Last Updated on November 1, 2024
Dr. Moyez Ladhani, MD, MSc (HSEd), FRCPC, FAAP, is a pediatrician and educator who lives and practices in the Southern Ontario region of Canada. A former professor and academic pediatrician at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Dr. Ladhani played a key role in transforming that institution’s Pediatric Residency Program, where he served as Program Director for more than a decade. Over the course of his career, his contributions to medical education have earned him multiple awards, including the Clinical Educator Award from the Canadian Pediatric Program Directors (CPPD) and the Program Director of the Year Award from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, among several others.
Since leaving academia, Dr. Moyez Ladhani works as a Consultant General Pediatrician, dividing his time between two clinics: Waterdown Pediatrics in Waterdown, Ontario and Pediatric Urgent Care in Oakville, Ontario. He is also actively involved in the Future Ready Initiative, a humanitarian program focused on encouraging resilience in individuals and families, as well assisting them with resources for mental health, job skill development, upskilling, and mentorship.
Recently, Dr. Ladhani agreed to an interview wherein he reflected on his accomplished medical and academic career, and articulated his professional philosophy.
Q: As someone with decades of experience in clinical practice and medical education, how would you describe your overall professional philosophy when it comes to caring for children and training the next generation of pediatricians?
Dr. Moyez Ladhani: When it comes to clinical practice and training the pediatricians of the future, my professional philosophy has always been the same: put the patient’s needs above all else. As doctors, we take an oath to serve and protect our patients’ well-being, ensuring their safety, dignity, and health come first. This sacred commitment guides every decision we make, whether that’s in the exam room or in the classroom, shaping the next generation of medical professionals.
Q: Can you describe some of the challenges and rewards you encountered during your time as Program Director for Pediatric Postgraduate Medical Education at McMaster University?
Dr. Moyez Ladhani: The challenges were greatly outweighed by the rewards. There was so much I enjoyed! I found the act of teaching itself very rewarding, I loved serving as a mentor to the doctors of the future. From an organizational and administrative perspective, I found the act of conceiving and implementing new improvements to be highly engaging—like solving a complex puzzle.
Q: What do you think are some of the biggest issues facing pediatric healthcare today, and how do you think the medical community can address them?
Dr. Moyez Ladhani: I think a lot of parents underestimate the potential harm of letting their kids have too much screen time. We are now well into the third decade of the digital era, and every year there is more and more evidence coming to light indicating some measurable detriments to childhood development caused by looking at devices for extended periods. I worry that, as a society, we are all too steeped in technology, and it’s easy to forget how crucial face-to-face interaction and physical activity are for growing children.
Q: As someone who has been involved in both clinical practice and the academic world, how do you stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in medicine?
Dr. Moyez Ladhani: I think my experience operating both in the healthcare system and in university culture is actually quite beneficial in that respect. I’ve always thought that the greatest single resource for keeping up with new developments is one’s professional network, and in that way, I’m blessed with a wealth of riches. Beyond those I work with currently, I keep in contact with a host of former colleagues and co-workers who practice a rainbow of medical disciplines. My network also includes quite a few PhDs, as well as MDs, many of which are involved in scientific research. Something as simple as sharing a cup of coffee with any of these well-informed souls can enlighten me about new aspects of the medical profession. I’m quite fortunate to have them as my friends. Beyond that, I stay up-to-date much in the same way most doctors do; namely, by reading, whether that be print or online journals, or research papers. I also attend lectures, conferences, and webinars, whether in person or virtually.
Q: What advice would you give to young medical professionals just starting their careers in pediatrics?
Dr. Moyez Ladhani: It’s like I said in the beginning – always put the needs of the patient first. This guiding principle will carry you through many difficult decisions, long nights, and tough cases. Practicing pediatric medicine can be a challenging vocation, but as long as you focus on the well-being of the child in front of you, you’re on the right path.
