

Created a volume incentive for high volume FFS and EDAFA emergency physicians - estimated to be up to $40,000 per year for many full time physicians.

$45 million increase to the base funding for Academic Health Science Centre AFPs

Effective April 1, 2026, we have secured preliminary approval for:

Recognition of Friday evening as a weekend (H153)

Permanent increases to H codes (12-25%) and G codes (11-12%)

A new evening premium code 

A new emergency pelvic exam fee code

If re-elected, I plan to continue to advocate for Section members:

Advancing Section ideas to ensure funding is allocated to emergency medicine fee codes in a thoughtful, fair and member focussed manner

Working with Ministry to implement improvements to the EDAFA funding formula using the results of our time in motion study – POWER 3

Working with OH and HFO to address regional staffing concerns across the province

Advocating for recognition of the time it takes to care for complex patients

To maintain and highlight Emergency Medicine as a provincial priority

A brief statement cannot fully capture our progress or ambitions. I ask for your support to continue the work we have started and expand on our successes - for emergency physicians and for the patients we serve.

Dr. Munsif Bhimani

I am honoured to stand for the position of Chair of the Section of Emergency Medicine at the Ontario Medical Association. I bring nearly two decades of frontline and leadership experience, along with a strong commitment to the future of emergency medicine in Ontario.

I have practiced as a full-time emergency physician since 2005, working across rural hospitals, large academic centres, and multiple community emergency departments. This breadth of experience has given me a clear understanding of the diverse challenges facing emergency physicians throughout the province. I continue to work clinically and remain connected to frontline realities through ongoing participation in the Emergency Department Locum Program (EDLP).

In addition to my clinical work, I have served as Program Director and Departmental Medical Director, roles that strengthened my skills in physician advocacy, operational leadership and system-level planning. These experiences have reinforced the importance of collaborative leadership, sustainable practice models, and strong representation for emergency physicians at both regional and provincial levels.

If elected Chair, I would bring the perspectives gained from these varied roles to help guide the strategic direction of emergency medicine. My priorities include advocating for equitable resources across practice settings, supporting physician wellness and workforce sustainability, and helping shape policies that strengthen emergency care delivery in Ontario.

I am also deeply committed to mentorship and inspiring the next generation to choose emergency medicine as a career. With thoughtful leadership and advocacy, I believe we can ensure emergency medicine remains a viable, rewarding, and respected specialty.

As Chair, I would lead with transparency, inclusivity, and a strong sense of purpose, representing emergency physicians across Ontario while helping to shape the future of our specialty provincially and beyond.

Dr. Alex Folkl

I am seeking election as a Member-at-Large of the OMA Section on Emergency Medicine because I am committed to the practice of emergency medicine, and I want to advocate for Ontario emergency physicians to strengthen and advance our specialty.

I have practiced full-time emergency medicine for ten years and currently serve as chief of my department, following leadership roles on multiple departmental committees, including my department's executive committee, quality team, and COVID committee.

Through these roles, I have gained firsthand insight into the challenges facing emergency medicine, including workforce shortages, compensation concerns, and broader system limitations. I have contributed to departmental and hospital policies addressing these issues, including recruitment and retention initiatives, the development of physician compensation and staffing models designed to increase staffing while maintaining attractive remuneration, and policies to improve inpatient flow from the emergency department and follow-up care for discharged patients.

This work has required close collaboration with emergency physicians, hospital leadership, specialists, nursing, and allied health professionals. I have also frequently served as an intermediary between frontline physicians and senior administration, ensuring physician perspectives are reflected in hospital-level decisions.

Finally, my involvement in regional and provincial healthcare committees has provided an understanding of how health policy is developed at a provincial level. Together, these experiences position me to effectively advocate for Ontario emergency physicians, particularly in workforce development and compensation, while advancing high-quality emergency care and physician job satisfaction.

Thank you for considering me for this role.

Dr. Alex Jiang

I am a CCFP(EM)–trained emergency physician currently practicing at North York General Hospital, with prior full-time experience in high-volume tertiary and community emergency departments across the GTA, and ongoing locum work in rural and remote Ontario communities. I also serve as a Medical Officer with the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve, providing clinical care and medical training to service members in field settings. These roles has strengthened my appreciation for leadership, operational medicine, and team-based care in high-pressure environments.

My involvement in physician advocacy began during residency, where I served as Chief Resident in Emergency Medicine, a Council Representative with the Ontario Medical Association, and a General Council Representative with PARO. These roles allowed me to represent resident and early-career physician interests and to engage constructively with health system leadership.

I am particularly passionate about emergency physician wellness, sustainable workforce planning, and fair compensation models, as well as ensuring strong representation for both urban and rural emergency departments within the OMA. As an active clinical teacher and researcher, I remain committed to advancing education, innovation, and professional development in emergency medicine.

If elected as a Member-at-Large, I would bring a collaborative, practical, and frontline-informed perspective to the Emergency Medicine Section and would be honoured to advocate on behalf of emergency physicians across Ontario.

Dr. Andrew Helt

To my fellow EM physicians,

I am asking for your support for the position of Member at Large.

Our specialty continues to navigate distinctive challenges during this critical juncture in Canadian healthcare. With unprecedented overcrowding and staffing shortages, the pressures on our EDs have never been greater. Though we all feel this, every centre experiences unique constraints. To navigate this, our leadership must understand the full spectrum of emergency medicine in Ontario.

I offer a unique, dual vantage point. As an EM physician practicing in a large academic centre, I deal daily with the complexities of high-acuity, teaching, and tertiary care gridlock. However, I also have significant experience working in rural and remote EDs, including my hometown of Moose Factory and rural communities in Southwestern Ontario where I hold privileges. I intimately understand the resource limitations, transfer challenges, and distinct pressures we face outside of urban hubs.

