Dr. Nina Ahuja, BScHons, MD, FRCSC, CHE
Meet Dr. Nina Ahuja...
Dr. Nina Ahuja is a surgeon, bestselling author, award-winning educator, and nationally recognized advocate with over 20 years of experience in healthcare. Born in Timmins, Ontario, and raised in the small mining town of South Porcupine on a gold mine property, Dr. Ahuja—a second-generation immigrant—developed an early appreciation for hard work, resilience, community, and inclusion. These values have shaped her leadership philosophy and drive her unwavering commitment to empowering leaders to thrive personally and professionally.
In 2019, Dr. Ahuja founded Docs in Leadership to deliver innovative leadership programs grounded in neuroscience-based emotional intelligence. These programs equip leaders with the tools to navigate high-stakes environments, build inclusive workplace cultures, and amplify their impact while maintaining well-being.
A passionate advocate for equitable healthcare, Dr. Ahuja represented the Canadian Ophthalmological Society before the Canadian Senate, helping to advance Bill C-284 and establish Canada’s National Strategy for Eye Care. Her work reflects her belief in leadership as a catalyst for meaningful change, inspiring others to act with courage, authenticity, and purpose.
Her bestselling memoir, Stress in Medicine: Lessons Learned Through My Years as a Surgeon, from Med School to Residency, and Beyond, features her proprietary ADMIT framework, which has been widely recognized for its practical insights into resilience and leadership. She also shares actionable strategies in her Psychology Today blog, Striving High: Understanding the Unique Joys and Stresses of High Achievers.
Beyond her professional roles, Dr. Ahuja is a sought-after keynote speaker whose engaging style resonates with emerging and established leaders across industries. She has served as President of the Association of Canadian University Professors of Ophthalmology, is Chair of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society’s Council on Advocacy, and serves as a national examiner and standards of training evaluator for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
When she’s not empowering others, Dr. Ahuja enjoys sketching, traveling, and spending quality time with her husband, family, and friends. She values the principles of self-leadership and emotional intelligence in all aspects of her life, including nurturing relationships within her family as a 'bonus mom.'
Connect with Dr. Ahuja on LinkedIn to learn more about her work and stay updated on her latest initiatives.