Learn About Dr. Ali with An In-Depth Q&A

Learn About Dr. Ali with An In-Depth Q&A

How did you first decide that you wanted to work in this field?

I had a mathematics and physics background in University, so I was always interested in technical fields. My father was a surgeon, so I was exposed to the medical sciences from early on. During medical school I was interested in several different medical specialties, however, I was naturally drawn towards Ophthalmology as it combined all of the areas that were of interest to me. With Ophthalmology you acquire surgical skills to treat diseases, and an understanding of a variety of technical areas such as lasers, computer diagnostics, and optics. The eye is a truly fascinating part of the human body.

How long have you worked in the industry?

I completed my medical school training in 1992, and my Ophthalmic Residency training in 1996, both at the University of Toronto. I then received my subspecialty training in retinal diseases during my fellowship at Harvard Medical School in 1996-97. I have been in practice in the Toronto area since that time.

Why do you do what you do?

I find it very satisfying to be able to help people avoid vision loss. Numerous studies have shown that aside from death itself, blindness is the health issue that people fear most. Ophthalmology is also a very gratifying field of medicine, because we are able to offer effective therapies for almost all of the diseases that we diagnose.

What are the highlights of your career?

Training with Dr. Lloyd M. Aiello (the first person to ever use lasers in ophthalmology) during my fellowship at Harvard Medical School was certainly an early highlight. I am probably most proud of the novel therapies for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that I have been able to introduce into Canada. This includes being the first surgeon in Canada to use drugs such as Avastin and Lucentis for treating wet AMD. I also introduced the use of infra-red laser technology for retinal diseases. Together with my clinical research partner Dr. Narendra Armogan, we have developed a completely new apheresis therapy for dry AMD, which could revolutionize the treatment for this common disease.

Who is your role model and why?

I would have to say it is my father, Dr. Jameel Ali, who is a trauma surgeon in Toronto. Besides his clinical practice, he has been very active in the training and education of young surgical residents. He has also been an international pioneer in training trauma specialists, especially in developing countries. He has shown me how satisfying a medical career can be, but also how dedicated and hard working you must be to ensure that you maintain your medical skills and knowledge.

What has surprised you the most about working in this field?

Probably how rapidly the technology advances in the field of ophthalmology. I would say that about 90% of the therapies and diagnostic procedures that I perform today did not exist when I first entered practice.

What do you find most challenging about working in this field?

Again, this would be related to the rapid advancements in technology. I spent many years in training, but I still have to spend a lot of time learning about new diagnostic technologies and treatment options that are introduced every year. You first have to critically evaluate which of these are safe and effective enough for you to use in your practice. You then have to learn how to use the equipment and perform the new treatment techniques. Although this is very challenging, it is also one of the most enjoyable aspects of my practice. It very interesting to learn these new techniques, and it is very satisfying to be able to offer your patients the latest treatment options.

If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why?

I would like to see a long-term plan developed to ensure that our health care system will be able to continue to provide a high level of eye care services for the aging population. Of course, this is a fundamental challenge for all fields of medicine in the future.

What do you wish other people understood better about your field?

The fact that although we can offer very effective treatments for many common and serious eye diseases, the only way this can be done is if we actually get to see the patient regularly, which allows early detection of any eye disease or damage. Too often patients are seen in the late stages of their disease, by which time some permanent vision damage has already occurred. For example, in diabetic eye disease, early damage occurs before the patient notices vision changes, which enforces the importance of regular, routine eye care.

Tell us about someone who influenced you in your field.

Rather than a specific person, I would point to some of the work I have done with ophthalmic technology companies, both as a researcher and as a consultant. When you see how much hard work and ingenuity goes into the development of new technologies aimed at treating eye diseases, it really influences you personally to try and apply the same work ethic and thought in your everyday clinical practice.

If you weren’t working in your field, what would you be doing?

In the field of medicine I always enjoyed the study of neurological diseases, as the brain is the most complex part of the human body. Outside of medicine, I think I would have enjoyed working in engineering sciences.

What do you like to do when you aren’t working?

I enjoy a number of sports such as downhill skiing, golf, and tennis, the best part of which is participating in these activities with my wife and 2 young boys. We also like to travel, attend movies, the opera, and theatre.