EM physicians are the metaphorical canary in the coal mine, identifying failures of the health system before they become apparent to those upstream. If we cannot address these issues outside our walls, we will continue to be stretched beyond our limits. Our Section must speak with a powerful voice to ensure these realities are addressed.

If elected, I will:

Bridge the Divide: Ensure that section advocacy addresses the nuanced needs of academic centres, community/rural hospitals, and remote centres.

Advocate for YOU: Push for solutions that address burnout and improve longevity, recognizing that working conditions are as vital as compensation and solutions must be tailored locally.

We need advocacy that is as versatile and resilient as we are. I would be honoured to represent you.

Dr. Danish Khan

My name is Danish, and I have been a practicing full-time Emergency Medicine physician in the GTA for over a decade, working at two community hospitals. Throughout my clinical career, I have remained deeply involved in the administrative and operational aspects of ED function.  

I have led multiple initiatives focused on optimizing Emergency Department flow, specifically identifying barriers to safe patient movement from triage to disposition. By leveraging EMR data to collect metrics, I have worked to quantify the time taken for various stages of this journey, allowing us to apply specific focus to areas of higher concern.

For the past two years, I have served as the Member-at-Large for the Section of Emergency Medicine. In that time, we have successfully worked on adjusting fees for assessments and procedures, as well as re-defining billing codes. My focus has been to ensure the Schedule of Benefits accurately reflects the complexity of modern Emergency Medicine and its application in clinical practice.

In continuing as Member-at-Large, I will leverage this experience to advocate for the Section's evolving needs. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance the interests of Emergency Medicine through data-driven policy and strong representation.

Dr. Marko Erak

I was tempted to ask ChatGPT to write my position statement after a night shift. However, my dedication to the speciality over the last decade prevents me from doing this. Likewise, I plan to keep my position statement brief.

Your support for the opportunity to represent Emergency Medicine interests at the level of the OMA and Ontario government is important to me.

It's fulfilling to work full time doing evenings, nights and weekends. I am continuously involved in medical education and in quality improvement initiatives. As a result, I understand burn out and I understand the issues that are important for practicing emergency physicians.

In addition to my work locally, I have collaborated with ED physicians internationally on raising awareness of ED recognition.

I care about the speciality, I care about my colleagues and I care about reducing burnout. I will advocate for policies that reduce the burden of metrics on ED physicians and their compensation. I will advocate for a provider focused lense. Finally, I will work hard ensure that emergency physicians' voices are echoed loudly throughout the OMA.

Thanks for your consideration!

Dr. Maxim Ben-Yakov

Candidate Statement:

I am seeking election as Member at Large to ensure that system efficiency never comes at the cost of physician wellness. With 15 years of experience including dual certification in Adult and Pediatric EM, I understand the pressures we face.

In my non-clinical role as CMIO, I work daily with C-suite executives, Ontario Health, and industry leaders. I have guided groups of over 1000 providers through complex EHR transitions, always with a singular focus: protecting the provider experience. My advocacy goes beyond words; I have negotiated directly to secure funding for non-clinical work support, ensuring that physicians are paid for the critical administrative roles during the implementation to keep our hospitals running.

We need leadership that can navigate government relations to bring resources back to the frontline. My track record proves I can bridge the gap between administration and the ED, securing the necessary support to prevent burnout.

I am committed to fighting for policies that value our time—both clinical and non-clinical. I would be honored to serve as your advocate.

Dr. Waseem El-Halabi

I’m seeking this role because I care deeply about the future of emergency medicine, and about supporting the physicians doing this work every day. As an academic emergency physician working on the front lines in busy emergency departments, I see firsthand the pressures facing our specialty, from crowding and staffing challenges to increasingly complex compensation and policy issues.

Among other roles, I currently serve as Billing Lead for our physician group, working to advocate for fair and consistent application of emergency medicine billing practices. I’ve created and delivered advanced billing education for colleagues and routinely work with physicians to ensure their work is compensated appropriately. I value focused and practical advocacy that results in real identifiable change. 

I would bring this collaborative, frontline informed perspective to the OMA Emergency Medicine Section and would be honoured to serve in this role.

Dr. Jill Trinacty

Hello Endocrinologists,

Thank you for taking the time to review the candidates and participate in this year’s OMA election. I am once again putting my name forward for Vice-Chair, hoping to continue the work I have been dedicated to since first being elected to this role in 2018.

Over the past several years, I have worked to keep our section informed of key developments affecting Endocrinologists, particularly regarding negotiations and payment changes. I have focused on improving and modernizing our fee codes to support fair compensation and to ensure we can continue providing the essential care our patients rely on. In addition, I have served on the Priority Leadership Group, helping to bring forward member-driven ideas that strengthen our practice environment and enhance patient care.

I am grateful for the many conversations, emails, and thoughtful insights I’ve received from colleagues throughout my tenure. Your engagement and feedback have guided my work, and I would welcome the opportunity to continue representing you as Vice-Chair.

Thank you for your continued support.

Dr. Bader Alamri

I am pleased to submit this statement of interest for the role of Vice Chair, OMA Section on Endocrinology and Metabolism.

Although my primary appointment is in an academic centre, my work remains closely connected to community practice through collaborations with former trainees and colleagues across Ontario. Before joining academia, I locumed in rural communities and witnessed firsthand the challenges physicians and patients face in accessing timely endocrine care. I continue to support community colleagues in areas such as referral navigation, diagnostic access, complex diabetes and obesity management, and adoption of new therapies and technologies. These collaborations provide real?time insight into workload, resource gaps, and the impact of policy decisions on patient care.

