From pain medicine to cosmetic surgery to pediatric surgery and sports medicine, five of Torontoโs top physicians share their insights into their respective medical fields, showcasing their dedication to improving patient care and advancing medical practices – offering a glimpse into the extraordinary work of medical professionals in todayโs healthcare system.
DR. ZAMEER PIRANI MD, FRCPC (Anesthesia) & FRCPC (Pain Medicine)
AFIYA SPINE AND PAIN INSTITUTE
As a double board-certified (anesthesia and pain medicine) physician it was a natural fit for Dr. Zameer Pirani to co-found the Afiya Spine & Pain Institute. He attended medical school in Ireland at the Royal College of Surgeons, then completed an anesthesia residency at Western University. Dr. Pirani then pursued a two-year chronic pain fellowship at the University of British Columbia. His passion for multidisciplinary pain management makes a meaningful difference to all his patients.
What is your proudest accomplishment as a physician?
Of the many proud moments in my young career, the proudest achievement is the opening of Afiya Clinic which just celebrated its one-year anniversary. Watching the clinic evolve has been incredible and I am humbled and delighted to be part of our patients’ journey toward a pain-free life. Wait times to see specialists with the required training in pain medicine can take 1-2 years which is unacceptable when 1 in 5 Canadians suffer from chronic pain. The consequences chronic pain has on the patient, their families, and society in general can be devastating and we must strive to prevent this from happening. Our clinic was founded with a clear vision: to support and protect our patients in the fight against pain. All patients in pain should have access to multidisciplinary care along with image-guided pain interventions. We aim to provide rapid access to our specialists and believe that chronic pain should not be limiting your quality of life.
DR. TREVOR M. BORN
Dr. Trevor M. Born is a sought-after cosmetic surgeon who has been featured in the pages of Vogue, Elle, and Oprah magazines. His technique has been described as “effective minimal- ism,” an approach which aims to achieve beautiful, natural-looking results. For nearly three decades, he has served patients at TMB Cosmetic Surgery, with locations in Toronto and the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City.
What major changes, including technological advances, have you witnessed in your field?
Over the last decade, cosmetic surgery has seen major advancements in aesthetic technologyโ especially with the advent of innovative, non-invasive treatment solutions. At TMB, weโve been able to stay ahead of the curve with ground-breaking devices from BTL, one of our long-standing technological partners. Backed by BTLโs portfolio of industry-leading products, weโve not only been able to enhance our surgical outcomes and streamline post-operative maintenance, but also to create state-of-the-art combination treatments for our MedSpa.
With the rise of AI, itโs certain that aesthetic technologies will continue to evolve at a rapid pace. As the first provider in Ontario of BTLโs EXIONยฎ Microneedling RF, which uses AI to optimize energy delivery, TMB is already well-equipped to navigate this changing landscape.
DR. SHARIFA HIMIDAN MD, MBA, FRCSc
UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS,ย Cleveland OH
An Experienced pediatric surgeon and educator. Practiced at Humber River Health and SickKids in Toronto, where she helped launch and lead Community Pediatric Surgery. She chairs the Pediatric Surgery Exam Board, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. She was recognized in Readerโs Digest and Post City as a top doctor and received Canada 150 Commemorative Medal. Recently, she has joined University Hospitals in Cleveland OH.
Why was it important for you to launch Community Pediatric Surgery at Humber River Health?
Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, health care resources were strained. Surgical wait times are long. Children and families endure inconvenient travel and the cost to get care far from home. The Community Pediatric Surgery Model at Humber River Health created Value Based Health Care. Through this program, we were able to deliver excellent, safe surgical care by pediatric specialists closer to their homes. Humber River Health is an ideal partner because of its visionary leadership and commitment to serving the community. In addition, HRH’s skilled personnel complemented pediatric surgeons to accomplish this mission. The efficiency and ability to safely perform routine pediatric surgery on healthy children is impressive. This alignment of goal and host, were key to the success of this program. I feel fortunate and proud to have been among the team that launched this program.
DR. GURU KANDASAMY BSc, MD, DC, CCFP, Dip.Sport.Med.
INSTITUTE OF HUMAN MECHANICS, PHYSIOMED, UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
Dr. Guru Kandasamy is a Sports Medicine Specialist in Toronto renowned for his integrative health approaches. After studying Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo & Acupuncture from McMaster University, he completed his medical training at Michigan State University with focused PGY-III Sports Medicine training. Holding the Diploma in Sports Medicine from CASEM, & licensed in Canada & the U.S., he treats professional athletes in leagues including the NHL, MLB, & CFL.
Why did you become a Sports Medicine Physician?
As a youth, I found myself drawn to the thrill of sports, intrigued by the interplay of athleticism, strategy, & camaraderie. Despite captaining several club & school sports teams, my journey took an unexpected turn with a severe knee injury that required ACL surgery. This period of heartbreak & vulnerability enabled me to recognize the compassion & expertise present in healthcare. At this pivotal time in my life, a determination to pursue a career in Sports Medicine was ignited within me. Following the study & exploration of various alternative therapies, I concluded my postgraduate medical training specializing in Sports Medicine. Today, as a Diplomate of the Canadian Academy of Sport & Exercise Medicine, I am honored to offer integrative health solutions to athletes of all ages. As a Lecturer at the University of Toronto, I find joy in teaching medical students, sharing the same passion for Sports Medicine that drives my own journey forward.
Dr. Ron Somogyi
FORM FACE + BODY, NORTH YORK GENERAL, WOMENโS COLLEGE HOSPITAL
Dr. Somogyi is a plastic surgeon with extensive training in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. In addition to founding FORM Face + Body, a full-service aesthetic clinic in North York, Dr. Somogyi is a full time staff member at North York General, maintains privileges at Womenโs College Hospital, and is active academically as an Assistant Professor at The University of Toronto. His research interest has led to published articles on oncoplastic, cosmetic, and reconstructive breast surgery.
How do you build trust with a patient in your care?
I believe we can achieve the best outcomes when patients are fully involved and empowered to make thoughtful decisions. I take as much time as needed with my patients to listen to their concerns and communicate all their options, using tools like example cases, 3D imaging, and results simulators to help them understand every aspect.
What are your favourite cosmetic procedures to perform?
I specialize in mommy makeovers and ‘skin sculpting surgery’ for patients left with loose skin after weight loss. These full-body procedures demand both an aesthetic eye and surgical skill, and are so rewarding because they have a huge impact on quality of life. As well as helping patients feel fantastic in their bodies, we can repair post-pregnancy muscle separation and reduce the serious discomfort of excess skin.
