Three U of T professors and two alumni are among those honoured for the 2010 Top 40 Under 40 competition. Professors Dr. Ike Ahmed, Dr. Subodh Verma and Dr. Daniel Durocher and Alumni Robert Normandeau and Dr. Eve Tsai were selected from over 1200 nominees by an independent advisory board. This is the fifteenth year the program has awarded 40 professional Canadians for excellence in leadership, innovation and community involvement.
Subodh Verma
Born in Vancouver and raised in India, Dr. Verma returned to Canada to complete her Masters and PhD at UBC before completing her MD at the University of Calgary. Dr. Verma is now associate professor in the deparmtents of pharmacology and surgery and a cardiac surgeon at St. Michael’s Hospital. Verma too attributes her mentors with her success.
“I feel Canada has given much more to me than I’ve given back. The wisdom and generosity of mentors let me move forward.”
An expert on vascular biology and endothelial dysfunction, Verma appreciates the reward of the clinical component of the position.
“If you can do the research while having the honour of operating on human hearts, and fixing damaged hearts on a daily basis, then I think it’s a unique privilege being both a scientist and a clinician.”
Daniel Durocher
Dr. Durocher completed his PhD at McGill University and post-doctoral studies at the University of Cambridge before starting his lab at U of T in 2001. Now an associate professor in the department of molecular genetics, he focuses on how cells maintain the integrity of their genome in cases of cancer. Durocher was humbled and taken aback by the award.
“For an academic, being recognized outside the academic world is often a little unsettling. I am not keen on publicity. However, the whole experience has been enriching. I am especially delighted for the members of my lab, they are working so hard, it is really their honour as well.”
Ike Ahmed
Upon completion of his undergraduate studies at McMaster University, Dr. Ahmed graduated from University of Toronto’s medical school and is now cross-appointed as an assistant professor in the department of ophthalmology and vision sciences and as a clinical assistant professor.
A recognized cataract, glaucoma, and anterior segment surgeon who has presented over 550 scientific lecturers worldwide and sits on boards for six ophthalmology journals, Dr. Ahmed attributes his success partially to his family and colleagues.
“For me it took mentors and people who thought big and beyond…. This is also recognition for my parents, my family, my colleagues, my student, and researchers. It’s recognition for all of us but it’s also something to build on.”
Dr. Ahmed urges his students to think big and take advantage of the opportunities UofT has to offer.
“Always challenge, always ask why, and try to expand your mind. We live in a global world, it’s important to learn by learning from others who are outside our locale.”
All 40 successful recipients were featured in the Globe and Mail on June 8.