My prior roles on the residency burnout task force, postgraduate committees, and national working groups—together with my current position as Physician Lead at Juravinski Centre, supporting professional development for over 110 physicians—have strengthened my skills in governance, consensus building, and advocacy. I was recently selected for the OMA Physician Leadership Program, which will further equip me with the tools to drive system-level strategies that advance endocrinology across Ontario.

As Vice Chair, I would work with the Chair and Section Council to:

Advocate for equitable access to endocrine care and diagnostics in all regions.

Ensure Section education and policy remain practical and adaptable to community settings.

Leverage the academic–community network to inform OMA advocacy on funding, virtual care, and workforce planning.

I would be honoured to bring this combination of academic expertise, leadership experience, and strong community engagement to serve the Section.

Dr. David Lane

I am a community based ophthalmologist in Lindsay, ON.

I work at a community hospital and an OHP, serving an area North East of Toronto.

I am proud to advance the interests of the general community based Ophthalmologist.

David Lane

Dr. Georges Nassrallah

Dear colleagues,

I would like to humbly express my intention to run again for the position of member-at-large for the Eye Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. The organization’s goals of advocating for and promoting initiatives to optimize the vision health of Ontarians is well in alignment with the values I have held most dear throughout my career to the present.

As a relatively recent graduate, I hope to bring energy and enthusiasm to the executive committee at EPSO. I have contributed to many organizational structures such as residency training committees and fellowship training committees, and I am the current residency site director for ophthalmology at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. I hope to continue working with EPSO in light of the many ongoing challenges that our specialty and our patients continue to face.

I appreciate the opportunity to run for the position of member-at-large and hope to be a valuable servant to the ideals of maximizing the vision health of Ontarians.

Dr. Michael Balas

As a resident ophthalmologist committed to the future of our specialty in Ontario, I am seeking election as Member-at-Large to support the Section’s work in strengthening the voice of eye physicians and surgeons across the province. My past role as Vice Chair of the OMA’s Data Supports Working Group for Health Human Resources has given me firsthand experience in provincial advocacy, government-facing policy development, and navigating the pressures facing physicians within our health system. I have contributed to recommendations on workforce planning, triage models, and data-driven decision-making - experience that aligns directly with the strategic priorities of our Section.

My research background in health-data analytics, surgical outcomes, and AI in ophthalmology has trained me to evaluate complex system issues with clarity and evidence. I understand how policy, compensation, and resource allocation shape the day-to-day realities of ophthalmologists in both academic and community settings, and I bring a strong interest in ensuring our Section continues to push for fair models that reflect the clinical demands of our work.

As Member-at-Large, I would bring disciplined analysis, collaborative communication, and a commitment to fostering a respectful, unified culture within the Section. I hope to contribute meaningfully to advocacy efforts that strengthen surgical access, support practice sustainability, and protect the long-term interests of Ontario’s eye physicians and surgeons.

Dr. Murari Patodia

Dr. Navdeep Nijhawan

Dear Colleagues:

I’m running for the position of EPSO’s member at large. I am asking for your vote to re elect me to help us tackle the new challenges that our section is currently facing. I have served multiple roles in EPSO including chair, past chair, tariff chair and vice chair. I left EPSO in 2021 after spending more than a decade advancing our concerns and was involved in many initiatives including hiring an executive director, redistributing and negotiating fee codes for the section, creating new fee codes for OCT, low vision and neuro-ophthalmology, helping brand our section (including help to create the EPSO name, logo and website), helping create the joint ophthalmology/optometry Eye Health Council of Ontario, and actively lobbying at the MOH and Queens’ park. I rejoined the executive in 2023 as a member at large. I think the recent transformative changes in eye care delivery in the province may amplify some of the struggles our section has been dealing with over the last decade including developing a sustainable model for managing complex ophthalmology patients and hospital based surgery. I would like to bring new ideas to the section executive to address these eye care issues. I hope I can count on you for a positive vote. Thank you.

Nav

Navdeep Nijhawan, MD, FRCSC, DABO

Specializing in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Chief, Lakeridge Health Division of Ophthalmology

ASOPRS Fellowship, University of Toronto Program Director

Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, University of Toronto

Assistant Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology, McMaster

St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto

Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto

Dr. Parnian Arjmand

Dr. Brian Chan

I am a community gastroenterologist and therapeutic endoscopist based in Scarborough. I am requesting your continued support as a Member at Large for the Section of Gastroenterology.  

I completed adult gastroenterology training at McMaster and therapeutic endoscopy fellowship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. I have extensive and continuous experience in advocacy and leadership roles. Over the last two years I have served as a Member at Large for the Section of Gastroenterology and I am your current section representative at the OMA Priority Leadership Group. I actively participated in recent fee code additions and amendments to the Schedule of Benefits proposed to the Physician Services Committee. I am concurrently a board member at the Ontario Association of Gastroenterology.  

Through this role, I have several main goals:

Improving equitable access to health care and identifying solutions to streamline access to subspecialized GI care in Ontario, with a particular focus on therapeutic and interventional GI. Continued modernization of the fee code and expansion of code to include underfunded services. Ensuring overarching OMA goals are in line with the needs of the Section of Gastroenterology.  

I look forward to your continued support and the opportunity to serve the Section of Gastroenterology.

Dr. Emily Ching

Dr. Imran Rasul

Dr. Keith McIntosh

I am seeking the role of OMA Member-at-Large for Gastroenterology to ensure that the voices and priorities of gastroenterologists across Ontario are clearly represented and strongly advocated for. Our specialty faces increasing clinical demands, evolving care models, and persistent system pressures that directly affect our ability to provide timely, high-quality care. It is essential that these realities are communicated effectively to the OMA and to government.

