Dr. Nina Ahuja, MD

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Dr. Nina Ahuja, MD

Dr. Nina Ahuja, M.D., Surgeon | Bestselling Author | International Speaker
Founder & CEO, Docs in Leadership Inc. | Creator of Depth Perception Leadership™

Effective physician leaders working in collaboration with fellow health professionals is essential to the well-being of our health systems. I invite you to explore my innovative programs offered through Docs in Leadership, an organization I created to provide emotionally intelligent leadership curriculum based on best practices.

01/01/2026

We are living in a time of increasing complexity, where the way we show up for one another matters. Thoughtful conversations, mutual respect, and the willingness to listen - especially when perspectives differ - uplift people and strengthen teams and systems over time. This holds true at work and at home, in the moments that shape our everyday.

With that in mind, as we step into 2026, may the year ahead bring space for clarity and meaningful connection.

Wishing you and your loved ones a healthy, happy, and fulfilling year ahead.

Happy New Year!

12/31/2025

This past year has been one of many new experiences, adventures, and moments of personal and professional growth. Through it all, I’ve been deeply grateful for the friends, colleagues, and new connections who have supported my work and mission through my organization, Docs in Leadership: to cultivate cultures of reliable respect, where constructive and productive conversations can take place, uplift culture, and strengthen the quality of our interactions, even when circumstances are challenging.

A sincere thank you to the organizations that invited me to consult and work with your teams; to the event organizers who welcomed me onto stages to bring value to your audiences; and to the Canadian Ophthalmological Society for the opportunity to apply my knowledge, expertise, and perspectives as a surgeon toward enhancing access to vision care, alongside our vision partners across the country. It has been a privilege and a pleasure to work with everyone, including our partners in government, and I look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts.

As we wrap up 2025 and look ahead, I’m grateful for the opportunities on the horizon, including speaking on the TEDx stage at Queen’s University this January.

With best wishes to all as we close out the year and step into the new one.

Sincerely,
Nina Ahuja

12/23/2025

The pot-of-flowers metaphor in this piece captures something rarely named: when people don’t feel consistently valued, safe to speak, or respected, systems slowly weaken.

In response to this weakening, I’ve often seen reorganization, added layers of oversight, or new policies introduced as evidence that something has been done - whether or not these changes are meaningfully implemented. Structure matters, but leadership isn’t only about what we can measure. It’s also about taking responsibility for how people are treated.

This responsibility is foundational especially in systems under pressure.

https://healthydebate.ca/2025/12/topic/reawakening-health-care-leadership/

12/22/2025

Being capable doesn’t mean you’re obligated.

High-performing leaders often take on more simply because they can. But capability is not the same as responsibility, and it’s certainly not a measure of worth.

When you say yes to everything, you dilute your clarity, exhaust your nervous system, and unintentionally step into roles that were never meant to be yours to begin with. The real strength is in pausing long enough to ask:

“Is this mine to take on, or am I stepping in out of habit?”

Healthy leadership is built on discernment, not overextension.

Protect your bandwidth. Use your skills where they truly matter.

And allow others the space to grow into theirs. 🌱

12/19/2025

Ever notice how your mind goes blank at the worst time? When stress takes over, the brain shifts into protection, not creativity. That’s why it becomes harder to think clearly, make decisions, or access perspective in the moments we need it most.

The good news? With awareness and intentional regulation, we can shift out of survival mode and back into clarity. Our best ideas surface when the nervous system feels steady, not threatened.

12/17/2025

Perfection isn’t the goal in communication, it’s about making sure your message is clear and relatable. Leaders who communicate from a place of authenticity and calm create stronger connections and foster trust. 🌱

12/15/2025

I’m excited and deeply honored to be part of TEDxQueens this year. This stage represents a space where ideas meet impact, and I’m grateful for the chance to share work that has grown from my journey as a surgeon, educator, founder/CEO of Docs in Leadership, and through my leadership roles locally and nationally.

It’s a privilege to reflect on this path and to offer insights that support people in leading with clarity and calm to foster cultures of respect. I’m looking forward to the conversations ahead, and I'm grateful to the organizers for this opportunity.

🎟️ Event and ticket details via https://www.tedxqueensu.com/
🗓️ Saturday January 24, 2026
📍 Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts, King St West, Kingston, ON

12/14/2025

🎥 New video just dropped!

Have you ever felt awkward, nervous, or quick to brush off a compliment, even when it was genuinely meant?

You’re not alone.

In this video, I explore:
▶️ Why praise can feel unexpectedly uncomfortable
▶️ How emotional imprints may be shaping your reaction
▶️ What happens in the brain when feedback feels like a threat
▶️ How to tell if positive feedback is actually genuine
▶️ A simple reframing strategy to receive praise with more confidence

If you're looking to build trust, strengthen your leadership presence, and create a culture where feedback flows openly, this one's for you.

🎥 Watch it now on YouTube:
👉 https://youtu.be/AqFf1-9WF4k

12/12/2025

The difference between a “boss” and a “leader” goes deeper than a title. It’s about emotional regulation - the ability to stay steady, intentional, and clear, even when the pressure and stakes are high.

When we’re not regulated, it’s easy to react reflexively, push for compliance, or resist feedback. When we are regulated, we create space to pause, consider, and respond with intention, and to see feedback as a pathway for shared growth.

We all have the capacity to lead with greater clarity, calm, and purpose. A question for reflection: How do we want to show up in the moments that matter most?

12/10/2025

This piece highlights an important reality: real system change isn’t created through pressure, surveillance, or limited engagement with the experts. It’s built through trust and collaboration with the people who understand the full extent of patient care on the ground.

From both a clinical and leadership lens, Bill 2 raises concerns because reforms developed without frontline expertise can unintentionally fuel conflict, adding stress to a system already under immense pressure. These gaps also create silos and introduce inefficiencies that ultimately affect patient safety and outcomes.

It’s also important to acknowledge that these challenges don’t arise from bad intentions—they arise from gaps in dialogue.

My hope is that this moment encourages honest, respectful conversation so we can move toward solutions grounded in partnership, transparency, and our shared commitment to safe, accessible care.

https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/family-medicine-directors-across-quebec-vow-to-defy-bill-2

12/08/2025

It was a pleasure working with residency program directors and senior residents through my interactive full-day workshop, The Core of Impactful Leadership, sponsored by McMaster PGME. Each time I deliver this program, I’m grateful for the thoughtful conversations and for the commitment of faculty and trainees to strengthening leadership and uplifting the culture and impact of healthcare.

Thank you to all participants for your engagement and dedication to leading with intention, and to McMaster PGME for investing in leadership development.

12/05/2025

What I appreciate most about this article is how it clearly reinforces that progress must include those at the heart of delivering care. When innovation is guided by empathy, clarity, and emotional intelligence, it strengthens relationships, builds trust, and creates solutions that genuinely uplift patients, providers, and the communities we serve.

The future of digital health will be shaped by leaders who understand complexity, lead with empathy, and design for people first and technology second.

https://www.europeanbusinessreview.com/humanity-as-the-ultimate-algorithm-why-high-eq-leaders-are-the-missing-code-in-health-tech/

Address

Hamilton, ON

Website

https://drninaahuja.com/, https://www.youtube.com/@ninaahujamd

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