Prem-Vertical-August-2014

About

My name is Prem. I am a second-year Ophthalmology resident in the Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto (UofT). My background in academia includes a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from UofT, an MSc in Health Policy, Management and Evaluation from UofT, and an HBSc in Health Sciences from Wilfrid Laurier University. Given this background and a strong aptitude for clinical research and the field of ophthalmology, I aspire to gain the necessary experience to be a proficient clinician-researcher who can enact policy changes to improve the healthcare experience for my future patients.

My life outside of academia is equally important. I enjoy going on long hikes with my wife and dog, DJing (DJ Mocha Love & Six Side Entertainment), music production, website design, and reading legal thrillers. I know I would be nothing without my friends, family, and mentors.

“Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.”     –John F. Kennedy

“The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.”     –Helen Keller

“Music is a magic art;…most of us would find it easy to describe our emotional response, but difficult to identify its exact cause.”     –Anon.

“To cure sometimes, to relieve often, to comfort always.”     -Edward L. Trudeau

Education & Training

  • FRCSC 2026

    Ophthalmology Specialization

    University of Toronto

  • MD 2021

    Doctor of Medicine

    University of Toronto

  • MSc 2020

    Health Policy, Management and Evaluation

    University of Toronto

  • HBSc 2017

    Honours Health Sciences

    Wilfrid Laurier University

  • OSSD 2013

    Ontario Secondary School Diploma

    St. Michael's College School

Volunteer Experience

Work Experience

Honors, Awards and Grants

  • June 2021
    Dr. Irvin (Kelly) Gollish 5T7 Memorial Award

    Awarded by the Medical Alumni Association to one graduating MD Program student each year in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto who has demonstrated an interest in the field of ophthalmology through clinical or research participation. Monetary value of $850 CAD.

  • June 2021
    Dr. Mark Cohen Ophthalmology Award

    Awarded to one graduating MD Program student each year in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto with the criteria of pursuing residency in ophthalmology, shows special promise to be an outstanding clinician, and financial need. Monetary value of $1000 CAD.

     

  • Dec 2020
    Class of 2006 Toronto Notes Award

    Awarded to one MD Program student each year in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto who is deemed to have an outstanding dedication to extracurricular activities and good academic standing. Monetary value of $1496 CAD.

     

  • Dec 2018
    Faculty of Medicine Research Conference Bursary

    A competitive, application-based bursary awarded to students in the MD Program in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine based on research interest and potential ability to disseminate research findings at a medically related conference. Up to $500 CAD awarded to cover any costs associated with conference fees, travel, and accommodations. Monetary value of $63 CAD to date to cover ePoster presentation and attendance at the 2020 American Academy of Ophthalmology Virtual Meeting.

  • Jun 2020
    Canadian Ophthalmological Society Award for Excellence in Ophthalmic Research, 2nd Place ePoster Award

    Awarded to the second-best poster presented at the Canadian Ophthalmological Society Annual Meeting & Exhibition after evaluation based on communicability, scientific communication, and scientific merit/value. Criteria include: (1) innovative research with rigorous methods and conclusions supported by results; (2) a research question, background, methods, results, and discussion that are relevant, logical, and related; and (3) an engaging, clear, and eye-catching poster design. Monetary value of $1500 CAD. The award-winning poster can be found at https://bit.ly/MIGS2020.

  • Dec 2018
    Rose M. Patten Award

    Awarded to a student entering the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation System Leadership & Innovation MSc graduate program based on academic merit and financial need. Monetary value of $1500 CAD.

  • Aug 2018
    Institute of Medical Sciences SURP 1st Place Poster Award

    Awarded to the best poster presented amongst nine other posters in various medical advocacy topics. Students were selected to participate in the 12-week IMS Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) after a rigorous and competitive application process with an applicant pool of undergraduate science degree and medical school students. Participants learned from eminent University of Toronto researchers via weekly seminars and the program culminated with a research day, notably on the 50th anniversary of the IMS, for students to showcase their research findings to peers and faculty. Award-winning poster can be found at https://premnichani.ca/pubs/vision- insurance-uoft-surp-2018/.