In this role, I will work to advance the interests of gastroenterologists by advocating for fair policies, appropriate resources, and sustainable practice environments. I am committed to ensuring that our concerns—whether related to funding, workload, system capacity, or patient access—are heard, understood, and addressed at every level of discussion.

I believe in collaborative, transparent engagement and will work closely with colleagues across the province to identify shared challenges and develop unified solutions. My goal is to ensure that gastroenterologists have a strong, consistent voice within the OMA and that our contributions to patient care and the health system are fully recognized and supported.

Dr. Melissa Kelley

I am a Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist practicing in Kingston, Ontario, and I am seeking a seat at the OMA table to represent the interests of gastroenterologists and hepatologists across the province. I am committed to working collaboratively with the Provincial Government and other stakeholders to advance practical, meaningful reforms to Ontario’s healthcare system.

My background includes academic practice in Kingston as well as prior community-based practice in St. John’s, Newfoundland, providing me with insight into both academic and community care settings. To further strengthen my leadership and system-level perspective, I recently completed a Global Executive MBA with a focus on healthcare systems and leadership. This training has sharpened my strategic approach and reinforced my belief in the potential for thoughtful, evidence-based system change. I am also part of a broad network of healthcare strategists, providers, and innovators that informs my advocacy work.

Locally, I have been actively involved in improving access to GI specialist care in the Kingston region. In partnership with primary care colleagues, I led the development of five clinical care pathways for common GI conditions. More recently, I have been involved in proposing, planning, and developing a business model for a new ambulatory endoscopy facility to replace aging infrastructure at our centre.

At the national level, I serve on the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Health and Public Policy Committee, where I have contributed to advocacy initiatives for specialist physician groups and to pre-budget submissions to the federal government addressing system-wide healthcare challenges.

This is a critical time for innovation and engagement within the OMA. I am committed to contributing constructively while fostering a culture of respect, collaboration, and transparency.

Dr. Abhishek Raut

I am seeking election as Member at Large for the Section on General and Family Practice because I care deeply about supporting my colleagues and strengthening the foundation of family medicine in Ontario. As Medical Director of Appletree Medical Group, I have had the privilege of working with more than 450 physicians across 65 health centres. This role has given me a clear understanding of the daily challenges family doctors face and reinforced my commitment to advocating for fair compensation, sustainable practice models, and the resources we need to care for our patients.

My governance experience with the Ontario College of Family Physicians, where I chaired the Member Value Committee, taught me the importance of listening to members and ensuring their voices shape our priorities. Through weekly national television interviews during the pandemic, I worked to provide clear, evidence?based guidance to the public, always with compassion and respect for the vital role of family physicians.

Collaboration has been central to my career, whether partnering with colleagues to expand virtual care or working with ministries abroad to build integrated health systems. I bring strategic planning, advocacy, and government relations experience, but most importantly, I bring a genuine commitment to supporting family physicians and the patients we serve.

Dr. Adam Stewart

PROVEN LEADERSHIP IN TRANSFORMATION ERA:

Over the past two years, it has been a privilege to serve as on the SGFP Executive during one of the most transformational periods in our Section’s history. I am seeking re-election to continue strengthening SGFP’s influence, strategy, and impact at a time when family medicine urgently needs strong, bold, unapologetic, leadership.

QUALIFICATIONS TO MATCH SGFP'S STRATEGY:

My qualifications align directly with SGFP’s strategic needs. I bring expertise in digital health, EMRs, negotiations, relativity, and compensation modelling, combined with over 16 years of comprehensive rural practice and leadership. My province-wide education work (including widely referenced FHO+ videos, practice-management tools, and website) has helped thousands of physicians understand the policies and forces shaping their practices.

ADOVOCACY THAT DELIVERS RESULTS:

My past advocacy includes serving multiple years as on the SGFP Executive, the MSPC bilateral committee, the Negotiations Expert Resource Group (NERG), and several other committees. I helped advance key SGFP achievements such as relativity progress, the Keystone Paper, modernized communications, and the new SGFP.ca website.

KNOWN AND TRUSTED:

I have a strong record of collaboration on the current Executive, contributing to SGFP’s renewed governance, strategy, and public voice. I also bring direct experience working alongside OMA staff, government tables, and system partners.

COMMITTED TO YOU:

I am committed to advancing SGFP’s Vision and ensuring family physicians are valued, heard, and properly compensated. I would be honoured to continue this work.

Highest regards,

Adam

Dr. Elaine Ma

I am seeking re-election as a Member at Large on the Section on General and Family Practice Executive because I believe family physicians must play a central role in shaping health policy in Ontario. Over the past year on SGFP, I have been encouraged by the Section’s thoughtful policy papers and advocacy work, which clearly articulate the value of comprehensive, longitudinal family medicine and the need for system structures that support sustainable practice.

My interest in SGFP leadership is grounded in both lived experience and governance work. Through my involvement in policy and medical leadership, including navigating complex interactions with OHIP, I have seen firsthand how decisions made without meaningful family physician input can undermine care delivery, morale, and trust. I believe SGFP has an important opportunity to strengthen its influence with government and system partners, particularly as conversations continue about reforming primary care models, accountability frameworks, and OHIP processes.

If elected, I will continue to support SGFP’s role as a credible, principled voice for family physicians across Ontario, building on its policy foundation to advocate for fair, transparent, and physician-informed decision-making. I am committed to working collaboratively to ensure family medicine remains the foundation of a strong, accessible health care system.

