Dr. Nina Ahuja, MD

11/03/2025

A recent study confirms that healthcare is delivered by women and led by men. Women make up 70% of the global health workforce and half of all medical school graduates, yet remain underrepresented in leadership roles.

Pay gaps, limited opportunities, and underrepresentation in editorial positions show that more work is needed for leadership to truly reflect the diversity of the workforce. Research also shows that when diversity in leadership increases, patient care and innovation thrive.

Shared advocacy and allyship are essential to advancing equity and excellence. Meaningful progress takes all of us.

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1607912/full

11/02/2025

Giving negative feedback is difficult for many, yet it's an essential skill for any leader. When done with emotional intelligence, these challenging conversations can build trust, connection, and psychological safety.

In this video, I shares neuroscience-informed strategies to help you deliver difficult feedback without triggering defensiveness or disconnection.

🎥 Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/5aRfhOz7950 or comment "SEND" to receive channel link directly via DM.

10/27/2025

Building knowledge is important but only part of the equation. Without psychological safety, even the smartest person in the room can shut down. Pairing expertise with the right environment - and practical tools to regulate stress - allows you to think clearly, respond effectively, and lead with confidence under pressure.

10/22/2025

Sincere gratitude to Mr. Thomas Kevill for his extraordinary generosity in helping shape the future of sight. This generous contribution is among the largest philanthropic investments in eye health in Ontario. It will significantly enhance our profession's ability to advance research, improve patient care, and support those affected by vision loss.

Congratulations to friend and colleague Dr. Varun Chaudhary, the team at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, and the Foundation as this important work moves forward.

https://www.canhealth.com/2025/10/08/10m-donation-will-support-eye-care-ai-at-st-joes/

10/20/2025

This is an important and sensitive change that deserves careful discussion. I know several IMGs who have worked incredibly hard to meet the standards expected in Canada - some successfully, others still on that journey. It’s a reminder that behind every policy are people who’ve invested deeply in their calling to serve.

Balancing fairness, access, and quality of care is never easy, but transparency and dialogue are key. It will be interesting to see how this policy shapes pathways and perceptions moving forward.

https://www.carms.ca/news/changes-to-img-eligibility-in-ontario-for-first-iteration-of-r-1-match/

10/20/2025

One of the most valuable skills we can develop - especially as leaders - is knowing when not to engage. Not every challenge or comment deserves our energy. Taking a moment to pause before reacting gives our brain space to shift from reactivity to clarity, so we can respond with intention rather than impulse. Preserve your focus for what truly matters and let go of the rest with grace.

10/19/2025

Receiving feedback can feel deeply uncomfortable and often leads us to react instead of respond.

In my latest YouTube video, I explore the neuroscience behind our instinct to react defensively. You’ll learn what happens in the brain when we hear criticism—and how understanding these internal processes helps you stay grounded, credible, and composed as a leader, even in challenging conversations.

🎥 Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/sX0VpaA4hiE or comment "SEND" to receive channel link directly via DM.

10/06/2025

I'm deeply grateful for the privilege of contributing to Psychology Today as a blog writer. Being part of this platform has allowed me to share insights on leadership, organizational dynamics, and the human elements that drive meaningful change in our professional lives.

If you haven’t had a chance yet, I invite you to explore my articles and discover ideas that resonate with your own leadership journey. Whether you’re navigating team challenges, cultivating a healthy workplace culture, or investing in personal growth, my goal is to offer perspectives that are both practical and evidence-based.

Writing for Psychology Today has been an honor, and I remain committed to sharing content that supports leaders at every level as my professional journey continues to evolve.

I’d love to hear what topics resonate most with you. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments or reach out directly.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/contributors/nina-ahuja-bschons-md-frcsc-che

Nina Ahuja, M.D., is a surgeon and founder of Docs in Leadership, healing and transforming culture through neuroleadership, and author of memoir Stress in Medicine.

10/03/2025

When someone crosses a line, it’s easy to snap back. Most of the time, those reactions aren’t intentional... they’re automatic.

By default, your brain is wired to protect you. That’s why we see outbursts, raised voices, or defensive comments in the moment.

The good news? Automatic doesn’t mean inevitable.

Through self-awareness and practice, we can learn to regulate our response and create space for calm, credible leadership.

In my recent YouTube episode "Regulating Emotions Under Pressure: The 3Rs Framework" you'll learn:

🧠 Why people react automatically under pressure
🔑 How to regulate in real time
🌊 The ripple effect of regulated leadership on your team culture

👉 Click here to watch the full video now: https://youtu.be/FKmncNnj4fQ