  • Aug 2018
    SOS Alumni Achievement Award in Community Impact

    Recognized as a Students Offering Support (SOS) Alumni for continued community involvement, leadership, and considerable impact as a Child Life volunteer at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto, ON.

  • Nov 2014-2017
    Dean's Honour Roll

    Awarded to students with scholastic achievements during the previous undergraduate academic year where the student has attained a GPA of 3.7 (A-/10 grade) or higher in all courses (5.0 credits) taken.

    Dean-s-Honour-Roll-2014-15Dean s Honour Roll (2013-14)

  • Jun 2017
    WLU Alumni Gold Medal for the Faculty of Science

    To qualify for the Alumni Gold Medal, the recipient must be graduating from an honours degree program, have a minimum cumulative 3.70 (A-) GPA in their senior courses of the honours program, and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.70 (A-). The recipient of the award is designated the Alumni Gold Medal recipient for being one of the top, if not the top, student in their respective honours program. Each faculty/school or affiliated university-college shall have one gold medal for each convocation period per every 100 students receiving an honours degree.

  • Jun 2017
    Health Sciences Academic Excellence Award

    The Health Sciences Academic Excellence Award is presented by the Department of Health Sciences at Wilfrid Laurier University to students graduating with a 4 year BSc in Honours Health Sciences to acknowledge those who graduate with an outstanding cumulative GPA of 3.90 (A grade) or better.

  • Jun 2014-2016
    Laurier In-Course Scholarship C (Level 3)
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    Awarded to students with scholastic achievements during the previous undergraduate academic year where the student has attained a minimum GPA of 3.9 (A/11 grade) or higher in all courses (5.0 full credits taken over two full-time academic terms within one academic year). Candidates must be registered with Wilfrid Laurier University as their home institution at the time when the scholarship is awarded, Monetary value of $1500 CAD ($500 per year).

  • Mar 2016
    Faculty of Science Undergraduate Scholarship

    Awarded to one student in the Faculty of Science in his/her second or third year of undergraduate studies (~2500 eligible students) with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.80 (A-/10) and who has also made a significant contribution to the Faculty through active involvement in Faculty activities. Should more than one applicant be eligible for the scholarship, it will be granted to the applicant with the highest cumulative GPA. The annual scholarship was established in honour of Dr. David Peirson, the first Associate Dean of the Faculty of Science (2000-2005), and Dr. Arthur Read, the Dean of Arts and Science (1983-1998). Monetary value of $500 CAD.

    FoS Undergraduate Scholarship 2016

  • Apr 2015
    Sunnybrook Research Institute (SRI) Davis + Henderson Studentship
    The D+H SRI Summer Studentship Award is designed to attract outstanding university students into postgraduate careers. Awarded to the top 25 of 56 ranked applicants after a competitive and rigorous application process via an adjudication panel comprised of graduate students chaired by Dr. Jonathan Rast. Evaluation criteria include: (1) quality of the supervisor’s research environment including people, projects, funding, and space; (2) background of the student candidate matching the research; (3) quality of the student and the perceived potential for the proposed project to promote the student’s career development; and (4) relevance of the project to the research environment. Worked for 12 weeks alongside a team of obstetrics and gynaecology experts to investigate the expression of stem cell marker LIFR-α to understanding its effect on differentiation in human granulosa cells amongst women suffering from infertility. Monetary value of $6400 CAD ($3200 from SRI D+H, $3200 supervisory top-up). Research project details can be found at https://premnichani.ca/research/.