Dr. Imran Shabbeer

Dr. Joel Brown

Family medicine has shaped my life in two very different systems. In the NHS I learned what it means to care for patients when a system is stretched to its limits. In rural Ontario I have seen how much stability and hope a single family physician can bring to a community. These experiences changed the way I understand our profession, and they are why I am applying for Member at Large.

I bring a perspective shaped by front line practice and system level leadership. As Lead Physician at the Bluewater Area Family Health Team, and through my work with the Huron Perth Physicians Advisory Council and the Clinical Leadership Council, I see every day how policy, compensation structures, staffing pressures and digital tools can either support physicians or slowly wear them down. I want those decisions to reflect the real conditions we work in, not assumptions about them.

What I offer is the ability to bridge worlds. I listen closely, I work collaboratively, and I bring the honesty of someone who has seen primary care succeed and fail in more than one system. I care about equity, fairness and keeping physicians in the communities that rely on them. I would be honoured to serve and to help shape a future for family medicine that feels sustainable, humane and true to the work we set out to do.

Dr. Melanie Rodrigues

As an urban-trained family physician living and working in a remote Northwestern Ontario community for more than a decade, I have seen first-hand the stark differences in health care access and outcomes between urban and rural environments. Rural generalist physicians practise in under-resourced settings, face significant social determinants of health, and remain chronically underrepresented within organized medicine and leadership structures. These realities directly affect recruitment, retention, and the long-term sustainability of rural practice.

Professionally, I have held a broad range of primary care leadership roles. I currently serve as President of my Hospital Medical Staff, Lead Physician for my local Family Health Team, and as a member of the Rainy River District Ontario Health Team Primary Care Committee. At the OMA, I serve as a Member-at-Large for District 10.

With the Rural and Northern Physician Group Agreement (RNPGA) overdue for renegotiation and the Rural Coordination Centre of Ontario in its design phase, there has never been a more critical time for SGFP representation by a physician with a strong understanding of rural and remote medicine in Ontario. I am eager and well positioned to advocate for these physicians and to promote engagement and meaningful representation for small-town practitioners who need a voice at the table.

Dr. Mohsin Dhalla

Dr. Nili Kaplan-Myrth

I am honoured to be stepping up as a candidate for the SGFP.

I am a family doctor in Central Ottawa in my 14th year of practice.

I have worked as a locum in a Community Health Centre, followed by ten years in a FHG, and then two years in a FHO. I care for 1400 patients, and I do clinical teaching in the Dept of Family Medicine at the University of Ottawa.

I've held dozens of governance positions on health-related Boards, over the years, including as the District 8 Delegate to the OMA Section on General & Family Practice; as a member of the OMA Women's Outreach Committee; and Chair of the Ontario College of Family Physician’s Residents’ Committee.

Many of you know me from my advocacy during the Covid-19 pandemic. I spoke with media, published articles, gave a keynote address at the OCFP Family Medicine Summit, speaking about how family doctors were affected by lack of access to PPE, office closures, discrepancies in compensation models, access to vaccines, and barriers to access to care for marginalized groups.

All of my work has aligned with the SGFP’s strategic priorities of elevating the role of family physicians, improving system structures, and strengthening family practice and primary care.

As family physicians, we must address the issues of fair compensation; access to allied health services and specialists for our patients; reduction of administrative burden; and general family physician well-being.

With the introduction of the FHO+ plus model, and the Primary Care Act of 2025 legislation, there is a lot of work head of us to recruit and support new family docs, as well as to help those of us who are mid and career. Our outreach to the public and to the Ministry of Health must continue, as we advocate for the future of family medicine and negotiate our relationship to pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and other health care colleagues.

As a Member of the SGFP, I commit to collaborate with colleagues to champion these and other issues.

Dr. Sharad Rai

Dear Colleagues,

I've had extensive experience on the SGFP Executive 2021-2023, as well as various roles at the OMA for over a decade, and hope to serve you on the SGFP Executive again. Looking after my constituents has always been my first priority: I’m a strong physician advocate with a long track record at the OMA of delivering results for physicians from tackling racial bias at the CPSO, to directing the OMA to deliver the Advantages Retirement Plan, to successfully advocating against a government proposal to shift vaccination reporting burdens from parents to physicians. I will bring the same high level of advocacy and service to the profession as your SGFP Member-at-Large.

It is critically important for the OMA to remain focused on physician interests first and foremost: the government can be expected to argue that its indebtedness, and financial constraints as a consequence of the pandemic, preclude adequate physician remuneration. I’m proud of my track record in vigorously representing your professional interests since the fall of 2015. That record includes numerous MPP meetings, opposition to mandatory reporting of all immunizations, my role in having the government backtrack on many of their proposals regarding physician billing audits, and having the OMA pursue a group pension plan as a consequence of one of my motions. Thank you for your time and please vote for me as your SGFP Member-at-Large.

Kind regards,

Sharad Rai

Dr. Gurpreet Jaswal

I am a GIM and Stroke Prevention subspecialist based in Burlington. My work spans core GIM service delivery, dedicated stroke prevention clinics, virtual care, and health system design, reflecting the breadth, complexity, and evolving demands of contemporary GIM practice. I completed Internal Medicine training at Queen’s University and a GIM fellowship at UofT, rotating through ~30 hospitals across Ontario. I have practiced inpatient medicine at Trillium Health Partners and Joseph Brant Hospital (JBH), and currently provide outpatient GIM and stroke prevention care in Burlington and Oakville.

I hold a Masters in Translational Research from UofT, with a focus on knowledge translation and disease prevention. I am currently completing the Rotman Executive Health Leadership Program. I am deeply passionate about leadership development, structured problem-solving, and applying evidence-based approaches to improve care delivery, physician experience, and system performance.

As President of the Professional Staff Association and a hospital Board Director at JBH, I represent frontline physicians in discussions and negotiations related to workload, accountability, and access to clinical resources, while maintaining a strong focus on improving patient safety, quality, and systems. I bring direct experience in compensation and policy advocacy through PSA leadership, OMA advisory roles, and committee work with the Royal College Health & Public Policy Committee and CSIM Health Promotion and Planning Committee.

I have a strong understanding of government and regional health system relations through sustained engagement with hospital leadership and regional programs, including the Burlington Ontario Health Team and regional Stroke Committees. I am deeply committed to advocating and engaging our specialty by leveraging all of my experience, training, and leadership skills to be an effective and influential Section Chair for General Internal Medicine at the provincial level.

Dr. Bilal Munir

As current chair of the General Internal Medicine section, I have been striving to advocate for you with the last rounds of the PSA negotiations with the Physician Payment Committee (PPC). I am happy to say that through advocating diligently for our section, I was able to have our voices heard at the table and pushed for the following changes:

• Substantial increase in our A/C1xx codes across the board (will be updated on the schedule of benefits for April 1, 2026)

• Advocating for the reinstatement of the Chronic Disease Premium or equivalent

• Increased renumeration for BOTH inpatient and outpatient-based practices

• Advocated for a community practice premium

• Ensured that the allocation stays within core Internal Medicine codes and does not get distributed to other sections

• Submitted new proposals for increased renumeration for our section specific codes as well as addition of a premium to reflect the complexity of our patient populations

Over the last year and a half, I have attended OMA and PPC meetings to advocate for our needs. I am confident that we can increase our pay across inpatient and outpatient settings further and create codes that fairly reflect our complicated patient populations. Having submitted the most recent round of the PSA, combined with my experience collaborating with the PPC and other OMA sections, as well as my understanding of the latest submission nuances, I am confident that I am uniquely qualified to guide our section through the upcoming PSA submissions for years 2 to 4. I plan on focusing on increasing the dismal pay we currently receive for inpatient codes and would be honored to continue to serve you.

Dr. Karen Slatkovsky

I'm excited to be considered for re-election as Secretary, Section on Hospital Medicine, having served on the executive of the past 6 years. As hospitalists, we are uniquely positioned to understand the challenges of caring for an increasingly complex patient population in an increasingly strained healthcare system.

In recent years, the Section has made progress with the implementation of the hospitalist premium and fee increases for MRP care. Our colleagues worked hard to lay the groundwork for a long-awaited APP, which will hopefully enable modernized compensation from the Ministry, without the need for top-ups from hospital budgets.

As an Section executive member, I look forward to addressing OHIP fee schedule limitations, building a leadership network and resource hub, assisting with the unique difficulties of rural physicians, and most importantly, engaging with, and advocating for our membership with the goal of continuous improvement. It would be an honour to to continue to represent you as Secretary.

Dr. Paul Dolinar

I'm Paul Dolinar, a hospitalist with governance experience in OMA District 11 Executive and beyond, working across many hospitalist settings in our system. I'm running for Secretary because our hospitalist community deserves a steward who will amplify our collective voice through transparent, timely communication while ensuring our operations run seamlessly.

The Secretary role is foundational; we maintain records that enable effective advocacy, hold our executive accountable through transparent documentation, and ensure our members feel heard. These responsibilities demand organizational rigor, clinical credibility, and genuine commitment to our profession's advancement.

What I Bring:

Demonstrated Organizational Leadership: Currently serving on OMA District 11 Executive, contributing to member engagement and decision-making. Cross-Sector Perspective: Experience across multiple hospital systems — from resource-limited settings up north of Lake Superior to current acute care and specialized roles in Ottawa and Toronto — giving me insight into our diverse membership. Commitment to Equity and Collaboration: I've prioritized equitable, client-centered care and fostering inclusive team environments, the cultural values our forum needs. Clinical and Research Excellence: My background spans general family practice and vaccine research, ensuring decisions are informed with clinical insight.

A Practical Promise:

I will ensure timely, transparent records of executive decisions and work closely with our Chair to keep our forum's work aligned with our members' roadmap. Good governance isn't glamorous, but it enables good advocacy. Our forum is strongest when every voice is captured, every decision is documented, and every member knows their input matters. I'm ready to ensure that happens.

Thank you for considering my statement. For governance ideas or questions, please, don't hesitate to reach out to me.

Dr. Shariq Lodhi

Dr. Kapil Kohli

Dr. Anthea Jean Girdwood

In my first four years of practice, I have observed and experienced the strain felt by my laboratory medicine colleagues borne of an underresourced workforce. Central to recruitment and retention in Ontario’s laboratories are appropriate compensation models, workload management, and effective health human resource planning. These pressures have direct implications for patient care, trainee education, and the long-term sustainability of laboratory medicine in Ontario. As an academic pediatric pathologist at SickKids early in practice, with strong collegial connections and a demonstrated commitment to leadership development, I am motivated to contribute meaningfully to the work of the OMA Section on Laboratory Medicine.

I have a history of service and advocacy at both the provincial and national levels. Having served as Chair of the OMA Section of Residents, on the Board of Directors of the CMA, and as an Ontario delegate to the CMA General Council, I am experienced in working constructively with our PTMA.

Furthermore, I believe my unique experience with provincial contract negotiations and arbitration would be an asset to the Section on Laboratory Medicine. As PARO President, I served on the PARO Negotiations Team for the PARO–OTH (Ontario Teaching Hospitals) Residency Agreement, negotiating a provincial salary contract valued at $1 billion. Prior to medicine, I worked in the financial sector for five years and have served, or currently serve, as Treasurer for PARO, Canadian Doctors for Medicare, and the CAP-ACP Pediatric & Perinatal Pathology Section.