    Sunnybrook - Letter of Employment CReATe - Offer of Employment

  • 2014, 2011, 2010
    The Duke of Edinburgh's International Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards
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    The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is the world’s leading youth achievement award, bringing together practical experiences and life skills to create committed global citizens and equipping young people for life. Since it was founded by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in 1956, over eight million people have participated in the Award in over 140 countries and territories. This award involves completing physical recreation activities, going on expeditions, volunteering, and working towards a skill.

    The Gold Award is bestowed upon registered individuals who have completed minimum requirements as follows:

    1. 52 weeks of community service: SickKids Child Life volunteer
    2. 52 weeks of pursuing a skill: developed DJ mixing and scratching abilities via formalized training and diligent weekly practice
    3. 52 weeks of commitment to physical recreation: frequent cycling trips, tennis, hockey, tai chi, resistance exercises
    4. 4-day/3-night expedition: roundtrip cycling from Toronto’s Confederation Park to Niagara Falls alongside close friends, rested in tents on campgrounds
    5. minimum 5-day/4-night residential project away from home, with people whom one has never met before, undertaking shared activities: participated in Shad Valley, a one-month S.T.E.A.M. and entrepreneurship program, at Memorial University of Newfoundland.

    DOE Gold

    SILVER AWARD ACTIVITIES
    • YMCA Personalized Training w/ Personal Trainer, Intramural Hockey
    • Georgian Bay Canoe Trip w/ Alive Outdoors
    • Volunteering w/ Medical Doctor, The Hospital for Sick Children
    • SMCS Drumline

    DOE Silver

    BRONZE AWARD ACTIVITIES
    • Workouts, Cycling, and Intramural Hockey
    • Koshlong Lake Canoe Trip w/ Alive Outdoors
    • Volunteering w/ Medical Doctor
    • Chinese Mandarin at St. Aidan Catholic Elementary School

    DOE Bronze

  • May 2014
    NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)

    Ranked 1st of 8 applicants in an institutional competition. Awarded to students with an interest in and aptitude for research involvement in the natural sciences and/or engineering and have had a history of high academic achievement with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.70 (B-/7). Worked for 16 weeks alongside a team of cell biology experts to investigate the expression and purification of a recombinant version of atToc159MHis for structural and functional studies to understand the role of its M- domain. Monetary value of $5750 CAD ($4500 from NSERC, $1250 supervisory top-up). Research project details can be found at https://premnichani.ca/research/.

    NSERC Funding Decision – Prem Nichani

    WLU NSERC Letter of Acceptance - Summer 2014 NSERC Letter of Acceptance - Summer 2014

  • Mar 2014
    SPRING Residence Academic Award

    Awarded to one male and one female of approximately 500 undergraduate residents of the Wilfrid Laurier University SPRING Residence who have achieved high academic standing in addition to making significant contributions to and sharing talents with the community by getting involved in a diverse array of clubs, societies, and activities within the university.

    WLU SPRING Academic Award 2014

  • Jun 2013
    Magna Cum Laude

    Awarded to 20 of approximately 210 graduating students of St. Michael’s College School based on meticulous criteria: (1) achievement of a high academic standing of 90% (A) or higher in their graduating year calculated based on all grade 12 U/M-level courses taken in the academic year; (2) a minimum GPA of 80% (A-) in each (not cumulative) of the four years of high school; and (3) significant contribution made by leadership and participation in a diverse array of clubs, community service, and athletics. Monetary value of $200 CAD.

    Magna Cum Laude

  • Jun 2013
    Basilian Book Award
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    The Basilian Book Award is presented by the Basilian Fathers to the students who have achieved a 90% (or greater) academic average in the courses they complete at St. Michael’s College School.
  • Jun 2013
    Ontario Scholar
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    The Ontario Scholar award is presented by the Ontario Ministry of Education to a student who has obtained an average of at least eighty percent in any six Grade 12 University Preparation, University/College Preparation, College Preparation, Workplace Preparation, Open, Cooperative Education, or College-delivered Dual Credit courses; or Ontario Academic Courses.