If given the opportunity to serve on the OMA Section on Laboratory Medicine, I would advocate effectively and diligently on behalf of our members.

Thank you for your consideration.

Anthea (Lafreniere) Girdwood

Dr. Ayman Al Habeeb

I am seeking your support for the position of Section on Laboratory Medicine-Member at Large to bring experienced, collaborative, and principled leadership to negotiations with the Ministry.

I have practiced pathology in Ontario for almost 20 years, with experience spanning academic health science centres and community cancer centres. This broad perspective has allowed me to understand and appreciate the full spectrum of practice environments, resource constraints, and professional pressures faced by pathologists across the province. It has also reinforced my belief that meaningful progress is achieved through collaboration, mutual respect, and a unified professional voice.

I am deeply familiar with the longstanding challenges affecting our profession, including workload intensity, workforce sustainability, recruitment and retention, and the evolving complexity of diagnostic medicine. Equally, I remain attentive to emerging issues that will shape the future of pathology in Ontario. I bring a strong advocacy mindset grounded in listening carefully to colleagues, engaging constructively with stakeholders, and working toward solutions that balance fairness, feasibility, and long-term impact.

If elected, I am committed to working collaboratively with fellow representatives, OMA leadership, and members across all practice settings to build consensus and advance shared priorities. My goal is to contribute meaningfully to achieving the most robust and favourable agreement possible—one that recognizes the essential role of pathologists, supports professional excellence, and strengthens the sustainability of our profession for current and future members.

Thank you for your consideration.

Dr. Deidre Ongaro

Dear Colleagues,

I am seeking election as Member at Large to advocate for pathologists through practical, solution-focused approaches that support sustainability and fairness in laboratory medicine.

Our profession is facing increasing case complexity and workload as patient volumes grow and new technologies are integrated into routine practice. Physician wellness, recruitment, and retention are closely linked to how our work is structured and valued. When systems fail to reflect the full scope of pathologists’ contributions, including diagnostic work, administrative responsibilities, quality activities, and leadership roles, they can contribute to burnout and disengagement. I am particularly interested in approaches that support comprehensive and transparent workload valuation, with sufficient flexibility for reassessment in an era of ongoing change.

In prior leadership roles in large community hospital settings, I worked directly on case allocation, workload assessment, and quality initiatives. Through this work, I have experienced both the intentions and the limitations of existing systems. I have also collaborated closely with laboratory operations and technical teams, gaining experience translating frontline concerns into actionable institutional workflows and protocols.

I believe that thoughtful adoption of modern tools, including digital pathology and artificial intelligence, can further support collaboration, diagnostic quality, and access to care, while reducing burden on pathologists.

Having lived in Northern Ontario, trained in Ottawa (MD), and practiced in the Greater Toronto Area, I bring an appreciation of regional variation in access and resources, both as a patient and physician. I look forward to representing members of the Laboratory Medicine Section and contributing to collaborative solutions that advance our profession.

Thank you for your consideration,

Deidre Ongaro

Dr. Farzan Pavri

Dear Colleagues,

I am honoured to seek nomination as a Member-at-Large for the Laboratory Medicine Section of the OMA. Having trained and worked as a Medical Microbiologist at multiple sites both within and outside Ontario, I have gained essential insights into the needs and challenges facing us as Laboratory Physicians.

With major and pressing concerns such as the much needed development of a Laboratory Medicine Alternate Payment Plan (APP), it is imperative that we invite new perspectives and incorporate concerns from the various Laboratory Medicine disciplines. As the only Medical Microbiologist seeking nomination, I will bring a collaborative voice to the Section, ensuring that compensation priorities are equitable between disciplines and competitive across Canada.

My experience with regional committees, quality assurance, and direct advocacy with our MPPs has equipped me with the skills needed to advocate for the unique challenges facing our specialty: growing resource constraints, difficulties with institutional succession planning and recruiting, increasing technological integration and infrastructure expenses, and trends towards centralization.

Nominating me will strengthen our Section's ability to navigate a rapidly evolving health-care landscape. I look forward to serving our community with dedication and vision, ensuring our Section influences health policy decisions for the betterment of all Ontarians.

Thank You,

Farzan Pavri

Dr. Graeme Quest

Dr. Mohanpal Dulai

Dr. Dragos Alexandru Nita

Dear Colleagues,

I am a Neurologist and Epileptologist practicing in North York and Scarborough, working in a mixed community and hospital-based setting. My practice combines clinical care, research, and academic work, with a focus on pediatric and young adult patients with epilepsy.

I am affiliated with North York General Hospital, Scarborough Health Network, and SickKids, and I hold an academic appointment with the University of Toronto (UofT). I also currently serve as the community neurology representative on the CACN Board and I am involved with the Pediatric Neurology Resident Education Committee at UofT.

I joined the OMA Neurology Board two years ago as Member-at-Large to contribute to the growth and effectiveness of our section while representing the diverse voices within our profession. My experience across academic and community settings - including small-group neurology practice and hospital-based clinics - has allowed me to better understand the challenges many of you face.

I am committed to listening to members’ concerns, ideas, and priorities, and to translating them into meaningful and actionable initiatives. 

I am asking for your support to continue serving in this role. It would be an honour to work alongside my colleagues to advance excellence in neurology, support our profession, and ultimately improve patient care across Ontario.

Sincerely,

Dragos A. Nita, MD, PhD, FRCPC

Dr. Gavin Winston

I am an academic neurologist/epileptologist at Queen’s University, Kingston, with over 20 years of clinical and research experience including 15 years in the UK’s NHS. This blend of international and local experience gives me unique insight into the challenges and opportunities in Ontario’s neurological care and positions me to advance our constituency’s strategic goals.

My interests align with key OMA priorities like improving family doctor access and advancing digital health. Having experienced the benefits of a unified healthcare system with integrated digital tools in the UK, I am committed to promoting similar innovation here. During the SE Ontario regional EMR rollout, I served as a Power User and now represent neurology on the hospital Medical Informatics Council. These roles gave me practical and policy insight into adopting technology to improve care.

I founded a regional First Seizure Clinic that improved patient outcomes but also opened my eyes to systemic barriers to innovation. Supported by the SEAMO Innovation Fund, I lead research on novel neuroimaging methods to better select patients for epilepsy surgery, linking research, clinical care, and policy.

I helped update provincial guidelines for epilepsy, establish our hospital as an epilepsy surgery centre, and contribute to international guidelines through the International League Against Epilepsy. These experiences show my ability to influence clinical standards and policy benefiting neurologists and patients.

Recently, I attended the OMA Queen’s Park Day, engaging directly with provincial legislators and government officials to advocate for solutions to health-care challenges, drawing on this wide experience. This deepened my understanding of government relations and strengthened my ability to influence health policy at the highest levels.

I am committed to advancing Ontario’s neurology community through leadership, policy development, and strong advocacy for neurologists and patients.

Dr. Nita Scherer

Dear colleagues,  

I am asking for your support to represent you as part of the OMA Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery Executive.  I have been a member-at-large on the executive for the past 18 months and have also been the Priority Lead for OTOHNS for the past year.  During this time, I have had the chance to attend both the OMA General Assembly meetings and the OMA Priority Leadership meetings.  This has allowed me to learn more about the structure and governance of the OMA and I have been impressed with the volume of work that is being done behind the scenes to represent us as physicians.   

I have been practicing as a general otolaryngologist in Ottawa since 2003, working at a community hospital, academic hospitals and in my private office.  I have held several leadership positions at the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Medicine for over 10 years and have also been the Vice-Chair for the Dept of OTOHNS in Ottawa for over 10 years.  I have represented our department on physician wellness committees and the residency training committee.  I have taken the initiative to advance my leadership skills through a number of workshops and courses, but most importantly by stepping up to represent my colleagues in a variety of positions.   

I am approachable, accessible, responsive, and would like the opportunity to advocate for you through a role on the OMA OTOHNS Executive team.  Thank you for your support.

Dr. Michael Au

Dr. Naista Zhand

I am excited to run for Member at Large on the OMA Section on Psychiatry Executive to continue advocating for Ontario’s psychiatrists and the patients we serve during this critical period of mental health system transformation.

As a psychiatrist with seven years of practice in an academic health science centre, I bring direct frontline experience with the challenges our members face: chronic underfunding of psychiatric services, burdensome administrative requirements, inequitable compensation relative to procedural specialties, and barriers to collaborative care delivery. My previous roles as a president of medical staff and Canadian Psychiatric Association board member have given me a strong understanding of governance as pertaining to the field of psychiatry.

I am committed to strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration, enhancing recruitment and retention of psychiatrists across Ontario, and ensuring the psychiatric perspective is front and centre in negotiations on the next PSA, virtual care policy, and mental health funding reform.

I would be honoured to serve as your Member at Large and to support advancing the strategic priorities of Ontario psychiatrists.

Dr. Marina Golts

Dear Colleagues,

I’m excited to share that I am running for the OMA Member-at-Large position in the Section on Psychiatry. Advocacy for our profession has been a meaningful part of my career, and I’ve had the privilege of serving in several leadership roles within the OMA—including Member-at-Large in the Section on Psychiatry over the past two years, District 11 Representative, and Mount Sinai Hospital Representative.

For the past 16 years, I’ve worked as a psychiatrist in an academic centre in downtown Toronto. Over that time, I’ve gained meaningful insight into the diverse needs of our psychiatry community —across hospitals and community settings. I’ve also seen firsthand the challenges we face in advancing relativity and securing ongoing access to virtual care within both the OMA and the Ministry of Health.

What motivates me is the opportunity to strengthen and advance our specialty. I am passionate about advocating for sustainable psychotherapy funding, protecting our autonomy in clinical practice, and ensuring that the voices of psychiatrists are heard and respected.

I bring to this role a strong work ethic, thoughtful analysis, and a genuine commitment to listening and communicating openly. I care deeply about our community, and I would be grateful for the opportunity to represent you. Thank you for considering my candidacy—and for the work you do every day.

Dr. Derek S Tsang

I am a radiation oncologist practicing in Toronto, Ontario. Over the last 9 years, I have gained a broad understanding of the complexities of radiation oncology practice across diverse practice areas including conventional fractionated radiotherapy, brachytherapy, adaptive radiotherapy, radiosurgery, and theranostics. I also have strong awareness of emerging physician services including eConsult and Ontario's secure messaging pilot, and serve as a local resource for my colleagues regarding questions relating to the Schedule of Benefits. My ongoing work as a provincial expert panelist for out-of-country proton beam therapy services and as a core committee member for the provincial particle therapy facility have given me the necessary skills and collaborations to effectively represent the interests of radiation oncologists across Ontario.

Radiation oncology practice is increasing in complexity and acuity. Existing work duties, such as peer review, and emerging technologies, such as adaptive planning and particle therapy, will serve to continue to increase practice complexity over time. My goal is to serve our profession and ensure the interests of all radiation oncologists are heard at the provincial level by the OMA and Ministry of Health. Thank you for your support.

Dr. Peter Wai-Ming Chung