    Ontario Scholar

  • Jun 2013
    Grad 'M'
    The prestigious Graduation “M” is presented to students who have made a significant contribution to the St. Michael’s community in the areas of sharing talents in a wide range of clubs, community service, and athletics. It is a statement of the gratitude and recognition of the St. Michael’s community.

    Grad-M

  • Jun 2013
    Odette Award
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    The Odette Award is presented to students who have made an outstanding contribution to the school by combining academics and extracurriculars well during their years at St. Michael’s College School.
  • Jun 2013
    St. Thomas More Award
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    The St. Thomas More Award is presented by the Parents’ Guild to St. Michael’s College School graduates who have consistently maintained an average of 80% or better at year’s end for their entire high school career. Courses taken at night or summer schools or by correspondence do not qualify for the purposes of this award.

    St. Thomas Moore Award - SMC 2013

  • May 2013
    Wilfrid Laurier University Undergraduate Entrance Scholarship
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    Awarded to incoming Wilfrid Laurier University undergraduate students who have attained an average of 90-94.9% in their top six grade 12 U/M-level courses. Monetary value of $2000 CAD.

Leadership & Notable Activities

  • 20232023

    2T1 Class Council Co-President

    MD Program, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto

  • Apr 2016May 2015

    President and Chair

    Faculty of Science Students' Association, Wilfrid Laurier University

  • Jul 2012Jul 2012

    Participant & SHAD Fellow

    Memorial University of Newfoundland, Shad Valley International

Certifications and Licenses

  • April 2020
    Smart Serve Ontario

    As a company owner in the entertainment industry, obtained certification provided by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario to advocate for safer social experiences. Topics covered include the metabolism of alcohol, types of beverages, estimating blood alcohol content, recognizing intoxication, the Liquor License Act, licenses for establishments, endorsements, special occasion permits, retail sales, liabilities, and obligations to keep guests safe.

    Certificate Number: e200417626613RS.

  • Jan 2021
    Standard First Aid (SFA) + CPR with Basic Life Support (BLS/HCP)

    A comprehensive standard first aid (SFA) course providing training on how to respond to emergencies including arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, choking, anaphylaxis, wound care, head/neck/spinal injuries, bone/muscle/joint injuries, environmental illness, and poison ingestion. Additional intensive basic life support (BLS) training on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills for use in a team environment of health professionals who have a duty to respond: rapid assessment, defibrillation with an automatic external defibrillator (AED), and airway management with oxygen therapy via bag-valve masks.

    Red Cross Certificate Numbers: (1) 102108765, SFA + CPR-C/AED; and (2) 102109032, BLS for HCPs.

    Previous CPR Training:

    • CPR-HCP: May 3, 2017 (3-year validity), Canadian Red Cross, Instructor: Satyam Choudhari (61633520)
    • CPR-HCP: August 12, 2014 (3-year validity), Canadian Red Cross, Instructor: D. Harper (30208261)

  • 2013, 2012, 2011
    American DJ University Level 3 Graduate
    Level 3 Courses:

    • Aerial vs. Projection Lighting Effects
    • Dance Floor Safety
    • Keeping It Clean – Looking Professional
    • Lasers

    ADJ Level 3

     

    Level 2 Courses:

    • School Dances
    • Mixing 101
    • Survival Kit
    • Client Meeting
    • Transporting Your Gear
    • Music Programming For Mobile DJs
    • Building Your Business with Truss
    • Rotating The Dance Floor

    ADJ Level 2

     

    Level 1 Courses:

    • Lighting Basics 101: Terminology & Maintenance
    • DMX 101
    • Fog / Haze Machines
    • The Up-take On Uplighting
    • Great GOBOS
    • Audio Gear 101
    • How to Hook-Up an Audio System
    • Business Side of DJing

     

    ADJ Level 1

  • Aug 2007
    Java Education & Development Initiative: Basic Web Design
    Web Course Design